LPUNEST for
Ph.D. programmes
LPUNEST for
Lovely Professional University is conducting National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST) for the Ph.D. aspirants. Research Scholars studying in Post-Graduation can apply for LPUNEST (Ph.D.). From the outset of the LPUNEST (Ph.D.) numerous aspirants have been appearing in the LPUNEST exam every year. LPUNEST (Ph.D.) provides an extensive opportunity to the aspirants who wish to join Ph.D. programme at LPU and pursue their career in the direction of research. The purview of this exam is to identify Ph.D. aspirants that have the potential to engage in ground-breaking research and inspire future generations. Further details can be referred under the head "Important Dates".
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Receives Highest NAAC Grade A++ with 3.68 Score on scale of 4 by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (Naac)
B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, M.Sc. Agriculture {Horticulture (Fruit Science)}, M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy) and M.Sc. Agriculture (Genetics and Plant Breeding) are accredited to ICAR by the National Agricultural Education Board of ICAR
3rd
university & Deemed University (Self-Finance/ Private)(Technical).
Entrance Test
LPUNEST (Ph.D.) will provide a gateway to all Ph.D. programmes in LPU and will act as an Entrance test for admission to Ph.D. Programmes at LPU. For details, refer “Eligibility”
Extensive Scholarship
LPU envisages unsharring in an era of accessible and affordable quality higher education for the youth of our country on the basis of scores in LPUNEST (Ph.D.). For details of scholarship, please refer “Fee and Scholarship”.
NOTE: Individuals who have been awarded a Ph.D. degree in accordance with UGC regulations are exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET for recruitment/ appointment of Assistant Professor or equivalent positions in Universities/Colleges/Institutions.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Nationality
Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for LPUNEST (PH.D.)
For all Programmes (Except Agriculture)
Eligibility Criteria
Pass with 55% aggregate marks or equivalent grades prescribed by UGC in the Master& Degree (2 year or 4 semester Master’s Degree after a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree # ) or equivalent in the relevant subject to qualifying LPUNEST and Interview.
# Candidate who has completed 1-year/2-semester Master's Degree* programme with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent grades prescribed by UGC after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree is also eligible.
ORA candidate who has completed 4-years/8-semesters Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with 75% aggregate marks or equivalent grades prescribed by UGC and have minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in teaching/research/Industry is also eligible.
(A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC or ST or OBC (non-creamy layer) or Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the statutory body from time to time.)
Note: If an institute has conversion factor of 9.5 then CGPA of 7.5 will not result in 75% marks and hence such a candidate will not be eligible
Note:
- Applicants having relevant post graduation degree in Engineering only are allowed to apply for the Ph.D. in engineering disciplines.
For example, applicants with M.Tech./ ME in CSE would apply for Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering), and applicants with MCA or M.Sc. (CS/IT) degrees should apply for Ph.D. (Computer Applications). - The applicants with Master❜s Degree in distance education or online mode are not allowed to take admission in the Ph.D. Engineering Programmes.
- An applicant who has completed the Company Secretary(CS) course from ‘The Institute of Company Secretaries of India’ (ICSI) with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks is eligible to apply for admission Ph.D. (Commerce) and Ph.D. (Management). Click here to view Recognition Letter on ICSI Website.
- An applicant who has completed the Chartered Accountancy (CA) course from ‘The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’ (ICAI) with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks is eligible to apply for admission to Ph.D. (Commerce). Click here to view Recognition Letter on ICAI Website.
- An applicant who has completed PGDBM (2 Years), which is equivalent to Master❜s Degree by AIU is eligible to apply for admission to Ph.D. (Management)
Selection Criteria:
- An applicant will be short listed for Interview on the basis of his/ her score in the entrance examination LPUNEST (Ph.D.).
- The final selection for admission in Ph.D. will be based on the performance in Entrance Test (70% weightage) and Interview (30% weightage) subject to scoring minimum marks in the Interview.
- In case of LPUNEST exemption, the weightage of interview shall be 100%.
- The applicants seeking LPUNEST exemption are also required to fill the LPUNEST form and appear for the interview.
Exemption from Entrance Test
Applicants who have qualified UGC (NET/ JRF)/ CSIR (NET/ JRF) examination/ valid GATE or GPAT score card or passed M.Phil. Programme (in Regular mode only) are exempted from LPUNEST (Ph.D.).
Note:
- All documents presented for exemption should be valid at the time of admission.
- The final selection for admission in Ph.D. will be based on the performance in Entrance Test (70% weightage) and Interview (30% weightage) subject to scoring minimum marks in the Interview. However, if anyone is exempted from LPUNEST (Ph.D.) entrance test, then 100% weightage will be given to the Interview only.
For Agriculture Programmes
Eligibility Criteria
Pass with 65% aggregate marks or equivalent grades in a relevant agriculture discipline in the Master❜s Degree or equivalent in the relevant subject to qualifying LPUNEST and Interview.
Selection Criteria:
- An applicant will be short listed for an interview on the basis of his/ her score in the entrance examination LPUNEST (Ph.D.).
- The final selection for admission to Ph.D. will be based on the performance in Entrance Test (80% weightage) and Interview (20% weightage) subject to scoring minimum marks in the Interview.
NOTE:- Admission to the following PhD programmes is not allowed directly after 4-year UG programme.
(This is an indicative list please refer to the programme wise eligibility criteria)
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Analysis, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy, Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Ph.D. in Pharmacy Practice, Ph.D. in Agronomy, Ph.D. in Fruit Science, Ph.D. in Vegetable Science, Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Ph.D. in Entomology, Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding, Ph.D. in Soil Science, Ph.D. in Law, Ph.D. in Education.
Facilitation to qualified Chartered Accountant and Company Secretaries for admission in Ph.D. Management/ Commerce and allied programmes at LPU
Recognition Letter on ICAI Website
Recognition Letter on ICSI Website
Conferment of Honoris Causa Degrees
Mr. Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin
Vice President of Suriname
Dr. Ashok Mittal, Hon’ble Chancellor LPU, conferring Honoris causa degree upon the Vice President of Suriname, Mr. Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin during the 10th Convocation.
Shri Pranab Mukherjee
President of India
Dr. Ashok Mittal, Hon’ble Chancellor LPU, conferring Honoris Causa degree upon the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee during the 8th Convocation.
Dr. (Mrs) Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
resident of Mauritius
Dr. Ashok Mittal, Hon’ble Chancellor LPU, conferring Honoris Causa degree upon the President of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim during the 7th Convocation.
Roosevelt Skerrit
Prime Minister of Dominica
Dr. Ashok Mittal, Hon’ble Chancellor LPU, conferring Honoris Causa degree upon the Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Dominica, Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit, during the 6th Convocation.
Dr. Pakalitha B. Mosisili
Prime Minister of Lesotho Kingdom
Dr. Ashok Mittal, Hon’ble Chancellor LPU, conferring Honoris Causa degree upon the Prime Minister of Lesotho Kingdom, Dr. Pakalitha B. Mosisli during the 5th Convocation.
His Holiness
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
Dr. Ashok Mittal, Hon’ble Chancellor LPU, conferring Honoris Causa degree upon Laureate the Dalai Lama during the 5th Convocation.
Kailash Purryag
President of Mauritius
Dr. Ashok Mittal, Hon’ble Chancellor LPU, conferring Honoris Causa degree upon the President of Mauritius, Mr. Kailash Purryag during the 4th Convocation.
Mr. Hamid Karzai
President of Afghanistan
Dr. Ashok Mittal, Hon’ble Chancellor LPU, conferring Honoris Causa degree upon the President of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai during the 3rd Convocation at LPU.
Conferment of Ph.D. Degrees
Mr. Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin
Vice President of Suriname
The Hon’ble Vice President of Suriname Mr. Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin conferring degrees during the 10th Convocation.
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
Vice-President of India
The Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu conferring degrees during the 9th Convocation.
Shri Pranab Mukherjee
President of India
The Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferring degrees during the 8th Convocation.
Dr. (Mrs) Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
President of Mauritius
Her Excellency, President of the Republic of Mauritius, conferring degrees during the 7th Convocation.
Dr. Pakalitha B. Mosisili
Prime Minister of Lesotho Kingdo
The Hon’ble Prime Minister of Kingdom of Lesotho, conferring Degrees during the 5th Convocation.
Facilities
Creche Facility
On campus day care and creche facilities.
LPU Uni-Mall
The eight storey Uni-Mall with a network of banks, food courts, branded shops and many more.
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Ph.D. FAQ’s
Select Category
- Admission
- Scholarships/Fellowship
- Entrance Test
- General Queries
- Course Work
- Supervisor/Co-Supervisor
- Hostel/Accommodation
How Can I apply for the Ph.D. programme?
The candidate can apply online for the Ph.D. Programme through https://nest.lpu.in/phd/how-to-apply.php. Alternatively, the candidate may also visit the University campus in Block 30, “Division of Admissions” on all working days (as per the admission application schedule)
What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the Ph.D. programme?
The eligibility criteria to apply for the Ph.D. programme is as under:-
| Master’s Degree with 55% Marks | 2 Years / 4 Semester/Term with 3 Year Bachelor’s Degree |
|---|---|
| 1 Year/ 2 Semester/Term with 4-year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Bachelor’s Degree with 75% Marks | 4 Year/8 Semester/Term + 3 Years relevant experience in Teaching/Research/Industry ( *Selected disciplines only) |
*For further details kindly visit: https://nest.lpu.in/phd/
I’m a qualified Chartered Accountant/ Company Secretary. Can I apply for Ph.D. at LPU?
The candidate having passed the Chartered Accountants (CA) examination with a minimum 55% marks or equivalent grade from “The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India” (ICAI) is eligible to apply for Ph.D. Programme in Commerce and allied disciplines.
The candidate having passed the Company Secretaryship examination with a minimum 55% marks or equivalent grade conducted by the Institutes of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is eligible to apply for Ph.D. Programme in Management / Commerce and allied disciplines.
What is the admission procedure for Ph.D. programme at LPU?
Apply online through the link www.lpu.in or visit the LPU Campus (Block-30, Division of Admission) or visit the “LPU Out-Campus Office” in the respective cities mentioned in the link: https://www.lpu.in/admission/lpu-in-your-town.php#lpu-town.
Appear for LPUNEST
Upon qualifying LPUNEST, complete the admission process by visiting the https://admit.lpu.in/ or visit LPU Campus.
Report for in-campus original document verification and Ph.D. Freshmen Induction
For assistance, contact the admission helpline at +91-1824-517000
I am an international student, what is the process of admission in Ph.D. Programme?
The process of admission is as follows:
- Step 1: Register on the link https://intadmit.lpu.in/
- Step 2: Go to Log in and fill in the requisite form
- Step 3: Upload the required documents along with the Research Proposal
- Step 4: Appear for the interview through online mode.
Can I pay my Ph.D. programme fee online?
Yes, the candidate can pay the applicable fee online. Please click on the link below: https://www.lpu.in/frmloginaccounts.aspx
What are the academic milestones as a part of Ph.D. Programme?
The academic milestones for a Ph.D. research scholar are:
Coursework: It consists of mandatory courses prescribed by the regulatory body (UGC/CSIR/BCI/PCI/COA).
State of the Art Seminar (SAS): Finalization of research objectives by scholar for the Ph.D. Programme is to be done in the SAS.
End-Term Presentation (ETP): In an ETP, the scholar’s research work progress is evaluated by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) after every academic term.
Pre-submission/Final Submission: The Ph.D. thesis is evaluated subject to fulfillment of research objectives, research publications, conference presentation, and the recommendations of the Research Advisory Committee.
What are the scholarship opportunities available at LPU?
The Research Scholar at LPU can avail scholarship benefits based on:
| Criteria | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| LPUNEST | As per the LPUNEST Cutoff | https://nest.lpu.in/phd/fee-and-scholarship.php |
| National Level Test | UGC/CSIR NET Qualified | |
| Valid GATE Scorecard | ||
| Valid GPAT Scorecard | ||
| Research Publication | Scopus Indexed Publications | |
| Patents | Granted Patents Only | |
| Junior Research Fellow | Within Validity Period | |
| LPU Alumni | Previous qualification from Lovely Professional University (Regular/ Distance/ Online mode). Can be availed in case no other scholarships is applicable. | |
| Female Candidate | female scholarship can be availed in case no other scholarship is applicable, | |
| Faculty Fee Waiver (For staff/faculty of LPU) |
As per the existing policy | https://nest.lpu.in/phd/financial-assistance.php |
*For further details kindly visit: https://nest.lpu.in/phd/
As a Ph.D. scholar, will I get any chance of teaching at LPU to support myself financially?
Yes, a Research Scholar can apply for Teaching Fellowship after the successful completion of coursework. The teaching fellowship awardee will be paid an honorarium of Rs. 15,600/ per month (consolidated) subject to qualifying the eligibility criterion and he/she is required to take two courses (upto 10 hours)
I am getting a “Government Fellowship”, am I eligible for “LPU Research Fellowship”?
No, scholar can avail only one fellowship at any point during the Ph.D. tenure.
Can I seek an exemption from the LPUNEST Exam?
Yes, exemption from the LPUNEST may be allowed only if the candidate is eligible under ANY ONE of the following criteria:
- UGC/CSIR NET/JRF Qualified
- GATE Qualified (Within Validity Period)
- GPAT Qualified (Within Validity Period)
- M.Phil. Degree (Regular Mode with a minimum of 55% marks)
Note:
- Exemption is applicable subject to the document verification
- The weightage of LPUNEST exam is 70% and Interview is 30%
- In case of LPUNEST exemption, weightage of Interview shall be 100%
What is the pattern of the Ph.D. Entrance Test?
The Pattern for Ph.D. Entrance Test is under:
| Test Pattern | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Questions Paper - I# | 50 Questions |
| Questions Paper - II (Subject - Specific Discipline) | 50 Questions |
| Syllabus | For Detailed Information |
- Note:
- #For Agriculture Discipline - Paper-I shall be based on “Basic Agriculture”
- #For all Other Disciplines - Paper-I shall be based on “Research Methodology”
- Each question shall be of 1 mark with “No Negative Marking”.
After clearing LPUNEST for Ph.D. Programme, is it mandatory to appear for the interview?
Yes, after clearing LPUNEST, the candidate is required to choose for a interview slot. The interview panel consists of discipline experts who will evaluate the candidate on parameters related to the research aptitude, innovativeness, feasibility of the research area, concept clarity, and overall competency to conduct research. The candidate shall prepare a well-defined research proposal/presentation for the interview.
I have qualified for LPUNEST and cleared an interview for the Ph.D. programme, how to proceed further?
The candidate may proceed as under:
- Complete the admission process through the admission portal and proceed for provisional admission.
- Upload documents using “Post-Admission Services” in the admission portal or visit “University Campus”
- Report for in-campus Original Document Verification and Ph.D. Freshmen Induction
- For assistance, contact admission helpline at +91-1824-517000
What is the minimum and maximum duration of the Ph.D. programme?
The duration of the Ph.D. Programme is a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years from the date of registration for all research scholars including M.Phil. candidates.
Can I upload/write a research proposal/coursework/thesis in a language other than English?
The Ph.D. applicant/scholar must upload/write a research proposal/coursework/thesis in English only.
Note: Scholar pursuing Ph.D. in Punjabi or Hindi can upload/write research proposal/coursework exams/thesis in their respective language. However, the coursework class will be delivered in English only.
What are the details of course work?
a) For all Ph.D. programmes except agriculture (including Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology):
The coursework will consist of four courses having 14 credits. All research scholars admitted to the Ph.D. programme will be required to complete the mandatory coursework and maintain minimum attendance of 75% in the coursework classes to be eligible for end term examination.
b) For Ph.D. Programmes in Agriculture Disciplines:
The course work will be in accordance with ICAR guidelines for details visit the link: https://nest.lpu.in/phd/course_work.php. Further, a minimum 75% attendance is required during coursework classes to be eligible in end term examination.
What are the passing criteria for Ph.D. coursework?
a) For all Ph.D. programmes except agriculture (including Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology):
A Ph.D. scholar has to secure a minimum of 55% marks in each course in coursework subject to securing at least 40% marks in end term examination of that course.
b) For Ph.D. Programmes in Agriculture Disciplines:
A Ph.D. scholar has to obtain a minimum “Overall Grade Point Average” OGPA of 6.5 with a minimum grade of 6.0 in individual courses.
What is the schedule of coursework classes for all Ph.D. programme?
a) For all Ph.D. programmes except agriculture (including Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology):
We offer flexible coursework in three different options and the tentative schedule is mentioned below:
| Duration | Spring Term | Autumn Term | Class Timings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option I | Every Weekend | January - April | August - December | Saturdays 03:00 P.M.- 06:00 P.M. Sundays 09:00 A.M.- 05:00 P.M. |
| Option II | 4 days every month | January - April | August - December | 09:00 A.M.- 07:00 P.M. 3rd Week of every month (Thu, Fri, Sa, Su) |
| Option III | 15 days | May - June | November - December | 09:00 A.M. - 07:00 P.M. (daily) |
b) For Ph.D. Programmes in Agriculture Disciplines:
The following options with tentative schedules are available for Agriculture Programmes
| Duration | Spring Term | Autumn Term | Class Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two Academic Terms | January - May | August - December | As per the Weekday timetable |
Is there any difference in the syllabus or number of credits in any of the options for coursework?
No, there is no difference in any of the coursework options. The syllabus, credits, and total contact hours are the same across all the coursework options.
Is there any additional fee for the coursework?
No, there is no additional fee for the coursework other than the stipulated tuition fees and examination fees.
Up till what point is the scholar required to pay the Term (Semester) Fee?
The Term (Semester) Fee is applicable to each scholar till the completion of the final Thesis.
What is the process of selection of Ph.D. supervisor?
The supervisor allocation can be done through the online "Supervisor Selection Module" on UMS interface. All eligible supervisors’ profiles will be visible during the Coursework. The Research Scholars can book the slot with the supervisor and select the supervisor through the interface.
I am an M. Phil. qualified and exempted from the coursework. When I will be given a supervisor and can start my research work?
For M. Phil. candidates, supervisors will be allocated during their first academic term only and such research scholars can start their research work from the first term itself.
How many Ph.D. supervisors am I allowed to work with?
The Scholar must opt for one main supervisor from Lovely Professional University in the respective department/school. One Co-supervisor can be opted from within the University or from another Institution/University/Industry provided he/she meets the eligibility requirement as per University standards.
What is the procedure to opt for Co-supervisor?
The Research Scholar will be allowed to take Co-supervisor after the successful completion of his/her coursework. He/she is required to get consent from their co-supervisor in the prescribed form (available at CRDP) and submit it to the Center of Research Degree Programmes (CRDP), Block 38-202. Upon approval, the Research Scholars and the co-supervisor will be notified by CRDP.
Does the University provide any hostel facility to a Ph.D. scholar?
Yes. Hostel facility is provided to research scholars subject to availability. Ph.D. scholars can also avail hostel facility by submitting their request online through UMS after completion of admission formalities.
