VITREE Jan 2026 Application Closes Nov 20 PhD Admission

The application window for the VIT Research Entrance Examination (VITREE) January 2026 session is rapidly closing. Aspiring scholars seeking admission to PhD and specialized PhD in Deep Technology programs at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) must apply online by November 20, 2025. The application fee is \text{₹}1200\text{ INR}. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) is scheduled for December 7, 2025. Get ready for a rigorous selection process involving the entrance exam, research proposal evaluation, and personal interview. Don't miss this opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research at a top-tier institution.

The path to advanced research at one of India's leading institutions is nearing its first critical checkpoint. The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has officially opened and is set to close the online application process for the VIT Research Entrance Examination (VITREE) January 2026 session. This entrance test is mandatory for candidates aspiring to join the prestigious PhD and specialized PhD in Deep Technology research programs across various engineering, science, and management disciplines.

​Prospective research scholars must rush to complete their applications on the official website, vit.ac.in, as the final deadline is November 20, 2025. With the non-refundable registration fee set at ₹1200 INR for all categories, this is a call to action for every eligible master's and exceptional bachelor's degree holder ready to commit to high-impact research. The subsequent entrance exam, a crucial step in the multi-stage selection process, is scheduled for December 7, 2025, giving candidates a focused window for intensive preparation.

 Crucial Deadlines and Key Dates for VITREE 2026

​The admission timeline for the January 2026 session is compressed and demands strict adherence. Aspirants must be fully aware of the deadlines for application, the exam, and the subsequent selection stages.

• ​Application & Examination Schedule:
  • ​Application Release: August 27, 2025
  • ​Application Closing Date: November 20, 2025 (Strict Deadline)
  • ​VITREE 2026 Exam Date (CBT):December 7, 2025 (Sunday)
  • ​Personal Interview (Hybrid Mode): December 13 & 14, 2025
  • ​Result Announcement: December 20, 2025
  • ​Last Date to Pay Tuition Fees: December 31, 2025
• ​The Application Process: 
  • ​The entire process is online-only. Candidates must first register on the official VIT admissions portal.
  • ​The application form requires accurate personal, academic, and research-related details, including a preliminary Statement of Purpose (SoP)/Research Proposal.
  • ​The registration fee of ₹1200 INR must be paid online via Credit Card/Debit Card/Net Banking.

​ Eligibility, Exam Structure, and No Negative Marking Policy

​VITREE 2026 has distinct eligibility requirements for its Regular PhD, Direct PhD, and Deep Technology tracks. Understanding the exam pattern is equally vital for effective preparation.

• ​Program Eligibility Requirements (Minimum Marks): 
  • ​Regular PhD: A Master’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% marks (or a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale).
  • ​Direct PhD (After B.Tech): For exceptionally bright candidates, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology with an outstanding academic record of a minimum of 75% marks (or a CGPA of 7.5 on a 10-point scale) is required.
  • ​PhD in Deep Technology: A minimum of 75% marks (or a CGPA of 8.0 on a 10-point scale) in the relevant degree, along with a strong focus on cutting-edge research areas like AI, Robotics, and IoT.
• ​VITREE 2026 Exam Pattern (Computer-Based Test): 
  • ​Duration: 2 hours.
  • ​Total Questions: 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) for 100 Marks.
  • ​Marking Scheme: +1 Mark for every correct answer and 0 (Zero) marks for an incorrect answer. There is NO NEGATIVE MARKING, which is a significant relief, encouraging candidates to attempt all questions.
• ​Syllabus & Questions Split (Varies by Program): 
  • ​Regular PhD: Technical (70 questions), English Communication Skills (15 questions), and Statistics & Probability (15 questions).
  • ​Direct PhD/Deep Technology: Technical (80 questions) and English Communication Skills (20 questions).

​ The Rigorous Selection Process and Scholarship Opportunities

​Admission to VIT’s doctoral programs is not based solely on the entrance test score but involves a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate’s overall profile and research aptitude.

• ​Multi-Stage Selection Process:
  • ​Stage 1: VITREE Score: Performance in the Computer-Based Test (CBT).
  • ​Stage 2: Academic Weightage: Evaluation of Undergraduate and Postgraduate academic records.
  • ​Stage 3: Research Proposal & Interview: Shortlisted candidates face a Personal Interview (PI), where they are assessed on the clarity and viability of their Statement of Purpose (SoP), subject knowledge, and communication skills. The PI is held in a hybrid mode.
  • ​Stage 4: GATE/NET Weightage: Candidates with valid national-level scores (GATE/NET/UGC/CSIR) receive additional weightage.
• ​Fellowships and Financial Aid:
  • ​VIT offers Internal Full-Time (IFT) scholarships for deserving candidates who commit exclusively to their research at VIT.
  • ​Candidates with valid GATE/NET scores are eligible for fellowships as per the norms set by regulatory bodies like AICTE.
  • ​The PhD in Deep Technology track often comes with enhanced fellowship opportunities, reflecting the program’s focus on high-priority, cutting-edge research.

​Conclusion

​The VITREE January 2026 application deadline of November 20, 2025, is fast approaching. This is the final call for aspiring doctoral candidates to initiate their journey into high-quality, internationally recognized research at VIT. Given the absence of negative marking in the 100-mark CBT on December 7, preparation should be strategic, focusing on the core technical syllabus, research aptitude, and the critical components of the English and Statistics sections. Timely application and a compelling research proposal are the keys to securing an interview spot and a potential fellowship in this highly competitive cycle.

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