DRAT 2026: Digital University Research Aptitude Test (DRAT) 2026

Digital University Research Aptitude Test

Digital University Research Aptitude Test (DRAT) 2026

DRAT 2026
[Digital University Research Aptitude Test 2026]
conducted by Digital University Kerala (Kerala University of Digital Sciences Innovation and Technology)
Admission to Ph.D. Programmes, 2026

Admission to programmes at Digital University Kerala is based on national-level tests or University-conducted entrance tests, depending on the programme.

DRAT – Digital University Research Aptitude Test
University Entrance test for PhD admissions.

Required only if you do not have NET/JRF, GATE, or equivalent qualification.

Structure:

DRAT-C: Common aptitude test
DRAT-S: Subject-specific test
Interview

Date:
Rescheduled to 21 June, 2026

Syllabus Preview:
Research aptitude, analytical ability, and subject knowledge.

Test Format:

DRAT-C: Common aptitude test for all PhD applicants (35 marks)
DRAT-S: Subject-specific test based on the research area applied for (35 marks)
Interview: Final stage of selection (30 marks)

Students who secure 50% marks in DRAT are eligible to be called for the interview. A relaxation of 5% marks is allowed in the entrance examination for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled categories and Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
The interview evaluates the candidate’s subject knowledge and readiness for independent investigation. Applicants may present their research interests and discuss alignment with ongoing research areas. View full DUAT syllabus:

Click here

Key dates:

Application deadline	Extended to 31 May, 2026
DRAT for PhD admissions	Rescheduled to 21 June, 2026

Not all applicants need DRAT. Check the programme card for the applicable route.

Programme Offered

• Ph.D.

School	Multiple schools across the University
Admission Tests	DRAT, UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, CEED, or similar national-level tests approved by the University, followed by interview
Application Fee	Rs. 1,500/- per application (with listed exemptions)
Full-Time Regular Ph.D.	No tuition fee for years 1-4; ₹25,000 per semester in years 5-6; ₹50,000 per semester from year 7 onwards
Eligibility	For General category candidates, a 2-year or longer Master’s degree with 60% marks, or an MPhil degree with 60% coursework marks, in a discipline relevant to the school applied to. Eligible reserved categories require 55% marks.
Additional Fees	Selected candidates pay an initial admission fee of Rs. 10,000/- and a refundable caution deposit of Rs. 5,000/-. A relaxation of 5% marks / equivalent grade applies for eligible reserved categories as per norms.
Programme details	Click here

School	Multiple schools across the University
Admission Tests	DRAT, UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, CEED, or similar national-level tests approved by the University, followed by interview
Application Fee	Rs. 1,500/- per application (with listed exemptions)
Industry Regular Ph.D.	Rs. 50,000/- per year
Eligibility	Same academic eligibility as the Full-time Regular PhD programme, plus at least 5 years of relevant full-time work experience after the Bachelor’s degree and full-time regular employment in industry.
Additional Fees	Selected candidates pay an initial admission fee of Rs. 10,000/- and a refundable caution deposit of Rs. 5,000/-. A relaxation of 5% marks / equivalent grade applies for eligible reserved categories as per norms.
Programme details	Click here

School	Multiple schools across the University
Admission Tests	DRAT, UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, CEED, or similar national-level tests approved by the University, followed by interview
Application Fee	Rs. 1,500/- per application (with listed exemptions)
Part-Time Ph.D.	Rs. 50,000/- per year
Eligibility	Same academic eligibility as the Full-time Regular PhD programme, plus at least 5 years of relevant full-time work experience after graduation.
Additional Fees	Selected candidates pay an initial admission fee of Rs. 10,000/- and a refundable caution deposit of Rs. 5,000/-. A relaxation of 5% marks / equivalent grade applies for eligible reserved categories as per norms.
Programme details	Click here

Admission Routes and Selection Process

Your programme card shows the route applicable to you. Admission may be through DRAT, national-level tests, interview, or school-specific selection.

Ph.D. Admissions
PhD applicants may apply through recognised national-level qualifications such as UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, GATE, CEED or equivalent, or through DRAT, followed by interview.
Final selection includes the interview or viva-voce stage as applicable.

DRAT
Digital University Research Aptitude Test for PhD applicants who do not come through approved national-level routes.
DRAT: Rescheduled to 21 June, 2026
DUAT Syllabus 2026

Not all applicants need DRAT. Use the Programme Finder and programme cards to confirm your eligibility, fee details and admission route before applying.

How to Apply

Apply through the official DUK admission portal after checking your programme eligibility, fee and admission route.

Admission Process
Complete your application in 4 steps
Choose a programme, confirm the applicable route, upload the required documents, pay the fee and submit online.

Step-1
Choose your programme
Use the guided Programme Finder to shortlist suitable options based on your background, discipline and goals, or browse all programmes directly. Open each programme card to check eligibility, fee and admission route.
Browse programmes
Step-2
Check eligibility and route
Review the programme card for eligibility, fee, applicable admission route, and any interview or school-specific selection stage. If you apply to programmes in different programme groups, separate applications may be required.
Step-3
Complete the online application
Register on the DUK admissions portal, complete your profile, select the programme group, upload the required documents, and save your application details.
Go to application portal
Step-4
Pay fee and submit
Pay the applicable application fee online and submit the form. A confirmation will be sent to the registered email address after successful submission.
Submit application

Application Deadline
Application deadline extended to 31 May, 2026
DRAT rescheduled to 21 June, 2026
Please complete the application and fee payment before the deadline. Candidates applying to multiple programme groups may need to submit separate applications.

CONTACT
+91-471-2788019
+91 80781 93800 (WhatsApp)
admission-pg@duk.ac.in

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