Sir J.J. School of Art offers first PhD in 169 years, with 88 applicants for 16 seats

Sir J.J. School of Art, Architecture and Design in Mumbai, known across the country for education in art, architecture and design, has started a PhD programme for the first time in its 169-year history. The admission process for doctoral research in three disciplines, fine arts, architecture and design, has begun.

A total of 16 seats have been set aside for the first year, and 88 students have applied. The institution was founded in 1857, and the move is seen as a significant milestone for it. Building on its legacy in art and creative education, the institution has now stepped into research as well.

The new PhD programme has drawn a good response from students. The seats and applications by discipline are as follows:

The School of Art has received 43 applications for 6 seats. The School of Design has 37 applications for 6 seats. The School of Architecture has received 8 applications for 4 seats.

The university is permitted to admit more students, but it has decided to take only 16 researchers in the first year. The aim is to ensure that enough professors and research guides are available and that students get proper guidance.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Him Chatterjee said that instead of filling all the sanctioned seats at once, the institution is focused on expanding the PhD programme in phases. Increasing the number of qualified research guides is also necessary for this.

The PhD entrance test (PET) is planned for December 2026. The academic session is expected to begin in the second week of January 2027.

The admission process will include scrutiny of students' academic qualifications, the PhD entrance test, a presentation of the research proposal and an interview of the selected candidates. Final admission will be based on merit, evaluation of the research proposal and the oral examination. External experts will also take part in the process.

In October 2023, the institution was granted "deemed to be university" status. Under this status, granted in the de novo category, Sir J.J. School of Art, Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art and Sir J.J. College of Architecture have come under a single university.

The status has given the institution academic autonomy, which has made it possible to start new courses and expand research activities.

The new PhD programme will combine actual artistic creation with academic research. It will open up new opportunities for students who wish to do research in art, architecture and design.