Course of Independent study is an avenue where students may take-up a real-world problem and propose solutions to the same through rigourous research and/or experimentation. Those who opt for a CIS credit will be expected to ready a publication-worthy research finding through the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The School will publish their list of projects/topics annually and students may opt for one of these.
The Ph.D. in Vista (Venture Innovation for Social Transformation & Advancement) at Alliance University is a pioneering doctoral programme designed to transform rigorous academic research into impactful, real-world ventures. Positioned at the intersection of Business, Law, Liberal Arts, and Engineering, Ph.D. Vista uniquely integrates scholarly inquiry with entrepreneurial innovation. This interdisciplinary programme empowers doctoral scholars to move beyond traditional research outputs and convert their specialized knowledge into scalable, sustainable solutions for pressing societal challenges. Through structured mentorship, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and venture-oriented research pathways, Ph.D. Vista nurtures scholar-entrepreneurs who combine academic excellence with social and economic impact.
Why Choose
Ph. D. - VISTA
at Alliance University?
Ph. D. - VISTA
at Alliance University?
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy
Venture Innovation
Transforming interdisciplinary research into market-impacting, sustainable ventures.
Social Transformation
Solving complex societal challenges through the "Solving for Bharat" initiative.
Collaborative Supervision
Dual-disciplinary mentorship ensuring rigorous and diverse research support.
Resourced Innovation
Access to significant incubation funds and state-of-the-art testing facilities (AU-STIC).
Sustainable Impact
A research journey aligned with global SDGs and venture-based academic outcomes.
‹ PREV
NEXT ›
Governing the Metaverse: Digital Sovereignty and Virtual Politics
PEO (Program Educational Objectives)
PEO 1: Professional Excellence & Innovation
Graduates will establish themselves as successful professionals who integrate disciplinary depth, modern analytical and digital tools, and interdisciplinary perspectives to solve complex, real-world problems and deliver evidence-based, context-sensitive solutions in interconnected professional environments.
PEO 2: Leadership & Effective Communication
Graduates will be advance into leadership or influential collaborative roles, demonstrating the versatility to work in diverse, multicultural, and interdisciplinary teams, and the ability to communicate, negotiate, and persuade effectively across audiences, platforms, and contexts.
PEO 3: Ethical Practice & Societal Impact
Graduates will act with professional integrity, applying ethical reasoning, social responsibility, and sustainability-oriented thinking to champion inclusive, community-engaged, and socially responsive initiatives that create measurable and meaningful impact at local, national, and global levels.
PEO 4: Lifelong Learning & Career Adaptability
Graduates will proactively adapt to the evolving global, technological, and socio-political landscapes by pursuing continuous learning, advanced education, and skill enhancement, enabling career mobility, resilience, and long-term professional relevance.
PO (Program Outcomes)
PO1: Interdisciplinary & Multidimensional Understanding
Integrate knowledge, theories, and methodologies from multiple disciplines, cultural contexts, and analytical traditions to interpret, connect, and critically analyze complex local, national, and global phenomena in an interconnected world.
PO2: Critical Thinking, Analysis & Problem Framing/Solving
Critically evaluate diverse perspectives, question assumptions and power relations, synthesize complex information, and apply robust analytical frameworks to frame and solve problems effectively and develop innovative, evidence-based responses to real-world challenges.
PO3: Research Design, Methods & Ethical Inquiry
Design and conduct rigorous, independent, and collaborative research using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, demonstrating the ability to collect, interpret, and ethically assess evidence to generate meaningful academic and applied knowledge.
PO4: Application, Practice & Experiential Learning
Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts through internships, fieldwork, simulations, labs, and experiential projects that connect academic learning with industry, governance, and civil society.
PO5: Ethical Reasoning, Justice & Responsibility
Demonstrate ethical judgment by critically assessing the social, political, and moral implications of actions and decisions, and by upholding values of integrity, inclusivity, justice, sustainability, and responsible citizenship in personal and professional life.
PO6: Strategic, Digital & Multimodal Communication
Communicate complex ideas clearly, persuasively, and responsibly across written, oral, visual, and digital formats, tailoring messages effectively for diverse, interdisciplinary, and global audiences.
PO7: Innovation, Initiative & Entrepreneurial Thinking
Exhibit creativity, adaptability, and initiative by identifying opportunities, navigating uncertainty, and designing innovative social, cultural, policy, or entrepreneurial solutions in dynamic socioeconomic environments.
PO8: Collaboration, Leadership & Autonomous Practice
Work effectively as ethical collaborators and reflective leaders in diverse, multidisciplinary, and multicultural teams, while demonstrating self-directed learning, accountability, and autonomy in individual work.
PO9: India in a Global & Comparative Perspective
Critically examine India’s historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic realities within comparative and global frameworks, applying contextual understanding to contemporary national and international debates.
PO10: Civic Engagement, Democracy & Public Action
Participate actively and responsibly in civic and democratic life, demonstrating a sustained commitment to pluralism, dialogue, participation, and the advancement of the public good at local, national, and global levels.
PO11: Self-Reflection, Well-Being & Personal Development
Develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and reflective capacity, balancing intellectual ambition with mental, emotional, and physical well-being to support resilient, ethical, and purposeful personal growth.
PO12: Lifelong Learning & Intellectual Adaptability
Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and adaptability by embracing continuous learning, re-skilling, and reflective self-renewal, recognizing the evolving nature of knowledge, society, and professional life.
Activity Points
• Applicants holding a master’s degree with a minimum 55% marks or equivalent Grade in a point scale as may be prescribed by the UGC from time to time, wherever the grading system is followed.
• Applicants whose results of the final examination of a program leading to a master’s degree are awaited can be given provisional admission if he/she fulfils other requirements for admission. After the provisional admission, the candidate will be required to furnish proof of completing a master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks within three months from admission, failing which his / her admission will be cancelled.
• Applicants holding foreign Degree’s equivalent to that of a Master’s degree study with minimum 55% marks or equivalent Grade in a point scale as may be prescribed by the UGC from time to time, wherever grading system is followed; Provided that applicants with a foreign Degrees shall be admitted to the Ph.D. programme, subject to clearance by the Equivalence Committee of Alliance University.
• Applicants having completed M.Phil. Coursework with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent Grade, in the UGC point scale, and those candidates who have their M.Phil. Dissertation evaluated, but viva-voce is pending, maybe may also be admitted to the Ph.D. programme.
• Applicants possessing a degree approved as equivalent to the M.Phil. Degree in India, obtained from a foreign Educational Institution accredited by the UGC, if candidates with a degree from a foreign Institution shall be admitted to the Ph.D. programme, subject to the clearance by the Equivalence Committee of Alliance University.
• Admission of candidates belonging to the SC/ST/OBC, or other reserved categories shall be governed by the Karnataka State Rules in this regard, from time to time.
• Students from a four-year undergraduate programme (with Honors) can enroll directly if they have scored 75% or above, with a 5% relaxation for specified categories as per UGC regulations. Those who have scored between 55% and 75% may qualify after completing either a one-year mastes programme or a bridging course of 36-40 credits. (Refer to National Credit Framework NCrF 2024).
• For students from a three-year undergraduate programme, Ph.D. eligibility requires the completion of a bridging programme of 36-40 credits along with the necessary coursework. (Refer to National Credit Framework NCrF 2024).
Program duration
| Entry Level | Program Duration |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | 3 – 6 Years (Full-Time) |
ACCEPTED TEST SCORES
| Particulars | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | ₹50,000 | $600 |
| program Fee (Per Annum) | ₹1,00,000 | $1,400 |
| Comprehensive Exam Fee | ₹20,000 | |
| Thesis Submission Fee | ₹30,000 | |
| Doctoral Scroll Free | ₹5,000 | |
| Convocation Fee | ₹3,000 | |
| Alumni Association Fee | ₹3,000 |
| Category | Eligibility / Scope | Grant Amount / Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Fellowship | Full-time scholars | ₹35,000 per month |
| Contingency Grant | Full-time scholars | ₹25,000 per year |
| International Conference Funding | Case-by-case basis; once during the program | Up to ₹1,00,000 |
| National Workshop Funding | Scholars not receiving other funding support | ₹30,000 per year |
| Inclusion & Special Provisions | Women scholars and differently-abled scholars | Special provisions and relaxations; access to Centres of Excellence and entrepreneurial fund of ₹10 Crores |
| Policy | Conditions | Awards and funding are subject to review by the Scholarship / Research Committee; limited availability on a first-come-first-served basis |
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Submit online application |
| Step 2 | Pay Application Fee — ₹3,000 |
| Step 3 | Alliance Research Aptitude Test (ARAT) |
| Step 4 | Personal Interview |
| Step 5 | Evaluation of research synopsis on proposed dissertation |
| Step 6 | Consideration of scholastic record, work experience, and extracurricular achievements; final selection based on overall performance |
Living Spaces That Inspire Belonging
EXPLORE OUR HOSTELS
Comfort, safety, and community form the foundation of campus living. Our residential halls are thoughtfully designed to create a sense of belonging—offering a welcoming environment where students can study, unwind, and build lifelong friendships.
Separate hostels
for boys and girls
Student-friendly
common areas
Spacious rooms
(single, double, or triple occupancy)
Dedicated wardens
and support teams
Real Stories, Real Impact
Everything You Need to Know
What kind of funding, fellowships, or scholarships are offered for Ph. D. scholars?
Full-time Ph. D. scholars in the VISTA program receive a monthly fellowship of INR 35,000 along with applicable benefits. They also receive a yearly contingency grant of INR 25,000, in addition to access to the Seed Fund and Incubation Support for their research initiatives.
Who is eligible for Ph. D. in education?
Applicants with a postgraduate degree with at least 55%, or a four-year undergraduate honours degree with 75% or above, from a recognised university are eligible. For further details, refer to the
Admission Process Page.
What career paths are available after completing a Ph. D. in VISTA?
Graduates of the Ph. D. in VISTA program are prepared for specialised roles that bridge research, innovation, and leadership, including academic researchers and faculty, policy advisors and strategists, innovation leaders in technology and design-driven industries, and founder-researchers or consultants in entrepreneurial ventures.
How is Alliance University’s Ph. D. in VISTA program unique compared to similar programs?
Alliance University’s Ph. D. in VISTA is India’s first multidisciplinary Ph. D. program designed to convert scholarly research into scalable, practical impact. It combines rigorous academic research with entrepreneurial innovation and includes a mandatory “Solving for Bharat” course and emphasises applying research insights into real-world ventures.
How does Alliance University provide research facilities for advanced AI and data analytics projects?
Alliance University provides scholars with access to extensive research resources, including subscribed databases such as IEEE, Scopus, SciVal, and EBSCO, supporting advanced AI and data analytics projects.
How does Alliance University’s Ph. D. in VISTA support global collaborations and startup ideation?
Alliance University’s Ph. D. in VISTA supports ventures by providing Seed Fund and Incubation Support, a INR 10 Crores corpus fund for entrepreneurial initiatives, and assistance with patenting, licensing, and commercialization.
What research areas, like social innovation or sustainable ventures, can I explore in Alliance University’s Ph. D. in VISTA?
The Ph. D. in VISTA at Alliance University focuses on Venture Innovation for Social Transformation and Advancement, with research aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scholars can explore areas such as social innovation, sustainable ventures, impact-driven entrepreneurship, and strategies for inclusive growth.
What is the syllabus for Ph. D.?
The Ph. D. in VISTA syllabus includes one year of extensive coursework covering research-focused subjects and essentials of entrepreneurship, along with a mandatory elective, “Solving for Bharat.”
What collaborative research opportunities, like field immersions or SDG projects, are offered in Alliance University’s Ph. D. in VISTA?
The Ph. D. in VISTA emphasizes hands-on field exposure through the mandatory “Solving for Bharat” elective and encourages scholars to collaborate with industries, government agencies, NGOs, and communities on research aligned with real-world challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What is the process of submitting a research proposal or statement of purpose?
As part of the selection process at Alliance University, candidates are required to submit a preliminary business problem statement outlining their proposed research focus and objectives.
What are the key research domains covered under Ph. D. in VISTA (Venture Innovation for Social Transformation & Advancement)?
The Ph. D. VISTA program is multidisciplinary and venture-focused, encompassing research domains such as Computer Science, Engineering, and Liberal Arts, all directed towards innovation and social transformation.
Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary research collaboration with other departments?
Yes. The VISTA program encourages interdisciplinary research and follows a dual supervision model, pairing scholars with co-supervisors from different disciplines to foster collaborative innovation.
Does the program involve coursework before beginning independent research?
Yes. The Ph. D. in VISTA program includes one year of extensive coursework covering research fundamentals and entrepreneurial principles before scholars begin independent research.
What is the Ph.D. in VISTA program?
A research-driven, venture-focused doctoral program enabling scholars to transform interdisciplinary research into sustainable social and market-impacting ventures.
What research areas are available?
Venture Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, SDG-Aligned Impact Solutions, Interdisciplinary Research Ventures, Open Innovation & Incubation
What is the eligibility requirement?
Master’s degree with ?55% marks; additional pathways available under UGC and NCrF 2024 norms.
What is the program duration?
Typically 3–6 years, depending on venture development and research progress.
What financial assistance is available?
Fellowships, contingency grants, seed fund allocations, and support for incubation and international engagements.
How are candidates selected?
Through application review, research proposal assessment, interview, and evaluation of venture feasibility.
What facilities are available?
AU-STIC, innovation labs, incubators, and access to global research and venture databases.
Can international degree holders apply?
Yes, subject to equivalence clearance.
Are category-based relaxations available?
Yes, in accordance with statutory guidelines.
Can scholars transfer from other institutions?
Yes, upon approval and compatibility with dual supervision model.
What coursework is included?
Research Methodology, Entrepreneurship Essentials, Venture Innovation, Cross-Disciplinary Electives, Academic Writing, and Research Practicum.
Course Framework
| Course Type | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Core | Research and Publication Ethics | 2 |
| University Core | Learning and Development | 1 |
| University Core | Academic Writing | 1 |
| Department Core | Research Methodology | 3 |
| Department Core | Essentials of Entrepreneurship in Practice | 2 |
| Department Core | Solving for Bharat | 3 |
| Department Core | Venture-based Domain Specific Course (Beyond the Core Domain) | 2 |
| Department Core | Contemporary Entrepreneurship Theory | 2 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Program Outcomes
- Interdisciplinary Research Proficiency: Demonstrate advanced understanding and integration of knowledge across multiple disciplines to solve complex, real-world problems.
- Innovation and Problem-Solving for Bharat: Conceptualize and implement original research or innovation that addresses pressing social, environmental, or economic challenges, especially in the Indian context beyond the affluent population.
- Entrepreneurial Thinking and Venture Creation: Develop the mindset and capability to translate research into sustainable ventures, products, or policy interventions with real-world impact.
- Field Immersion and Contextual Intelligence: Engage in deep, field-based research to derive actionable insights, grounded in socio-cultural, economic, and ecological realities.
- Ethical and Inclusive Leadership: Uphold ethical standards in research and entrepreneurship while promoting inclusivity, equity, and social justice through innovations.
- Communication and Influence: Communicate complex research findings and venture ideas effectively to academic, industry, government, and community stakeholders through written, oral, and visual formats.
- Research-to-Impact Translation: Demonstrate ability to move from knowledge generation to value creation through IP development, social impact, or commercialization strategies.
- Policy and Systems Thinking: Understand and influence systems and policy frameworks using research-based evidence to drive change at local, national, or global levels.
- Collaboration and Co-creation: Work effectively with interdisciplinary teams, community stakeholders, and institutional partners to co-create scalable, replicable solutions.
- Lifelong Learning and Thought Leadership: Continuously update knowledge, reflect critically, and contribute to academic, entrepreneurial, and social ecosystems as a thought leader.
Program / Research Highlights
- Extensive 1-year Coursework including Research and essentials of entrepreneurship
- “Solving for Bharat” university elective course is mandatory for Ph.D. VISTA scholars offered by Mr. Nagaraja Prakasham (Angel Investor)
- Venture-based domain-specific courses beyond the scholar's core domain support interdisciplinary development
- Dual supervision model with primary and co-supervisors from different disciplines for Cross-disciplinary venture areas
- Multi-disciplinary, venture-based research culminating in separate degrees for all scholars in a venture
- Monthly fellowship of Rs 35,000 plus applicable benefits for full-time scholars with Seed Fund and Incubation Support
- Technical and commercial collaborations based on Open Innovation principles
- Ph.D. awarded based on successful completion of coursework, qualifying examination, and original research and/or venture creation
Areas of Research
- Multi-disciplinary research, venture-based research culminating in the award of separate degrees to all individual scholars in the venture.
- Scholars are encouraged to pursue multi-disciplinary, venture-based research with other scholars through cross-domain collaborations. Upon DRC approval, the research can translate as two or more separate degrees awarded to each scholar working together in the venture.
- Each candidate will work under dual supervision - a primary supervisor and co-supervisor from two different disciplines, aligned with their chosen cross-disciplinary venture area (e.g., Technology and Law for LegalTech ventures, Business and Engineering for FinTech innovations, Arts and Technology for Creative Tech solutions, or Engineering and Social Sciences for Impact ventures).
- The Ph.D. award criteria at Alliance University are based on the successful completion of the program's requirements, which include coursework, qualifying examination, original research and venture creation. Two options are applicable
- With a Venture Creation
- Startup Creation: If a candidate successfully creates a venture based on their research, they can be awarded the Ph.D. The venture should be aligned with the research work and contribute to solving critical societal or business challenges.
- Mentorship and Support: The candidate receives mentorship and support from entrepreneurs and investors, and may also receive seed funding for prototype development and incubation
- Without a Venture Creation
- Research Excellence: Even if a candidate does not start a venture, they can still be awarded the Ph.D. based on the quality and originality of their research (2-3 Scopus indexed publications).
- Coursework and Examination: The candidate must complete the required coursework and pass the qualifying examination.
- Thesis Submission: The candidate must submit a thesis that demonstrates significant research contributions in their field.
- In both cases, the Ph.D. is awarded based on the candidate's ability to conduct original research and contribute to their field of study. A successful venture creation is an additional pathway but not a mandatory requirement for the awarding of the Ph.D.
