After receiving de novo deemed university status in 2023, the Sir JJ School of Arts, Architecture and Design is all set to introduce research programme, with the first PhD admissions likely to begin next year. In the initial phase, the university will offer 18 seats — six each in fine arts, architecture and design. At present, the institution has one research guide in each discipline.

The decision to launch the programme was finalised at an executive council meeting held earlier this week. Of the total PhD seats, 30 per cent will be reserved for in-house faculty members. “We have experienced professors who have been teaching here for 10-12 years but never found the time to pursue a PhD. These in-house seats will allow them to advance their academic careers”, said Vice-Chancellor Him Chatterjee.