PhD Programme (Regular)

This page gives a birds-eye view of the programme and the application process. For authoritative information candidates are referred to the institute Admissions webpage. Additional links which may be useful:

About the Programme

  • The typical duration of the programme is 5-6 years.
  • Students with an MTech (or equivalent) are expected to complete a minimum of 12 credits (about 3 courses) of coursework, while students with a BTech (or equivalent) background are expected to complete a minimum of 24 credits (about 6 courses) of coursework, towards their Research Training Programme (RTP).
  • After completing their RTP, students need to clear a Comprehensive Exam, where they will be examined on their coursework and a proposal for their research topic.
  • The main component of the programme is the research work carried out by the candidate, where one is expected to address a substantial research problem, leading to a thesis.
  • Graduating PhD candidates typically take up positions in academia and R&D labs in India and abroad.

Fees and Stipend

  • Students need to pay fees of Rs. 25,800 per year, plus a refundable deposit of Rs 15,000 in the first year.
  • Students receive a stipend of Rs. 37,000 per month initially, and Rs. 42,000 per month after completing their comprehensive exam (around 2 years into the programme).

Please refer to the institute Fees and Scholarships webpage for details.

Eligibility

Applicants can choose to apply through any one of the two modes below, provided they satisfy the corresponding eligibility criteria:

  • [BTech Mode:] Applicants must have completed one of the following:
    • BTech or equivalent in Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Electronics Engineering / Electrical Communication Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Information Science / Information Technology; OR
    • 4-year Bachelor of Science; OR
    • MSc or equivalent in Mathematics / Statistics / Computer Science / Computer Applications;

    with a minimum of second class.Candidates with this eligbility must additionally have one of the following:

    • Valid GATE score (in any subject) as of 1st January 2027 (i.e. should have written GATE in 2024, 2025 or 2026); OR
    • Qualified for JRF in one of the Joint CSIR-UGC NET, UGC-NET (valid on 1st January 2027); OR
    • Qualified in JEST (TCS) 2026; OR
    • Graduated in a 4-year programme from a Centrally Funded Technical Institute (CFTI) with a CGPA of at least 8.0 on 10.
  • [MTech Mode:] Applicants must have all of the following:
    • One of
      • BTech or equivalent in Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Electronics / Electrical Communication / Electrical / Information Science / Information Technology; OR
      • 4-year Bachelor of Science; OR
      • MSc or equivalent in Mathematics / Statistics / Computer Science / Computer Applications;

      with a minimum of second class.

    • MTech or equivalent in Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Electronics / Electrical Communication / Electrical / Information Science / Information Technology; with a minimum of second class.

Application and Selection Process

  • Admissions are typically held in two cycles: August cycle and Jan (Mid-Year) cycle.
  • Candidates need to apply online between 11 Feb and 06 April 2026 (August 2026 cycle), and between 06 and 26 October 2026 (Jan 2027 cycle).
  • Candidates will be shortlisted for an interview, based on the following criteria:
    • For candidates applying through BTech Mode: scores in the qualifying exams like GATE/NET JRF/JEST.
    • For candidates applying though MTech Mode: score in Career Analysis Marks (CAM), which considers past academic performance, performance in national tests prior to masters degree, publications, etc.
  • Final selection will be based on an interview conducted during 11-15 May 2026 (August 2026 cycle) and 16-20 November 2026 (Jan 2027 cycle).

How to Apply

Important Dates

  • August 2026 cycle:
    • 11 February 2026: Application Portal opens.
    • 06 April 2026: Application Portal closes.
    • 11-15 May 2026: Interview.
  • Jan 2027 (Mid-Year) cycle:
    • 06 October 2026: Application Portal opens.
    • 26 October 2026: Application Portal closes.
    • 16-20 November 2026: Interview.

Please refer to the institute Important Dates webpage for details.

More Details about the Programme

Please visit the department Degree Programmes webpage for more information about the programme structure and other details.