PhD External Registration Programme (ERP)

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

  • Meant for employees of scientific/industrial R&D units, as well as faculty members of engineering colleges/universities.
  • The typical duration of the programme is 5-6 years, with a residence of at least 1 semester.
  • 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. 72,300 / Rs. 138,800 / Rs. 205,300 per year, depending on whether candidates are from Educational Institutions / Government Organisations / Private Organizations, respectively; plus a refundable deposit of Rs. 15,000 in the first year.

Please refer to the Institute’s Fees and Scholarships webpage for details.

Eligibility

Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

  • 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.

In addition:

  • Applicants must have completed 2 years of full-time employment in the organization as on 01 August 2026 (August 2026 cycle) and 01 Jan 2027 (Jan 2027 cycle).
  • Applicants must be under 50 years of age as on 1st August 2026 (August cycle) and 01 Jan 2027 (Jan 2027 cycle).
  • The organization must be willing to sponsor the candidate unconditionally.
  • Applicants from R&D organisations/industries must identify a joint research supervisor from their organisation, who should:
    • Have a PhD with at least 3 years post-PhD experience; AND
    • Have at least 5 years of service left in the organisation.
  • Applicants must identify a faculty member of the department who is willing to act as a research supervisor.

For more details please see the Institute’s External Registration Programme webpage.

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 must submit a hard copy of the application form in duplicate, including documents below, by 06 April 2026 (August 2026 cycle) and 30 November 2026 (Jan 2027 cycle).
    • Details and signature of the proposed joint research supervisor from the organisation (as per format generated after filling application form).
    • Details and signature of the proposed research supervisor from IISc (as per format generated after filling application form).
    • Unconditional Sponsorship certificate as per given format only (as per format generated after filling application form).
    • Brief outline of the proposed research work.
    • Resume of the proposed joint research supervisor from the organisation (as per the format generated on submission of application form).
    • A recent profile of your organisation.
    • Photo copies of marksheets of 10th Std, 12th std, UG Degree and/or PG Degree, National Entrance Test certificates such as GATE/NET-JRF/JEST, etc.
  • Candidates will be shortlisted for an interview, based on their past academic performance, and scores (if any) in the qualifying exams like GATE/NET-JRF/JEST.
  • 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

  • Register and apply on the Institute’s Online Admissions Application Portal.
  • Submit hard copies of application form and other documents as mentioned above to the Insitute Admissions Office.

Important Dates

  • August 2026 cycle:
    • 11 February 2026: Application Portal opens.
    • 06 April 2026: Application Portal closes.
    • 06 April 2026: Last date for submitting hard copies of application.
    • 11-15 May 2026: Interview.
  • Jan 2027 (Mid-Year) cycle:
    • 06 October 2026: Application Portal opens.
    • 26 October 2026: Application Portal closes.
    • 30 November 2026: Last date for submitting hard copies of application.
    • 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.