IIT Kharagpur PhD Admission 2026-27 is now open under the rolling admission scheme. The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur invites applications for its Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programme across Engineering, Sciences, Humanities, Management, Law, Medical Sciences, and more. Aspiring researchers can apply throughout the year; applications are processed quarterly by respective academic units. Whether you seek Institute Assistantship, Individual Fellowship, Sponsored admission, or the Working Professionals PhD track, IIT Kharagpur offers a world‑class research ecosystem. This guide covers eligibility, quarterly timelines, research areas, selection, fee structure, and assistantship benefits based on the official brochure.
The Institute follows a holistic selection process: shortlisting based on academic performance, written test (offline), and personal interview. Candidates with exceptional CGPA from IITs or NIRF top‑25 institutes may get GATE/NET exemption. The upcoming academic year promises enhanced research facilities across interdisciplinary centres. Read all criteria carefully before applying online.
The online application portal remains open throughout the year. Academic units evaluate applications quarterly. Below is the quarterly schedule based on official notification:
| Event / Quarter | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online Application Portal | Open all year round (rolling admission) |
| Quarter 1 (Apr–Jun) review | Applications received by June end considered; carried forward if department opts not to process |
| Quarter 2 (Jul–Sep) review | Applications reviewed; previous quarter applications also considered |
| Quarter 3 (Oct–Dec) review | Continuous screening by departments/centres |
| Quarter 4 (Jan–Mar) review | Final quarter evaluation before new academic cycle |
| Application Fee (Non-refundable) | ₹1000 (Gen/OBC/EWS/Transgender) | ₹500 (SC/ST/PwD/Women) |
Note: If your academic unit does not consider applications in the quarter you applied, the application is automatically carried forward to the next quarter.
Minimum qualifying marks: Engineering/Science/Commerce/Management/Law: 60% marks or CGPA 6.5/10. Humanities/Social Science/MBBS: 55% or CGPA 6.0/10. Final‑year candidates can apply with available semester marks.
Qualifying degrees (3.2.a): M.Tech./ME/MS/M.Arch/MBA/LLM/2-year PG Diploma etc.
Qualifying degrees (3.2.b): B.Tech/BE/B.Arch/M.Sc/MA/MBBS/Integrated LLB etc.
GATE/NET requirement: For Regular (Institute Assistantship) category with bachelor's degree, valid GATE score (last 5 years) or NET (JRF/Assistant Prof) mandatory, except candidates from IITs/NIRF ≤25 with CGPA ≥8.0. Master's degree holders from IITs/CFTIs with ≥8.0 CGPA are exempted.
Category certificate validity: OBC-NCL certificate issued on/after 01.04.2025; EWS certificate valid for FY 2025-26 mandatory.
| Category | Key Eligibility / Remarks | Assistantship / Support |
|---|---|---|
| Regular with Institute Assistantship | GATE/NET required unless exempted (IITs/NIRF≤25 with ≥8 CGPA). Must resign from employment if selected. | ₹37,000/month (1st 2 years); ₹42,000/month (next 3 years) |
| Individual Fellowship | CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR/INSPIRE etc. Valid award letter required. Provisional fellowship needs undertaking. | Fellowship from funding agency; no Institute Assistantship |
| Sponsored Category | Min. 2 years work experience in Govt/R&D/PSU/Academia/reputed industry. Sponsorship certificate & NOC. | No financial support from Institute; must retain employment |
| PhD through Project | Working in sponsored project at IIT KGP, project tenure ≥1 year. GATE exemption possible with CGPA≥8 from IIT/CFTI/NIRF≤25. | Funded by project; Institute scholarship possible after project tenure if GATE/NET exists |
| Working Professionals (Min. Residential) | Separate eligibility: work experience + CGPA slabs. Employer NOC needed. | No scholarship; tuition fee ₹25,000/semester + other charges |
For Institute Assistantship, CGPA conversion is not permitted unless transcript mentions formula. Candidate must not receive any other stipend.
IIT Kharagpur offers Ph.D. in over 35 academic units. Key research domains include:
| Departments (Engineering/Sciences/HSS) | Interdisciplinary Centres & Schools |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engg, Agricultural & Food Engg, Architecture, AI, Bioscience & Biotech, Chemical Engg, Chemistry, Civil Engg, CSE, Electrical Engg, Electronics & ECE, Geology & Geophysics, Humanities & Social Sciences, Industrial & Systems Engg, Mathematics, Mechanical Engg, Metallurgical & Materials, Mining Engg, Ocean Engg & Naval Arch, Physics, Education | Advanced Tech Dev Centre, CORAL, Centre for Computational & Data Sciences, Rural Development, Cryogenic Engg, Advanced Manufacturing, Indian Knowledge Systems, Precision Agriculture, Public Policy & Governance, Materials Science, Rubber Technology, Centre for Happiness, B.C. Roy Medical Research, Bioenergy & Renewables, Safety Engineering, Steel Technology Centre, Energy Science & Engg, Environmental Science, Telecom, Nanoscience, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property Law, Infrastructure Design, Medical Science & Technology, Water Resources, Quality & Reliability, Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM). |
Detailed research areas available at respective department webpages (links in official brochure).
Admission is recommended by Departmental Academic Committee (DAC PG&R) based on:
- Overall academic performance (screening for written test).
- Offline Written Test (conducted by academic unit).
- Personal Interview (offline mode).
Final merit list combines academic scores, written test performance, and interview outcome. Meeting eligibility does not guarantee admission. Each department may fix higher cutoffs. Document verification is mandatory at joining; discrepancies lead to cancellation.
Regular PhD (non-sponsored): Semester fees and one‑time charges as per Institute norms. 100% tuition fee waiver for SC/ST/PwD students. Components include:
- One-time (non-refundable): Hostel admission, Medical Examination, Student Welfare Fund, Alumni Subscription, Modernisation.
- Per Semester: Tuition fee*, Registration fee, Examination fee, Student amenities, Medical Registration, Laboratory fee, Hostel Seat Rent, Electricity & Water, Mess charges, Hall Establishment & Overhead.
- Caution Money (Refundable): Institution Caution Money + Hall Caution Money.
Working Professionals PhD program: Tuition fee ₹25,000/- per semester (subject to revision). No scholarship/fellowship; other rules apply.
*Tuition fee waiver applicable to SC/ST/PwD only. Rates are revised from time to time.
For industry, R&D, and government professionals. Minimum work experience + CGPA thresholds:
| Discipline | Minimum Eligibility (CGPA/Marks + Experience) |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Basic Sciences | B.Tech/BE/M.Sc or equiv, min 7.5 CGPA (70%) + 2 years work experience |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | 2-10 yrs exp: 7.5 CGPA or 70%; ≥10 yrs exp: 7.0 CGPA or 60% |
| Vinod Gupta School of Management | 2-15 yrs exp: 7.5 CGPA or 70%; ≥15 yrs exp: 6.5 CGPA or 60% |
| School of Medical Science & Tech | MBBS: 55% + 5 yrs exp; MD/MS: 55% in MBBS + 2 yrs post MD; B.Tech/M.Sc: 65%+5 yrs; M.Tech: 65%+2yrs |
| RGSOIPL (Law) | LLB with 55% marks + 10 years work experience |
| CoEPP&G | Master's degree with 55% marks + 10 years exp |
Additional prerequisites: Reputed company/organisation (turnover ≥20 Cr for private firms). Research proposal approved by prospective supervisor. Coursework: 20 credits (bachelor) or 16 credits (master). Minimum 1 week physical presence per semester at IIT KGP. At least 2 SCI publications before synopsis submission. Duration: min 3 years, max 8 years.
- Coursework: Mandatory for all scholars; relaxation for higher qualifications may be given.
- Registration Seminar: Within 3 years of enrolment (or 1 year after coursework). If not cleared on second attempt, enrolment cancelled.
- Doctoral Scrutiny Committee (DSC): Supervises progress; annual reports & comprehensive examination required before registration seminar.
- Synopsis & Thesis: Open seminar before thesis submission; DSC satisfaction mandatory. Thesis must be submitted within 1 month after approval.
- Publication Requirement: At least two SCI journal publications (for Working Professionals) before synopsis; regular candidates encouraged to publish/patent.
- Maximum Registration Validity: 8 years from enrolment; lapse if thesis not submitted within period.
The Ph.D. degree is awarded after successful coursework, comprehensive exam, publication record, thesis evaluation, and final viva voce. Research must represent new facts, interpretations, or technology development.
- Only ONE application per candidate; duplicate applications summarily rejected without refund.
- Once submitted, no alteration in application form is permitted. Ensure correct data before final submission.
- Reserved category candidates must upload valid OBC-NCL/EWS/SC/ST/PwD certificates as per Govt. format. OBC-NCL certificate issued after 01.04.2025 mandatory.
- If employed and selected for Institute Assistantship, resignation acceptance required at joining.
- CGPA to percentage conversion not allowed unless mentioned in transcript; decision of IIT Kharagpur regarding equivalent degree is final.
- Departments/Centres may fix additional shortlisting criteria.
While applying for IIT Kharagpur PhD Admission 2026-27, ensure your certificates, mark sheets, and experience proofs are well organized. Use these free tools to avoid formatting issues: