IIT PhD Eligibility Criteria 2025 - Minimum Qualifications for PhD Admission In IITs

For most young researchers and academics, research degrees at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is a dream. With world-class facilities for their services, a pedagogical service of expert faculty, and cutting-edge research opportunities, IITs offer a platform to explore innovative ideas in a wide spread of disciplines.

Hence, it is important to familiarize oneself with the eligibility criteria and qualifications involved in such admissions. Through this blog, you will learn the eligibility criteria of the IIT PhD clearly; more details are given for streams such as Engineering, Science, Humanities, and Management to aid in the flow through the process. 

Minimum Eligibility Required for Admission to a Regular PhD Program at IIT

You need to fulfill the mentioned eligibility criteria: 

• You must have completed your master’s from a recognized university with a minimum of 55 percent marks. 
• You must have passed the Entrance Test such as UGC-NET, GATE, etc. 

Minimum Eligibility Required for Admission to a Part-Time PhD Program at IIT

You need to fulfill the mentioned eligibility criteria:

• You must have completed your master's with a minimum of 55 percent marks from a government-approved university. 
• You also need to have qualified for a UGC-NET and a GATE exam. 
• NOC is also required from your organization. 

Minimum Eligibility Required for Admission to an Online PhD Program at IIT

IITs do not provide an Online PhD program hence, you can opt for an Online DBA, it is also a doctorate-level degree that gets you recognized with a “Dr” title. Moreover, you can complete the program in a minimum of 3 years.

You can opt for this program even if you have not completed your master’s because to apply for an online DBA you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum working experience of 5 years. Moreover, to opt for an Online DBA you do not have to pass any entrance exam. Now, let’s talk about the IIT PhD program eligibility criteria- 

1) IIT Delhi PhD Admission

Admission to PhD programs at IIT Delhi is generally through an interview by the concerned Department or Centre of its Department Research Committee (DRC) or Centre Research Committee (CRC). In some cases, the DRC/CRC can also hold a written test as a screening examination. Applications are received twice a year, and the advertisement appears in Employment News and leading newspapers in March for admission to the first semester and in October for admission to the second semester.

• Admission Schedule:There are usually two advertisement cycles in the year - one in March and another in October. The admissions take place in May and December. However, the DRC/CRC also accepts applications at any time of the year if the candidate has the required qualifications and experience as evaluated in the interview.Candidates admitted out of schedule can join the institute at any time, but course registration is permitted only at the beginning of the next semester. They should accept an admission offer and report to the institute within four weeks from the date of issue unless an extension is granted. Admission is subject to the availability of seats in the chosen specialization.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For PhD Admission To IIT Delhi?

Each Department, Centre, or School operates through its DRC/CRC/SRC and establishes stricter short-listing criteria than the institute's minimum requirements. While this document outlines general qualifications, individual committees can specify acceptable degrees and disciplines for their programs.

• Eligibility for Final-Year Students:Candidates in the final year of their qualifying degree programs can apply, provided they expect to meet all degree requirements before registration. Shortlisting will consider performance up to the preceding semester (or year, for year-based programs). Admission for such candidates will be provisional until they fulfill the minimum eligibility after the announcement of final results. All admissions are initially provisional and confirmed only after verifying certificates and records, which may take a few weeks into the semester.

Minimum Qualifications for Full-Time PhD Programm
Qualifying Degree	Minimum Performance (General/OBC-NCL)	National Exam Requirement
M.Tech./M.E./M.D. or equivalent	60% marks or 6.00 CGPA (10-point scale)	None
M.Sc./MBA/M.A./M.B.B.S. or equivalent	60% marks or 6.00 CGPA (10-point scale)	Qualified GATE/CSIR/UGC NET/ICAR/ICMR/DST-INSPIRE
B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent	70% marks or 7.00 CGPA (10-point scale)	Qualified GATE/CSIR/UGC NET/ICAR/DST-INSPIRE

Exemptions and Relaxations

1) For SC/ST/PwD Candidates:

• Minimum performance is relaxed from 60% to 55% (CGPA from 6.00 to 5.50) for M.Tech./M.E./M.D. or M.Sc./MBA/M.A./M.B.B.S. degrees.
• Minimum performance relaxed from 70% to 65% (CGPA from 7.00 to 6.50) for B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent degrees.

2) Other Considerations:

• Performance in qualifying degrees is calculated by aggregating all semesters/years, based on the institution's approved credit system.
• Candidates from Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) with exceptional performance are exempted from GATE or equivalent requirements:
• Current CFTI Students: Minimum CGPA of 8.00 after six semesters in a 4-year program. The final CGPA at graduation must also meet this criterion.
• CFTI Graduates: Final CGPA above 8.00 (or 80% marks for mark-based systems).
• M.A./M.Sc. Graduates from IITs: Minimum CGPA of 8.00.

3) Special Provisions

• M.B.B.S. Degree Holders: Considered equivalent to M.Tech. for PhD admission in Biomedical Engineering.
• M.A. (English) Candidates: Eligible for a 5% marks relaxation or 0.5 CGPA relaxation for PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences.
• MBA Graduates: Eligible to apply for PhD in Management Studies.

For shortlisting, the evaluation method (CGPA/CPI or percentage) used by the candidate's institution will determine eligibility.

2) IIT Bombay PhD Admissions

The institute IIT Bombay offers a robust Ph.D. program across diverse fields: Engineering, Sciences, Management, and Humanities & Social Sciences, along with extensive infrastructure and strong research foundations. The primary goals of the Ph.D. program are advancing knowledge and comprehensive research training.The program includes coursework and a significant research project with the emergence of a thesis. The institute encourages cross-disciplinary research through joint supervision and collaborative activities across departments. In addition, it undertakes sponsored research and development projects with organizations from the public and private sectors.

A variety of research opportunities are offered to Ph.D. scholars in different academic units, including:

• Engineering: Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Energy Science, Environmental Science, Mechanical, Metallurgical and Materials Science, Systems & Control, and Urban Science & Engineering.
• Sciences: Biosciences and Bioengineering, Chemistry, Climate Studies, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Nanotechnology, and Physics.
• Humanities & Social Sciences: Economics, Policy Studies, and other areas within Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Management and Design: Industrial Design Centre, Management, and Technology and Development.
• Emerging Fields: Digital Health, Machine Intelligence and Data Science, Geoinformatics and Natural Resources Engineering, and Educational Technology.
• The interdisciplinary approach and advanced facilities create a vibrant environment for cutting-edge research and innovation at the institute.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For PhD Admission To IIT Bombay?

You need to fulfill the mentioned below eligibility criteria:

1) Master's Degree

 Master's or equivalent degree in Engineering/Technology, MBA with a B.Tech./B.E. or equivalent degree:

• Bachelor's Degree:-
• Engineering/Technology/Medicine-4-year degree.
• Science (BS)-4-year degree.

2)Other Master's Degrees

Master's or equivalent degree in Science, Arts, Commerce, or allied subjects.

3) Qualification

Applicants having qualifications under Bachelor's (2), Master's in Science (3), or Master's in Arts/Commerce (4) befitting the above should meet one of the following conditions:

a) Valid GATE/JEST (for Physics) score:

b) Selection through UGC NET (including lectureship/Assistant Professorship).

c) Selection via a national-level exam conducted by MoE or its agencies/institutions (e.g., UGC, IIT, IISc, IISER, IIIT).

d) Provisional award of DST-INSPIRE Fellowship (must produce award letter).

e) A minimum of two years of professional experience after obtaining the qualifying degree, completed before the semester of admission.

4) Marks/CGPA/CPI Requirements

For General/EWS/OBC-NCL categories:

• Minimum 60% aggregate marks, OR
• First Class as defined by the awarding university, OR
• Minimum CGPA/CPI of 6.0 on a 10-point scale (or equivalent).
• For a Master's in Arts or Humanities & Social Sciences, 55% aggregate marks for Ph.D. in Humanities & Social Sciences.
• For SC/ST/PwD categories. 
• Minimum 55% aggregate marks,
• First Class as defined by the awarding university, OR
• Minimum CGPA/CPI of 5.5 on a 10-point scale (or equivalent).
• 4. Exemption from GATE Requirement
• Any of the following qualifications exempts candidates from the GATE examination.

• Bachelor's, Integrated Master's, or Dual Degrees from IITs (admitted via JEE) with a CGPA/CPI of 8.00 or above (on a 10-point scale).
• Graduates from Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) with the same qualifications.

5) Additional Eligibility Criteria

• Department-specific eligibility criteria also apply to candidates. These are defined by the respective departments/centers/schools/interdisciplinary groups.
• Eligibility for financial support or fellowship is as per specific admission categories.

6) Selection Procedure

Admission to Ph.D. programs at IIT Bombay is done through a written test and/or interview, decided by each Department/Centre/School/Interdisciplinary Group. 

3) IIT Madras PhD Admission

IIT Madras is recognized worldwide for its outstanding and diversified research work, with a faculty complement of more than 692 academic staff and 5,200 postgraduate students. At the institute, there are several choices for research-oriented students to hone their research skills and contribute actively to new, path-breaking studies through Ph.D. and M.S. (by research) programs.The faculty of various Engineering, Science, Humanities, and Management departments, along with scholars, carry out advanced research in cutting-edge fields, often culminating in high-impact publications in international and national journals and patents.

There is a significant amount of research presented at international and national conferences. The institute conducts a number of sponsored research projects funded by organizations like the Department of Science & Technology, Aeronautical Research & Development Board, ISRO, Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, DRDO, Naval Research Board, Department of Electronics, IGCAR, Atomic Energy Agencies, etc, have been taken up to address national challenges. Fellowships are also available from various industries and organizations.

Their faculty are actively participating in application-based industrial consultancy and collaborative research with industries within India and abroad, as well as foreign universities. Students are encouraged to participate in sponsored research, consultancy, or collaborative projects. The departments at IITM are equipped with the most modern laboratories and research facilities enabling cutting-edge work in areas such as laser diagnostics, non-destructive techniques, NMR spectroscopy, solid-state physics, micro-electronic devices, etc.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For PhD Admission To IIT Madras?

You can check the table below to know the eligibility criteria :

S.No.	Department	Eligible Degree for Ph.D.
1	Aerospace Engineering	- Master’s in Aerospace/Civil/Applied Mechanics & Biomedical Engineering/Mechanical/Electrical/allied branches (Instrumentation, Energy Engineering, Production, etc.) OR - Master’s in Mathematics/Physics with an excellent academic record OR - Direct Ph.D.: Bachelor’s in Aerospace/Civil/Chemical/Computer Science/Electrical/Mechanical/Metallurgical/Naval Architecture/allied branches with additional conditions (Section 5.1.2). - GATE score waived for candidates with 2+ years of aerospace industry experience applying under the EXTERNAL category.
2	Applied Mechanics & Biomedical Engineering	- Master’s in Mechanical/Civil/Aerospace/Electrical/Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering or other related fields. - For Biomedical Engineering, MSc in any Science/Mathematics field. - For Fluid Mechanics, MSc in any Science/Mathematics field. - For Solid Mechanics, MSc in Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry/Nanoscience/Material Science. - Direct Ph.D.: B.Tech/B.E./BS (4-year) with CGPA ≥ 8.0 or 75% aggregate and a valid GATE score (waived for Centrally Funded Technical Institute graduates with CGPA ≥ 8.0).
3	Biotechnology	Master’s in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields. - Master’s in Sciences (e.g., Life Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) with a valid GATE/CSIR-JRF/UGC-JRF/DBT-JRF/ICMR-JRF score. - Master’s in Pharmaceutical, Agricultural, or Veterinary Sciences. - Direct Ph.D.: B.Tech/B.E./BS (4-year) with CGPA ≥ 8.0 or 75% aggregate and a valid GATE score (waived for CFTI graduates with CGPA ≥ 8.0).
4	Chemical Engineering	Master’s in Chemical Engineering or related disciplines.  Postgraduates in Science/Mathematics with exceptional merit and/or relevant Research/Industrial experience.  Direct Ph.D.: B.Tech/B.E. in Chemical Engineering or allied fields (e.g., petroleum, pharmaceutical, biotechnology) with exceptional merit.
5	Civil Engineering	Master’s in Civil Engineering or Ocean Engineering.  Non-Civil Engineering degrees eligible for specialization:  Building Technology: Master’s in Industrial Engineering/Management/MBA (basic Civil Engineering degree required).  Geotechnical Engineering: Master’s in Engineering Mechanics/Mining Engineering (2 years experience).  Hydraulics, Water Resources, Environmental Engineering: Master’s in relevant Engineering/Science disciplines.  M.Sc. in Zoology/Botany/Biological Sciences (valid GATE/UGC-JRF/NET/CSIR-JRF/INSPIRE required).
6	Computer Science & Engineering	Master’s in Engineering/Technology (preferably Computer Science & Engineering).  M.Sc. in Mathematics or Computer Science (from CFTI or top institutes like ISI/CMI) with CGPA ≥ 8.0 and valid GATE (Maths/CS) score.
7	Data Science and Artificial Intelligence	Full-time Ph.D.: PG degree in Engineering/Technology.  External/Part-time Ph.D.: PG degree in Engineering/Technology and 2+ years of work experience in an organization approved by DST, GoI, or IIT Madras.  Direct Ph.D.: 4-year UG degree from IITs/CFTIs/UGC/AICTE or Masters in relevant Engineering/Technology with valid GATE score in specified disciplines.
8	Electrical Engineering	Master’s in Electrical Engineering/Electronics Engineering/Instrumentation Engineering. Master’s in Sciences with a strong academic record and valid GATE score.

4) IIT Roorkee PhD Admission 

The doctoral research program at the IIT Roorkee is guided by a strong tradition of academic excellence, with the following goals:

• Comprehensive Knowledge Development: Cultivate a deep and broad understanding of the fundamentals and advancements in the chosen field through coursework and self-study.
• Fostering Innovation: Encourage creativity and innovation at the cutting edge of knowledge within the chosen discipline.
• Independent Research Skills: Build the ability to conduct independent research and development, addressing specific challenges faced by humanity.
• Social Impact Awareness: Develop the capability to identify new opportunities within the Indian social context and lead research and development through individual initiatives.

The Ph.D. degree is awarded for original research conducted in areas recognized by the Institute's academic departments, centers, or schools. This research should either uncover new facts, offer a fresh perspective on interpreting and applying known facts, or advance instrumentation technology through innovative equipment development. The work must demonstrate critical thinking, sound judgment, and a meaningful contribution to existing knowledge.

The institute is a nationally recognized center for Ph.D. programs under the Quality Improvement Program (QIP). Additionally, part-time enrollment options for the Ph.D. program are available to support flexible learning and research opportunities.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For PhD Admission To IIT Roorkee?

To be eligible for the Ph.D. admission, candidates need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

Fellowship Qualification:

• The candidate should have obtained at least one fellowship, like UGC, CSIR, DBT, DST-Inspire, or ICMR.
• The application must be submitted within a period of six months (180 days) after the declaration of the fellowship result. Application submitted after six months would not be considered under the Rolling Advertisement.

Educational Qualifications:

• Qualifying candidates must satisfy one of the given criteria and must also fulfill the specific departmental or center-wise requirements:

Master's Degree Holders:

• GEN, GEN-EWS, OBC Categories: minimum CGPA at 6.0 on a 10-point scale and at least 60% marks.
• SC, ST, PWD Categories: minimum CGPA at 5.5 on a 10-point scale and at least 55% marks.
• 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Holder:
• All categories: GEN, GEN-EWS, OBC, SC, ST, PWD: minimum CGPA at 7.5 on a 10-point scale and at least 75% marks.

For IIT Graduates (Bachelors and Masters):

• All candidates: Minimum CGPA of 8.0 on a 10-point scale.
• For MBBS, BAMS, BHMS, or BDS Degree Holders:
• All categories: Minimum CGPA of 6.0 on a 10-point scale or 60% marks.

For MS or MD Degree Holders:

• A minimum CGPA requirement is not required.
• For Current Master's Students at IIT Roorkee:
• M.Sc. Students: Lateral entry/switch to the Ph.D. program after completing the first three semesters with a CGPA of 8.0 or above.
• Other Master's Programs: After completing the first two semesters with a CGPA of 8.0 or above.

Relevant Notes:

• CGPA or aggregate percentage of marks across all years/semesters will be considered.
• If the CGPA is awarded on a scale other than 10, a proportionate conversion to the 10-point scale will apply. 

5) IIT Gandhinagar PhD Admission

The admissions at IIT Gandhinagar are usually interview-based. However, a written test is sometimes given before the interview, if necessary. A small group of applicants is shortlisted for the written test and/or interview based on their academic credentials, statement of purpose, and other relevant credentials. The final selection is ultimately based on the academic qualifications, performance in the written test (if given), and performance in the interview.The mode (online/offline) and dates for the written test and interview will be communicated directly to shortlisted candidates by their respective departments."

Besides these typical admission rounds, which are combined with specific deadlines, every department has a standing invitation to submit applications at all times during the year. The applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis by selection committees, depending upon the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the relevant discipline.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For PhD Admission To IIT Gandhinagar?

• Candidates with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PD) or a CPI of 5.5 (5.0 for SC/ST/PD) in M.A./M.Sc./B.Tech./M.Tech./BS (IISc, IISER)/BS-MS (IISER) or an equivalent qualifying degree, with relevant specializations, shall be eligible for admission. These are the minimum requirements set by the Institute.
• Different departments may further have their eligibility conditions, which can be viewed here. Departments can also increase the cutoff level for shortlisting and also consider the quality of responses in application forms. There may be relaxations in eligibility and selection norms for SC/ST/PD candidates.
• Only passing minimum eligibility requirements is not a guarantee for shortlisting or admission. Shortlisting or admission would depend on the need of the department and the performance of the candidates.

6) IIT Guwahati PhD Admissions 

IIT Guwahati offers PhD programs across multiple disciplines through its Departments, Schools, and Centres. Each discipline may focus on specific specializations or research areas, which are announced during the respective admission sessions.

Departments	Schools	Centers
Computer Science and Engineering	Agro and Rural Technology	Disaster Management and Research
Electronics and Electrical Engineering	Business	Environment
Mechanical Engineering	Energy Sciences and Engineering	Indian Knowledge Systems
Civil Engineering	Health Sciences and Technology	Linguistic Science and Technology
Design	Data Science and Artificial Intelligence	Nanotechnology
Biosciences and Bioengineering		Sustainable Polymers
Chemical Engineering		Intelligent Cyber Physical Systems
Physics		Sustainable Water Research
Chemistry		Drone Technology
Mathematics
Humanities and Social Sciences

Who Is Eligible To Apply For PhD Admission To IIT Guwahati?

Candidates eligible to apply for the PhD program must have the following: 

• Done at least, 4 years/5 years Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in relevant discipline. CPI: should be a minimum 6.0 on a 10-point scale (or 60% marks). For SC/ST/PwD candidates, CPI /marks is relaxed by 0.5 CPI (or 5% marks).
• Degrees should be from a recognized university or an Institute of National Importance, with at least 4 years of study after Class 12.
• The appropriateness of the discipline shall be ascertained by the concerned academic division while taking into account the research areas advertised.

Dual MTech + PhD

• Offered in:

Computer Science and Engineering

• Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech. in any discipline other than Computer Science or IT with CPI 6.0 (or 60%) and a valid GATE score.

Mechanical Engineering (Subject to approval by BoG)

• Areas of Specialisation: Aerodynamics and Propulsion, Computational Mechanics, Manufacturing Science, Fluids and Thermal Engineering, Machine Design.
• Eligibility: B.E./B. Tech with CPI 6.0 or above (60% or above) with valid GATE score
• Relaxation: Candidates with B. Tech. / B. Des. degree from IITs with CPI of 8.0 or above are exempted from GATE
• Studentship: Institute assistantship is provided and the student has to work full time.

Dual MS (Engineering) + PhD

Department: Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Eligibility:

• B.E./B.Tech. in any discipline with CPI 6.0 (or 60%) and valid GATE score.
• B.E./B.Tech./B.Des. with CPI 8.0 and above from IITs-exempt from GATE
• Relaxation of 0.5 CPI (or 5% marks) for SC/ST/PwD
• Scholarship: Students admitted to this department work full-time as in Regular category and are provided assistantship support by the Institute.

PhD Admission Process and Selection Guidelines at IIT Guwahati 

Valid Applications: Only completed in all respects applications shall be considered:

• Processing of Applications: Departments, Schools, or Centres will process the valid applications for a discipline or specialization.
• Minimum Eligibility Criteria (MEC): Applications failing to qualify under the minimum eligibility norms shall not be considered for further processing.
• Shortlisting: The Institute reserves the right to use additional selection criteria such as GATE/NET/CEED score or merit from qualifying exams, Class 10 onwards.
• Selection: All selected applicants will be put through the selection process.
• Admission: Admission is based on academic credentials, written tests, and/or interviews conducted by the Department, School, or Centre concerned.

Selection Modes:

• Offline: The entire selection process is conducted on campus.
• Online: The entire process is done through remote media of video conferencing.
• Hybrid: Combination of online and offline stages; the same mode shall be applied to all candidates in a given stage.
• Respective Department/School/Centre will announce the exact mode and schedule.
• Specialization-Wise Selection: Shortlisting and selection may be specialization-specific.

Institute Assistantship Test (IATMLA):

• For MTech/MDes/MS(R) applicants without GATE/CEED scores.
• Eligible candidates should apply in the "Regular" category only.
• Pen-and-paper test, which takes place at IIT Guwahati campus typically before the selection process.
• Qualifying marks: GEN/GEN-EWS: 40%, OBC-NCL: 36%, SC/ST/PwD: 26%.
• Updates and Notifications: Candidates must check regularly at the official website and departmental web pages. No personal notification will be sent.
• Results: The short-listing and final selection results for the applications will be available at the application portal. Log in with the candidate's profile will be required to check his status. 

7) IIT Kharagpur PhD Admissions 

The Institute IIT Kharagpur offers facilities for research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The Ph.D. is awarded based on the successful completion of:

Requirements:

• Prescribed coursework, comprehensive exams, and seminars.
• Publication of original research in reputed journals/conferences or achievements such as patents or technology transfers.
• Submission and defense of a thesis in a final viva voce.

The thesis must showcase original research, either through the discovery of new facts, reinterpretation of known theories, independent design and development, or the creation of new instruments or technologies.

Research Areas:
The list of research areas available for the Spring 2024-25 session is provided on the respective department, center, or school websites, accessible through the links in the table below. As the intake for this session is limited, applicants are advised to review the departmental websites carefully to ensure their suitability for the specified specializations.

Category	Discipline/Name
A. Department	Aerospace Engineering
	Agricultural and Food Engineering
	Artificial Intelligence
	Bioscience and Biotechnology
	Chemical Engineering
	Chemistry
	Civil Engineering
	Computer Science and Engineering
	Electrical Engineering
	Electronics and Electrical Communication Engg.
	Geology and Geophysics
	Humanities and Social Sciences
	Industrial and Systems Engineering
	Mathematics
	Mechanical Engineering
	Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
	Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture
	Physics
B. Centre	Advanced Technology Development
	Centre for Oceans, Rivers, Atmosphere and Land Science
	Cryogenic Engineering
	Centre of Excellence in Affordable Healthcare
	Materials Science
	Rubber Technology
C. School	G.S. Sanyal School of Telecommunication
	Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law
	Vinod Gupta School of Management

Who Is Eligible To Apply For PhD Admission To IIT Kharagpur? 

Candidates applying for the Ph.D. program must meet the following academic qualifications and marks requirements:

Minimum Academic Performance:

• For Engineering, Science, Commerce, Management, Law, or Equivalent Fields
• At least 60% of marks or a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale in the qualifying examination.
• For Humanities, Social Sciences, MBBS, or Equivalent Fields
• At least 55% marks or a CGPA of 6.0 on a 10-point scale in the qualifying examination.

Important Notes:

Final Year Students:

• Candidates awaiting their final results need to provide the CGPA/marks obtained in all the completed semesters but not the final semester. For instance:
• B.Tech students (8 semesters): CGPA/marks till the 7th semester.
• M.Sc./M.Tech students (2 years): CGPA/marks till the 3rd semester.
• No application will be considered if this is not provided.
• CGPA/Percentage Policy:
• The marks will not be converted from CGPA or vice versa. Admission would be granted strictly as per the format released in the transcript.

Category Wise Documents

• OBC-NCL Candidates:Should provide a valid certificate from the Government of India format issued on or after 01.04.2024

EWS Candidates

• Should provide a valid certificate from the Government of India format for the year 2024-25.
• Important:
•  Candidates without uploading valid certificates will be considered as UR. The change in category certificates will not be taken into consideration after the closing date of application

Qualifying Degrees for Admission

Postgraduate Level:

• M.Tech/MS/ME/M.Sc. (Eng)
• M.Arch/MCP/MRP
• M.Phil 2-year programme
• MBA/PG Diploma in Management (2 years, post B.Tech/M.Sc./MA/M.Com)
• LLM (2-year program) 

After:

• A 5-year integrated LLB (post 10+2) or
• A 3-year LLB (post 10+2+3)
• Any equivalent degree.

Undergraduate Level:

• B.Tech/BE/B.Sc. (Engg.)/BS (4 years)
• B.Arch
• M.Sc./MA/M.Phil (1 year program)
• MBA/PG Diploma in Management (2 years, post-BA/B.Sc./B.Com)
• MBBS with a mandatory 1-year internship
• A 5-year integrated LLB (post 10+2) or a 3-year LLB (post 10+2+3)
• Any equivalent degree.

8) IIT Hyderabad PhD Admission 

IIT Hyderabad (IITH) offers Ph.D. admissions twice a year, typically in November and April. Aspirants are advised to check the official website for admission notifications, as IITH does not publish advertisements in newspapers.

Admission Process

1)Application Screening:

• Applications are reviewed by the respective departments.
• Shortlisted candidates are invited for a written test and interview.

2)Eligibility Criteria:

• For engineering departments, a Master's degree is required.
• Exceptionally qualified candidates with a B.Tech/B.E. degree and a valid GATE score can apply for direct Ph.D. admission

3)Financial Assistance:

• Financial support under the Ministry of Education (MoE) and most other funding categories (except PMRF and External) is available for five years.

For the latest updates, please visit the IITH website during the notification periods in November and April.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For PhD Admission To IIT Hyderabad? 

Check the eligibility criteria for biotechnology at IIT Hyderabad below:

Academic Qualifications:

1) Master’s Degree (M.Tech./M.Sc.):

• M.Tech. in any area of Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or Physical Sciences.
• M.Sc. in an allied area of Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Physical, or Chemical Sciences with a valid National level JRF qualification or GATE (validity not required).

2) Bachelor’s Degree (B.Tech./B.E./MBBS):

• B.Tech./B.E. in an allied area of Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or Physical Sciences or MBBS with either:
• A valid National level JRF qualification (e.g., CSIR-NET-JRF, UGC-NET-JRF, etc.), or
• GATE qualification (validity not required).

Minimum Percentage Requirement:

• General category: Minimum 63% in the highest qualifying degree.
• OBC category: Minimum 62% in the highest qualifying degree.
• SC/ST category: Minimum 60% in the highest qualifying degree.

For Candidates Awaiting Final Results:

• Marks obtained up to the 3rd semester for M.Sc./M.Tech. students or the 7th semester for B.Tech./B.E. students will be considered.

Categories of Admission:

• Full-Time Institute Fellowship (Funded by MoE):
• Open to candidates with M.Tech., M.Sc., B.Tech., or MBBS degrees.

3) Fellowship from External Funding Agencies:

Candidates with valid awards from national-level fellowships such as:

• CSIR-NET-JRF
• UGC-NET-JRF
• ICMR-JRF
• DBT-JRF (Category-I)
• DST-INSPIRE Fellowship
• Any equivalent national-level research fellowship also qualifies for this category.

4) Project Mode:

• Open to candidates with M.Tech., M.Sc., B.Tech., or MBBS degrees and:
• A valid GATE, CSIR-NET-JRF, UGC-NET-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF, or DST-INSPIRE Fellowship.
• Candidates working on a GAP project in the Biotechnology Department at IITH are also eligible to apply.

Notes:

• Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
• The department reserves the right to set additional cut-off criteria for shortlisting candidates.
• External fellowship holders must comply with their funding agency's specific terms and conditions.

For further details and application procedures, please refer to the official IITH Biotechnology Department website.

You can check the eligibility criteria of Chemistry below: 

For Regular Candidates:

• A Master’s (M.Sc.) degree in Chemistry or related fields with a strong academic record.
• A valid qualification in GATE/UGC-JRF/CSIR-JRF/DST INSPIRE or any other recognized scholarship.

For Sponsored Candidates:

Category A:

• Students working on sponsored projects (e.g., DST, CSIR, BRNS, DBT) at IIT Hyderabad.
• Must have a valid GATE score/CSIR-JRF/UGC-JRF/Lectureship (LS) at the time of joining.
• These candidates are not eligible for a stipend from the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Category B:

• Candidates employed in reputed research or industrial organizations.
• Must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and proof of sponsorship from their employer at the time of the interview.
• Selected candidates must complete coursework in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Hyderabad and are ineligible for MoE scholarships.

For External Direct Ph.D. Students:

• Candidates with at least 2 years of relevant work experience and a NOC from their employer can apply as external students.
• They are required to complete 12 credits of coursework applicable to external students.
• Eligible for a Ph.D. degree without an M.Tech. qualification.

What is the Selection Process for PhD at IIT Hyderabad? 

The department may apply cut-off criteria based on the following:

• Departmental requirements and the total number of applications received.
• Distribution of applications across individual research disciplines and candidates’ stated preferences

• Preference Weightage:Greater importance is given to candidates' first-choice area of research.
• Reservation:SC/ST/OBC reservations will be implemented as per Government of India rules.
• Selection is subject to the rules set by the IITH Senate.

Application Procedure at IIT Hyderabad for the PhD Admissions? 

How to Apply:

• Visit the official portal at IITH Ph.D. Admissions for detailed information and the online application form.

• Important Deadlines:
• Check the official website for updates on application deadlines and other details.
• Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. Sponsored and external candidates must provide all necessary documents during the interview.

Is there an alternative for a PhD? 

Yes, there is an alternative to a PhD program and the alternative is an Online DBA. A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree is more than just another academic milestone it’s a gateway to advanced knowledge, career growth, and personal development. If you’re considering pursuing a DBA, here are some compelling reasons and benefits:

• Stand Out Professionally:An Online DBA differentiates you in the job market. It proves your readiness to take it one step further in both your career and education. With most people now holding master's degrees, a DBA demonstrates expertise and commitment to high performance at the highest professional level.
• Acquire Advanced Research and Strategic Skills:Online DBA programs impart high-level research skills and advanced tools for strategic planning and decision-making. It teaches how to analyze the most complex problems, come up with innovative solutions, and make a meaningful contribution toward organizational success.
• Show Your Commitment to Growth:Acquiring a DBA reflects a commitment to growth, professional development, and leadership excellence. It proves your ability to balance work, study, and life in the most challenging circumstances but maintain the drive to push the boundaries.
• Develop Leadership and Management Expertise:A DBA helps arm a manager with the skills and knowledge in leadership and management of organizations. It offers insights into global business trends, ethical practices, and proper management strategies in steering businesses toward success.
• Enhanced Career Opportunities:An MSc in DBA allows for various career paths including senior executive roles, academics, consulting, and entrepreneurship. The degree qualifies one to hold positions such as a Chief Executive Officer, a Business Consultant, and University Professor among others.
• Demand Higher Salaries:Professionals with a DBA are in high demand, and they can oftentimes command significantly higher salaries. Employers recognize the value added to their organization by having advanced skills and insights as that of a DBA holder.
• Enhance Your Resume:Having a DBA very prominently displayed on your resume makes you more attractive to employers. It proves that you are not only proficient in your field but you also have the solutions-oriented thinking capacity to handle challenges at their best.
• Contribute to Knowledge and Solve Real-World Problems:DBA programs focus on real-world applications, allowing you to address ongoing business challenges through research. You will have the opportunity to contribute to industry knowledge and find solutions that make a tangible impact.
• Achieve Personal Fulfillment:Finally, earning a DBA is a feeling of accomplishment. You are going to fuel your personal growth, challenge your limits, and achieve a significant milestone that brings pride and fulfillment to your professional journey.Pursuing a DBA is an investment in your future, equipping you with skills and opportunities to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

Conclusion

Securing admission to a PhD program at IIT is a significant milestone for anyone aspiring to advance their academic and professional journey. With rigorous eligibility criteria, diverse program offerings across engineering, sciences, and humanities, and opportunities for research excellence, IITs stand as premier institutions fostering innovation and leadership.Whether you aim to delve into cutting-edge technologies, contribute to groundbreaking research, or solve real-world problems, an IIT PhD equips you with the skills, knowledge, and platform to make a meaningful impact. By carefully reviewing the qualifications, choosing the right department, and preparing thoroughly for the application and selection process, you can set yourself up for success.