Admissions

Ph.D. Admissions

The Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Hyderabad invites prospective students to apply to our Ph.D. program. Explore research opportunities, funding options, and admission details below.

Ph.D. Admissions Brochure

The Chemical Engineering Department is pleased to share the Ph.D. Admissions brochure, offering a comprehensive overview of research projects, facilities, and coursework.

Brochure not currently available.

Application Dates

Ph.D. admissions are conducted twice a year in May-June and November-December. The timelines for each admission cycle are provided below. Additionally, the Department may periodically invite applications for Ph.D. positions funded through faculty research projects.

July 2025 Admission Cycle

Semester 1, AY 2025-26

Applications OpenMarch 15, 2025
Application DeadlineApril 30, 2025
Date of Written Test/InterviewMay 20-25, 2025
Announcement of ResultsJune 5, 2025
Deadline for Fee PaymentJune 15, 2025

January 2025 Admission Cycle

Semester 2, AY 2024-25

Applications OpenOctober 1, 2024 (Tentative)

Open Sponsored Project Positions

#Name of FacultyProject TitleFunding Agency
1Prof. Anindya RoyDevelopment of Nanomaterials for Energy StorageDST-SERB
2Dr. Debaprasad SheeCatalytic Conversion of Biomass to BiofuelsCSIR
3Dr. Lopamudra GiriMicrofluidic Devices for Healthcare ApplicationsDBT

Application Details & Requirements

Application Details

  • Applications must be submitted online via IITH PhD Admissions Portal.
  • Ensure to provide a regularly used email address and phone number for communication. Incorrect details may lead to missed interview calls.

Documents Required

Upload necessary documents at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Degree/Diploma certificates (or semester mark sheets if results awaited)
  • Marksheets/Score Cards for national exams (GATE, etc.)
  • Fellowship/Sponsorship certificates (DST-INSPIRE, UGC-NET, etc.)
  • OBC/SC/ST Certificate (if applicable)
  • No-objection certificate from employer (for External/Sponsored)

Eligibility Criteria

The Department evaluates applications under the following categories. Please identify your category to check your eligibility.

i) Direct PhD

For candidates with BE/BTech, BSc+MTech, MSc(Tech), or BSc+MSc seeking to pursue PhD immediately.

Eligibility:

  • BE/BTech, BSc+MTech, or MSc(Tech) in Chemical Engineering or allied field with a valid GATE Score (in CH, BT, BM, PE, ME, XE, etc.).
  • BSc + MSc degree with valid CSIR/UGC NET fellowship.
  • CGPA Requirement: Min 6.0 (or 60%) for General; 5.5 (or 55%) for OBC/SC/ST.

ii) Regular PhD

For candidates with Master's degrees (ME/MTech) or working in IITH sponsored projects, or with independent fellowships (DST-INSPIRE).

Eligibility:

  • ME/MTech/MSc degree in Chemical Engineering or allied disciplines. Valid GATE score NOT required.
  • CGPA Requirement: Min 6.0 (or 60%) for General; 5.5 (or 55%) for OBC/SC/ST.
  • Candidates with external funding (e.g., DST-INSPIRE) must upload fellowship certificate.

iii) External/Self-Sponsored PhD

For candidates from industries, research labs, or academic institutions sponsored by their organization.

Eligibility:

  • Minimum 2 years research/teaching experience required.
  • ME/MTech/MSc/BE/BTech degree in Chemical Engineering or allied disciplines. Valid GATE score NOT required.
  • CGPA Requirement: Min 6.0 (or 60%) for General; 5.5 (or 55%) for OBC/SC/ST.
  • Must upload No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from present employer.

Funding Categories

Institute (MoE) Funding

Full time scholars without other funding sources. Eligible for Direct/Regular PhD applicants.

Sponsored by IITH Project

Candidates already working at IITH, supported through faculty research grants.

External/Self-sponsored

Candidates sponsored by Industry, Research Labs, or Academic Institutions.

External Fellowship

Candidates with valid DST-INSPIRE, CSIR/UGC-NET fellowships.

Admission & Interview Process

  1. 1

    Shortlisting

    Applications shortlisted based on eligibility criteria (Department may set higher criteria than minimum).

  2. 2

    Screening Round

    Focuses on fundamental knowledge in Chemical Engineering or relevant field. Can be written or interview-based.

  3. 3

    Final Selection Interview

    Extensive round. Candidates present their past projects. Evaluates research aptitude, analytical thinking, and alignment with department.

  4. 4

    Offer & Acceptance

    Offer letters sent via email. Candidates must accept and pay fees within the deadline.

After Ph.D. Admission

Courses

Usually 12 credits in first two semesters (min 7.0 CGPA).

Guide Selection

Allocated based on student references and openings, typically in the first semester.

Comprehensive Exam

Must pass within 12 months.

Proposal Defense

Within 6 months of comprehensive exam.

Funding Responsibility

Institute (MoE) Scholars

  • Required to perform 8 hours/week of Teaching Assistant (TA) duties.
  • Includes labs, tutorials, grading, etc.
  • Renewal depends on satisfactory performance.

Other Categories

Candidates under sponsored categories/external fellowships are not eligible for Institute financial assistance but may receive support from their sponsors.

Contact Information