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.
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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.
Download BrochureApplication 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.
May - June 2026 Admission Cycle
Semester 1, AY 2026-27
| Application Open | April 08, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | April 28, 2026 |
| Sending out interview call letters for shortlisted candidates | Tentatively in May 2026 |
| Interviews for shortlisted candidates (see Admissions and Interview Process) | Tentatively in May 2026 |
| Sending out PhD offer letters | Tentatively in June 2026 |
| Admitted candidates to report to the institute | Will be updated shortly |
November-December 2026 Admission Cycle
Semester 2, AY 2026-27
| Application Open | October 10, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Deadline | October 31, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Sending out interview call letters for shortlisted candidates | Will be updated |
| Interviews for shortlisted candidates | Will be updated |
| Sending out PhD offer letters | Will be updated |
| Admitted candidates to report to the institute | Will be updated |
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
Shortlisting
Applications shortlisted based on eligibility criteria (Department may set higher criteria than minimum).
- 2
Screening Round
Focuses on fundamental knowledge in Chemical Engineering or relevant field. Can be written or interview-based.
- 3
Final Selection Interview
Extensive round. Candidates present their past projects. Evaluates research aptitude, analytical thinking, and alignment with department.
- 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
PhD Admissions Query
phd.admissions@che.iith.ac.inAcademics Query
dpgc@che.iith.ac.inHOD Office
office@che.iith.ac.inWebsite
che.iith.ac.in