Categories of Admission

• Regular Full-Time: Scholars supported by MoE Assistantship (HTRA), Institute Fellowships, or other government agencies (CSIR, UGC, DST, DBT, NBHM, etc.).
• External Registration (ERP): For professionals employed in R&D organizations, national laboratories, or industries recognized by IIT Mandi. The candidate must have a co-guide from their parent organization.
• Part-Time: Open to faculty members of recognized engineering colleges, institute staff, or researchers in R&D environments with at least two years of work experience.
• Project Staff: Scholars working on research projects at IIT Mandi for at least 6 months may apply for admission if their project is related to the Ph.D. research.

Eligibility Criteria

Master’s Degree Holders

• Engineering/Technology: Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology with a good academic record.
• Sciences: Master’s degree in Science with a good academic record. Candidates usually need a valid GATE score or UGC/CSIR NET/NBHM qualification (waiver available for candidates with >5 years experience).

Bachelor’s Degree Holders (Direct Admission)

• CFTI Graduates: B.Tech/B.E. from Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) with a minimum CGPA of 7.5. The requirement for a National Level examination is waived for HTRA Scholarship.
• Non-CFTI Graduates: B.Tech/B.E. with a valid GATE score and a minimum CGPA of 7.5.
• R&D Experience: Bachelor’s degree holders with 2+ years of experience in a reputed R&D organization and a proven research record.

Program Requirements

• Course Work:
  • Master’s Entry: Minimum 12 credits of postgraduate level courses.
  • Bachelor’s Entry: Minimum 24 credits of postgraduate level courses.
  • Mandatory Course: "Research Methodology".
  • Performance: Minimum CGPA of 7.5 required in course work.
• Comprehensive Examination: Scholars must pass a comprehensive exam (written and/or oral) within 1–2 years of registration to test the breadth of their knowledge.
• Residency Requirement:
  • Regular Full-Time: Minimum 24 months (Engineering Master's entry) or 36 months (Science/Bachelor's entry) on campus.
  • Part-Time/ERP: Flexible residency options available to complete course work (minimum 16 weeks total).

Thesis & Award

• Synopsis & Seminar: Presentation of synopsis and at least two open seminar talks required prior to submission.
• Publication: At least one paper must be published or accepted in a refereed journal before synopsis submission.
• Viva Voce: The degree is awarded following a satisfactory open defense of the thesis.
• Duration: Thesis submission generally within 5 years of registration.