The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has launched applications for its PhD programs for the Spring Semester 2025-26, marking a significant opportunity for aspiring researchers across multiple disciplines. The online application portal opened on September 24, 2025, with a deadline of October 31, 2025, offering comprehensive doctoral research opportunities across the institute’s three campuses.

Key Application Timeline

The admission process follows a structured timeline with crucial dates for prospective candidates:

Important Dates:

• Application Opens: September 24, 2025 (5:00 PM)

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (5:00 PM)

• Academic Registration: January 8, 2026 (in-person)

• Classes Commence: January 12, 2026

Individual departments will separately communicate schedules for written tests and interviews to shortlisted candidates.

Comprehensive Research Opportunities

IIT Roorkee, with its 178-year legacy, offers doctoral programs across 33 departments, centres, and schools spanning three campuses. The main Roorkee campus accommodates 30 research units, while the Saharanpur campus specialises in Paper Technology, Polymer Engineering, and Applied Mathematics.

Research Areas Include:

• Engineering disciplines (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Computer Science)

• Applied Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth Sciences)

• Emerging technologies (Nanotechnology, Quantum Communication, Data Science)

• Interdisciplinary studies (Architecture, Management, Humanities)

Revolutionary Female-Focused Fellowships

IIT Roorkee continues its commitment to gender diversity through two pioneering schemes specifically designed for female candidates:

Golden Girl Scheme

Direct admission pathway for first-rank (Gold Medallist) female candidates from IITs or Top 50 NIRF-ranked institutions. This scheme:

• Exempts national-level examination requirements

• Provides Institute Assistantship-level fellowship

• Offers supernumerary intake beyond regular seats

• Requires only departmental interview for selection

SAKUNTALA Fellowship

The “Scheme for Aspirants of Knowledge Under Talent Advancement” targets female engineering graduates from centrally-funded technical institutions (CFTIs) with:

• CGPA requirement: 8.5 or above on 10-point scale

• Waived the GATE/CEED examination requirement

• Fellowship equivalent to Institute Assistantship

• Selection through the interview process

These initiatives have shown remarkable success, with 178 female PhD graduates in 2025 compared to 146 in 2024 and 57 in 2023, representing 23% female participation in the graduating class.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Common Minimum Eligibility Criteria

For Master’s Degree Holders:

• General/OBC/EWS: Minimum 60% marks or 6.0 CGPA

• SC/ST/PWD: Minimum 55% marks or 5.5 CGPA

• National-level qualification: GATE/NET/CSIR-NET/JRF or equivalent

Exemptions Available:

• High CGPA candidates (8.0+) from Ministry of Education-funded institutions

• IIT graduates with 8.0+ CGPA from bachelor’s or master’s programs

• Medical degree holders (MBBS/BAMS/BHMS/BDS) with 60% marks

Fellowship and Financial Support

The institute provides multiple funding categories:

Institute Assistantship Research Scholars (IARS):

• Financial assistance through teaching/research assistantships

• Duration of up to five years

• 10 hours weekly commitment to assigned duties

External Fellowship Support:

• Recognition for UGC/CSIR/DST/ICMR/DBT fellowship holders

• Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) opportunities

• TCS Research Scholar Program with ₹70,000-75,000 monthly stipend

• Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics & IT disciplines

International Collaboration and Research Excellence

IIT Roorkee’s global partnerships enhance research opportunities through:

Joint Doctoral Programs with universities in:

• Canada: University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan, Queen’s University

• Europe: University of Strasbourg (France), University of Groningen (Netherlands)

• Asia: Niigata University (Japan), National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan)

• Others: Loughborough University (UK), Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand)

Research Mobility:

• Six-month fellowship continuation during international research visits

• Cotutelle agreements enabling joint supervision and examination

• Access to world-class research facilities and expert networks

Application Process and Requirements

Application Categories:

• Full-Time Research Scholar (FTRS)

• Part-Time Research Scholar (PTRS)

• In-Service External Research Scholar (ISERS)

• Project-funded positions

• Foreign nationals through ICCR, SII, and ASEAN channels

Application Fees:

• General/OBC/EWS: ₹500 per department

• SC/ST/PWD: ₹250 per department

Required Documents:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

• GATE/NET score cards (if applicable)

• Experience certificates for in-service candidates

• Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)

Strategic Research Focus Areas

IIT Roorkee’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) status under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) positions it at the forefront of strategic research in:

• Critical mineral recovery from ores and e-waste

• Sustainable green approaches for circular economy

• Clean energy technologies

• Defence and space applications

Research Funding Achievements:

• ₹399 crore in research funding secured

• 146 patents filed during the academic year

• 180+ startups valued over ₹4,700 crore

• QS World Ranking 339 and top NIRF rank in Architecture & Planning

Looking Forward

This Spring 2025-26 admission cycle represents IIT Roorkee’s continued commitment to research excellence and inclusive education. With its comprehensive fellowship schemes, international partnerships, and cutting-edge research facilities, the institute offers unparalleled opportunities for doctoral research across diverse disciplines.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply through the online portal before the October 31 deadline, ensuring all eligibility criteria and documentation requirements are met. The institute’s emphasis on gender diversity, research innovation, and global collaboration makes it an ideal destination for aspiring researchers seeking to contribute to India’s scientific and technological advancement.

For detailed information and applications, candidates can visit the official IIT Roorkee website and access the dedicated PhD admission portal.