Thinking of doing a PhD from a top-ranking institute in India? Then this blog is for you!
In this post, we uncover the details of the PhD programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) – a prestigious group of Institutions of National Importance.
Whether you’re aiming for a full-time PhD or balancing work with a part-time program, this article will help you decide if an IIIT is the right place for your doctoral journey.
Fact #1: 27 IIITs – Majority Located in South India
The Government of India initially established 5 IIITs in Allahabad, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Kancheepuram, and Kurnool. Over the years, more IIITs were added under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model involving the central government, state governments, and industry partners.
There are currently 27 IIITs in India. Most of them are located in South India, followed by East India.
Key Point: All 27 IIITs offer PhD programs.
Fact #2: PhD Offered in Multiple Disciplines Beyond Engineering
Although the name suggests a focus on Information Technology, IIITs offer PhD programs in a wide range of subjects:
- Engineering & Computer Science – Offered by all IIITs
Management – Offered by about 5 IIITs
Humanities & English – Offered by around 12 to 15 IIITs
Mathematics, Data Science, and Sciences – Common in most IIITs - Note: IIIT Kota and IIIT Manipur currently offer PhDs only in engineering.
Fact #3: Full-Time and Part-Time PhD Options Available
All IIITs offer full-time PhD programs, but many also provide part-time options designed for working professionals.
Eligibility:
- Qualifications are generally the same for both modes.
- Part-time PhD applicants may be exempted from entrance exams but must show work experience.
Example Requirements:
- IIITDM Kanchipuram: 3 years (or 2 years if from an Institute of National Importance)
- IIIT Guwahati: 1 year of experience
- IIITDM Kurnool: 3 years of experience required
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Fact #4: Full-Time PhD – Funded and Self-Financed Options
To pursue a full-time PhD, it is highly recommended to qualify for an eligibility exam like GATE or UGC NET JRF, which can secure you a fellowship.
Fellowship Status Table:
Eligibility Status | Fellowship Provided By | Availability in IIITs |
Qualified for eligibility exam (e.g., GATE) | Institute Fellowship | Some IIITs |
Qualified for fellowship exam (e.g., UGC NET JRF) | UGC/MoE Fellowship | All IIITs |
Not qualified for any exam | No Fellowship – Self-financed | Many IIITs |
Fact #5: Affordable PhD Fee Structure
Most IIITs charge between INR 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh per year for both full-time and part-time PhD programs.
IIIT Guwahati stands out by charging a nominal fee of only INR 10,000 per year.
List of IIITs by Region
North Region
- IIIT Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh)
- IIIT Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
- IIIT Una (Himachal Pradesh)
- IIIT Sonepat (Haryana)
- IIIT Kota (Rajasthan)
South Region
- IIIT Hyderabad (Telangana)
- IIIT Bangalore (Karnataka)
- IIITDM Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)
- IIIT Sri City (Andhra Pradesh)
- IIITDM Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh)
- IIIT Dharwad (Karnataka)
- IIIT Kottayam (Kerala)
- IIIT Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu)
East Region
- IIIT Guwahati (Assam)
- IIIT Bhagalpur (Bihar)
- IIIT Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
- IIIT Ranchi (Jharkhand)
- IIIT Kalyani (West Bengal)
- IIIT Agartala (Tripura)
- IIIT Manipur (Manipur)
West Region
- IIIT Pune (Maharashtra)
- IIIT Nagpur (Maharashtra)
- IIIT Vadodara (Gujarat)
- IIIT Surat (Gujarat)
- IIIT Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
- IIIT Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
- PDSM IIITDM Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)
Watch the Full Video on YouTube
Click here to watch our YouTube video on “PhD from IIIT – 5 Facts”
Need Help with PhD Applications?
At Zenith PhD Training & Consultancy, we provide one-on-one mentoring, PhD proposal support, and career guidance (not coaching for NET).
Visit www.zenithphd.com or message on WhatsApp at 9821101125.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
All 27 IIITs in India offer PhD programs. These programs are available in disciplines such as engineering, computer science, data science, management, mathematics, and even humanities, depending on the institute.
Yes, many IIITs offer part-time PhD options for working professionals. Applicants typically need relevant work experience (e.g., 1–3 years), and some IIITs may waive entrance exams for such candidates.
Yes, fellowships are available at IIITs. Students who qualify through exams like GATE or UGC NET JRF may receive financial support from the institute or the Ministry of Education. Those who haven’t qualified must usually pursue the program on a self-financed basis.
Most IIITs charge between INR 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh per year. However, some institutes like IIIT Guwahati offer much lower fees, around INR 10,000 per year.
Top IIITs for PhD in Computer Science/Engineering include:
- IIIT Hyderabad
- IIIT Bangalore
- IIITDM Kancheepuram
- IIIT Allahabad
These institutes are known for strong research output, faculty, and industry partnerships.
While general eligibility is similar (Master's degree with 60%+ marks), work experience and exam requirements may vary across IIITs, especially for part-time PhD applicants.
Yes, around 12–15 IIITs offer PhD programs in Humanities or English. Check the specific institute's PhD admission brochure for detailed subject offerings.
The admission process generally involves:
- Online application
- Screening based on academic background
- Written test (optional for part-time)
- Interview by a faculty panel
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By Dr. Ritika Gauba– PhD Mentor & Advisor
CEO & Founder ZPTC
Dr. Ritika Gauba
Dr. Ritika Gauba the Founder & CEO of Zenith Ph.D. Training & Consultancy is a Ph.D. Coach, Mentor & Guide. She has an in-depth knowledge of all the Ph.D. rules by UGC and the New Education Policy. She has done an unfathomable study of the Ph.D. regulations of more than 1000 Indian and international universities, including institutions of national importance like IIMs, IITs, IIITs, IVY League colleges & so on, making her a specialist in the area.