Doctor of Philosophy — IIT Ropar Centre of Excellence for Socio-Environmental Sustainability
The Centre of Excellence in Socio-Environmental Sustainability for River Sand Mining (SEnSRS) at IIT Ropar is a pioneering initiative focused on interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and evidence-based policymaking for sustainable river resource management. Recognizing the challenges posed by unsustainable sand mining — including ecological degradation, hydrological changes, socio-economic impacts, and governance issues — the Centre aims to develop scientific solutions and policy interventions for long-term sustainability.
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, SEnSRS proposes to launch a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programme from January 2026. The programme will integrate engineering, environmental sciences, social sciences, law, and emerging technologies such as AI, GeoAI, and digital governance tools to address key aspects of river sand mining and riverine sustainability.
Research under the programme will focus on a wide range of thematic areas, including but not limited to:
Eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications will be called for a "test and interview" or "interview" by the Selection Committees of the Department of Civil Engineering. The interview may be supplemented by a written test, if necessary. Depending on the number of applications received, the Academic Units may put additional academic performance-based shortlisting criteria.
Candidates under this category are entitled to Centre Fellowship from SEnSRS.
External Registration Program — for candidates employed in R&D organizations / academic institutions. Research may be carried out largely in the parent organization with overall IIT Ropar guidance.
Research scholar carries out major part or all research work at IIT Ropar under supervision of IIT Ropar supervisors.
Project staff are eligible for Part-time / Full-time PhD enrollment. *Special preference will be given to candidates nominated by the Punjab government under the Centre's scheme.
| Sr. | Qualifying Degree | Min. Performance (Gen/OBC/EWS) | Min. Performance (SC/ST/PwD) | National Exam Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M.Tech./M.E/M.D. or equivalent / 5 year Integrated Master's / 5 year BS-MS Dual degree | 60% or 6.00 CGPA | 55% or 5.5 CGPA | Nil |
| 2 | M.Sc/M.A/MBA or equivalent Master degree / PG diploma + relevant Bachelor's | 60% or 6.00 CGPA | 55% or 5.5 CGPA | GATE / CSIR / UGC-NET / DST-INSPIRE / JEST / NBHM or other national fellowship |
| 3 | B.E./B.Tech./BS or equivalent four-year program | 60% or 6.00 CGPA | 55% or 5.5 CGPA | GATE / CSIR / UGC-NET / DST-INSPIRE / JEST / NBHM or other national fellowship |
⚡ GATE Exemption (CFTI Graduates)
Candidates from CFTIs who completed B.Tech./B.E. or M.Sc./MBA must obtain a CGPA of 7.5 or above (or 75% aggregate marks) at the time of graduation to be exempt from GATE / National Level Exam requirement.
| Sr. | Qualifications | Work Experience (Post Qualification) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M.E./M.Tech./M.S.(R)/M.D. or Equivalent | Nil |
| 2 | B.Tech./BE with valid GATE | Nil |
| 3 | B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc./M.A./M.B.A. or equivalent, from CFTIs/Central Universities | 1 Year |
| 4 | B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc./M.A./MBA or equivalent, from institutions other than CFTIs/Central Universities | 2 Years |
The sponsoring organization must confirm the following conditions:
Required: Name · Designation · Address · Signature of Head of Organization with official seal · Place · Date
Part-time candidates must submit a NOC on organization letterhead from the Head confirming:
Required: Name · Designation · Address · Signature with official seal · Place · Date
Submit your application through the official IIT Ropar student portal before 25 January 2026.
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