A PhD in Engineering makes you a research expert. This degree is offered by top institutes in India like the IITs and NITs. Today we will discuss everything in detail from eligibility criteria to career prospects.
What is a PhD in Engineering?
The full form of PhD in Engineering is Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering. This is the highest academic degree in the engineering field. You develop new technologies during this program. A research thesis must be submitted. In India this course typically lasts 3-6 years.
PhD in Engineering Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a PhD in engineering, you need a Master’s degree. A minimum of 55% marks or a 6.0 CGPA in M.Tech or ME is required. SC/ST candidates receive a 5% relaxation. Clearing the GATE, NET or a university entrance exam is also mandatory.
Direct entry into IITs is possible after B.Tech. This is especially true if you have a CGPA of 8.0 or higher from a top CFTI (Centrally Funded Technical Institute). Research experience is a bonus. There is usually no age limit.
Quick Eligibility Table:
| Degree | Minimum Marks | Entrance Exam |
| M.Tech/ME | 55% (50% reserved) | GATE/NET |
| B.Tech (IIT/NIT) | 75% ya 8.0 CGPA | GATE optional |
How many years does a PhD in Engineering take?
How many years does a PhD in engineering take? Full-time: 3-6 years. Minimum 3 years with coursework and thesis. On average it takes 4-5 years. Part-time: 4-7 years.
PhD in engineering in India for the same duration. PhD in civil engineering for how many years? 3-5 years. PhD in electrical engineering in how many years also in this range. Extensions are possible with funding.
Branch-wise Duration:
- PhD in mechanical engineering how many years: 3-6
- PhD in chemical engineering how many years: 4-5
- PhD in computer engineering how many years: 3-5
PhD in Engineering Subjects and Syllabus
PhD in engineering subjects are research based. Coursework in advanced topics like research methodology, statistics. PhD in electrical engineering in power systems and control systems.
Core areas:
- Structural analysis (civil)
- Machine learning (computer)
- Thermodynamics (mechanical)
Top PhD in Engineering Colleges in India
IITs are at the top among PhD colleges in India. List of PhD colleges in India according to NIRF 2025:
| Rank | College | Location |
| 1 | IIT Madras | Chennai |
| 2 | IIT Delhi | Delhi |
| 3 | IIT Bombay | Mumbai |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | Kanpur |
| 5 | IIT Kharagpur | Kharagpur |
In India VIT and BITS Pilani are also strong colleges for PhD programs. For engineering PhD programs in India check the GATE score requirements.
PhD in Engineering Entrance Exam
For PhD in engineering the GATE entrance exam is the top choice. CSIR-UGC NET and JRF are also valid. University-specific tests like the IIT’s own exam are also accepted.
Steps to Apply:
- By qualifying GATE/NET.
- Fill the university application.
- Submit an interview and research proposal.
PhD in Engineering Fees Structure
PhD in engineering fees are low in India. At IITs the fees range from ₹45,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year. IIIT Lucknow charges ₹81,000 for the first year.
Sample Fees Table:
| Institute | Yearly Fees (₹) |
| IIT Bombay | 75,000-9.43 lakh |
| NIT Trichy | 45,000 |
| VIT Vellore | 1-1.6 lakh |
A monthly stipend of ₹31,000-₹42,000 is provided to JRFs (Junior Research Fellows). Fees are refundable in many cases.
Note: For the latest updates please visit the official website.
PhD in Engineering Salary in India
PhD in engineering salary is high in India. Fresher ₹8-12 lakh per annum. Experienced professor ₹15-25 lakh.
PhD in engineering salary: Research scientist ₹6-12 lakh. Industry in ₹20 lakh+.
Job-wise Salary:
| Role | Monthly (₹) |
| Professor | 65k-2.5L |
| Research Scientist | 50k-1L |
| Consultant | 70k-85k |
Process of Admission Step by Step
Admission procedure for the PhD in engineering is as follows:
- Please check for eligibility.
- Do an entrance exam (GATE).
- Application submitted with SOP, LOR.
- Erase the interview.
- By choosing a research supervisor.
Career Opportunities and Scope
After the PhD, some of the available options are R&D, academic institutions, and consultancy. Organizations like DRDO and ISRO recruit PhD holders. In the private sector, Google and Microsoft are some organizations that recruit them.
Latest Trends in PhD Engineering
AI and renewables are in the news. Highest PhD in biomedical engineering and industrial engineering. NIRF rankings will be updated in 2025.
Funding: PMRF scheme provides ₹70,000 stipend.
