Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Ph.D in Design (offered under the School of Interdisciplinary Design and Innovation - SIDI) at IIITDM Kancheepuram is a full-time research programme that typically spans 3 to 5 years, focusing on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the intersection of design, engineering, and technology. The programme is offered on a full-time, on-campus basis with no fixed seat intake publicly declared, and is funded through categories such as HTRA (with a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 42,000), NHTRA, Project, External, PEE, and Fellowship. Admission is primarily based on a valid GATE/UGC/CSIR/NBHM/DAE-JEST score followed by a written test and/or interview. The programme is highly sought after due to IIITDM's unique design-centric engineering philosophy, its status as an Institute of National Importance, and its strong research ecosystem with funded projects from DRDO, ISRO, DST, and other agencies.

Admissions for the July 2026 session are currently ongoing. The application portal opened on 23rd February 2026 and the last date to apply is 25th March 2026.

Key Points

Research areas under SIDI include Surgical Robotics, Medical Device Design, Ergonomics, VR/AR, Sustainable Materials, Additive Manufacturing, Rehabilitation Technologies, Assistive Devices, Exoskeletons, Prostheses, Biomechanics, and AI-driven Design.
HTRA scholars receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 (Years 1-2) and Rs. 42,000 (Years 3-5), subject to satisfactory performance.
Hostel accommodation is compulsory for all scholars; exemptions may be granted by the Institute on a case-by-case basis.
SC/ST students are exempted from payment of tuition fees irrespective of parental income.
No application fee is required for the Ph.D programme.
The institute has active research collaborations with reputed Indian and foreign universities and receives funded projects from DRDO, ISRO, DST, ANRF, ICMR, and other agencies.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IIITDM Kancheepuram Latest Updates and News

25 Feb, 2026 IIITDM Kancheepuram PhD Admissions 2026 are open for the July session. Apply @iiitdm.ac.in till Mar 25. The tests/ interviews are tentatively scheduled from May 4 to 8, 2026.

IIITDM Ph.D in Design Fees

The total fees for the Ph.D in Design at IIITDM Kancheepuram consist of a one-time admission fee component and per-semester fees. For the first semester, the total institute fees (including one-time charges) amount to Rs. 58,500, and hostel fees add Rs. 47,996 per semester. SC/ST students are exempt from tuition fees. The hostel is compulsory for all scholars, making the combined institute and hostel fees Rs. 1,06,496 for the first semester.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
One-Time Fees
Admission Fee	500
Certificate/Thesis Fee	1,500
Student Welfare Fee	1,000
Infrastructure Development Fee	1,000
Alumni Life Membership Fee	500
Publication Fee / Library Fee	1,500
Total One-Time Fees	6,000
Semester Fees (per semester)
Tuition Fee	46,000
Examination Fee	500
Registration Fee	500
Sports Fee	1,000
Medical Fee	1,000
Student Amenities	3,000
Total Semester Fees	52,000
Medical Insurance Premium (per annum)	500
Total Institute Fees (1st Semester incl. one-time)	58,500
Hostel Fees (per semester)
Hostel Admission Fee	700
Hostel Seat Rent	3,500
Hostel Maintenance Charges	17,496
Dining Charges (Advance)	24,300
Establishment B Charges	1,000
Development Fee	1,000
Total Hostel Fees (per semester)	47,996
Total Fees (Institute + Hostel, 1st Semester)	1,06,496

SC/ST students are exempted from payment of tuition fee (Rs. 46,000 per semester) irrespective of parental income.
Hostel accommodation is compulsory for all scholars.
Day scholar status may be granted by the Institute on a case-by-case basis; day scholars pay only institute fees (excluding hostel fees).
Dining charges (Rs. 24,300 per semester) may vary based on tendering value.
The fee structure is subject to revision as per Institute rules/norms from time to time.
HTRA scholars receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 (Years 1-2) and Rs. 42,000 (Years 3-5), which effectively offsets the fee outgo.

Explore Other Group Colleges of IIITDM Kancheepuram

IIITDM Ph.D in Design Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D in Design (SIDI) at IIITDM Kancheepuram for the July 2026 session are currently open. The application portal opened on 23rd February 2026 and closes on 25th March 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a written test and/or interview in May 2026, with physical reporting and enrollment scheduled for 13th July 2026.

IIITDM Ph.D Admission Dates

Event	Date
Application Portal Opens	23rd February 2026
Last Date to Apply (Online)	25th March 2026
Shortlisting of Applications	30th March 2026
Intimation to Shortlisted Candidates	2nd April 2026
Written Test / Interview - Interdisciplinary Product Design (SIDI)	7th May 2026
Declaration of Selected Candidates	18th May 2026
Acceptance of Offer by Selected Candidates	25th May 2026
Physical Reporting and Enrollment	13th July 2026

GATE 2026 Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
GATE 2026	Registration Start	28th August 2025
GATE 2026	Registration End	13th October 2025
GATE 2026	Admit Card Release	13th January 2026
GATE 2026	Exam Dates	7, 8, 14, 15 February 2026
GATE 2026	Answer Key Release	19th February 2026
GATE 2026	Result Declaration	19th March 2026

Note: UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-JRF, NBHM, DAE-JEST, and other equivalent national-level qualifications are also accepted for Ph.D admissions at IIITDM Kancheepuram.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Master's degree (ME/M.Tech/M.Des/M.Arch/MBA) or equivalent in any discipline; OR MS/M.Sc or equivalent in any Science discipline with a valid GATE/UGC/CSIR/NBHM/DAE-JEST score.
For Direct Ph.D (without PG degree): B.Tech/B.E. from CFTIs with a minimum CGPA of 8.0/10.0; or from non-CFTIs with a valid GATE score and CGPA of at least 8.0/10.0.
Candidates must have a good academic record; reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD are applicable as per Government of India norms.

Admission Process

Submit an online application at admissions.iiitdm.ac.in (no hard copy required; no application fee).
Upload all required documents including PG/UG degree certificates, marksheets, GATE/NET score card, category certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents.
Shortlisted candidates are called for a written test and/or interview at IIITDM Kancheepuram campus.
Selection is based on academic record and performance in the written test/interview.
Selected candidates must accept the offer by the stipulated date and report physically for enrollment on 13th July 2026.
Candidates applying under External or PEE categories must submit a detailed research proposal along with their application.

IIITDM Ph.D in Design Scholarships 2026

IIITDM Kancheepuram offers financial support to Ph.D scholars through institutional and government-funded schemes. HTRA scholars receive a monthly stipend that covers most living and academic expenses, making the programme financially accessible. Additionally, scholars with external fellowships from agencies like UGC, CSIR, INSPIRE, NBHM, DBT, ICMR, and MeitY can apply under the Fellowship category.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Financial Support	Amount	Eligibility
HTRA (Half-Time Research Assistantship) - Years 1 & 2	Rs. 37,000/month	Full-time Ph.D scholars selected under HTRA category; requires 8 hrs/week TA duty
HTRA - Years 3 to 5	Rs. 42,000/month	Subject to satisfactory external assessment at end of Year 2
SC/ST Tuition Fee Waiver	Rs. 46,000/semester	SC/ST students, irrespective of parental income
UGC/CSIR JRF Fellowship	As per UGC/CSIR norms	Candidates with valid JRF award tenable for the year of registration
INSPIRE Fellowship (DST)	As per DST norms	Candidates with valid INSPIRE award
NBHM/DBT/ICMR/MeitY Fellowship	As per respective agency norms	Candidates with valid fellowship from respective agencies

HTRA renewal is contingent on satisfactory research progress and good performance each semester.
Enhancement of HTRA, if any, will be in line with Ministry of Education norms.
Candidates under the Fellowship category must have a fellowship tenable for the year of registration.
Project category scholars receive assistantship from the sponsored research project as per SRIC regulations of IIITDM Kancheepuram.

IIITDM Ph.D in Design FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between HTRA and NHTRA categories at IIITDM Kancheepuram?

Ans. HTRA (Half-Time Research Assistantship) scholars receive a monthly stipend (Rs. 37,000 in Years 1-2 and Rs. 42,000 in Years 3-5) and are required to perform Teaching Assistantship duties for at least 8 hours per week. NHTRA (Non-HTRA) scholars do not receive any institute stipend and have no TA obligations. Both categories are full-time, on-campus programmes.

Ques. Is it mandatory to stay in the hostel during the Ph.D programme?

Ans. Yes, hostel accommodation is compulsory for all Ph.D scholars at IIITDM Kancheepuram. However, exemptions may be granted by the Institute on a case-by-case basis. Day scholars (those granted exemption) pay only the institute fees and are not charged hostel fees.

Ques. Can I apply for Ph.D in Design (SIDI) without a design background?

Ans. Yes. The eligibility for SIDI allows candidates with a Master's degree (ME/M.Tech/M.Des/M.Arch/MBA) or equivalent in any discipline, or MS/M.Sc in any Science discipline with a valid GATE/UGC/CSIR/NBHM/DAE-JEST score. A design-specific background is not mandatory, but research interest in design-related areas is expected.

Ques. What research areas are available under the School of Interdisciplinary Design and Innovation (SIDI)?

Ans. SIDI covers a wide range of research areas including Surgical Robotics, Medical Device Design, Ergonomics, VR/AR, Exoskeletons, Prostheses, Rehabilitation Robotics, Biomechanics, Sustainable Materials, Additive Manufacturing, Lightweight Materials, AI-driven Design, Point-of-care Devices, Biomaterials, and Affordable Healthcare Devices, among others.

Ques. Is GATE mandatory for Ph.D admission at IIITDM Kancheepuram?

Ans. GATE is the primary qualifying exam, but it is not the only accepted qualification. UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-JRF, NBHM, DAE-JEST, and other equivalent national-level qualifications are also accepted. Candidates from CFTIs with a B.Tech CGPA of 8.0 or above may also be eligible for Direct Ph.D without a GATE score.

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D in Design at IIITDM Kancheepuram?

Ans. IIITDM Kancheepuram does not publicly declare a fixed seat intake for Ph.D programmes. The number of seats available each session depends on the research supervisors available and the funded projects in the School of Interdisciplinary Design and Innovation (SIDI). Candidates are advised to check the official website and the R&D Brochure for details of available research areas and supervisors before applying.