IIT Hyderabad Ph.D Interdisciplinary Courses: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The CIP Interdisciplinary PhD at IIT Hyderabad allows scholars to pursue doctoral research bridging two academic disciplines, with guidance from supervisors drawn from two different departments. Unlike a single-department PhD, the programme is administered centrally through the Centre for Interdisciplinary Programs and students apply against specific faculty research proposals. Fellowship support and fee structure are identical to those of a standard IITH PhD programme.

Ans. The CIP does not mandate a single GATE paper. You should appear in the paper most relevant to the faculty research proposal you intend to apply for. Candidates may also qualify through UGC-NET or CSIR-NET in a suitable subject. The CIP selection committee evaluates applicants based on their qualifying score, relevance of their academic background, and performance in the written test or interview.

Ans. The six CIP research verticals are Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Communications and Networks, Bioengineering and Healthcare, Energy, Environment, Creative Design and Management, Novel Materials and Computational Techniques, Robotics, Biomimetics and Instrumentation, and Soft and Active Matter and Mechanics of Materials. Specific faculty research proposals within these verticals are announced on the CIP portal ahead of each admission cycle.

Ans. No. Each applicant may apply to only one interdisciplinary research proposal listed on the CIP portal during a given admission cycle. It is therefore important to carefully review all available proposals and match your academic background to the requirements of the specific proposal before submitting an application. The selection process includes a written test and/or interview conducted by the CIP committee for that proposal.

Ans. MoE-funded CIP scholars receive a research fellowship of INR 31,000 per month at JRF norms, matching standard IITH PhD students. Additionally, scholars receive a contingency grant of INR 50,000 per year for research-related consumables. SC/ST students are exempt from the tuition fee. The Merit-cum-Means Scholarship of INR 1,000 per month is also available for eligible students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Ans. Yes. Candidates with a B.Tech, B.E., B.Des, or 4-year BS degree and a CGPA of 8.0 or above are eligible for direct PhD entry in the CIP programme, subject to a valid GATE or NET qualifying score and satisfactory performance in the selection process. Candidates with a Master’s degree need a minimum of 60% aggregate or equivalent CGPA in their qualifying degree to be considered.