PhD Programme

Doctor of Philosophy — IIT Ropar Centre of Excellence for Socio-Environmental SustainabilityAbout The CentreThe 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.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 AreasResearch under the programme will focus on a wide range of thematic areas, including but not limited to:River Geomorphology and Sediment DynamicsEnvironmental Impacts and Ecological Sustainability of Sand MiningHydrological Modelling and River Basin ManagementGIS, Remote Sensing, and Drone-based Monitoring ApplicationsSocio-Economic, Legal, and Policy Dimensions of River Resource GovernanceSustainability Indicators and Decision Support SystemsArtificial Intelligence (AI), GeoAI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning for Predictive ModellingHyperautomation and Workflow Intelligence for Environmental Data ProcessingWeb-based GIS Dashboards and Spatial Decision Support PortalsMobile and Web Application Development for Real-Time River Monitoring Selection ProcedureEligible 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.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. Admission Procedure & Modes(i) Regular Full-Time PhDCandidates under this category are entitled to Centre Fellowship from SEnSRS.(ii-a) Part-Time ERPExternal 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.(ii-b) Part-Time PhDResearch scholar carries out major part or all research work at IIT Ropar under supervision of IIT Ropar supervisors.(ii-c) Self-SponsoredProject 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. Minimum Eligibility (Table 1 — Full-Time)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.Table 2 — Part-Time: Minimum Work ExperienceSr. 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 YearsFormat A — Sponsorship Certificate (Part-Time ERP)The Sponsoring Organization Must Confirm The Following Conditions:Candidate will continue in the present place of work till research is complete.Necessary research facilities will be provided.Institute supervisor(s) will be given access to the organization's facilities.A Joint Research Supervisor/Coordinator will be identified at registration.Half-yearly reports will be submitted through the Institute's PG office.The Joint Research Supervisor has completed a PhD from a Govt. recognized institution.The organization will ensure the thesis is submitted within the stipulated time frame.Any intellectual property arising from the research will be shared per a committee constituted by IIT Ropar.All thesis material can be submitted for publication; the organization waives the right to deny publication.Required: Name Designation Address Signature of Head of Organization with official seal Place DateThe Sponsoring Organization Must Confirm The Following Conditions:Candidate will continue in the present place of work till research is complete.Necessary research facilities will be provided.Institute supervisor(s) will be given access to the organization's facilities.A Joint Research Supervisor/Coordinator will be identified at registration.Half-yearly reports will be submitted through the Institute's PG office.The Joint Research Supervisor has completed a PhD from a Govt. recognized institution.The organization will ensure the thesis is submitted within the stipulated time frame.Any intellectual property arising from the research will be shared per a committee constituted by IIT Ropar.All thesis material can be submitted for publication; the organization waives the right to deny publication.Required: Name Designation Address Signature of Head of Organization with official seal Place DateFormat B — No Objection Certificate (Part-Time)Part-time candidates must submit a NOC on organization letterhead from the Head confirming:The candidate is permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis.Official duties permit sufficient time for research.Required: Name Designation Address Signature with official seal Place DatePart-time candidates must submit a NOC on organization letterhead from the Head confirming:The candidate is permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis.Official duties permit sufficient time for research.Required: Name Designation Address Signature with official seal Place DateReady to Apply?Fill in the official CoE SEnSRS application form before 25 January 2026.