Ph.D. & Master of Science by Research

International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-Bangalore) invites applications for its research degree programs for admission in the August, 2025 term, namely, Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated Ph.D.and Ph.D. Programs) in all research domains, and the Master of Science by Research (M. S. (By Research)) Program in all domains, except Mathematics & Physics. 

The seven research domains at IIIT-B are:

• Computer Science (CS)
• Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DSAI)
• Digital Humanities & Societal Systems (DHSS)
• Mathematics & Physics (MP)
• Networking, Communications & Signal Processing (NCSP)
• Software Engineering (SE)
• VLSI & Embedded Systems.

The Ph. D. and Integrated Ph.D program have full-time as well as part-time registration options. M. S. (By Research) program is for full-time applicants only. The students admitted to these programs will be referred to as research scholars.

The minimum duration for a student admitted to a particular research programs is:

• Integrated PhD: 4 years
• PhD: 3 years
• MS by Research: 2 years

General Minimum Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants to the MS by Research program should have a four-year Bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.E., B. Tech. or equivalent) and a good academic record. Shortlisted applicants would ideally have taken either a national entrance examination, or would be required to take a domain-specific entrance examination at IIIT-Bangalore, as specified by the concerned research domain, before the interview.

• Applicants to the Integrated PhD Program should hold a 4-year (8-semester) undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant branch of engineering or science and at least 75% score in their undergraduate marks (to be relaxed only in the event of a display of exceptional proof of research ability (e.g., research publications)), AND a valid GATE Score in a relevant subject. Applicants will be shortlisted for an interview on the basis of their UG marks & GATE scores.

• Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy program should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent), as well as have a good academic and, where applicable, technical track record.As an admission criterion placed for Doctor of Philosophy degree by the University Grants Commission, we require shortlisted applicants to have taken either a national entrance examination, as specified by concerned research domains, or take a domain-specific entrance examination at IIIT-Bangalore before the interview.Qualified applicants with UGC-NET or similar Research Fellowships can avail of these at IIITB provided they are selected through the Institute’s selection process, the decision of which would be deemed final.

For details of domain-specific requirements, please refer to “Research Domain-Specific Requirements” tab.

At IIIT-Bangalore, there are seven research domains and we have openings for all the research degree programs in all the domains, except for Mathematics & Physics, which has openings exclusively for the Ph.D. & Integrated Ph.D. programs.The following table lists the various research domains to which research scholars to be admitted in August 2025. Please note that some research areas appear in more than one research domains. Research areas mentioned below are applicable to both full-time and part-time applications.

A brief description of the active research work in the afore-mentioned research domains is given below.

IIIT-Bangalore also has various specialized research centers. These include:

• E-Health Research Centre (EHRC)

• Machine Intelligence and Robotics (MINRO) Centre

• Centre for Internet of Ethical Things (CIET)

• Center for Technology Research and Innovation – Digital Governance (CTRI-DG)

 More information about research at the Centers and Labs is available on our website from the Research link on the Institute Website, and from the websites of the individual faculty members.

Additional Domain-specific Eligibility Criteria:

In addition to the general minimum eligibility conditions, the various research domains have additional requirements:

Research domain-specific requirements are as follows:

For applicants to Computer Science, Data Sciences, VLSI and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering and Networking Communication & Signal Processing, a four-year Bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.E., B. Tech. or equivalent) is required for the Master of Science by Research program; and a Master’s degree in engineering (M.E., M. Tech. or equivalent) is required for the Doctor of Philosophy program. Additional specific requirements are as follows:

1. Computer Science and Software Engineering:

• Applicants should have a GATE or GRE score taken in the last five years.
• Candidates with suitable industrial or academic experience and credentials may apply without competitive exam (GATE/GRE) scores, which may be waived. Applicants should clear a written exam conducted by IIIT-Bangalore, covering topics on Data Structures and Algorithms, Discrete Maths, DBMS, Operating Systems, Basic Programming, Computer Architecture and Organization.
• Screening/shortlisting will be based on the afore-mentioned score and other application details furnished by the applicant, followed by an interview.

2. Data Science:

• Applicants should have taken one of the following examinations:
  • GATE examination in any relevant engineering domain.

• For Ph. D., candidates should have a M.Sc. (Math or Computer Science) or, M. Tech (Computer Science) degree.

• Screening/ shortlisting will be based on the afore-mentioned score and other application details furnished by the applicant, followed by an interview.

3. VLSI and Embedded Systems:

• Applicants will have to write written exam, followed by an interview if selected. GATE scores are not mandatory but will be desirable.
• Shortlisting of applicants will be done based on their academic background and other details submitted by the applicants.

4. Networking, Communications & Signal Processing:

           Requirements (Ph.D.):

• Strong background in Computer Networks
• Strong background in Analog and Digital Communication 
• Basics of Signal Processing
• Mathematics: Probability Theory, Random Variables, and Statistics 
• Optimization techniques for Applied Wireless and ML

            Requirements (M. S. (By Research):

• Good background in Computer Networks 
• Good background in Analog and Digital Communication  
• Basics of Signal Processing 
• Mathematics: Probability Theory, Random Variables, and Statistics.

Four-year Bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.E., B. Tech. or equivalent degree in ECE/CS/IT) is required for the M. S. (By Research) program, and a Master’s degree in engineering (M.E., M. Tech. or equivalent in ECE/CS/IT/Networking/Communication/Signal Processing) is required for the Ph. D. program. Additional specific requirements are as follows: 

• Applicants will have to write written exam, followed by an interview if selected.
• Applicants with good GATE score will be exempted from the written exam, and will appear directly for an interview.
• Shortlisting of applicants will be done based on their academic background and other details submitted by the applicants.

5. Physics:

         Eligible candidates should have satisfied the following requirements:

• The minimum qualification required for the PhD program is an M.Sc. in Physics, or a Master’s degree (M.E., M. Tech. or equivalent) in related disciplines for the Ph. D. program.
• Candidates for the PhD program who have appeared and qualified in a national entrance test (CSIR-UGC NET, UGC-NET, GATE or JEST examination) may be exempt from taking a written test at IIIT Bangalore. M. Phil. candidates can also apply for the Doctor of Philosophy program.
• For the Integrated Ph.D. program in physics, a 4 year Undergraduate Degree in Physics such as a BS or B.Sc. (Hons) is the minimum qualification, with a valid GATE score.
• Screening/ shortlisting will be based on the scores obtained in the afore-mentioned examinations or written examination at IIIT Bangalore, and other application details furnished by the applicant followed by an interview if shortlisted.

6. Mathematics:
   • The minimum qualification required for the PhD program is a Master’s degree in engineering (M. Tech., M.E. or equivalent) or a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Engineering.
   • Candidates who have appeared and qualified in one of the two national entrance examinations: CSIR-UGC NET or NBHM may be exempt from the written test at IIIT Bangalore.
   • M. Phil.candidates can also apply for the Doctor of Philosophy programme.
   •  For the Integrated Ph.D. program in mathematics, a 4 year Undergraduate Degree in Mathematics (Applied Mathematics / Engineering / Physics /or an allied discipline also being considered for applicants to Applied Mathematics)  is the minimum qualification, with a valid GATE score.
   • Screening/ shortlisting will be based on the scores obtained in the afore-mentioned examinations or written examination at IIITB, and other application details furnished by the applicant followed by an interview if selected.

7. Digital Humanities & Societal Systems:
   • Candidates with a Master’s degree in any of the social sciences are eligible to apply for Master of Science by Research/ Master of Science (Research) and Doctor of Philosophy in the DHSS domain.
   • In addition, candidates with a four-year Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Sciences, Maths/ Statistics (B.E., B.Tech. or equivalent) can apply for the Master of Science by Research program or the Integrated PhD program; and those with a Master’s degree in engineering (M.E., M.Tech. or equivalent) can apply for the Doctor of Philosophy program.
   • Candidates are encouraged to provide a valid score in GATE, JRF, NET, GRE, or GMAT along with their applications. Those without such a score may apply as well.
   • For some of the topics, work experience in the information technology industry is desirable but not essential.
   • Shortlisted candidates will have to take a written examination at IIIT Bangalore when called for interview.
   • A bachelor's degree (minimum of 4 years) or a master's degree in any field. Strong writing skills essential; prior fieldwork experience useful but not essential. For some topics: preferably graduates in Engineering, Sciences and Math/ Statistics.

 For this Academic year course fees are:

• The tuition fee per semester for the scholars who are joining the Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science by Research programme in this academic year  will be as follows:

• The tuition fee is payable till the student completes submission of the thesis. The tuition fee is, however, subject to revision from time to time.
• Alumni contribution and convocation charges will be levied on completion of thesis defense and while submitting no dues as per the rules and regulations in practice at the time of graduation.

  For the Academic year 2025-26 stipends are:

• For Full-time Master of Science by Research/ Master of Science (Research) students, stipend of INR 20,000/- per month is available.
• For Full-time Doctor of Philosophy - consolidated stipend of INR 38,500/- per month till the completion of comprehensive exam. INR 43,500/- per month after the completion of comprehensive exam as per Institute policy. Stipend is paid for a period of 5 years.
• For Full-time Integrated PhD-stipend would be INR 20,000/- per month till the completion of comprehensive exam.After the completion of comprehensive exam stipend would be INR 43,500/-

Hostel facility is subject to availability.

The male students admitted to the research programme will be provided accommodation in an off-campus hostel facility arranged by IIIT-B.The female Students will be provided hostel accommodation on campus itself. The hostel fee rates are applicable uniformly for all the students irrespective of the hostel location.

Estimate of Hostel and Mess Fees:

• Hostel Accommodation and allied Charges: INR 39,000/- per Semester.
• Mess Charges: INR 28,800/- per Semester.
• Medical Insurance: INR 2,000/- per annum to be paid each year.
• Caution Deposit: INR 19,000/-.

           These rates are subject to revision from time to time.

 Other costs for books and supplies, travel, purchase of a laptop, etc., need to be factored by students depending on their individual circumstances.

Click the buttons below for the Master of Science by Research and Doctor of Philosophy Manuals:

MS by Research    Doctor of Philosophy

Computer Science and Software Engineering:

 Fundamentals of CS topics covered in BE/BTech programmes.

 Data Science and Artificial Intelligence:

1. Linear Algebra.
2. Probability and statistics and related topics.
3. Data structures and Algorithms.
4. Numerical Methods.
5. DBMS and Discrete Mathematics.

Mathematics & Physics (MP) [only PhD]:

 Mathematics:

Pure Mathematics

• Groups, Rings, Field Theory, Galois Theory.
• Matrices, System of linear equations, Vector Spaces.
• Linear Transformations, Inner product spaces, Eigen values and Eigen vectors, spectral theorem for normal matrices.
• Elementary number theory, Calculus, Real Analysis, Differential Equations.

Applied Mathematics

• Fundamental of Mathematical Analysis (Functional Analysis) & Algebra (Linear Algebra) 
• Mathematical Modelling and Dynamical system, 
• Dynamics/Mechanics (Preferably Fluid Dynamics/Mechanics)
• Computer programming language, 
• Differential Equations (ODE & PDE), Numerical analysis (Numerics of ODE and PDE), 
• Probability and Statistics, Data analysis and interpretation. 

 Physics:

I. Mathematical Methods of Physics: Dimensional analysis. Vector algebra and vector calculus. Linear algebra, matrices, Cayley-Hamilton Theorem. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Linear ordinary differential equations of first & second order, Special functions (Hermite, Bessel, Laguerre and Legendre functions). Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms. Elements of complex analysis, analytic functions; Taylor & Laurent series; poles, residues and evaluation of integrals. Elementary probability theory, random variables, binomial, Poisson and normal distributions. Central limit theorem.

 II. Classical Mechanics: Newton’s laws. Dynamical systems, Phase space dynamics, stability analysis. Central force motions. Two body Collisions: scattering in laboratory and Centre of mass frames. Rigid body dynamics, moment of inertia tensor. Non-inertial frames and pseudoforces. Variational principle. Generalized coordinates. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism and equations of motion. Conservation laws and cyclic coordinates. Periodic motion: small oscillations, normal modes. Special theory of relativity: Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics and mass–energy equivalence.

III. Electromagnetic Theory: Electrostatics: Gauss’s law & its applications, Laplace and Poisson equations, boundary value problems. Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart law, Ampere's theorem. Electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations in free space and linear isotropic media; boundary conditions on the fields at interfaces. Scalar and vector potentials, gauge invariance. Electromagnetic waves in free space. Dielectrics & conductors. Reflection & refraction, polarization, Fresnel’s law, interference, coherence, & diffraction. Dynamics of charged particles in static and uniform electromagnetic fields.

IV. Quantum Mechanics:  Wave-particle duality. Schrödinger equation (time-dependent and time-independent). Eigenvalue problems (particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, etc.). Tunneling through a barrier. Wave-function in coordinate and momentum representations. Commutators and Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Dirac notation for state vectors. Motion in a central potential: orbital angular momentum, angular momentum algebra, spin, addition of angular momenta; Hydrogen atom. Stern-Gerlach experiment. Time independent perturbation theory and applications. Variational method. Time dependent perturbation theory and Fermi's golden rule, selection rules. Identical particles, Pauli exclusion principle, spin-statistics connection.

V. Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics: Laws of thermodynamics and their consequences. Thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, chemical potential, phase equilibria. Phase space, micro- and macro-states. Micro-canonical, canonical & grand-canonical ensembles, partition functions. Free energy and its connection with thermodynamic quantities. Classical and quantum statistics. Ideal Bose and Fermi gases. Principle of detailed balance. Blackbody radiation and Planck's distribution law. Free-electron theory.

VI Error Analysis, Data interpretation and analysis: Precision and accuracy. Error analysis, propagation of errors. Least squares fitting.

VII. The candidates should also prepare to answer questions about their Postgraduate Projects and / or MPhil Thesis.

Networking, Communications Signal Processing(NCSP)

1. Strong background in Computer Networks.
2. Strong background in Analog and Digital Communication.
3. Basics of Signal Processing.
4. Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, Random Variables, and Statistics.

Digital Humanities and Societal Systems (DHSS)

The candidates will have to write a short essay (1500 words) on a topic of interest to the IT and Society research domain at IIITB that can be viewed here: http://citapp.iiitb.ac.in/. A set of questions related to the research interest mentioned by the various candidates in their application form will be provided; candidates can choose the one(s) they would like to answer.

VLSI and Embedded Systems

1. Combinational logic circuits, minimization of Boolean functions. Arithmetic circuits. Sequential circuits, flip-flops, shift registers, timers and counters, timing- setup/hold. 8-bit microprocessors and microcontrollers: applications, memory and input-output interfacing, Basics of Computer architecture, ALU, instruction pipeline, instruction decoding, SRAM, DRAM.
2. Characteristics and applications of diode, BJT and MOSFET; small signal analysis of transistor circuits, feedback amplifiers.
3. Characteristics of operational amplifiers; applications of opamps: difference amplifier, adder, subtractor, integrator, differentiator, instrumentation amplifier, precision rectifier, active filters and other circuits.
4. Oscillators, signal generators, voltage controlled oscillators. Comparators, Schmitt trigger, multi-vibrators.
5. Sample-and-hold circuits, analog-to-digital (successive approximation, integrating, flash and sigma-delta) and digital-to-analog converters (weighted R, R-2R ladder and current steering logic). Characteristics of ADC and DAC (resolution, quantization, significant bits, conversion/settling time).
6. Control theory. Transfer functions; poles and zeros; stability and compensation.
7. Basic Microcontroller Peripherals (e.g., GPIO, PWM, Counter, ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C, UART etc.,)
8. Basics of C and Python Programming.

Important information

One-stop page for program descriptions, program manuals, admissions brochure:

https://www.iiitb.ac.in/courses/master-of-science-by-researchdoctor-of-philosophy

Research admissions website (main website for research admissions, with the call-for-applications):

https://www.iiitb.ac.in/courses/master-of-science-by-researchdoctor-of-philosophy

Research admissions portal (for online registration): http://pravesh.iiitb.net

research admissions e-mail ID (for queries or communication with the Institute on admissions-related matters): research.admissions@iiitb.ac.in

A. On admissions process:

1. How can I submit my application for research degree programs at IIIT-Bangalore?

You have to submit your application online using given admission portal.

2. What is the timeline for the admissions process?

Details can be found in our call-for-applications, which is available at our main website for research admissions. The entire process is from February-May for admissions to Term I (August-December) and October-December for admissions to Term 2(January-May).

3. How do I pay my application fees?

Follow the instructions on the admissions portal.

B. On eligibility criteria:

1. What are the research domains at IIIT-Bangalore?

The research domains at IIIT-B are aligned to the mainstream research done by faculty members at the Institute. The domains form the administrative structure for the research admissions. Faculty members from each domain take ownership in terms of eligibility criteria for admission in their areas of specialization, and they play a major role in selecting the applications categorized under their respective domains. As of August 2024, there are seven research domains at the Institute: Computer Science; Data Sciences; VLSI and Embedded Systems; Information Technology & Society; Mathematics & Basic Sciences; Networking, Communications & Signal Processing; Software Engineering.

2. Do I need GATE score for applying for the research degree programs at IIIT-Bangalore?

Requirement of GATE score depends on the requirement specified by the research domain that aligns with your research interests.

3. Can the eligibility criteria for Computer Science, Software Engineering and Data Sciences can be used interchangeably?

No, the eligibility criteria for Computer Science, Software Engineering and Data Sciences are different, and cannot be used interchangeably.

4. What is the syllabus and format for written examination in the different research domains?

The candidates shortlisted for interview will be notified via email. It will be communicated in that email if the candidate has to take the written examination, in which case, the details of the written examination will be given in the email as well.

5. I have a valid score in a national entrance examination, which is listed as a requirement by the research domain. Will I still need to take the written examination at IIIT-Bangalore?

During our review process, it will be determined if your overall profile matches our criteria for shortlisting. In case you satisfy all the other criteria but fall short on the score, we will invite you to take the written examination. However, this also depends on the logistics of any specific admissions cycle, and will be subjected to the criteria that prevail for the concerned admissions cycle. The requirement for taking the written examination will be specified in our email inviting you for the interview at IIIT-B, if you are shortlisted.

6. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and extensive work experience. Can I apply for your Doctor of Philosophy program?

We do not consider work experience in lieu of Master’s degree requirement. At this time, our requirement for Master’s degree for Doctor of Philosophy admissions is strict. Nevertheless, we encourage applicants to apply for our Master of Science by Research program and then in case of continued interested, apply for the doctoral program by special admission, as specified in our Master of Science by Research program manual.

7. I have a MCA. Can I apply for your Doctor of Philosophy program?

We do not consider MCA to be equivalent to M.Tech. and hence we will not consider you to be eligible for our Doctor of Philosophy program. Nevertheless, we encourage you to apply for our Master of Science by Research program.

8. Can I enrol for Master of Science by Research program and continue for your doctoral program?

Our program manual for Master of Science by Research specifies the option for special admissions for our Master of Science by Research students to bypass their regular admissions process for our doctoral program. This can be done soon after the student submits his/her Master’s thesis, and while the student is still completing the Master’s program.

C. On research degree programs:

1. Can I register part-time for the research degree programs?

Yes, one can register as a part-time student for our Ph. D program and we have openings only fulltime for MS by Research.

2. What are the differences between full-time and part-time registrations for the research degree programs?

The type of registration (i.e. part-time or full-time) has no bearing on the requirements of the program, which are the same for all students enrolled in the program. The degree program requirements, i.e. for graduation from the concerned degree program, the fee structure, and the timetable for the lecture-based courses are the same for both full-time and part-time registrations. The flexibility for part-time students lies in using more one-on-one courses with their advisor’s/thesis supervisors; and also in a lighter semester load (i.e. 8 credits for part-time vs. 16 credits for a full-time student). Our program manuals have the details on semester load.

It is mandatory that part-time students, who are employed at an external organization at any point in their research degree program, obtain appropriate IP clearance and submit a No Objection Certificate from their concerned employers for their academic work at IIIT-B.

3. Where can I find details about the tuition fees and other fees for the degree programs?

The details can be found in the admissions page in the website.

4. What do I write for SOP and Research preparation while applying?

For SOP - Describe in a short .pdf document your motivation for seeking admission to the IIIT-B research programs. It is important for us to understand your vision and long-term goals that have prompted you to apply.

For Research Preparation - Describe in a short document how you have emotionally and academically prepared yourself for the demanding research programs at IIIT-B. Ideally this must complement your Statement of Purpose and also justify the choice of program / domain / area of research you have indicated.