PhD Programme

About the role

The Centre of Excellence in Socio-Environmental Sustainability for River Sand Mining (SEnSRS) at IIT Ropar is launching a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programme from January 2026. The programme integrates engineering, environmental sciences, social sciences, law, and emerging technologies to address river sand mining and riverine sustainability.

Research Areas

• River Geomorphology and Sediment Dynamics
• Environmental Impacts and Ecological Sustainability of Sand Mining
• Hydrological Modelling and River Basin Management
• GIS, Remote Sensing, and Drone-based Monitoring Applications
• Socio-Economic, Legal, and Policy Dimensions of River Resource Governance
• Sustainability Indicators and Decision Support Systems
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), GeoAI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning for Predictive Modelling
• Hyperautomation and Workflow Intelligence for Environmental Data Processing
• Web-based GIS Dashboards and Spatial Decision Support
• Mobile and Web Application Development for Real-Time River Monitoring

Selection Procedure

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

• Regular Full-Time PhD Candidates under this category are entitled to Centre Fellowship from SEnSRS.
• (ii-a) Part-Time ERP External 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 PhD Research scholar carries out major part or all research work at IIT Ropar under supervision of IIT Ropar supervisors.
• (ii-c) Self-Sponsored Project 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

Qualifying Degree Min. Performance (Gen/OBC/EWS) Min. Performance (SC/ST/PwD) M.Tech./M.E/M.D. or equivalent / 5 year Integrated Master's / 5 year BS-MS Dual degree 60% Nil M.Sc/M.A/MBA or equivalent 60% Nil B.E./B.Tech./BS or equivalent four-year program 60% Nil

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.

Format 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.

Format 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.

Ready to Apply?

Fill in the official CoE SEnSRS application form before 25 January 2026.