PhD Programme

Doctor of Philosophy — IIT Ropar Centre of Excellence for Socio-Environmental Sustainability

About The Centre

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.

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 Areas
  
  

Research under the programme will focus on a wide range of thematic areas, including but not limited to:

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 Portals

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.

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 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 (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 Experience

Sr. 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 Years

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.
  
  

Required: Name

• Designation
• Address
• Signature of Head of Organization with official seal
• Place
• Date
  
  

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
• Date
  
  

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.

Required: Name

• Designation
• Address
• Signature with official seal
• Place
• Date
  
  

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
• Date
  
  

Ready to Apply?

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