About the Programme

The doctoral programme in Computer Science and Engineering offers students the possibility of doing intensive research in an area of their choice. We have a vibrant research programme, and it has been our constant endeavour to provide the best facilities and working environment to our research students.

  • All full-time PhD students are provided financial assistance.
  • Air-conditioned office space is provided to all PhD students, with a desktop PC. Research students have unrestricted access to all laboratories in the department.
  • PhD students often collaborate with researchers within and outside the country. It is common, and regularly encouraged, for students to spend time at collaborating institutions in academia and industry.
  • Our students regularly publish research results in leading international conferences and reputed journals.

    • Our Research Areas

    The department is actively engaged in the following areas of research.

  • Algorithms and Complexity Theory
  • Cryptography and Security
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Databases and Data Analytics
  • Architecture and Embedded Systems
  • Graphic and Vision
  • Computer Networks and Distributed Systems
  • Programming Languages, Semantics and Verification
  • Operating Systems, High Performance Computing and Systems
  • Information and Communication Technologies for Development

    • PhD aspirants are advised to connect with faculty and scholars working in their respective areas of interest before as well as during the application process. This will help them to gain better clarity on research groups and ongoing work and where they can fit in and effectively contribute.

    One can know more about the research areas and related faculty members here and here.

    To get in touch with PhD coordinators email at icphd@cse.iitd.ac.in.

    Scholarship/Research Funding

    All full-time PhD students receive some form of financial assistance during PhD.

    Institute Assistantship

    All full-time PhD scholars are eligible for Institute scholarship (Rs. 28,000 per month for students with a M.Tech or equivalent degree, and Rs. 25,000 per month for students with a B. Tech. or equivalent degree) are available for PhD students. An additional top-up of Rs. 10,000 per month is also possible based on contribution to ongoing research projects.

    Various other schemes are also available for covering expenses such as those related to conference travel, books, and other contingencies.

    Industry and Other Government Fellowships

  • TCS Fellowship
  • Microsoft India PhD Fellowship
  • Google India PhD Fellowship
  • Prime Minister Fellowship Scheme
  • Xerox Fellowship
  • IBM PhD Fellowship
  • Intel PhD Fellowship

    • Note: Above fellowships have been received in the past by students and are just representative examples. Newer fellowships are announced every year and there are many such fellowships available, which the student can check once he/she joins and apply as per eligibility.

    TA requirements for scholarship funded students

    Teaching assistant duty of 8 hours per week is expected from students getting financial aid. This may include course related duties like assessment, grading etc., lab related duties, or other administrative duties.

    Other Information

    Difference between admission to CSE and SIT

    Most of the faculty members are associated with both CSE and SIT departments and a student can be enrolled in either of them to work with our faculty. Both the departments maintain similar quality of research standards. However, a key difference is that a student enrolled in CSE department is expected to have sound concepts in core computer science related fields and is expected to work on problems related to computer science. But, a student enrolled in the SIT department is expected to have awareness of computer science but expertise in a related field (e.g. electronics, mechanical, etc.) and wants to do interdisciplinary research involving computer science. Typically, student who have done their earlier degree in non-CS fields apply for SIT while students with CS background apply for the CSE department. Barring slight difference in the comprehensive requirements of the two departments, the students enrolled in both the departments are treated equally and follow similar academic requirements.

    Accommodation

    Full-time PhD students are provided accommodation on campus (subject to availability). Married students are provided an apartment while unmarried students get hostel accommodation.

    Medical Facilities

    Students and their dependents also have free access to the medical and sporting facilities on campus. PhD Scholars are provided free on campus medical facilities (consultancy, medicines, treatment) and free consultancy for spouse and kids.

    Note for Part-time PhD applicants/students

    The requirements for part time students can be found brochure linked above. Students working in technology industry/research establishments can apply for admission under part time category. We mention some general advice for part time students to enable them take right decision on admission.

  • The PhD programme at CSE departments of IIT Delhi is highly competitive and requires regular focus and commitment to research. Students should be well versed with this fact and should apply for admissions only if their workload allows them time for research.
  • It is generally difficult to manage a different work profile at work and at IITD. If there is a research topic which is related to the job being done at workplace, it can be of great help for the student. However, this is just an advice and is subject to the amount of effort the candidate is willing to put in on the research.
  • Part-time students also need to complete the course requirements which require them to attend classes atleast in the first semester. While some of the classes can be organized in the morning or evening slots to suit part-time students, it may not always be possible depending on the class size and hence students are advised to consider this aspect when applying. Part-time students from outside NCR can be provided hostel accommodation during the period of course work.