Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has introduced a prestigious new opportunity for research aspirants through its Director Platinum Jubilee Excellence Ph.D. Fellowship (DPEF) Scheme. Targeted at top performing candidates in GATE 2026, the fellowship aims to attract top talent to the institute’s innovative research programmes.Under this initiative, candidates securing a rank in the top 50 in GATE 2026 and opting for Ph.D. IIT Kharagpur will be eligible for better financial support. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹80,000 for the first two years, followed by ₹90,000 per month for the next three years, subject to meeting all admission criteria.
Rolling PhD admissions are open in all disciplines.
Along with the fellowship announcement, IIT Kharagpur has also opened admissions for its Ph.D. Program applications are accepted throughout the year, with processing at least once per quarter by the relevant academic departments.The institute is inviting applications in various fields, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Sciences
- Architecture and Regional Planning
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Law and Public Policy
- Management and Medicine
- Rural development
Candidates can apply under various categories like Institute Assistantship, Individual Fellowships (CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR/INSPIRE), Sponsored, and Working Professionals.
Application process and guidelines
Applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria mentioned in the official information brochure before applying. As the shortlisting is solely based on the data submitted in the application form, candidates are advised to verify all the details carefully.Follow the instructions below:
- Applications should be submitted online only
- Only one application is allowed per candidate.
- No edits or resubmissions are allowed after final submission.
- Any false or inaccurate information may lead to cancellation of candidature.
For more information about the application process, aspirants are advised to visit the official website. Direct link to visit IIT KGP PhD program website.
Application Fee Details
The non-refundable application fee is structured as follows:
- ₹1000 for Unreserved/OBC/EWS/Transgender candidates
- ₹500 for SC/ST/PwD/Women candidates
What makes DPEF important?
DPEF scheme stands out as the highest paying Ph.D. Fellowships in India reflect IIT Kharagpur’s push to strengthen research output and global competitiveness. By linking the fellowship directly to high GATE performance, the Institute is creating a strong incentive for bright students to transition into academia and research.
