IIITDM Kurnool PhD Admission 2026: Apply by May 17

The Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kurnool, an Institute of National Importance, has officially announced its Ph.D. Admissions for the June 2026 session. Aspiring researchers and scholars are invited to apply for various full-time and part-time Ph.D. programs across Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Sciences, and Interdisciplinary areas. This is a golden opportunity for candidates seeking advanced research degrees with potential financial assistance. The online application process commenced on April 13, 2026, and the last date to submit applications is May 17, 2026.

Admission Overview

Courses Offered & Categories

IIITDM Kurnool offers Ph.D. programs in frontier research areas under the guidance of experienced faculty. The admission is available under different categories:

Ph.D. Programs

• Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering
• Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
• Ph.D. in Sciences (Physics / Mathematics / English)
• Ph.D. in Centre for Interdisciplinary Programs (CIP)

Category of Admission

Eligibility Criteria

The detailed eligibility criteria for each program, especially for Full-Time Ph.D., are to be checked from the Institute/Department brochure as mentioned in the notification. However, specific criteria for Part-Time Ph.D. applicants are provided:

Educational Qualification (General)

Candidates are generally expected to hold a Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Science or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology with an outstanding academic record, along with relevant qualifying scores in national-level examinations like GATE/NET/CSIR-UGC-JRF, depending on the chosen program and category.

Specific Criteria for Part-Time Ph.D.

• Government Sector: Permanent employees of Government R&D labs, educational institutions, Govt. Organizations, Govt. industry, PSUs/State undertakings. Must be working in a cadre equivalent to Scientist-C/Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Government.
• Private Sector: Permanent/Regular Employees from Private Industries/Education Institutions that have been established at least five years before the application deadline and hold membership in CII/ASSOCHEM or any other equivalent body. The organization must have R&D facilities.
• Experience: A minimum of three years of experience is mandatory for all Part-Time Ph.D. applicants. This also applies to regular staff of IIITDM Kurnool.

Note: For detailed eligibility criteria for all programs, candidates are advised to refer to the Institute/Department brochure available on the official website.

Application Process

Interested and eligible candidates must follow these steps to apply online:

1. Visit the official application portal: https://iiitkadm.samarth.edu.in/
2. Register yourself by providing the required details to create a login ID and password.
3. Log in to the portal and fill out the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and professional details.
4. Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents, including:
   • GATE score card/ CSIR-UGC-JRF score card (if applicable)
   • Educational certificates (from SSLC/SSC onwards)
   • Experience certificates (if applicable)
   • Online fee payment receipt
   • No Objection Certificate (NOC) (as per Annexure-A) for Part-time applicants
   • Undertaking Certificate (as per Annexure-B) for Part-time applicants
   • In case NOC/Undertaking is not available at the time of online submission, a duly-signed self-declaration form stating that these will be submitted at the time of interview must be uploaded.
5. Pay the application fee online using the provided bank details or UPI QR code.
6. Review the application form carefully before final submission.
7. After successful submission, take a printout of the application form and keep it for future reference.

Application Fee

The application fee details are as follows:

Candidates need to pay the application fee via bank transfer or UPI. The bank account details are:

• Account Name: IIIT DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
• Account Number: 37806955974
• IFSC Code: SBIN0064655
• Branch: IIITDM KURNOOL CAMPUS.

A QR code for UPI payment is also provided in the official brochure. Keep a copy of the payment proof for future reference.

Important Dates

Financial Assistance

IIITDM Kurnool provides significant financial support for its Ph.D. scholars under various categories:

• MoE Fellowship (HTRA): Full-time Ph.D. scholars under the HTRA category receive a Half-Time Research Assistantship. This requires carrying out Teaching Assistantship (TA) for at least 8 hours per week.
  • 1st and 2nd Year (JRF): Rs. 37,000/- per month
  • 3rd – 5th Year (SRF): Rs. 42,000/- per month (Upgradation from JRF to SRF is based on assessment and recommendations of the Doctoral Committee).
• Sponsored Project Assistantship: Scholars admitted under the Project category are eligible for an assistantship from the respective Project agency (e.g., DST/SERB/CSIR/DRDO).
• Additional Financial Assistance: Ph.D. scholars enrolled in a sponsored project for 2.5 years or more are entitled to additional financial assistance from the Institute for one more year.
• Housing Rent Allowance (HRA): HRA, as per MoE rules, will be granted to married scholars living off-campus.
• International Conference Support: Regular Ph.D. scholars (MoE Fellowship) are allowed one overseas international conference presentation with financial support from the institute up to INR 2 lakhs for Group-A countries and INR 1.5 Lakhs for Group B countries during their entire Ph.D. tenure.
• Research Associate Opportunity: Opportunity for an additional six months of Fellowship as a Research Associate if the thesis is submitted at least 6 months early.

Selection Process

The selection process for Ph.D. admissions at IIITDM Kurnool is rigorous and comprehensive:

1. Shortlisting: Respective departments will conduct the initial shortlisting of applications based on academic record, research interests, and eligibility criteria.
2. Written Test and/or Interview: Eligible candidates who possess the minimum educational qualifications and satisfy additional criteria will be called for a written test and/or interview.
3. Entrance Examination: An entrance examination will be conducted for all applicants (Full-Time and Part-Time) who do not possess a valid GATE or NET qualification.
4. Direct Interview: Applicants with a valid GATE or CSIR/UGC-NET qualification will be directly eligible for the interview.
5. Written Exam Details:
   • The syllabus for the written test will be the GATE 2026 syllabus in the respective subject.
   • The question paper will consist of 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
   • Each question carries 2 marks.
   • There will be a negative marking of 0.5 marks for every incorrect answer.
   • The cut-off marks will be determined in line with GATE 2026 standards.
   • The exam may be conducted either in CBT (Moodle) mode or offline, depending on the number of applications.
6. Final Selection: Based on the candidate’s academic record and performance in the written test and/or interview, the selection committee will finalize the applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Documents Required for Verification

Shortlisted candidates qualified for the Written test/Interview need to submit the following self-attested documents. Original certificates must be produced for verification on the day of the Written test / Interview:

• Copies of all Mark/grade cards and degree certificates, starting from SSLC/SSC, as proof of qualification.
• Copy of the latest Community Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/Economically Weaker Section (EWS)) issued by the competent authority of the respective State Government.
• Authorized Doctor’s Certificate with disability descriptions for Persons with Disabled (PwD) candidates.
• Copy of GATE or CSIR UGC-JRF/NET/JEST/Inspire fellowship or any other fellowship awarded, if any.
• Copy of proof of relevant Experience certificate, if applicable.
• Copy of No Objection Certificate (as per Annexure-A) for Part-time applicants.
• Undertaking Certificate (as per Annexure-B) for Part-time applicants.
• One copy of payment proof for the application fee.

Fee Structure (Per Semester)

The detailed Ph.D. Fee Structure for the AY 2026-27 (Semester Wise) is as follows:

For Open & OBC Categories

For SC & ST Categories

*Caution Money is refundable at the time of leaving the institute after deducting dues. ^Dining Charges -Advance is subject to change depending on the Mess contract. Other fees may vary semester to semester.

Important Links

Career Prospects & Research Scope

Pursuing a Ph.D. from an Institute of National Importance like IIITDM Kurnool opens up a plethora of career opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in academia (Assistant Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher), R&D divisions in leading industries, government research organizations (DRDO, ISRO, CSIR labs), and even entrepreneurial ventures. The focus on Design and Manufacturing-oriented Engineering education ensures that Ph.D. scholars develop strong interdisciplinary skills, making them highly sought after in both national and international markets. The financial support for conference presentations further enhances their research profile and networking capabilities.

Campus & Facilities

IIITDM Kurnool boasts state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories, crucial for high-quality doctoral research. The institute has MoUs with research centers like C.R.Rao AIMSCS for collaborations, providing a vibrant research ecosystem. The campus offers essential amenities including hostels with Wi-Fi, internet, and shopping complexes. Excellent sports facilities are available for physical activities and recreation, ensuring a holistic development environment for scholars. The well-stocked library with digital resources supports extensive literature review and research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the last date to apply for IIITDM Kurnool Ph.D. Admission 2026?

The last date for the submission of the online application form is May 17, 2026.

Q2: Is there any application fee for Ph.D. admissions?

Yes, the application fee is Rs. 500/- for Gen/OBC/EWS candidates and Rs. 250/- for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Q3: What are the Ph.D. programs offered at IIITDM Kurnool?

IIITDM Kurnool offers Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sciences (Physics / Mathematics / English), and Centre for Interdisciplinary Programs (CIP).

Q4: Is a GATE/NET score mandatory for Ph.D. admission?

Applicants with a valid GATE or CSIR/UGC-NET qualification are directly eligible for the interview. Those without these qualifications must appear for an entrance examination conducted by the institute.

Q5: What kind of financial assistance is available for Ph.D. scholars?

Full-time Ph.D. scholars under the MoE Fellowship (HTRA) receive JRF (Rs. 37,000/-) and SRF (Rs. 42,000/-) stipends. Financial support is also available for scholars under sponsored projects, HRA for married scholars, and assistance for international conference presentations.

Q6: Can working professionals apply for a Ph.D. at IIITDM Kurnool?

Yes, IIITDM Kurnool offers Part-Time Ph.D. programs for permanent employees of Government R&D labs, educational institutions, government organizations, PSUs, State undertakings, and eligible private sector employees with at least three years of experience and a No Objection Certificate from their employer.

Q7: What is the syllabus for the Ph.D. entrance examination?

The syllabus for the written test and/or interview is based on the GATE 2026 syllabus in the respective subject.

Q8: What documents are required during the application process?

Candidates need to upload copies of GATE/CSIR-UGC-JRF score, educational/experience certificates, fee receipt, Community Certificate, PwD Certificate (if applicable), and NOC/Undertaking for part-time applicants. Originals will be required for verification during the interview/written test.

Q9: What is the total fee for the Ph.D. program per semester?

For Open & OBC categories, the Grand Total per semester is Rs. 81,950. For SC & ST categories, it is Rs. 51,950. This includes tuition, other fees, one-time fees, and hostel fees.

Q10: When will the shortlisted candidates be notified?

The notification of shortlisted candidates for Interview/Written Test is scheduled for May 20, 2026.