IIT Kharagpur has launched the Director's Platinum Jubilee Excellence Ph.D. Fellowship (DPEF). This program offers a high stipend for top GATE 2026 rankers. The fellowship aims to attract top scientists to its doctoral programs. It celebrates the institute's 75 years of operation.
Fellowship Details
Only candidates ranking in the Top 50 of any GATE 2026 paper are eligible. The fellowship provides one of the nation's largest financial aid packages for research. Selected scholars will receive a monthly stipend of ₹80,000 for the first two years of their Ph.D. This increases to ₹90,000 for the subsequent three years. This increase is conditional on meeting all academic and eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
IIT Kharagpur uses a rolling admissions policy for Ph.D. programs. This means applications are accepted throughout the academic year. Departments, centers, and schools process applications at least quarterly. Applicants must apply through the official IIT Kharagpur website. A fee is required for submission.
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹1,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Female | ₹500 |
Applicants must register on the Ph.D. admissions portal. They need to provide their GATE 2026 rank and score. Applicants select their desired academic department, center, or school. All GATE information must be accurate. Edits are not permitted after submission.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The DPEF is for exceptionally skilled candidates. The primary criterion is performance in the GATE 2026 examination. Candidates must achieve a rank within the Top 50 in their respective GATE paper. They must also meet the institute's academic record requirements. This includes a minimum of 60% marks or a 6.5 CGPA in their qualifying degree.
Applicants must be admitted to IIT Kharagpur's full-time Ph.D. program. This fellowship is a key initiative for IIT Kharagpur. It supports its commitment to building a strong research environment. The program also aims to make research a more accessible career path.
