Call for project applications in 2023 is announced for potential supervisors from both the Institutions in end January with a submission deadline in mid February, 2023. Projects are approved by the end of February. Portal is made open for students' application in end February. Applications will be received for approximately a fortnight. After two levels of selections, final interviews and presentations take place in April. Awardees are notified within a month of their final interview. Relevant guidelines and forms are shared when announcements are made.

This is a time bound PhD program which needs to be completed in 4 years. 3 positions with full scholarships are available for the program in 2023.

Eligibility

1. For Indian nationals: Open to B.Tech. or M.Tech/M.Sc. graduates with a CGPA of 7.5 from any IITs.
2. For UK and other nationals: Bachelors or Masters graduates in science, engineering or related fields from a globally reputed university (QS WUR 500 universities) with minimum first class or equivalent, or minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
3. English language IELTS 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in every category, or equivalent (which could include GCSE English pass or equivalent) as a screening requirement.

Application Process

• (I) Applicants can apply through the ONLINE PORTAL
The application portal will be open till MARCH 13, 2023 (23:59 hrs IST)


• (II) An applicant may apply against ONLY ONE of the offered projects.


• (III) The following documents will be required during your online application:

1. Academic Transcripts
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of Research Interest-Max 750 words (you may contact the listed supervisors for your project to obtain more information)
4. Two recommendation letters
5. Any photo identity proof (Passport / Aadhar Card / Voter ID / Student ID Card)
6. Photo and Signature

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process will be jointly managed by the two Institutions and will involve two steps:

1. Supervisors from both Institutions will evaluate applications for their respective projects and recommend the names of top candidate(s)
2. The Joint Programme Board involving members from IIT Kharagpur and University of Manchester will select the 3 positions for scholarships based on the merit of both the candidate and the project

You may find a list of factors to be considered during selection process here

Equal Opportunity Policy
“The University of Manchester and IIT Kharagpur pride themselves on our commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect in everything we do. Applications are welcome from people of all backgrounds and identities. We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and study. We will ensure that your application is given full consideration without regard to your race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, age, marital or pregnancy status, or socio-economic background.”

Program Duration and Time Allocated between Institutions

The program is four years long. The time may be allocated as follows depending upon the particular project requirement:

Year 1: Spent at IITKGP

Coursework must be completed within the first two semesters. Preliminary research activity under joint supervision is initiated in the first year itself. Comprehensive Exam at IIT Kharagpur should be taken and cleared within the first 10 months.

Year 1 Milestone:Comprehensive Exam @IITKgp = First year/Continuation @ U Manchester

Note: If the candidate is unsuccessful after two attempts in Comprehensive Exam, or if any course grade is D or lower, then the candidate will be asked to leave the program

Year 2: Spent at Manchester

Research work continues at University of Manchester. Supervisor(s) at both ends continually monitor progress. Registration Seminar given in Manchester.

Year 2 Milestone: First annual review @ UManchester = Registration seminar @IITKgp

Year 3: Spent at Kharagpur/Manchester.

Research continues. Supervisor(s) at both ends continually monitor progress. Enhancement Seminar given in Kharagpur.

Year 3 Milestone: Enhancement seminar @IIT Kgp = Second annual review @ UManchester

Year 4: Spent at Manchester/Kharagpur

Thesis work is completed. Synopsis seminar is given. Thesis is submitted to both Institutions and sent for examination as per each institution’s rules.

Award of degree

If student successfully defends the thesis as required by each institution, both institutions jointly award the doctoral degree. There will be two parchments - each will prominently mention the joint nature of the work and the partner institute’s name.

Student can walk the stage during convocation/commencement at either or both Institutions.

Funding

Tuition: UManchester and IITKGP both waive/absorb their respective tuition fees.

Stipend: IIT Kharagpur awards stipend at the prevailing JRF/SRF rates while the student is resident in its campus. University of Manchester will make available competitive scholarship opportunities while the student is in residence at Manchester.

Post Study Work Visa

As per prevailing rules of UK and India.

Terms and Conditions

To view the terms and conditions of the program, Click here

List of Projects

For list of projects seeking applications for 2023, Click here.
NOTE: Appplicants are encouraged to connect with the concerned project supervisors for more information on the individual projects.

For more information about UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER, Click here

In case of any technical difficulties in application, contact-rituparna@adm.iitkgp.ac.in