Online Written Test
11-11-2026 (Wednesday)
05:30 p.m. to 07:30 p.m.
05:30 p.m. to 07:30 p.m.
120 minutes, online
Online Interview
To be announced soon
Schedule will be updated here · online
Initial Shortlisting Criteria
1
Valid GATE score (2024, 2025 or 2026) as per category.
2
Valid NET score (CSIR-JRF / UGC-JRF only).
3
Valid JEST score (qualified in 2025 or 2026 only).
4
Provisional offer letter from DST for the INSPIRE PhD fellowship.
5
CFTI graduates with M.Sc. / Int. M.Sc. / Dual Degree BS-MS / B.Tech. with CGPA ≥ 8.0.
6
M.Tech. candidates from CFTIs with CGPA ≥ 6.5.
Selection Process
Step 1 — Shortlisting for the online written test based on academic criteria.
Step 2 — Shortlisting for the online interview based on written test performance.
Step 3 — Final selection based on combined written test and interview performance.
Both the written test and interview are online — take them from home or anywhere with a good internet connection.
How to Apply
Step 1
Check eligibility
Make sure you meet at least one of the shortlisting criteria above.
Step 2
Apply online
Submit your application on the IITM Research Admission Portal (research.iitm.ac.in).
Step 3
Written test
If shortlisted, take the 120-minute online written test.
Step 4
Interview
Shortlisted candidates are called for the online interview.
Step 5
Join IIT Madras
Selected candidates receive their admission offer.
Keep these ready
- Your GATE / NET / JEST score card or INSPIRE offer letter
- Degree certificates and mark sheets with CGPA
- A computer with a stable internet connection
- A quiet place to take the online test and interview
Please refer to the official notification on the IITM Research Admission Portal for the complete list of requirements.
Important Documents
NEWPDFShortlisted for Written Test
PDFProvisional Shortlist for Admission
PDFAvailable Areas of Research
PDFOnline Interview Schedule
PDFShortlisted for Interview
WEBPh.D. Programme Details