IIT Delhi has opened its admission portal for international candidates applying to PhD and M.S. programs

Aspiring international researchers, the gateway to an elite Indian education awaits. IIT Delhi has opened its application portal for PhD and M.S. (Research) programs for the Spring 2025-26 semester. This is your chance to contribute to cutting-edge research at an Institution of Eminence. Act fast: the application deadline is strictly October 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM IST. Learn about the crucial application steps, eligibility criteria, and attractive financial assistantships offered exclusively to international candidates. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your academic career at one of the world's top technical universities.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, a globally recognized Institution of Eminence (IoE) and a beacon of technological research, has officially opened its application portal for international students seeking admission to its highly coveted PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and M.S. (Research) programs. This significant announcement is for the upcoming Spring (Second) Semester of the Academic Year 2025-26.

​This opportunity is exclusively targeted at Non Indian Nationals, inviting global talent to immerse themselves in a world-class, interdisciplinary research environment. IIT Delhi's doctoral and research-oriented Master's programs are known for fostering innovation, critical thinking, and preparing scholars for leadership roles in academia and industry worldwide.

​The application window is narrow and time-sensitive. Interested candidates must ensure they submit their online applications on the official IIT Delhi website before the absolute final deadline: October 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM IST. Aspirants are urged to begin their preparation immediately to compile all necessary academic and supporting documents for a successful submission to one of the world's top technical universities.

​ Application Essentials and Eligibility Criteria

​The admissions process for international candidates at IIT Delhi is merit-based, rigorous, and completely online. Applicants must meticulously follow the stipulated procedure and meet stringent academic criteria to be considered for these research-intensive programs.

• ​Application Timelines (Dateline: 23 October 2025): 
  • ​Applications Open: End-September 2025 (as per the Spring semester cycle).
  • ​Application Deadline: October 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM IST.
  • ​Interview Period: Mid-November to Mid-December 2025.
  • ​Semester Begins: January 2026.
• ​The Online Submission Process:
  • ​Visit the dedicated IIT Delhi International Admissions Portal to access the online application form.
  • ​Candidates must provide a Statement of Purpose (SOP) detailing their research interests and alignment with IIT Delhi’s research focus.
  • ​Two professional Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from referees who can vouch for the candidate's research aptitude and English proficiency are required.
  • ​Upload all academic transcripts, degree certificates, and a copy of your passport.
  • ​A non-refundable application fee must be paid online to complete the submission.
• ​Program-Specific Requirements:
  • ​PhD: Typically requires a Master's degree in Engineering, Science, Humanities, or an allied field. Highly meritorious candidates with a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology may also be considered.
  • ​M.S. (Research): Requires a minimum of a four-year Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology or a Master's degree in Science/Mathematics.
  • ​English Proficiency: All non-native English speakers must submit scores from globally recognized tests like TOEFL or IELTS. While Indian entrance exams (like GATE) are mandatory for domestic students, they are generally waived for international applicants. The selection relies heavily on academic excellence and the performance in the departmental interview.

​ Financial Aid and Research Advantages for International Scholars

​A major draw for international aspirants is the substantial financial support offered by IIT Delhi, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder world-class research.

• ​Generous Teaching Assistantships (TA):
  • ​PhD Scholars: All eligible full-time foreign nationals admitted to the PhD program are generally awarded a TA. This provides a monthly stipend of approximately ₹37,000 for the first two years (Junior Research Fellowship/JRF equivalent) and an enhanced rate of ₹42,000 per month for the subsequent three years (Senior Research Fellowship/SRF equivalent).
  • ​M.S. (Research) Scholars: M.S. (Research) students may be considered for a limited number of TAs, providing a stipend of approximately ₹12,400 per month.
  • ​Stipend Requirement: Continuation of this financial aid is contingent on satisfactory academic performance and involves mandatory academic work of 8 hours per week supporting teaching activities.
• ​Accommodation and Campus Life: 
  • ​IIT Delhi provides on-campus hostel accommodation to full-time foreign nationals for the normal duration of their academic program (subject to availability). This includes subsidized lodging and a vibrant campus life with excellent amenities, including the Central Research Facility (CRF) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) centres.
• ​Global Mobility and Fellowships:
  • ​The institute offers travel grants (up to ₹2 lakhs) to support PhD scholars to present their research at international conferences, a crucial element for global research exposure.
  • ​International students are also encouraged to apply through external, prestigious channels like the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship or the ASEAN PhD Fellowship Programme, which offer comprehensive funding options.
  • ​The interdisciplinary research landscape at IIT Delhi—spanning areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Science, Energy & Environment, and Healthcare Technology—ensures scholars can work on globally relevant and high-impact projects.

​Conclusion

​The window for international admissions to IIT Delhi’s PhD and M.S. (Research) programs for the Spring 2025-26 semester is a critical opportunity for ambitious global aspirants. This esteemed Indian Institution of Eminence offers a unique blend of cutting-edge research facilities, world-renowned faculty, and attractive financial assistantships, making it a compelling destination for advanced studies. Aspiring candidates must ensure they act swiftly and submit their meticulously prepared online applications before the October 30, 2025, 4:00 PM IST deadline to embark on a transformative research journey. Your future as a global research leader starts here.