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

International engineering and science aspirants, seize this final opportunity IIT Delhi's admission portal for the Spring 2025-26 PhD and M.S. (Research) programs is closing soon. The absolute deadline to submit your online application is October 30, 2025. This is your chance to pursue advanced research at one of India's premier technological institutions. Review the detailed eligibility requirements, prepare your Statements of Purpose, and upload all necessary documents on the official IIT Delhi international admissions portal before the 4:00 PM submission cut-off. Don't miss the final call to join a world-class research community.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, consistently ranked among the world's leading technological universities, has announced a crucial window for international students seeking admission into its highly selective PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and M.S. (Research) programs. This specialized admission drive is for the Spring (2nd) Semester of the 2025-26 academic year, offering a timely opportunity for global engineering, science, and technology aspirants to immerse themselves in a cutting-edge research environment.

​The online application portal is currently active, but the window is closing fast. The final deadline for international candidates to submit their applications is strictly October 30, 2025. Aspirants are strongly advised to utilize the official IIT Delhi international admissions portal to review the detailed prospectus and complete their submission process well ahead of the closing time. This critical deadline is a non-negotiable step toward securing a place at one of Asia’s most vibrant research hubs. Failure to meet the October 30, 2025, 4:00 PM cut-off will result in the application not being considered.

​Crucial Eligibility and Program Details

​Securing admission to research programs at a top-tier institution like IIT Delhi demands a strong academic profile and a clear research focus. International candidates must meticulously verify their eligibility against the institute’s rigorous standards. The M.S. (Research) program is an excellent pathway for those aiming for a research-heavy Master's degree, while the PhD is the ultimate commitment to original, impactful academic investigation.

• ​Minimum Academic Qualifications: 
  • ​For PhD Programs: Generally requires a Master's degree (M.Tech./M.E./M.Sc./M.A. or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.0/10.0 CGPA. Candidates with an exceptional B.Tech./B.E. degree (at least four years) in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 70% marks or 7.0/10.0 CGPA are also often eligible.
  • ​For M.S. (Research) Programs: Typically requires a Bachelor of Technology/Engineering (B.Tech./B.E. of four years or more) or a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in the relevant discipline, with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.0/10.0 CGPA.
• ​English Language Proficiency:
  • ​Candidates are required to provide a Statement/Self-Declaration of their proficiency in English.
  • ​While scores in Indian National Exams (like GATE/NET) are waived for foreign nationals (non-Indian citizens), providing scores from international tests like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT (where applicable) is highly recommended and adds significant value to the application profile.
• ​Program Focus: 
  • ​The PhD program culminates in the submission and defense of a thesis based on original research, positioning the scholar as an independent researcher.
  • ​The M.S. (Research) involves a substantial research component and thesis work, differing from regular M.Tech. programs which are course-work heavy, making it ideal for students with a keen interest in research.

​Navigating the Online Application Process

​The application process is entirely online via the dedicated IIT Delhi International Admissions portal. Aspiring international students must ensure they follow every step correctly to avoid potential application rejection.

• ​Official Application Portal Access: Candidates must visit the official IIT Delhi international admissions website, often found via the main IIT Delhi homepage under the 'Admissions' or 'International Students' section, or directly at the specialized application link.
• ​Registration and Profile Creation: Begin by registering on the portal, creating a unique login ID and password. Ensure all personal details, including passport information, are entered accurately.
• ​Detailed Application Form Completion:
  • ​Select the specific Department, Centre, or School and the program (PhD or M.S. (Research)) you are applying for. Research the faculty's work to identify a potential supervisor or research area of interest beforehand.
  • ​Fill in all academic details chronologically, including degrees, marks/CGPA, and a detailed list of subjects studied.
• ​Document Submission & Key Elements:
  • ​Statement of Purpose (SoP): A well-written SoP is crucial. It must clearly articulate your research interests, motivation for pursuing advanced studies at IIT Delhi, and how your academic background aligns with the chosen program/department.
  • ​Recommendation Letters: You must provide the contact details of at least two referees (preferably from academia) who can comment on your aptitude for research, independent thinking, and academic proficiency. The referees will be contacted directly by the Institute.
  • ​Upload Required Documents: This includes scanned copies of academic transcripts, degree certificates, valid passport copy, and any standardized test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT, if applicable).
• ​Fee Payment and Final Submission: Pay the non-refundable application fee online. After payment, review all sections one final time before the ultimate submission. Download and retain the final submission receipt for your records.

​Post-Application and Selection Timeline

​Once the application deadline closes on October 30, 2025, the selection process, which is highly competitive, will commence swiftly for the Spring Semester intake.

• ​Shortlisting and Interview:
  • ​Applications will be shortlisted based on the candidates' academic records, the strength of their SoP, and their research potential.
  • ​Shortlisted candidates will typically be invited for an online interview with the faculty committee of the relevant department. These interviews are crucial for assessing the candidate's subject knowledge, research clarity, and communication skills. The interview schedule is expected to fall between mid-November and mid-December 2025.
• ​Admission Offer and Registration:
  • ​Successful candidates will receive their Admission Offer Letters by mid-December 2025.
  • ​The Spring Semester for the 2025-26 academic year is scheduled to begin in early January 2026. International students must complete all pre-registration formalities, including obtaining necessary student visas, to register for the courses on time.
• ​Scholarship Opportunities:
  • ​International students, while generally applying under a self-financed category, may be eligible for various scholarships or fellowships from the Government of India or their home country's funding agencies (e.g., ICCR). They should actively explore and apply for these external financial aid opportunities in parallel with their admission application.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the PhD and M.S. (Research) admission portal for the Spring 2025-26 semester is a beacon for international engineering and science graduates aspiring to pursue advanced research at a global research powerhouse. With the absolute deadline set for October 30, 2025, time is of the essence. Prospective candidates must dedicate their efforts now to compiling a compelling application package that showcases their academic excellence and research acumen to secure their dream enrollment at IIT Delhi.