IIT Kharagpur Revamps PhD Framework to Prepare Scholars for Future Careers

IIT Kharagpur has rolled out a series of forward-looking and learner-centric reforms to its PhD programme, aimed at equipping research scholars for evolving career paths while reducing uncertainty about their professional futures.

One of the major changes includes the introduction of rolling PhD admissions, allowing candidates to apply throughout the year based on their research preparedness rather than fixed timelines. The institute has also broadened eligibility norms and given scholars the freedom to select coursework from any academic department, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration and non-traditional research trajectories. Evaluation mechanisms have been redesigned to reduce stress, shifting the focus from elimination-based testing to meaningful assessment of research readiness.

In addition, the leave policy for research scholars has been updated to include 30 days each of casual and medical leave, along with access to the autumn break. Measures have also been taken to ease financial pressures and help scholars transition smoothly into their careers by offering greater exposure to global academic and professional opportunities.

According to the institute’s leadership, the traditional perception of a PhD as a rigid, isolating, and prolonged academic path is being replaced with a more flexible and humane model. The revised approach emphasizes mental well-being, recognising that researchers perform best when supported by a healthy and balanced academic environment.

During the current semester, IIT Kharagpur admitted 272 PhD candidates and 30 MS students. The revised selection process now prioritizes a candidate’s skills and alignment with the research group over rigid testing of undergraduate-level subjects, particularly in the context of interdisciplinary research. Eligibility criteria have also been relaxed for working professionals, acknowledging that their experience and long-term vision can be more valuable than past academic scores.

The comprehensive examination system has been modified to reduce anxiety among scholars. An additional attempt has been introduced, and the assessment now focuses on evaluating a candidate’s preparedness for research rather than functioning as a strict filtering mechanism. Productivity is also being assessed qualitatively, based on research ideas, outcomes, and ethical conduct, rather than fixed attendance requirements. If supervisors and doctoral committees are satisfied with a scholar’s progress, rigid daily attendance norms are no longer mandatory.

To support scholars during the uncertain phase following thesis submission, the institute has launched a six-month Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship. Internal candidates are eligible for this programme, which is designed to maintain research momentum and facilitate a smooth move to the next professional stage. Financial assistance is also being provided to ensure scholars do not miss out on international fellowships, conferences, competitions, or overseas research opportunities due to funding constraints. Additionally, provisions have been made for seed funding to support innovative start-up ideas emerging from research work.