NIT Rourkela Ph.D Earth & Atmospheric Sciences: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Candidates should qualify GATE in the GG (Geology and Geophysics) paper or the XE (Engineering Sciences) paper to be eligible for the PhD programme. CSIR/UGC NET JRF in Earth Sciences is also accepted. Shortlisted candidates are called for a written test or personal interview conducted by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before final selection.

Ans. PhD scholars admitted with a valid GATE or NET score are eligible for the NIT Rourkela Institute Fellowship of INR 37,000 per month (JRF, Years 1-2) and INR 42,000 per month from the third year onward (SRF). Outstanding B.Tech graduates from IITs, NITs, or IISc may apply for the PMRF at INR 70,000 to 80,000 per month through the national PMRF portal.

Ans. NIT Rourkela admits PhD scholars twice a year: for the Autumn semester commencing around July and the Spring semester commencing around January. For the Autumn 2026-27 batch, applications opened on April 12, 2026, and closed on May 11, 2026. Students who miss one cycle can apply in the next cycle, subject to meeting eligibility criteria at the time of application.

Ans. Applicants must hold an M.Sc. or M.Tech. in Atmospheric Science, Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography, Environmental Science, or Physics with at least 65% marks or CGPA 7.0. SC/ST and PwD candidates are eligible with 60% marks or CGPA 6.5. A valid GATE or CSIR/UGC NET JRF score is mandatory for candidates seeking the Institute Fellowship at NIT Rourkela.

Ans. The department conducts research in atmospheric dynamics, physical oceanography, monsoon climate modelling, remote sensing, and GIS-based earth science applications. PhD scholars work on satellite data analysis, climatology, and geophysical modelling under funded DST and SERB projects, contributing to national programmes on weather prediction and ocean sciences.

Ans. The total academic fee for a minimum 3-year PhD is INR 3,42,000 for general candidates, comprising INR 67,000 in Semester 1, INR 2,72,500 across Semesters 2 to 6, and a one-time admission fee of INR 2,500. SC/ST scholars pay INR 59,000 in Semester 1 and INR 47,000 in each subsequent semester. The Institute Fellowship of INR 37,000 to 42,000 per month offsets these costs substantially for eligible scholars.