ICT Mumbai Ph.D Polymer Science & Technology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. At ICT Mumbai, the Ph.D. in Polymer Science & Technology is offered as Ph.D. (Tech.) - Programme Code D-13 under the Department of Polymer & Surface Engineering. This is a technology-oriented doctoral programme focused on applied research in polymer processing, synthesis, nanocomposites, surface coatings, and specialty polymers. There is no separate Ph.D. (Science) in Polymer Science at ICT; the science-oriented polymer research is typically covered under Ph.D. (Science) in Chemistry. The Ph.D. (Tech.) in Polymer Engineering and Technology is more industry-relevant and is the primary route for students with M.Tech./M.E. in Polymer or Chemical Engineering, while M.Sc. Chemistry graduates with polymer specialization may also be eligible.

Ans. Yes, ICT Mumbai offers a Direct Ph.D. (Tech.) programme after a Bachelor's degree in Polymer Engineering and Technology or Chemical Engineering. This is available for exceptional candidates who have a valid GATE score and a minimum CGPA of 6.5 or 65% marks in their B.Tech./B.E. degree. A separate application form must be filled for Direct Ph.D. (Tech.) - it is different from the regular Ph.D. (Tech.) after Master's degree. The Direct Ph.D. route is available in limited branches only, and candidates must verify the current availability of this option in Polymer Engineering and Technology from the ICT Admission Handbook 2026-27.

Ans. The Department of Polymer & Surface Engineering at ICT Mumbai has strong research expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization, biodegradable and bio-based polymers, polymer nanocomposites, polymer recycling and sustainability, surface coatings (paints, varnishes, powder coatings), functional materials, polymer processing (extrusion, injection moulding), specialty polymers for electronics and biomedical applications, printing inks, adhesives, and sealers. The department has excellent industry connectivity - several small and medium enterprises in plastics, paints, printing inks, adhesives, and sealers have been founded by its graduates. The department is part of the UGC Centre for Physico-chemical Aspects of Textiles, Fibres, Dyes and Polymers, which provides additional research funding and infrastructure.

Ans. The Department of Polymer & Surface Engineering at ICT Mumbai specifically offers 3 Ph.D. fellowships under the UGC SAP (Special Assistance Programme) meritorious fellowship scheme - these are awarded to the most meritorious candidates admitted to the Ph.D. programme in the department. In addition, students can bring their own external fellowships such as CSIR-NET JRF (Rs. 37,000/month), UGC-NET JRF (Rs. 37,000/month), DST-INSPIRE Fellowship (Rs. 37,000/month + Rs. 20,000/year contingency), or AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) for GATE-qualified candidates. Students attached to sponsored research projects at ICT may receive project fellowships ranging from Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 31,000 per month.

Ans. The primary eligibility is an M.Tech./M.E. in Polymer Engineering and Technology, Surface Coating Technology, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks or 6.0 CGPA (50% for reserved category). M.Sc. graduates in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related disciplines are also eligible, provided they meet the minimum marks criteria. Candidates with a valid GATE/CSIR-NET JRF/UGC-NET JRF or equivalent national fellowship are eligible for a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement. Candidates in their final semester of their qualifying degree may apply provisionally. It is advisable to check the detailed eligibility criteria in the ICT Admission Handbook 2026-27 available at www.ictmumbai.edu.in.

Ans. Graduates of the Ph.D. (Polymer Science & Technology) programme from ICT Mumbai have excellent career prospects given the institute's strong industry reputation. Career options include research and development positions in polymer, plastics, paints, coatings, adhesives, and specialty chemicals companies; academic positions in universities and engineering colleges; research scientist roles in national laboratories such as CSIR-NCL, CSIR-CSMCRI, BARC, and DRDO; and entrepreneurship in polymer-based startups. ICT Mumbai's alumni network is particularly strong in the polymer and chemical industries, with several ICT graduates having founded or led major companies in these sectors. The interdisciplinary nature of the research at ICT, combining polymer science with surface engineering, chemical technology, and materials science, makes Ph.D. graduates highly versatile and sought after.