Thapar University is ranked by several ranking agencies such as Times Higher Education. Some of these rankings are as follows-
- #601-800 out of 801 under Times Higher Education Ranking 2020.
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology [Thapar University], Patiala offers Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] in 27 specialisations across engineering, sciences, humanities, and management, in both full-time and part-time modes. Full-time programme fees are ₹3,48,000; part-time fees are ₹3,15,000 to ₹3,48,000. Full-time scholars with a valid GATE or UGC NET score receive a monthly stipend of ₹31,000 to ₹35,000. Admission is through GATE, UGC NET, or the Thapar Research Aptitude Test followed by a personal interview.
Applications for the 2026 batch closed in April 2026. The Thapar Research Aptitude Test is scheduled for May 2026, followed by interviews in May to June 2026 and final selection in June 2026. Admissions are currently in progress.
Key Points
Full-time PhD fees are ₹3,48,000 across all disciplines. Part-time fees are ₹3,15,000 for most disciplines and ₹3,48,000 for Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics. Hostel charges are not included.
| Mode | Course(s) | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part Time | Ph.D Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, CSE, ECE, Energy and Environment, Management, Mathematics | ₹3,15,000 |
| Part Time | Ph.D Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Physics | ₹3,48,000 |
| Full Time | Ph.D Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, CSE, Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Energy and Environmental Planning, Humanities and Social Science, Management, Materials Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics | ₹3,48,000 |
| Total Fees (Hostel charges separate) | ₹3,15,000 to ₹3,48,000 |
Admission is through GATE, UGC NET, or the Thapar Research Aptitude Test. All candidates must attend a personal interview with the Doctoral Research Committee. The same timeline applies to both full-time and part-time modes.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Last Date | April 2026 |
| GATE or NET Score Submission | March to April 2026 |
| Thapar Research Aptitude Test | May 2026 |
| Personal Interview | May to June 2026 |
| Final Selection List | June 2026 |
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATE 2026 | October 13, 2025 | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 | March 19, 2026 |
| UGC NET | March 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 |
| Thapar Research Aptitude Test | May 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Thapar Institute provides monthly stipends and research grants to full-time scholars. Part-time scholars may hold external fellowships but are not eligible for the institutional stipend.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Thapar PhD Stipend | ₹31,000 to ₹35,000 per month | Full-time scholars with GATE or NET score |
| Research Project Fellowship | Variable | Scholars on funded sponsored research projects |
| Conference Travel Grant | Up to ₹50,000 per year | Paper presentation at recognised conferences |
| External Scholarship Hosting | As per agency norms | CSIR, DST, ICMR, and similar external awardees |
Thapar University is ranked by several ranking agencies such as Times Higher Education. Some of these rankings are as follows-
| Ranking Agency | Latest |
|---|---|
![]() | #601-800 out of 801 (2020) |
Ques. What monthly stipend does Thapar pay full-time PhD scholars and how does it compare to the programme fee?
Ans. Full-time scholars with GATE or UGC NET receive ₹31,000 to ₹35,000 per month. At ₹31,000 per month, the cumulative stipend over 3 years substantially exceeds the ₹3,48,000 total programme fee. Stipend continuation requires satisfactory annual progress reports and includes a teaching or research assistantship of up to 8 hours per week.
Ques. Can working professionals pursue the Part-time PhD at Thapar without leaving their job?
Ans. Yes. The part-time PhD is designed for working professionals and industry researchers. It carries the same academic and publication requirements as the full-time programme with flexibility in research scheduling. Part-time scholars are not eligible for the institutional stipend and must submit an employer no-objection certificate; campus visits for coursework and research reviews are required as mandated by the doctoral committee.
Ques. Why are "Electronics and Communications Engineering" (Part-time) and "Electronics and Communication" (Full-time) listed separately at Thapar?
Ans. These are the same specialisation with a minor naming variation between the part-time and full-time course listings. Both are offered by the same Electronics and Communication Engineering department. Candidates should select the entry matching their preferred study mode (full-time or part-time) and not treat them as distinct programmes.
Ques. Is direct PhD admission possible at Thapar for B.Tech graduates without a Master’s degree?
Ans. Yes. B.Tech or BE graduates with first division and a strong research profile may be considered for direct PhD admission. This route requires the same entrance test or NET score and a more intensive interview with the Doctoral Research Committee to assess research readiness. Selection via the direct route is more competitive and less common than the post-Master’s pathway.
Ques. What research areas are active for PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at Thapar?
Ans. Active research areas in CSE at Thapar include machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, distributed systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. Scholars work under faculty supervisors with industry collaborations and funded project support. Candidates should contact prospective supervisors before applying, as thesis topic alignment with active faculty research significantly improves admission outcomes.
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You can’t get a scholarship in B.tech Biotechnology with this percentage. Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology provides various scholarships to be eligible for a general scholarship your scores should be > 95% at the 10+2 level.
For more information, refer to this link: Thapar University Scholarships