BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27 Open: Apply by November 6
BITS Pilani has opened applications for PhD programmes for the second semester of the 2026-27 academic year. Students can apply for full-time and part-time research places at the Pilani, K K Birla Goa and Hyderabad campuses, depending on the department. The last date to submit the online form is 5:00 PM on November 6, 2026.
BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27: Important points
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Session | Second semester, academic year 2026-27 |
| Application deadline | November 6, 2026, by 5:00 PM |
| Campuses | Pilani, K K Birla Goa and Hyderabad |
| Study mode | Full-time and part-time, as listed by each department |
| Application fee | Read the current brochure and portal instructions before payment |
Which departments are offering PhD seats?
The official BITS page lists research areas in engineering, science, pharmacy, economics and finance, humanities and social sciences, and management. Departments include Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Information Systems, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. The full-time and part-time option is different for some departments and campuses, so students should check the department table before applying.
BITS Pilani PhD eligibility
Candidates with an M.E., M.Tech., M.Pharm., MBA, M.Phil. or an equivalent degree need at least 60% aggregate marks. Applicants with an M.Sc., B.E., B.Pharm., four-year B.Sc. or B.S. with honours and research also need at least 60% marks. For Humanities and Social Sciences, an M.A. degree with at least 55% marks is accepted.
Part-time applicants need at least one year of experience in a related field. Meeting the minimum marks does not guarantee admission because departments may set extra shortlisting rules. Shortlisted candidates may have to take a written test, interview or both.
Course work after admission
Students admitted with qualifications such as M.Sc., B.E. or B.Pharm. may have to complete at least six courses and 24 units in the first and second semesters. Students admitted with M.E., M.Tech., M.Pharm., MBA or M.Phil. qualifications may have to complete at least two courses and six units in the second semester.
Fellowship for full-time PhD scholars
BITS Pilani says full-time PhD students can receive institute or project funding for up to five years. Students offered an institute fellowship receive Rs. 37,000 per month at first. The amount may rise to Rs. 40,000 or Rs. 42,000 after two years based on performance. Institute fellows also receive a contingency amount of Rs. 20,000 per year. Students with UGC or CSIR NET or a sponsored project may have a different funding arrangement.
How to apply for BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27
- Read the official BITS doctoral admission page and the second-semester PhD brochure.
- Check whether your department and preferred campus offer full-time or part-time seats.
- Open the official BITS PhD application portal linked from the BITS admissions page.
- Fill in academic, experience and personal details and upload the documents asked for your route.
- Pay the fee and submit the form before 5:00 PM on November 6. Save the application number and payment record.
What to Do Next
First match your degree with the BITS eligibility rule. Then check the department table for campus and study mode. Submit the form before November 6 at 5:00 PM, keep your payment record and start preparing for a possible written test or interview.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for BITS Pilani PhD Admission?
The online form must be submitted by 5:00 PM on November 6, 2026.
Can part-time candidates apply?
Yes, where the department table shows a part-time option. Part-time applicants also need at least one year of related work experience.
Is a fellowship available?
Full-time scholars offered an institute fellowship receive Rs. 37,000 per month initially, with possible increases after two years based on performance.
