Current Vacancies for PhD students: Zero (0) for the July 2026 intake.
What to expect during your PhD?
During the PhD, the candidate demonstrates independent thinking and comes up with novel ideas. Therefore, it is important to understand the PhD journey at UFO-CHIP a bit more.
Our research group looks into fundamental and applied aspects of photonics, and therefore, a solid understanding of photonics/RF systems/Communications is required. Students typically read papers, identify problems and simulate problems within the first year. Year 2 onwards, students work on experimentation.
Collaboration is at the heart of our work. The nature of our research is very collaborative, and the environment within the group is very supportive, and we welcome anyone who works well within a team environment.
From 7 January 2019 to date (21 January 2026), we have graduated 4 PhD students with 2 more students expected to submit by 31 March. The current average time spent actively working in the UFO-CHIP group as a PhD student to the submission of the thesis is 4.6 years.
(Part-time students are also welcome to join the group. The amount of time they are able to spend on the research is understandably lower than full-time students, hence the time taken to graduate may be slightly longer. We currently have 2 part-time PhD students in our lab.)
Typical PhD Journey*
Within 3 months of joining IIT Delhi, an SRC consisting of 3-4 faculty members is formed. The purpose of the SRC is to monitor the progress of the student and to give suggestions.
The SRC also awards a grade each semester: Satisfactory or Unatisfactory (U Grade). 2 consecutive U Grades leads to the termination of candidature.
After joining, the candidate has to complete a comprehensive exam within 18 months. This includes a written exam and a research proposal presentation. After clearing this stage, the candidate is officially a PhD student.
In EE, the student has to complete 12 credits (MTech Intake), or 24 Credits (BTech intake), before the comprehensive exam.
The next step is the synopsis, where the student presents their thesis plan which has to be approved by the SRC
The student then writes and submits the thesis typically within 3 months of the Synopsis. On the date of submission, the stipend stops. The stipend also automatically stops after 5 years of enrollment.
The thesis is sent to 2 examiners and based on the feedback, the student may be invited for a viva. After a successful defence, the student is officially a Doctor!
*There may be some variations based on circumstances.
Final Thoughts: Pursuing a PhD is a significant commitment (PhD funding is for 5 years), and finding the right environment is essential for a fulfilling experience. Therefore, we strongly encourage prospective students to meet Amol and members of the research group to ensure a good fit before making their final decision.
A PhD should be an exciting, intellectually stimulating, and enjoyable journey. We wish you the very best as you embark on this path!