Current Vacancies for PhD students: Zero (0) for the December 2025 intake.
What to expect during your PhD?
A PhD is a 4-5 year commitment, where the candidate demonstrates independent thinking and 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.
To date (17 July 2025), we have graduated 3 PhD students with another student has submitted his thesis. The current average time spent actively working in the UFO-CHIP group as a PhD student to the submission of the thesis is 4.4 years.
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.
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 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. On a successful defence, the student is officially a Doctor!
Final Thoughts: Pursuing a PhD is a significant commitment, 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!