Ph.D. in Physics

Offered at:Pilani, K K Birla Goa, Hyderabad

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Cultivating Research Leaders in Physics


The Ph.D. in Physics at BITS Pilani emphasises excellence in theory and experiment, providing doctoral students with opportunities to engage in research at the forefront of condensed matter, optics, quantum computing, field theory and other advanced topics in physics. The curriculum has been designed to blend rigorous coursework, close supervision and access to well-equipped laboratories to enhance original contributions to knowledge and technology. The collegial culture of the programme promotes seminars, guest lectures and exchange between disciplines in order to prepare students for careers in academia, research and industry. The programme will encourage independent thinkers who are prepared to solve complex scientific problems of the 21st century.


Know More

Students offered an Institute fellowship will receive ₹37,000 per month. The fellowship may be enhanced to ₹40,000 or ₹42,000 after two years, based on performance.

Institute Fellows will also receive a contingency amount of ₹20,000 per year. Students admitted through Sponsored Projects will receive fellowship support in accordance with the funding agency guidelines.

Key Research Milestones

Research Areas Driving New Frontiers in Physics

The Department lays special emphasis on research work in various areas of specialisation that include:

Atomic and Molecular Physics

Astronomy and Cosmology

Statistical Physics and Complex Systems

Condensed Matter Physics

Nuclear and Particle Physics

Optical and Plasma Physics

Ph.D. Admission and Support Information

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:


  • M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil. (or equivalent) with minimum 60% aggregate.
  • M.Sc./B.E./B.Pharm. (or equivalent) with minimum 60% aggregate.
  • M.A. degree holders with minimum 55% aggregate may apply.
  • Minimum one year of relevant work experience is mandatory.

Additional Notes

  • Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission.
  • Departments may set additional shortlisting criteria—candidates must check departmental webpages for details.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written test and/or interview, as recommended by the Department Research Committee (DRC).
  • Coursework requirements:
    • First Degree holders (M.Sc., B.E., B.Pharm., etc.): Minimum 6 courses / 24 units in the first two semesters.
    • Higher Degree holders (M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil., etc.): Minimum 2 courses / 6 units in the first semester.
  • Admission is provisional and confirmed after clearing the qualifying exam and/or approval of the PhD proposal by the DRC.

  • All full-time PhD students admitted to the PhD program will receive a fellowship for up to a maximum of five years.
  • The fellowship could be from the Institute or the Sponsored Projects. PhD students may also be eligible for their own fellowship if qualified through the UGC/CSIR NET.
  • Students offered an Institute fellowship will receive ₹37,000 per month. The fellowship may be enhanced to ₹40,000/- or ₹42,000/- after two years, based on performance. Institute Fellows will also receive a contingency amount of ₹20,000/- per year.
  • Students offered admission through Sponsored Projects would receive the fellowship in accordance with the funding agency guidelines.
  • BITS Pilani provides International Travel Support of up to ₹1.5 lakh to full-time PhD students to present their work in an international conference

Application Process

  1. The online admission portal opens on 26 September 2025.
  2. Eligible candidates must apply through the official application form available at the provided admission website. No hard copy needs to be sent.
  3. Applicants must register online using a valid mobile number and email ID to generate login credentials.
  4. Candidates must select their preferred BITS Pilani campus(es) while filling the form.
    1. Preferences must be chosen carefully.
    2. They cannot be changed after submission.
  5. The completed application form and the prescribed application fee must be submitted online before the deadline.
  1. Last date to submit the application form: 17 November 2025, 5:00 PM.
  2. A non-refundable application fee of ₹2600 is payable at submission.
  3. Only one application is allowed.
    1. An edit option will be available until the deadline for correcting any mistakes.
  4. The final admission decision will be made by the Institute’s Admission Committee, and the decision will be binding on all applicants.

To learn more about the Ph.D admissions process at BITS Pilani, please visit the website https://www.bitsadmission.com

Faculty Shaping the Next Generation of Physicists

Anshuman Dalvi


Professor,
Department of Physics, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Aritra Banerjee


Assistant Professor,
Department of Physics

Arnab Roy


Assistant Professor

You Asked.
We Answered.

At BITS Pilani, the Ph.D in Physics is a research-intensive doctorate guided by active faculty across campuses, with work spanning experimental and theoretical fronts in modern physics.

At BITS Pilani, you’ll take department-approved coursework, clear a qualifier, meet a review committee regularly and complete a thesis under your advisor’s guidance.

BITS Pilani considers applicants meeting the institute's minimum criteria for admission (generally 60% in the qualifying degree), with departments allowed to set stricter criteria. Physics typically expects an M.Sc. (Physics) or equivalent.

You can pursue Physics at Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa and Hyderabad campuses within the institute’s doctoral portfolio.

At BITS Pilani, active topics include condensed-matter and quantum materials, optics/quantum optics, spintronics, microfluidics/soft matter, astrophysics and gravitation, mathematical physics and and more—supported by faculty-led groups.

Shortlisted candidates at BITS Pilani take a common fundamentals test (Test-I) and a Physics-specific test (Test-II) with MCQs (negative marking applies), followed by interview; some national-fellowship holders are exempt.

BITS Pilani Physics departments host teaching/research labs and access central instrumentation; institute facility lists include spectroscopy, reactors, microscopy and analytical platforms supporting experimental work.

Yes, eligible full-time Ph.D. scholars at BITS Pilani receive fellowships. Institute Fellows are offered ₹37,000 monthly, with a possible increase to ₹40,000–₹42,000 after two years, along with ₹20,000 annual contingency.

BITS Pilani also admits part-time Ph.D scholars who meet academic minimums and have at least one year of relevant work experience; departmental criteria apply.

Apply online via the BITS Pilani Ph.D admissions portal during the announced cycle; the brochure details dates, tests and campus preferences for the written test/interview.

Campus
Pilani
Goa
Hyderabad
Program Type
PhD
Content Type
Courses
Degree
Doctoral Degree