The journey towards obtaining a PhD can be very long, and sometimes, it's normal to experience a sense of confusion or uncertainty. Always keep in mind that progress is made with each and every step, regardless of how small it may seem.
- Dr. Tazyeen Alam
Starting a PhD at an IIT in India is like signing up for a marathon—you need stamina, a good game plan, and the ability to pace yourself. The application process might feel like you're jumping through hoops, but once you've made it past that hurdle, the real journey begins. This isn't just about being book-smart; it’s about navigating the ups and downs, staying organized, and keeping your motivation tank full.
In this blog, I'll walk you through the ins and outs of getting into an IIT for a PhD, sharing the lessons I've learned along the way. Whether you’re just considering applying or already knee-deep in research, I’ll give you tips to help you stay focused, make steady progress, and cross that finish line with your PhD in hand.
How much time do I have to complete this journey?
The Official Timeline
This consists of total 5 years with Institute Assistantship (Rs. 37k for first 2 years and Rs. 42k for the next 3 years - at the time of writing this blog). This amount may vary in the next 5 years so check with the MHRD/MoE guidelines. After the 5 years tenure, you will be given only Rs. 15k to perform duties of a Teaching Assistant for the next 1 year only. Alternatively, if your supervisor has projects, they can also provide you funds as a project Assistant after completion of 5 years and that will get you more financial stability! You can find details about IIT Kharagpur here: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/phd and you can find this session's brochure here: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/assets/pdf/phd_brochure.pdf
You may think for a while that I am talking too much about money :P
Because my friend, if you are into higher education and you re not making enough money or you are unable to find this financial stability, it will get more frustrating for you because who doesn't want that? ;)
The Unofficial Timeline
Well, the maximum time as per the rules of the MoE, you must be able to finish your PhD within 8 years maximum! You may also grab this within a minimum time of 3 years (but this requires a lot of hard work and perseverance!). Mind you, these rules are strictly for full-time researchers on campus and not for part-time or sponsored candidates.
How do I stay motivated through these 4 - 5 years?
How do I manage my personal and professional life balance?
Collaborations and exchange programs extend my PhD timeline, is it worth it?
What are future scopes after submitting or completing my PhD thesis?
So,...what is my take on doing a PhD from IITs?
Beautifully written and summarised. I feel post PhD journey is far more challenging for some people. Although iam yet to experience it but have heard from colleagues that all this years of hard work doesn't guarantee you a smooth ride ahead. Would like to know your take on that.