NIT Patna PhD admission 2026: Visvesvaraya scheme applications open, apply by October 25
By TUF News Desk · Published 12 October 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
The National Institute of Technology Patna has opened applications for its PhD programme under the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for the July-December 2026 session. The deadline is October 25, 2026, and applications are submitted online through the official NIT Patna admission portal. The detailed notification is available on the institute’s website, nitp.ac.in.
Who can apply
The minimum requirement depends on the degree you hold. Candidates with an MTech, ME or equivalent degree need at least 6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale or 60 per cent marks from a recognised technical institute or university.
Candidates with a BTech, BE, MCA or equivalent qualification need first-class marks. Where the institute does not award classes, the requirement is 60 per cent marks or 6.5 CGPA along with a valid GATE, UGC-NET or CSIR-NET score. This rule applies to candidates from the Computer Science and Engineering branch.
SC, ST and PwD candidates get a relaxation of 0.5 CGPA or five percentage points in the minimum requirement. Sponsored candidates are exempt from the GATE or NET qualification requirement.
How the selection works
Eligibility is only the first filter. The departments then conduct a 100-mark screening test, with the syllabus based on the GATE or NET syllabus for the respective discipline. General, EWS and OBC candidates must score at least 40 per cent to qualify; the qualifying mark for SC, ST and PwD candidates is 35 per cent.
Candidates who clear the screening are called for a 100-mark selection interview, which assesses subject knowledge, research aptitude and understanding of the proposed research area. Part-time candidates may be called directly for the interview. The final merit list is prepared by the admission committee based on the interview and seat availability.
About the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme
These admissions are being run under the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme, which supports doctoral research in Electronics and IT. The areas covered include Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) and Information Technology / IT-enabled Services.
Apply before October 25
With less than two weeks left, keep the paperwork ready before you sit down to fill the form. Candidates applying with a GATE, UGC-NET or CSIR-NET score must submit proof of the valid score at the time of application, and SC, ST and PwD candidates claiming the relaxation need a certificate from the competent authority.
Our admission documents checklist lists the scans and certificates worth keeping ready for any research programme application. Apply well before the evening of October 25. Portals slow down under deadline pressure, and a failed payment in the final hours leaves no time to recover.
Candidates comparing institutes can read the National Institute of Technology Patna profile for the full picture of the campus before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for NIT Patna PhD admission 2026?
October 25, 2026. Applications are submitted online through the official NIT Patna admission portal.
Who is eligible for the NIT Patna PhD programme?
MTech or ME holders need at least 6.5 CGPA or 60 per cent marks. BTech, BE and MCA holders need first-class marks, or 60 per cent marks / 6.5 CGPA with a valid GATE, UGC-NET or CSIR-NET score. SC, ST and PwD candidates get a relaxation of 0.5 CGPA or five percentage points.
How are candidates selected?
Shortlisting on the prescribed eligibility criteria, followed by a 100-mark screening test and a 100-mark selection interview. Part-time candidates may be called directly for the interview.
What is the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme?
A Government of India scheme supporting PhD research in Electronics and IT, including Electronics System Design and Manufacturing and IT/ITES.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for NIT Patna PhD admission 2026?
October 25, 2026. Applications are submitted online through NIT Patna's official admission portal.
Who is eligible for the NIT Patna PhD programme?
MTech or ME holders need at least 6.5 CGPA or 60 per cent marks; BTech, BE and MCA holders need first-class marks, or 60 per cent marks / 6.5 CGPA with a valid GATE, UGC-NET or CSIR-NET score.
How does NIT Patna select PhD candidates?
Shortlisting on eligibility, followed by a 100-mark screening test and a 100-mark selection interview. Part-time candidates may be called directly for the interview.
What is the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme?
A Government of India scheme supporting PhD research in Electronics and IT, under which NIT Patna has invited these applications.
Sources: NDTV, JagranJosh, The Higher Education Review