Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering & Earth Sciences

Advanced Research & Innovation in Energy Technologies

Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering & Earth Sciences

The Ph.D. program in the Department of Petroleum Engineering and Earth Sciences is designed to cultivate advanced research capabilities and deep domain expertise in areas such as reservoir engineering, enhanced oil recovery, geomechanics, geophysics, and sustainable energy solutions.

The program offers a rigorous curriculum combined with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and computational tools, enabling scholars to contribute to innovative research and address real-world challenges in the energy sector.

With guidance from experienced faculty and collaborative industry and academic partnerships, the program prepares researchers for impactful careers in academia, R&D, and the global energy industry.

Program Goals

The Ph.D. program in Petroleum Engineering and Earth Sciences aims to advance knowledge through original research, develop critical and independent thinking, and prepare scholars to tackle challenges in the energy sector.

It emphasizes specialization, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation, while equipping students with the skills needed for careers in academia, industry, or research.

  • Regular with Institute Research Fellowship
    A valid GATE/NET/NBHM score is required for B.Tech/M.Sc. holders to receive the Institute Research Fellowship, while M.Tech. degree holders are exempt from this requirement. Fellowship: ₹37,000/month for first 2 years, ₹42,000/month for next 3 years, plus ₹30,000/year contingency.
  • Individual Fellowship
    Applicants for the Individual Fellowship must hold a valid award letter from the relevant funding agency (e.g., CSIR, UGC, DST, DBT, ICMR).
  • Sponsored
    For working professionals in PSUs, government bodies, recognized R&D industries, national labs, or autonomous research institutions.
  • QIP
    Eligible for candidates with full-time teaching experience in AICTE/UGC-approved degree institutions.

Admission Procedure

The institute invites Ph.D. applications twice a year (May–June & Oct–Nov). Candidates must apply online; selection is based on interview/exam performance.

Salient Features

  • Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA (55% or 6.0 for SC/ST/PwD), in Engineering, Technology, Science, or allied fields.
  • Candidates from IITs, IISc, IIPE, RGIPT, or NITs with B.Tech, Dual Degree, Integrated/2-year MSc (via JAM) and CGPA ≥ 8.0 or 75% (7.0 or 65% for SC/ST) may be eligible for direct Ph.D. admission with Institute Fellowship.
  • DSC will recommend subjects based on the student's research needs and academic background, with minimum credits: 9 for post-M.Tech (≥6 years) and 18 for post-B.Tech (<6 years).
  • DSC may waive minimum credit requirements by considering relevant M.Tech or Ph.D. coursework from IITs.
  • DSC may recommend courses from platforms like NPTEL, MOOCs, Coursera, and programs by IIPE, IITs, IISc, IIMs, IISER, or AIIMS, along with institute courses.
  • Students taking online courses may appear for exams by the platform or those conducted by the institute faculty.
  • More Details: PhD Admission | Information Brochure

Research Areas

Reservoir Engineering

Advanced studies in reservoir characterization, simulation, and optimization.

Enhanced Oil Recovery

Research in thermal, chemical, and gas injection techniques for improved recovery.

Geophysics & Geomechanics

Research on subsurface imaging, rock mechanics, and basin analysis.

Sustainable Energy Solutions

Research in CCUS, geothermal energy, hydrogen, and energy transition technologies.

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Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
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Hydrogen Production & Storage
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Energy Transition Roles
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Geothermal Energy
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Natural Hydrogen
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Geochemistry of Earth’s materials
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Mineral Exploration & Prospecting
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Geothermal Resources
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Engineering Properties of Rocks
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Magnetotelluric & Geophysical Imaging
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Natural Hydrogen
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Data Science & Geonumerics