If you missed the December-January PhD application cycle, do not panic. February 2026 brings a massive second wave of opportunities, including India’s #1 ranked institute, IISc Bangalore, and several prestigious IIMs. Whether you are a fresh post-graduate or a working professional looking for a part-time PhD, this list is your ultimate savior.
Urgency Alert: Many of these forms have deadlines expiring within the next 10-15 days. Stop scrolling and start applying!
Missed the NET Exam? Before applying for PhD, ensure you check the upcoming CSIR NET June 2026 Notification to secure a fellowship.
📅 Quick Answer: February 2026 PhD Deadlines
Here is the snapshot of active application forms for this month:
| Institute Name | Status | Deadline / Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| IISc Bangalore | Opens Soon | Starts: Feb 11, 2026 |
| IIT Guwahati | Active | Ends: March 12, 2026 |
| IIM Calcutta (Exec PhD) | Closing | Ends: Feb 14, 2026 |
| IIM Trichy | Closing | Ends: Feb 15, 2026 |
| VIT Vellore (VITREE) | Just Started | Ends: April 06, 2026 |
1. IISc Bangalore PhD Admission 2026 (The Big Opportunity)
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has announced the admission cycle for its Research Programmes (PhD / MTech Research) for the academic year 2026-27. This is the most prestigious PhD program in India.
Key Highlights for IISc 2026:
- Application Start Date: February 11, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: March 23, 2026
- Official Website: iisc.ac.in/admissions
Eligibility Criteria for IISc:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Science/Economics/Commerce/Management or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology. In addition, you MUST have a valid score in one of the following national exams:
- GATE 2024 / 2025 / 2026
- CSIR / UGC NET JRF (Lectureship/LS is NOT valid for direct PhD fellowship)
- JEST / GPAT / NBHM (for specific departments)
Did you know? If you are a B.Tech / B.E. graduate from a CFTI (like IIT/NIT) with a CGPA > 8.0, you can apply for the Direct PhD Program at IISc without a GATE score. Check the “Direct PhD” section in the brochure carefully.
2. Immediate Deadlines: Forms Closing in February 2026
This section is for those who need to take action TODAY. The following institutes have their application windows closing within the next 10-15 days. Do not wait for the last hour as server traffic usually increases.
A. Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) – PhD 2026
While most IIMs close their regular PhD forms in January, some specific programs (especially Executive PhD for working professionals) are still open.
- IIM Calcutta (Executive PhD):
- Deadline: February 14, 2026
- Target Audience: Working executives with 10+ years of experience. No JRF required.
- IIM Trichy (DPM 2026):
- Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Fellowship: ₹35,000 – ₹42,000 per month (Institute funded).
- IIM Amritsar (PhD 2026):
- Deadline: February 20, 2026 (Tentative)
- Admission Process: Based on CAT / GMAT / GATE / GRE / JRF scores.
Websites of government institutes often crash on the last day. If the deadline is Feb 15, try to submit your form and pay the fee by Feb 13 to avoid payment failures.
B. State & Central Universities (Feb 2026 Cycle)
Apart from national institutes, several state universities have released their notifications for the PhD Entrance Exam 2026.
| University | Last Date | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Alagappa University (Karaikudi) | Feb 18, 2026 | Entrance Test + Interview |
| Bangalore University | Feb 25, 2026 (Expected) | Based on Merit & Entrance |
| Pondicherry University | Feb 28, 2026 | Exempted for JRF |
Maharashtra Students: If you are targeting universities like SPPU or Mumbai University, clearing the SET exam is a great way to enter PhD. Check MH SET 2026 Exam Date details here.
C. Private Universities (Backup Options)
If you don’t want to waste a year, these top-ranked private universities have active forms:
- VIT (Vellore Institute of Technology): VITREE 2026 forms are out. Last date is April 06, 2026 (Safe option).
- Amity University (Noida/Gurgaon): Applications open round the year, but the batch starts in July. Apply by Feb 28 for early interview slots.
- Manipal Academy (MAHE): PhD applications are open for Health Sciences and Engineering.
3. Part-Time PhD Admission 2026: A Guide for Working Professionals
Are you currently employed in a corporate job or working as a faculty member? You do not need to quit your job to pursue a doctorate. Most universities, including IITs and Central Universities, offer Part-Time PhD programs.
However, the rules for Part-Time PhD differ significantly from the Regular mode. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Regular PhD | Part-Time PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Residency | Full-time on campus. | Only for coursework (1 semester) or weekend classes. |
| Duration | 3 to 5 Years. | 4 to 6 Years (Generally longer). |
| Fellowship | Yes (JRF / Institute Stipend). | No Fellowship (Self-financed). |
| Requirement | Relieving letter from previous job. | NOC (No Objection Certificate) from current employer. |
If you are applying for Part-Time PhD, you MUST have a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from your employer at the time of the interview. Without this document, your application will be rejected immediately, even if you clear the entrance exam.
4. PhD Selection Process 2026: What to Expect?
Whether you apply to IISc, IITs, or a State University, the selection process follows a standard 3-step protocol. Understanding this will improve your chances of success.
Step 1: The Screening (Entrance Exam)
Universities filter candidates based on national-level exams like UGC/CSIR NET, GATE, JEST, or GPAT. If you do not have these scores, you must appear for the university’s own Research Entrance Test (RET).
Note: NET JRF qualified candidates are usually exempted from the written test.
Step 2: The Interview (The Decider)
This is the most critical stage. A panel of 3-5 professors will evaluate your research aptitude. They don’t just check your knowledge; they check your ability to think like a researcher.
Step 3: Research Proposal
Most institutes require you to submit a brief research proposal (1000-1500 words) during the application or interview. This document outlines what you want to study and how you plan to do it.
Struggling with your topic? Read our guide on How to Write a Research Proposal here.
What Next? Upcoming PhD Forms in March 2026
If you feel you have missed the bus for the current cycle, do not worry. The biggest admission season of the year—the Autumn Semester (July 2026 Batch)—is just around the corner.
Starting from mid-March 2026, the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will release their application forms. Watch out for:
- IIT Bombay & IIT Delhi: usually release forms in the 2nd week of March.
- IIT Madras & IIT Kanpur: Follow shortly after.
- CCMT (NITs): Centralized counseling for PhD in NITs usually starts in April/May.
Important Links for PhD Admission 2026
Here are the direct official links to the active application portals. We recommend visiting these websites immediately as deadlines are approaching.
| Institute / Exam | Official Link |
|---|---|
| IISc Bangalore Admissions | Apply Now |
| IIM Calcutta (Exec PhD) | Visit Website |
| VIT Vellore (VITREE) | Visit Website |
| CSIR NET Notification | Check Updates |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is NET/GATE mandatory for PhD Admission 2026?
For top institutes like IISc and IITs, a valid GATE or NET-JRF score is mandatory for regular full-time PhD with fellowship. However, many private and state universities conduct their own entrance exams (RET) for non-NET candidates.
2. Can I apply for Direct PhD after B.Tech?
Yes, institutes like IISc, IITs, and some NITs allow B.Tech graduates with an excellent academic record (high CGPA) and a valid GATE score to apply directly for PhD without a Master’s degree.
3. Is a Part-Time PhD valid for government jobs?
Yes, a Part-Time PhD from a UGC-recognized university is fully valid for government jobs and promotions, provided you have followed the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil/Ph.D Degrees) Regulations.
4. Does IISc Bangalore offer PhD in Humanities?
No, IISc primarily focuses on Science, Engineering, and Management. However, for interdisciplinary research, candidates with diverse backgrounds may apply if they meet specific department criteria.
Conclusion
February 2026 is a critical month for PhD aspirants. With IISc Bangalore opening its gates and several IIMs closing theirs, timely action is key. Do not wait for the last date. Prepare your documents, draft your research proposal, and submit your applications today.
Stay tuned to ResearchPhD.in for the upcoming list of IIT PhD Forms in March.
Shyam Giri is the Founder and Lead Editor at ResearchPhD.in. With a deep understanding of the Indian higher education landscape, Shyam specializes in decoding complex PhD admission processes, UGC NET strategies, and academic career planning. His mission is to empower students with authentic, research-backed information to help them secure their seats in top universities.