PhD Programme

Doctor of Philosophy — IIT Ropar Centre of Excellence for Socio-Environmental Sustainability About The Centre

The Centre of Excellence in Socio-Environmentalsustainabilityfor River Sand Mining (SEnSRS) atIITRoparisasapioneeringinitiativefocusedoninterdisciplinaryresearch,capacitybuilding,and evidence-basedpolicymakingforsustainableriverresourcemanagement.

Recognizingthechallengesposedbyunsustainablesandmining—includingecologicaldegradation,hydrologicalchanges,socio-economicimpacts,andgovernanceissues—the Centreaimstodevelopscientificsolutionsandpolicyinterventionsforlong‑term sustainability.
The Centre of Excellence in Socio-Environmental Sustainability for River Sand Mining (SEnSRS) at IIT Ropar is a pioneering initiative focused on interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and evidence‑based policy making for sustainable river resource management. Recognizing the challenges posed by unsustainable sand mining — including ecological degradation, hydrological changes, socio‑economic impacts, and governance issues — the Centre aims to develop scientific solutions and policy interventions for long‑term sustainability.
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, SEnSRS proposes to launch a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programme from January 2026. The programme will integrate engineering, environmental sciences, social sciences, law, and emerging technologies such as AI, GeoAI, and digital governance tools to address key aspects of river sand mining and riverine sustainability.
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, SEnSRS proposes to launch a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programme from January 2026. The programme will integrate engineering, environmental sciences, social sciences, law, and emerging technologies such as AI, GeoAI, and digital governance tools to address key aspects of river sand mining and riverine sustainability.

• River Geomorphology and Sediment Dynamics
• Environmental Impacts and Ecological Sustainability of Sand Mining
• Hydrological Modelling and River Basin Management
• GIS, Remote Sensing, and Drone-based Monitoring Applications
• Socio-Economic, Legal, and Policy Dimensions of River Resource Governance
• Sustainability Indicators and Decision Support Systems
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), GeoAI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning for Predictive Modelling
• Hyperautomation and Workflow Intelligence for Environmental Data Processing
• Web-based GIS Dashboards and Spatial Decision Support Portals
• Mobile and Web Application Development for Real-Time River Monitoring

Eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications will be called for a “test and interview” or “interview” by the Selection Committees of the Department of Civil Engineering. The interview may be supplemented by a written test, if necessary. Depending on the number of applications received, the Academic Units may put additional academic performance-based shortlisting criteria.
Eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications will be called for a “test and interview” or “interview” by the Selection Committees of the Department of Civil Engineering. The interview may be supplemented by a written test, if necessary. Depending on the number of applications received, the Academic Units may put additional academic performance-based shortlisting criteria.

• (i) Regular Full-Time PhD
  Candidates under this category are entitled to Centre Fellowship from SEnSRS.
• (ii-a) Part-Time ERP
  External Registration Program — for candidates employed in R&D organizations / academic institutions. Research may be carried out largely in the parent organization with overall IIT Ropar guidance.
• (ii-b) Part-Time PhD
  Research scholar carries out major part or all research work at IIT Ropar under supervision of IIT Ropar supervisors.
• (ii-c) Self-Sponsored
  Project staff are eligible for Part-time / Full-time PhD enrollment.
  * Special preference will be given to candidates nominated by the Punjab government under the Centre's scheme.

Sr. Qualifying Degree Min. Performance (Gen/OBC/EWS) Min. Performance…