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IIT Roorkee and Niigata University Launch Double Degree PhD Programme

IIT Roorkee and Niigata University Launch Double Degree PhD Programme

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 30, 2025 03:32 PM IST | #IIT Roorkee

In a significant move to promote international academic collaboration, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and Japan’s Niigata University have announced the launch of a double degree PhD programme. This inter-institutional academic collaboration seeks to promote collaborative research and increase academic interaction in specific areas of high impact between IIT Roorkee and Niigata University.

This Story also Contains
  1. Strengthening Indo-Japanese Academic Ties
  2. IIT Roorkee Programme Highlights
  3. Opportunities Through the Double Degree PhD from IIT Roorkee and Niigata University
  4. Leadership Perspectives
  5. Final Take: A Strategic Collaboration for Global Research Impact
IIT Roorkee and Niigata University Launch Double Degree PhD Programme
IIT Roorkee and Niigata University Launch Double Degree PhD Programme

Strengthening Indo-Japanese Academic Ties

The agreement was signed by Professor KK Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, and Professor Matsuo Masayuki, Dean of Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University. The tie-up comes after the visit of Niigata University President Tatsuo Ushiki to IIT Roorkee wherein the process was initiated to further academic association between India and Japan.

In response, a high-level delegation from IIT Roorkee—including Director KK Pant, Dean of International Relations Professor Vimal Chandra Srivastava, Dean of Sponsored Research Professor Akshay Dvivedi, along with faculty members Professor Sandeep Singh (Earth Sciences) and Professor P. Gopinath (Biosciences and Bioengineering)—visited Niigata University to formalise the foundation of this strategic partnership.

IIT Roorkee Programme Highlights

  • Dual PhD Degrees: Earn a doctoral degree from both IIT Roorkee and Niigata University.

  • Global Research Exposure: Access labs, mentors, and resources across India and Japan.

  • Interdisciplinary Focus: Opportunities in AI, robotics, sustainability, biotech, and more.

  • Academic Exchange: Structured mobility for both students and research faculty.

  • Addressing Global Challenges: Research aligned with sustainability, technology, and resilience.

Candidates can also check the IIT Roorkee courses to know about the details of other programmes as well.

Know more about: IIT Roorkee Cutoff

Opportunities Through the Double Degree PhD from IIT Roorkee and Niigata University

The newly launched double degree programme will enable doctoral students to pursue research jointly at both institutions, earning a PhD degree from IIT Roorkee and Niigata University. This model encourages deeper academic immersion, greater access to research infrastructure, and strong mentorship from leading faculty across both countries.

The programme also facilitates student and researcher exchanges, access to educational and laboratory resources, and fosters the holistic development of scholars. Both institutions are devoted to providing a seamless academic and administrative platform for the fellows to have a successful research period.

The double degree PhD initiative is designed to promote cutting-edge research across disciplines that address global challenges. According to IIT Roorkee’s statement, students can pursue research in areas such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

  • Robotics and Automation

  • Sustainability and Climate Change

  • Biosciences and Biotechnology

  • Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology

  • Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Resilience

  • Energy Systems and Renewable Technologies

  • Water Resources and Hydrology

  • Environmental and Earth Sciences

  • Information and Communication Engineering

This broad interdisciplinary academic development is also intended to graduate globally talented researchers capable of contributing to solutions for important social and environmental issues.

Read more about: IIT Roorkee Admissions

Leadership Perspectives

Professor KK Pant described the initiative as a reflection of IIT Roorkee’s commitment to global academic engagement. “The double degree programme will enhance students’ research capabilities and further strengthen our academic and research ties with Niigata University,” he said.

Professor Matsuo Masayuki stated, “We are looking forward to collaborating with IIT Roorkee on the programme to develop outstanding researchers who could address global issues through bilateral coordination.”

Many students get placed in campus drives. Students can check IIT Roorkee placements to get more details of students placed, salary packages, top recruiters and others.

Final Take: A Strategic Collaboration for Global Research Impact

The IIT Roorkee–Niigata University integrated double degree PhD programme is a progressive initiative in higher education and research cooperation. Providing doctoral students with dual academic homes and cross-disciplinary mentoring, the programme not only enriches scholarly production, it also helps the global academic community respond to today's most urgent challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the IIT Roorkee-Niigata University Double Degree PhD Programme?

IIT Roorkee and Niigata University have newly launched a double degree programme, which will enable doctoral students to pursue research jointly at both institutions and earn a PhD degree from both IIT Roorkee and Niigata University. 

2. What research areas are covered in the IIT Roorkee-Niigata University Double Degree PhD Programme?

AI, Robotics, Sustainability, Biotechnology, Energy Systems and Renewable Technologies, Information and Communication Engineering, Environmental and Earth Sciences are some of the research areas are covered in IIT Roorkee-Niigata University Double Degree PhD Programme. 

3. What are the benefits Double Degree PhD Programme by IIT Roorkee and Niigata University?

The double degree PhD programme will enable doctoral students to pursue research jointly at both IIT Roorkee and Niigata University. This double degree PhD programme encourages deeper academic immersion, greater access to research infrastructure, and strong mentorship from leading faculty across both countries. Both institutions are devoted to providing a seamless academic and administrative platform for the fellows to have a successful research period.

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Questions related to IIT Roorkee

Have a question related to IIT Roorkee ?

Comparing IIT Roorkee Mechanical and IIT Ropar Mechanical in terms of MNC placements:

  • IIT Roorkee has a long-established reputation with strong industry ties and typically sees higher placement rates and some very high salary offers in Mechanical. Many top MNCs like Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs visit regularly.

  • IIT Ropar is newer but growing fast, with good connections to big MNCs too. Their average packages are competitive, especially in core branches, and companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google also recruit here.

But On Bottom line:
For Mechanical specifically, Roorkee generally has a slight edge in MNC placements and packages due to its longer legacy and network. But Ropar is catching up and offers great opportunities with some big names too.

Both are solid choices — if you want a more established brand and higher chances of top MNCs, go Roorkee. If you want to be part of a newer IIT with growing opportunities, Ropar is good too.


Hi dear candidate,

Both of these are IITs and hold their own reputation but still there are few differences:

  • IIT Roorkee is older and thus, has strong alumni network with a lot more graduates who praise it.
  • IIT Hyderabad is a newly established institution with modern approach but with weak alumni network.

If we talk about placements, then it is to be noted that Hyderabad is an IT hub and IIT Hyderabad is known to have higher packages in mechanical field.

ALL THE BEST !

1. Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must have completed a B.E./B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from a recognized institute.

  • A minimum of 60% aggregate marks (or 6.0 CGPA out of 10) is generally required. For SC/ST/PwD candidates, a relaxation of 5% is usually applicable.

  • A valid GATE score in Mechanical Engineering (ME) is essential for regular admission.

2. Direct Admission (Without GATE)

  • Candidates who have completed their B.Tech from any IIT with a high CGPA (usually above 8.0 or 8.5) may be eligible for direct admission without a GATE score.

  • For IIT Roorkee and IIT Kanpur, this provision mainly applies to IIT B.Tech graduates.

3. Admission Process

  • Through COAP Portal:
    After qualifying GATE, candidates must register on the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP). Offers for M.Tech admission are communicated through COAP based on GATE scores.

  • Application to IITs Separately:
    Candidates must also apply separately on the official websites of IIT Roorkee and IIT Kanpur for M.Tech programs. Personal, academic, and GATE details must be filled carefully.

4. Selection Criteria

  • Direct admission is mostly offered based on GATE scores without any interviews or written tests for regular M.Tech programs.

  • For some specializations or research-based M.Tech programs, candidates might be called for a written test or interview.

5. Specifics for IIT Roorkee

  • The Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department offers various M.Tech specializations.

  • High GATE scorers typically get direct admission into the program.

6. Specifics for IIT Kanpur

  • The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a two-year M.Tech program with strong research exposure.

  • Selection is primarily through GATE scores. In some cases, written tests or interviews may be conducted depending on the specialization.

7. Important Points to Remember

  • Admission notifications are usually released around March to April every year.

  • Required documents include GATE scorecard, academic certificates, identity proof, and category certificates (if applicable).

  • M.Tech students usually receive a stipend of Rs 12,400 per month under the Ministry of Education norms after GATE qualification.

  • COAP conducts multiple rounds for offer acceptance, so candidates must regularly check the portal for updates.

Hello,

With a 91.98 percentile in CAT and being a non-engineer fresher from the EWS category , you have a decent chance for IIM Shillong and IIM Raipur , but it will depend on various factors like:

1. If you have strong 10th and 12th marks, it will help.

2. Being a non-engineer can be an advantage since many IIMs give extra points for academic diversity.

3. This increases your chances, as the cutoff for EWS is generally lower than the general category.

4. As a fresher, you might lose some points, but if other factors are strong, it can balance out.

5. Even if you get a call, converting it will depend on your performance in the WAT-PI round .

For IIT Roorkee (DOMS) , your chances are quite high , as their cutoff for EWS candidates is usually around this range.

Hope it helps !

IIT Roorkee hostels are generally considered secure with security measures like boundary walls, guards at entrances, and security booths, occasional incidents of laptop or other electronic device theft can occur, so it's important to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard your belongings; although most students report feeling safe within the hostel environment.

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