

PH-D in Mathematics Maths at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Mathematics (Maths) at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi Delhi?
This Ph.D. Mathematics program at IIIT Delhi focuses on cultivating independent researchers capable of contributing to fundamental and applied mathematical research. Leveraging IIIT Delhi’s interdisciplinary strengths, the program often explores areas like discrete mathematics, optimization, probability, and their intersections with computer science, data science, and artificial intelligence, addressing critical challenges in India''''s rapidly evolving tech landscape. It is designed to foster innovation and deep theoretical understanding.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated individuals holding a Master''''s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields, or a strong B.Tech/B.E. background with significant mathematical aptitude. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for academic or research careers, and working professionals seeking to transition into advanced R&D roles within deep tech, finance, or data-driven industries in India. A strong foundation in advanced mathematics and a keen interest in problem-solving are essential.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers in academia as professors or postdoctoral researchers, or secure specialized R&D positions in leading Indian and multinational technology firms. Potential career paths include data scientists, AI/ML research scientists, quantitative analysts in finance, or cryptographers. Salary ranges in India for Ph.D. holders in these fields vary significantly but can range from INR 10-30 LPA for entry-level research roles to much higher for experienced professionals, with strong growth trajectories in innovation-driven sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Coursework- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently complete the minimum 16 credits of coursework, focusing on building a robust theoretical foundation in chosen mathematical areas. Engage actively in class discussions and utilize faculty office hours to deepen understanding and explore research-aligned concepts.
Tools & Resources
IIIT Delhi Library (online resources, journals), Peer study groups, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Strong coursework performance is crucial for passing comprehensive exams and building the foundational knowledge necessary for groundbreaking research, directly impacting thesis quality and future career opportunities.
Identify Research Interests and Advisor- (Semester 1-2)
Proactively engage with faculty members from the Mathematics department to understand their research areas and potential projects. Attend departmental seminars and workshops to explore diverse fields and align personal interests with faculty expertise for early advisor selection.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research pages, Faculty profiles on IIIT Delhi website, Research colloquia
Career Connection
A well-matched advisor and a clear research direction are pivotal for a productive Ph.D. journey, leading to impactful publications and a stronger research profile for academic or industry roles.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Given IIIT Delhi''''s strong IT/CS focus, explore relevant courses or workshops in computer science, machine learning, or data science to broaden your skill set. This interdisciplinary approach can open avenues for applied mathematical research and enhance problem-solving capabilities.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Coursera/edX for relevant tech skills, IIIT Delhi''''s inter-departmental workshops
Career Connection
Developing interdisciplinary skills makes graduates highly competitive for roles in AI/ML R&D, quantitative finance, and data science, where strong mathematical foundations combined with computational expertise are highly valued in India.
Intermediate Stage
Excel in Comprehensive Examinations- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically prepare for the comprehensive examination by revising core mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques. Collaborate with senior Ph.D. scholars for mock exams and study sessions to refine conceptual understanding and exam-taking strategies.
Tools & Resources
Previous year''''s exam papers (if available), Textbooks and reference materials, Study groups
Career Connection
Passing comprehensives is a critical milestone, signifying readiness for independent research. It demonstrates mastery of the field, essential for academic progression and credibility in research-intensive careers.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 3-5)
Work closely with your supervisor to formulate a clear, innovative, and feasible Ph.D. research proposal. Focus on identifying a significant research gap, outlining methodologies, and defining expected contributions to the field, preparing for successful proposal defense.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., IEEE, ACM, Springer), LaTeX for scientific writing, Research proposal guidelines from IIIT Delhi
Career Connection
A strong proposal not only secures your Ph.D. candidacy but also forms the blueprint for your thesis, which is the primary credential for research and academic positions.
Actively Participate in Research Seminars and Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Regularly attend and present at departmental seminars, workshops, and national/international conferences. This helps in networking with peers and experts, receiving critical feedback on ongoing work, and staying updated with the latest research trends in mathematics and its applications.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (e.g., INFORMS, ACM SIGSAM), ResearchGate, Academia.edu
Career Connection
Networking and presenting at conferences are crucial for visibility in the research community, leading to potential collaborations, postdoc opportunities, and enhancing your profile for competitive academic and industry research roles.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Publications- (Semester 6-8)
Prioritize publishing your research findings in reputable, peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Aim for top-tier venues to maximize visibility and impact. Work closely with your supervisor to refine manuscripts and navigate the publication process effectively.
Tools & Resources
Scopus/Web of Science for journal metrics, Grammarly/QuillBot for language refinement, Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
A strong publication record is the most significant factor for securing academic faculty positions, prestigious postdocs, and advanced research roles in leading Indian and global R&D centers.
Refine Thesis and Prepare for Defense- (Semester 6-7)
Dedicate significant time to writing a comprehensive, coherent, and well-structured Ph.D. thesis. Seek regular feedback from your advisor and committee members. Practice your defense presentation extensively to articulate your contributions clearly and confidently.
Tools & Resources
IIIT Delhi Thesis guidelines, LaTeX templates, Practice presentations with peers and faculty
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the culmination of your Ph.D. journey. It signifies the completion of rigorous research and validates your expertise, which is essential for any future academic or research leadership role.
Strategize Career Transition- (Semester 7-8)
As you approach thesis completion, actively engage in career planning. Explore opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships, academic positions, or industry research roles. Prepare a strong CV, cover letters, and research statements tailored to specific job applications, leveraging IIIT Delhi''''s career services.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Indeed, University career services (IIIT Delhi), Academic job boards (e.g., MathJobs.org)
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-Ph.D., helping you secure desirable positions in your chosen field, whether in India''''s burgeoning tech industry, academia, or global research institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree (M.Tech/M.E/M.Sc/M.A) in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science or related discipline with CGPA of 8.0/10.0 or 70% marks. OR B.Tech/B.E degree in Computer Science/IT/Electrical Engineering or related discipline with a strong mathematical background, valid GATE score, and CGPA of 8.0/10.0 or 70%. Valid GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-JRF score is generally required, though exemptions may apply for M.Tech/M.Sc holders from premier institutions with strong academic records.
Duration: 4 years (normal), up to 7 years (maximum)
Credits: Minimum 16 credits of coursework (flexible beyond this) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT 505 | Optimization Theory | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 502 | Graph Theory | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 510 | Research Writing and Communication | Core (Ph.D. Coursework) | 3 | |
| MT 500 | Advanced Topics in Probability Theory | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT 508 | Statistical Inference | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 501 | Matrix Computations | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 504 | Numerical Linear Algebra | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 514 | Stochastic Processes | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT 503 | Combinatorics | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 506 | Cryptography | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 507 | Advanced Differential Equations | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 509 | Machine Learning Theory | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT 511 | Advanced Algorithms | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 512 | Topics in Scientific Computing | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 513 | Game Theory | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 515 | Computational Finance | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 516 | Mathematical Methods for Data Science | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 517 | Special Topics in Mathematics | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 518 | Seminar | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 1 | |
| MT 601 | Advanced Topics in Optimization | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 602 | Advanced Topics in Matrix Computations | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 603 | Advanced Topics in Combinatorics and Graph Theory | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 604 | Advanced Topics in Statistical Inference | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 605 | Advanced Topics in Stochastic Processes | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 606 | Advanced Topics in Numerical Analysis | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 607 | Advanced Topics in Cryptography | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 608 | Advanced Topics in Machine Learning Theory | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 609 | Advanced Topics in Game Theory | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 610 | Advanced Topics in Mathematical Methods for Data Science | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 | |
| MT 611 | Advanced Topics in Computational Finance | Elective (Ph.D. Coursework) | 4 |




