IIT Bombay (IITB) and Tohoku University (TU), Japan, share a longstanding collaboration that has evolved into a strategic partnership in recent years. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in December 2024 expressing commitment towards research collaboration, student and faculty exchange etc. Subsequently, the Cotutelle PhD program MoU was signed in April 2025 establishing the Double Doctoral Degree Program (DDDP). The initial institutional partnership agreement was established in 2000, which has been renewed in 2012, 2018, and 2021, with the current agreement extending until December 2029. This partnership encompasses education, scientific cooperation, joint workshops, symposia, research projects and student exchange programs reinforcing long-term academic and technological cooperation.
The IIT Bombay–Tohoku University Double Doctoral Degree Program (DDP) is a flagship academic initiative established under the strategic collaboration between IIT Bombay (IITB), India, and Tohoku University (TU), Japan. The program is designed to foster advanced research, joint academic supervision, and global talent development by enabling students to pursue integrated study and research at both institutions. Through this program, selected students benefit from the combined academic strengths, research infrastructure, and international exposure offered by IITB and TU. Upon successful completion of the academic and research requirements at both institutions, students are awarded degrees from IIT Bombay and Tohoku University.
Programme Overview:
• Promote interdisciplinary and high-impact research.
• Enable joint supervision by faculty from IITB and TU.
• Provide international academic and cultural exposure.
• Facilitate access to advanced laboratories and research facilities.
• Strengthen Indo-Japan academic and research partnerships.
• Develop globally competent researchers and professionals.
The program currently spans ten research areas: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Digital Health, Disaster Mitigation, Energy & Sustainability, Materials Science, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Semiconductors, Thermals & Fluids, and Transportation. Each of these themes is inherently interdisciplinary, spanning multiple Departments, Schools, and research centres. This structure encourages cross-pollination of ideas, collaborative problem-solving, and the creation of innovative solutions that cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Each identified research domain has dedicated Faculty Leads (FLs) responsible for steering domain-specific research. The program spans multiple engineering and science disciplines across both institutions.
Key Features of the Program
Joint Supervision: Each student is guided by a supervisor at IIT Bombay and a co-supervisor at Tohoku University.
Research at Both Institutions: Students undertake their doctoral research across both IITB and TU, typically spending 1–2 years at the host institution (TU) as part of the program structure.
Double Degree Award: Upon successful completion, candidates receive doctoral degrees from both IIT Bombay and Tohoku University, subject to fulfilling the academic requirements of both institutions. Each certificate will, however, refer to the collaboration.
Integrated Academic Framework: The program aligns academic requirements, research progress evaluation, and thesis examination processes between the two institutions.
Research Domains
Research Topics for July 2026 Cycle
You are requested to kindly check the webpage periodically for any additional topics that may be added under various research domains.
ROBOTICS
THERMO FLUID
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
Application Deadlines
| Semester | Degree Programme | Application Deadline (every year) |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Ph.D. | 25 March - 16 April |
| Spring | Ph.D. | coming soon |
Student Mobility & Duration
• Time spent at TU (e.g., 1 year / 18 months).
• Research stay structure.
• Visa & residence support.
Contact Us
IITB–Japan Collaboration Cell
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Powai, Mumbai – 400076, India
📞 +91-22-25767076 / +91-22-21593069 ✉️ mailto: office.iitbtu@iitb.ac.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To apply, please complete the online application form through the designated application link. Detailed instructions and eligibility criteria are available on the program webpage.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kRTReut-OtUkbpX4zIaUfamf3SsvPW2c/view?usp=sharing
No, there is no upper age limit. Candidates with the required academic qualifications and a strong interest in pursuing a PhD are encouraged to apply.
Proficiency in Japanese is not mandatory for admission to this programme in IIT Bombay. However, selected candidates will be required to undergo a basic Japanese language course prior to traveling to Tohoku University. Any prior knowledge of Japanese may be considered an added advantage.
The program follows the standard PhD duration, with research carried out at both IIT Bombay and Tohoku University.
Yes, selected candidates receive financial support as per program guidelines, which may include fellowship, travel support, and other benefits under the IITB–TU collaboration framework. The candidates will get financial support from IITB when in IITB and from TU when in TU.
Yes, you will get hostel accommodation while in IITB. When you are in TU, you are eligible to get accommodation in TU.
Your accommodation in TU comes with a facility to cook your own food.
You are required to have a passport before you can travel abroad. You can apply for passport soon after joining the program, if you don’t have one yet. Your selection does not depend on whether or not you have passport. IITB will issue necessary documents for you to obtain visa when you are ready to travel. You need to have all the necessary insurances as per TU requirements when you are in Japan.
Once admitted, you will need to complete all the academic requirements of IITB based on which your registration for PhD will be confirmed at IITB. Depending on the particular program of research you are going for in TU, you may or may not be required to undergo further course(s) in TU.
GATE may be required as per IIT Bombay PhD admission norms. However, eligibility criteria may vary depending on the applicant category and academic background. Candidates are advised to refer to the official admission guidelines.
There are typically two intake cycles per year:
· July intake
· December intake
The program is open to candidates who have:
• A First-Class Master’s degree in Engineering/Science from a recognized university, or
• A Bachelor’s/Master’s degree with a strong academic record (e.g., IITs, NITs, BITS, or equivalent institutions)
No, the program is open to all eligible candidates from recognized institutions, subject to meeting IIT Bombay’s PhD admission criteria.
The program is full-time and research-intensive.
• Fees are payable at IIT Bombay as per standard PhD norms
• Candidates continue to pay tuition fees to IITB even when they are in TU.
Tohoku University however waived the tuition fees under this program and hence no fees to be paid to TU.
• Students must complete coursework and requirements at IIT Bombay
• A joint research project is undertaken
• Each student is assigned:
- One Supervisor at IIT Bombay
- One Co-supervisor at Tohoku University
• Coursework requirements depend on academic background
• At the time of completion, One Thesis (in English) submission and One Joint Defence
- Students are required to spend at least one year at IIT Bombay to complete all prerequisite requirements for confirmation as PhD students.
- The visit to Tohoku University is decided jointly by the supervisors
- Duration at TU is usually 1–2 years, depending on the research plan
No, only one thesis needs to be submitted to IITB in English
No, only one defence where supervisors and examiners from both Institutions and external examiners etc will be present.
One certificate from IITB and TU each. The certificates will mention regarding the research work being carried out under joint supervision.