Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree (M.Sc., M.Tech., MBA, MA) in Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Chemical Engineering, Energy Management or related discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate (or CGPA 6.0 on a 10‑point scale).
- For candidates holding a UG/PG diploma in Petroleum Technology, a minimum of 60% aggregate is required.
- Age limit: No upper age restriction. Candidates must be physically fit to undertake field‑related research.
- International students must possess a valid passport and meet the University’s NRI admission criteria.
Entrance Examination
The Ph.D. program admits candidates through either of the following pathways:
- Dibrugarh University Ph.D. Entrance Test (DU-PEET)
- Mode: Offline (pen‑and‑paper) and Online (computer‑based) options.
- Pattern: 100 multiple‑choice questions covering Petroleum Geology, Reservoir Engineering, Production Technology, Energy Economics, and Research Methodology.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Qualifying Marks: 45% overall and 40% in each section.
- National Eligibility Test (NET) / GATE / CSIR‑UGC
- Score of ≥ 55% percentile (NET) or minimum GATE score of 550 in a relevant discipline is accepted as direct eligibility.
Fee Structure (2025‑26 Academic Session)
| Fee Component | Indian Nationals (INR) | International Students (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Application & Registration Fee | ₹ 2,500 | $150 |
| Annual Tuition Fee (per year) | ₹ 45,000 | $2,200 |
| Laboratory & Field Work Charges | ₹ 12,000 | $600 |
| Thesis Submission & Examination | ₹ 8,000 | $350 |
| Total (estimated 3‑year programme) | ₹ 1,73,500 | $8,800 |
All fees are subject to annual revision by the University Finance Committee.
Admission Process
- Online Application – Fill the web‑based form on the University portal and upload scanned copies of academic certificates, ID proof, and entrance‑exam scorecard.
- Document Verification – Submit original documents at the Office of the Registrar within 15 days of provisional admission.
- Entrance Test / Score Validation – Appear for DU‑PEET or provide NET/GATE score.
- Interview & Research Proposal Review – Shortlisted candidates are invited for a technical interview and presentation of a 1500‑word research proposal.
- Admission Offer – Successful candidates receive an official admission letter and a student ID.
- Registration & Fee Payment – Complete registration by paying the first year’s tuition fee and security deposit.
Core Subjects & Electives
During the first two semesters, Ph.D. scholars undertake a blend of compulsory and elective courses to build a robust foundation.
Core Coursework (30 Credits)
- Advanced Petroleum Geology
- Reservoir Characterization & Modelling
- Petroleum Production Engineering
- Thermodynamics of Hydrocarbon Systems
- Research Methodology & Scientific Writing
Elective Options (Choose any 2 – 12 Credits)
- Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques
- Petrochemical Process Design
- Energy Economics & Policy
- Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)
- Digital Oilfield & Data Analytics
Research Areas
Dibrugarh University’s Department of Petroleum Studies supports interdisciplinary research across the following domains:
- Unconventional Reservoirs (Shale, Tight Gas, Oil Sands)
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) – Chemical, Thermal, and Gas Injection
- Petroleum Geochemistry and Basin Analysis
- Drilling Engineering and Wellbore Stability
- Petro‑Environmental Engineering – Waste Management & Emission Reduction
- Renewable Energy Integration with Hydrocarbon Operations
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Applications in Exploration & Production
Syllabus Overview
| Semester | Course / Module | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Sem‑1 | Advanced Petroleum Geology + Research Methodology | 15 |
| Sem‑2 | Reservoir Characterization + Production Engineering | 15 |
| Sem‑3 | Elective I + Elective II + Proposal Development Workshop | 12 |
| Sem‑4 | Thesis Literature Review & Methodology Planning | 6 |
| Sem‑5 to Sem‑6 | Thesis Research, Data Collection, & Publication Writing | Variable (research‑dependent) |
Students must submit a progress report at the end of each semester and defend their thesis before an external panel.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- UGC/CSIR Fellowship – Full tuition waiver + ₹ 25,000 monthly stipend for eligible Indian scholars.
- Dibrugarh University Merit Scholarship – 50% tuition discount for students with ≥ 75% in postgraduate studies.
- Industry‑Sponsored Projects – Collaborative research grants from ONGC, Indian Oil, and multinational oil companies.
- International Student Scholarship – 30% reduction on tuition for students from SAARC and ASEAN countries.
Career Scope & Prospects
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Petroleum Studies are equipped for senior technical, research, and leadership roles, including:
- Senior Reservoir Engineer – Major oil & gas majors (ONGC, BP, Shell)
- Research Scientist – R&D centres, national laboratories, and academia
- Policy Analyst – Energy ministries, regulatory bodies, and think‑tanks
- Consultant – Independent consultancy firms specializing in upstream and downstream projects
- Entrepreneur – Start‑ups in digital oilfield technologies, CCUS solutions, and sustainable hydrocarbon practices
According to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, the average salary for Ph.D. holders in the sector ranges from ₹ 12‑18 Lakhs per annum in India and $80,000‑$120,000 internationally.
