My friend had the opportunity to appear for the written test and interview at IIT Hyderabad for Ph.D. this year in July for the Communication and Signal Processing Electrical Engineering department. There were 2 tests conducted out of which the first comprised 6 questions. 5 questions were based on probability and random processes while the other one was on signal and systems. The test lasted for 2 hours. The questions asked in this fest were quite difficult and tested functions of one and two random variables.

For the second test, a transfer junction was provided and 9 questions were asked related to it. The entire test lasted for an hour. The questions in the test were comparatively easier than those of the first. The only challenge was to complete the lengthy questions in a short duration of 1 hour. 

Out of the 60 applicants that appeared with my friend, only 8 were shortlisted for the interview. 

Overall, the professors were very supportive and helped students wherever necessary. The duration of the interview is around 20 minutes.

A Ph.D. student at IIT Kharagpur experiences another side of life at IIT that is way different from the classroom life of a student. You get to use extremely expensive, sophisticated, and fancy lab equipment under the guidance of learned professors who are experts. You can access expensive software and computational equipment free of cost.

Usually, the Ph.D. coursework training is very interesting like any other institute. The distinguishing feature is the exceptionally good faculty members you get to work under. They are quite approachable and guide you throughout in such a way that you are ready to face the challenges of the field in real life.

Comprehensive vivas are extremely tiring and one could get interviewed for hours on end until the DSC committee is satisfied. But the bright side is that the faculty is always approachable and becomes your role model as you pave your way through your thesis. The only thing you require is relentless efforts to score the best and satisfy your faculty advisor.