PhD Degree in Renewable Energy - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The Ph.D. in Renewable Energy at UPES School of Advanced Engineering is a thoughtfully designed doctoral program aimed at developing future leaders, researchers, and educators in the rapidly evolving clean energy sector. This program provides candidates with an in-depth understanding of renewable energy technologies, energy policies, sustainability frameworks, and the environmental implications of modern energy systems. By combining strong academic foundations with hands-on research exposure, the program ensures a well-rounded doctoral experience.

A key strength of the program lies in its balanced structure, which integrates coursework, teaching responsibilities, and original research. Doctoral scholars actively participate in teaching assistantships, gaining valuable experience through laboratory supervision, assignment evaluation, and academic support roles. As they advance, candidates may also engage in independent teaching opportunities under close faculty guidance. This progressive exposure not only builds subject expertise but also sharpens communication, leadership, and pedagogical skills essential for academic and research-driven careers.

Mentorship is another core element of the program. Ph.D. scholars are encouraged to guide undergraduate and junior postgraduate students, fostering a collaborative academic environment while developing their abilities as effective mentors and educators. This interaction helps candidates grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to the academic community.

Research at the Centre for Green Energy Technology (CGET) spans critical and future-focused domains, including photovoltaics, energy materials, energy storage systems, fuel cells, bioenergy, green chemistry, and advanced energy devices. Scholars also work on cutting-edge technology development related to solar concentrators, solar thermal devices, and hybrid clean energy systems. These research areas align closely with global sustainability goals and industry demands.

Currently, CGET offers only a full-time, regular Ph.D. program, with no provision for part-time (internal or external) doctoral admissions. This ensures focused research engagement and consistent academic involvement. Overall, the Ph.D. in Renewable Energy at UPES stands out as a rigorous, industry-relevant, and human-centric program for those aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the clean energy landscape.

Eligibility

Candidates with an M.Sc. in Physics specializing in Solid State Physics, Material Science, Nanotechnology, Electronics, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biotechnology, or an M.Tech. in Electronics, Material Science, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, or Nanotechnology from any recognized Indian or foreign university, with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade, are eligible to apply.

In addition, candidates holding a B.E./B.Tech. degree in Electronics, Material Science, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, or Nanotechnology with a minimum of 75% marks or a 7.5 CGPA are also eligible to directly apply for Ph.D. programs.

PhD Degree in Renewable Energy Admission Process

Candidates must have passed A-Level Mathematics or an equivalent qualification. Applicants with a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Mathematics, Physics, Astrophysics, or a related discipline, where the program involved significant use of applied mathematics to design and explain engineering or scientific concepts, are eligible for the Near STEM route.

Alternatively, candidates holding a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Food Science, Computer Science–based disciplines, or similar fields, where statistical analysis formed a major part of the academic curriculum, are eligible for the Far STEM route.

In exceptional cases, applicants with other relevant professional qualifications who demonstrate the required academic competence and practical experience may be considered under APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) or APCL (Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning).

Future Scope

A Ph.D. in Renewable and Alternate Energy offers a powerful blend of specialization, innovation, and long-term career security. This doctoral program allows scholars to build deep expertise in sustainable energy systems while contributing meaningful solutions to one of the world’s most urgent challenges—energy sustainability. Graduates of this field are highly valued across multiple sectors, including government bodies, private organizations, research institutions, and academic environments.

Professionals with a Ph.D. in Renewable and Alternative Energy often find rewarding roles in industries such as solar power, wind energy, bioenergy, and clean fuel technologies. Many are employed by central, state, or municipal energy departments, while others work with private energy firms, multinational corporations, or emerging startups focused on green innovation. Academic careers are equally strong, with opportunities to lecture at universities and colleges, mentor future researchers, and publish impactful research papers.

One of the major strengths of this degree lies in its wide-ranging research scope. Doctoral research focuses on development, demonstration, and commercialization of renewable technologies. Scholars may explore areas such as biomass gasification, biofuels, coal gasification, wind turbine development, solar power systems, biodiesel engines, dual-fuel technologies, and energy efficiency optimization. This hands-on research approach enables graduates to design scalable solutions that address shrinking energy reserves and rising global demand.

Statistically, the job outlook for Ph.D. graduates in Renewable and Alternate Energy is highly promising due to the global shift toward clean and sustainable energy sources. The degree also opens pathways to advanced academic pursuits, such as a Doctor of Science (DSc), further strengthening professional credibility.

Overall, a Ph.D. in Renewable and Alternative Energy is more than a qualification—it is a gateway to diverse, impactful, and fulfilling careers. Whether in policy-making, research, industry leadership, or academia, these professionals play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner and more energy-secure future.