The Ph.D programme in Computer Science and Engineering imparts the knowledge, skills and attitude to do world class research in the area of computer science. Doctorate students are expected to publish their work in leading international journals and conferences pertaining to their area of research. Research programmes leading to M.S/Ph.D. degrees are the main thrust in the institute. These programmes attract students from all corners of the country, in addition to some international students.

The research programmes have a limited amount of course work, essentially to prepare the student to carry out research, and to develop adequate breadth in the subject area. The main emphasis is on the research work leading to a thesis. This involves delving in depth into a research topic and includes grasping, evaluating and refining ideas, mathematical rigor, problem formulation, literature survey, implementation (programming) and performance evaluation. Typically students decide on their research area and faculty advisor within the first year while doing course work. Thereafter, the steps involved are finishing course work (to build research background and breadth), thesis proposal defense, and thesis defense. Upon clearing the requirements and the acceptance of their thesis proposal, the student works on the thesis, and its successful defense leads to the degree.