Vivek Kambhampati

National Institute of Technology Rourkela is inviting online applications for an Executive Ph.D. in Food Process Engineering starting in Autumn (July) 2026-27 . The post is shared by Vivek Kambhampati , Assistant Professor at NIT Rourkela, who invites interested candidates to contact him directly for research-group enquiries. This opportunity is especially aimed at professionals working in the food industry and academics who want to pursue doctoral research while continuing their careers. The notice also shows that the Executive Ph.D. programme is offered under a self-financing scheme , so applicants should expect programme fees rather than funded studentship support. Research areas highlighted for Food Process Engineering include post-harvest operations, food quality and safety, computer-aided and IoT-based food processing, AI & ML in food processing, non-thermal processing, food equipment and process design, food packaging and storage engineering, health and functional food, microwave processing, food sterilization, extrusion processing, dairy engineering and technology, product development, ingredients innovation, agriculture and food waste valorization. Eligibility is to be checked carefully on the institute website. The notice states that the programme is for eligible Indian citizens and points applicants to NIT Rourkela’s official eligibility information and academic regulations. The broader admission notice also lists relevant engineering/technology backgrounds such as Food Process Engineering, Food Technology, Agricultural Process Engineering, Post Harvest Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and other related branches. Funding and fees: this is not a scholarship. The notice lists a non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1000, along with admission-related fees, refundable caution money, semester tuition fee, and other charges. No stipend is mentioned. Application window: online applications are open for this admission cycle, with the last date shown as 28 May 2026 . The notice also provides a tentative schedule for test/interview and admission in June 2026, with classes/research work starting in July 2026. How to apply: submit the online application through the institute portal, pay the fee via State Bank Collect, and complete the form using the payment reference number. Candidates are advised to download the submitted application form and keep the receipt for future communication.