JOINT DOCTORAL PROGRAMME
Communication and Technology for BFSI
Academic Year 2026–27
Institute for Development & Research
in Banking Technology
Established by the Reserve Bank of India
&
International Institute of
Information Technology
Premier Research University, Hyderabad
About the Programme
Applications are invited for a unique joint Ph.D. programme offered by the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), established by the Reserve Bank of India, in collaboration with the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH).
The Joint Programme — IDRBT's Depth Meets IIITH's Breadth
The joint Ph.D. degree pairs IDRBT’s sectoral mandate and applied research environment with IIIT Hyderabad’s strengths in foundational computer science, AI/ML, theory, systems and interdisciplinary research. Scholars are co-supervised, with access to the laboratories, libraries and seminars of both institutions.
The Ph.D. will be under joint supervision by Guides at both the Institutions i.e. (i) IIITH, where the RF has got admission and the degree will be awarded after completion, and (ii) IDRBT- where research activities will be undertaken, as well as, fellowship will be granted.
Host Institute — IIIT Hyderabad
One of India’s leading research universities in computing and allied sciences. Internationally recognised for AI, NLP, machine learning, theoretical computer science, robotics, signal processing and computational sciences.
Research Institute — IDRBT, Hyderabad
Apex research and technology institution of the Indian banking sector. Six research centres spanning AI/ML, Cyber Security & Data Privacy, Emerging Networks & Cloud, Payment Systems, Quantum-Safe Cryptography and Distributed Ledger Technologies.
| AT A GLANCE | |
|---|---|
| Degree | Ph.D., jointly conferred as per institutional norms |
| Duration | Typically 4 – 5 years, full-time |
| Fellowship | IDRBT Doctoral Fellowship with HRA, contingency & conference support |
| Location | IDRBT Campus, Castle Hills, Masab Tank, Hyderabad |
| Host Institute | IIIT Hyderabad (academic partner) |
How to Apply
Full details, eligibility, fellowship terms and the online application form are on the IIIT Hyderabad PG-Admissions page for the joint programme. The conduct of Ph D will be in accordance with academic process and procedure of IIIT, Hyderabad.
Important Dates
20 May 2026
13 June 2026
A Singular Research Position — Why IDRBT?
| Dimension | IDRBT |
|---|---|
| Contribution in creation of National Infrastructure | INFINET, SFMS, RTGS, NEFT and the National Financial Switch were conceived, incubated and stabilized at IDRBT and then hived off to newer entities like NPCI and IFTAS. |
| Recognised SIRO | Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation status by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India. |
| Translational Outcome | Papers, patents, prototypes — and national systems (INFINET, SFMS, RTGS, NFS lineage) |
| Research Datasets | Sectoral data, threat intelligence and live infrastructure exposure |
| Industry Forums | CISO, CIO, and CAO Forums provide opportunities to engage with and work alongside senior industry professionals. |
| Research with Real Stakes | The thesis defends not only against examiners — but against the operational realities of a trillion-rupee economy. |
Research Areas — Where the Two Institutions Converge
|
AI & ML for BFSI Credit risk, fraud analytics, generative AI in banking, Responsible AI |
Cyber Security & Privacy Cyber Security engineering, Threat intelligence, privacy-preserving computation |
|
Quantum-Safe Cryptography Post-quantum protocols; quantum communications Cryptography and Security |
Distributed Ledger Technologies Blockchain, CBDC infrastructure, interoperability, Programmability of CBDC |
|
Digital Payments & Settlement Real-time payments, cross-border rails, programmable money |
Emerging Networks & Cloud Architecture Network level Security, Cyber Forensics , Cyber Range |
|
Theoretical Foundations Cryptography, formal verification, distributed algorithms |
FinTech & RegTech Open banking, supervisory technology, market microstructure |
Contact & Location
|
IDRBT Castle Hills, Road No. 1, Masab Tank Hyderabad — 500 057, Telangana, India email: hunar@idrbt.ac.in visit us at: www.idrbt.ac.in Phone: +91(40) 2329 4102 / 4141 / 4121 |
IIIT Hyderabad Prof. C. R. Rao Road, Gachibowli Hyderabad — 500 032, Telangana, India email: pgadmissions@iiit.ac.in visit us at: https://www.iiit.ac.in Phone: +91 (40) 6653 1250 / 1337 |