Ph.D: Full Form, Courses, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Scope
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) represents the pinnacle of academic achievement, symbolizing expertise in a specific field and the capacity to conduct original research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge. Many universities recognize the financial demands of PhD programs and offer dedicated financial aid for their students. Research these options thoroughly to see if you qualify. Government agencies like CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and UGC (University Grants Commission) offer scholarships specifically for PhD programs in Science and other disciplines. Explore these opportunities to see if your field of study aligns with their funding schemes.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a doctoral degree with an academic focus. A PhD course is usually of three years duration and candidates need to complete the course within a maximum time span of five to six years. However, the course duration may vary from one institute to the other. Aspirants need to possess a master’s degree to be eligible to pursue a PhD programme. Candidates can pursue a PhD programme in any stream. In a PhD course, aspirants need to select a topic or a subject and do in-depth research on it and answer any queries related to the topic/ subject.
Earlier, candidates could pursue PhD courses through the distance mode, however, as per a circular issued by UGC in 2017 it has been informed that a PhD course pursued through the distance education mode would no longer be recognised. Candidates who have cleared entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE, JEST, and the like are usually offered fellowships while pursuing a PhD course. Apart from this, universities such as IGNOU and Delhi University (DU) also offer fellowships to students pursuing full-time PhD courses with them.
To pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) course, candidates need to meet certain eligibility criteria, i.e. candidates should have a postgraduate degree in a relevant field with a minimum specified percentage, often around 55 percent or an equivalent grade. Top entrance exams for PhD admission include JEST, GATE, UGC NET, CSIR NET, etc. Top colleges for PhD programs in India include Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, etc.
Career Opportunities post-PhD span academia, research and development (R&D) roles in private companies or government organizations, government positions in research agencies, and opportunities in entrepreneurship.
PhD Latest Update
- JEE Main 2024 Session 2 Result Announced.
- JEE Advanced 2024 registration for Indian Nationals will start on April 27.JEE Advanced registration last date is May 7 and the application fee can be paid till May 10. Further, the JEE Advanced 2024 Exam will be held on May 26, 2024.
- KEAM 2024 exam will be held between Jun 1, 2024, and Jun 9, 2024.
- The GSEB has released GUJCET 2024 Final Answer Key. Candidates can Download GUJCET 2024 Answer Key PDF without login.
- KCET results will be released on May 20, 2024. KEA will release the KCET answer key a few days after the conclusion of the exam.
- The AP EAMCET exam will be conducted from May 18, 2024, to May 22, 2024.
- The TS EAMCET exam will be held between May 9, 2024 to May 11, 2024.
- CUET UG exam will be held between May 15, 2024 and May 31, 2024.
- NTA released the CUET PG 2024 Results on the official website on April 13, 2024. Test takers can download the scorecard here.
- WBJEE Exam has started from 18 Apr ’24 and will continue till 28 Apr ’24.
- AEEE 2024 Phase 2 is scheduled to be held between 02 May ’24 to 12 May ’24.
- OJEE 2024 exam from May 6, 2024, to May 10, 2024
- As per the revised dates, the MHT CET Exam Date 2024 for Engineering is May 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 15, and 16.
- The COMEDK UGET exam date is May 12, 2024.
- The authorities will declare the VITEEE 2024 result online at viteee.vit.ac.in, on May 3, 2024.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Course Details: Highlights
The highlights table gives a quick information about the course types, duration, course fee and entrance exams for pursuing PhD course.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
PhD Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy |
PhD Course level | Doctorate |
PhD Eligibility | Through Fellowhsip: Master’s in relevant discipline with minimum 55 percent marks and cleared National level fellowship examination. Research Entrance Test: Master’s in relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks and cleared RET conducted by the university. |
PhD Duration | 3 years and maximum upto 6 years |
PhD Course Fee | Up to INR 6 lakh |
| PhD Top Colleges | Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University , Banaras Hindu University |
PhD Average Salary | INR 5 to 10 lakh |
PhD Top Recruiters | Government Departments, Research Institutes, Academic Institutions, Colleges and Universities |
PhD Entrance Exam | JEST, GATE, UGC NET, CSIR NET |
PhD Job Positions | Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Research Advisor, Research Consultant |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
PhD Information You Might Be Interested In: PhD Admission Details
What is PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Course?
PhD which is also known as Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree which is pursued in furtherance of academic or research pursuits. The course can either be pursued in full-time or part-time mode but in no means can be pursued in distance mode.
Important Details:
Highest Level Research Degree: A PhD is the most advanced academic degree offered in India.
Focus: Conducting original research in a specific field and contributing new knowledge to the existing body of scholarly work.
Duration: Typically 3-5 years (can vary depending on the program and student’s progress).
Course Structure:
- Coursework: May involve some advanced coursework related to the research area, but the primary focus is on independent research.
- Research Proposal: Developing a detailed research proposal outlining the research question, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Thesis Writing: Conducting in-depth research, analyzing data, and writing a doctoral thesis that presents original findings and contributes to the field.
- Thesis Defense: Presenting and defending the research before a panel of experts.
PhD Information You Might Be Interested In : Top PhD Entrance Exams
What is the Scope of PhD?
The scope of a PhD in India extends far beyond simply obtaining a prestigious degree. It equips you to become a leading expert and innovator in your chosen field, opening doors to various exciting career paths and fostering impactful contributions to society. Let’s delve deeper into the diverse opportunities a PhD in India offers:
Research and Academia:
- Pioneering Research: A PhD equips you with the skills and knowledge to conduct original research, pushing the boundaries of your field and making significant discoveries.
- Academic Roles: The traditional path for many PhD graduates is pursuing a career in academia. You can become a professor, guiding future generations of students and researchers at universities and colleges.
- Research Fellowships: Postdoctoral fellowships provide opportunities to further refine your research skills and collaborate with renowned researchers at prestigious institutions.
Industry Research and Development (R&D):
- Innovation and Development: Many corporations have dedicated R&D departments seeking PhD graduates to tackle complex challenges, develop cutting-edge technologies, and drive innovation.
- Problem-Solving Expertise: Your research skills and in-depth knowledge are highly valuable in R&D environments, allowing you to contribute to the development of new products, processes, and solutions.
- Lucrative Opportunities: Industry R&D positions often come with competitive salaries and benefits, making them an attractive career option for many PhD graduates.
Policy and Government Roles:
- Shaping Policy: With your specialized knowledge and research expertise, you can advise policymakers on critical issues, influencing decisions that impact society as a whole.
- Government Research Organizations: Government research organizations employ PhD graduates to conduct research relevant to public policy, national security, or other areas of national importance.
- Bridging the Gap: PhD graduates can act as a bridge between academia and government, ensuring that research findings inform policy decisions and contribute to societal progress.
Full-Time Research Scholars
Following are the types of full-time research scholars along with their details:
| Type of Research Scholar | Details |
|---|---|
| Government/ Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients | PhD scholars who fall under this category are offered financial assistance under Government/ Semi-Government fellowship schemes. |
| Institute research Scholars with Teaching Assistance | Aspirants falling under this category of PhD scholars are offered Institute Teaching Assistantships as specified by the MHRD. |
| Indian self-financed Candidates | Candidates are offered a seat in doctoral programmes at institutes depending on their track record and experience. Such candidates are offered admission in PhD programmes offered by the institute by taking part in the standard admission process for PhD courses but such candidates do not receive any financial assistance from the institute. |
| Foreign self-financed | Candidates are offered admission through the embassy of their respective country only after they get the necessary ‘no objection certificate’ from MHRD, Govt of India and other necessary approvals from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. |
| Sponsored Candidates | Aspirants falling under this category of PhD scholars are sponsored by (recognised) Research and Development organisations to do full-time research at the concerned institute. |
| Study Leave Candidates | Aspirants falling under this category are given study leave by Government institutes/ companies/ educational institutes for a time duration of less than three years to perform research work at the specified institute. A letter of leave provided by the candidate’s institute/ company is necessary to secure admission as a PhD scholar in this category. |
| ICCR Awardees | Foreign candidates who are sponsored by their respective governments are awarded a seat in a PhD course under the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) award holders’ category if they have been awarded the scholarship by their government. |
Part- Time Research Scholars
Candidates who seek admission under part-time research scholars at an institute are offered admission under the below-mentioned categories:
- Research Assistants
- Institute staff/ Faculty
- Project Staff
- External Sponsored Candidates
Admission Process for PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
In order to secure admission in PhD or research programmes offered by the educational institute, aspirants need to go through the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the educational institute and go through all the details of the PhD courses offered by the institute and select the area of research that the candidate wants to pursue.
Step 2: Candidates need to keep an eye out for any admission advertisement in newspapers or visit the official website of the university to fill out the application form for admission to the course of their choice. Usually the admission notification is released 4-5 months before the commencement of the course cycle.
Step 3: Next, candidates need to fill out and submit their application forms for the PhD course as per the schedule shared by the educational institute. Aspirants also need to ensure that they pay the application fee on time and submit all the required documents along with their application form for PhD admissions.
Step 4: Some educational institutes also specify that candidates need to submit a research proposal along with their application form. The application form along with the research proposal is submitted to the Research Unit of the educational institute where scrutiny of the application is conducted.
Step 5: After scrutiny of the PhD course application form is complete then most of the educational institutes shortlist the names of the candidates who need to appear for the entrance exam and other admission rounds that are conducted for shortlisting aspirants for admission in PhD programmes offered by them.
Step 6: Candidates who are selected for PhD programmes on the basis of the admission rounds are then assigned supervisors/ guides for their PhD research.
Doctor of Philosophy Eligibility Criteria
Aspirants are eligible to pursue a PhD course only if they have completed their master’s degree in a similar course/ field/ stream in which they want to pursue a PhD. Some colleges also specify that candidates need to have completed an MPhil to pursue a PhD course offered by them.
Apart from this, many colleges state that candidates meet the eligibility criteria for PhD programmes offered by them if they have cleared UGC NET. Candidates who want to pursue a PhD in Engineering need to possess a valid GATE score.
Top PhD Entrance Exam 2024
Candidates seeking admission to PhD programmes, in most cases, have to clear entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE, and JEST.
In addition to the above exams, here are some of the other popular PhD entrance exams:
Exam | Exam Dates | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
JEE Main | JEE Main 2024 Exam Date Session 1- 24 Jan ’24 – 1 Feb ’24 JEE Main 2024 Exam Date Session 2- 4 Apr ’24 – 15 Apr ’24 | JEE Main Schedule |
JEE Advanced | 26 May’24 | JEE Advanced Schedule |
MHT CET | 16 Apr ’24 – 30 Apr ’24 | MHTCET Schedule |
CUET | 15 May ’24 – 31 May ’24 | CUET Schedule |
TS EAMCET | 09 May ’24 – 13 May ’24 | TS EAMCET Schedule |
BITSAT | BITSAT 2024 Exam Date (Session I)- 19 May ’24 – 24 May ’24 BITSAT 2024 Exam Date (Session II)- 22 Jun ’24 – 26 Jun ’24 | BITSAT Schedule |
COMEDK UGET | 12 May ’24 | COMEDK UGET Schedule |
KCET | 18 Apr ’24 – 19 Apr ’24 | KCET Schedule |
KEAM | 1 June ’24 – 9 June ’24 | KEAM Schedule |
WBJEE | 28 Apr ’24 | WBJEE Schedule |
VITEEE | 19 Apr ’24 – 30 Apr ’24 | VITEEE Schedule |
GATE | 3 Feb ‘24 – 11 Feb ‘24 | GATE Schedule |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
PhD Syllabus
The syllabus for the PhD program will depend on the subject opted for by the student. Note that the PhD program is available in almost all the major disciplines, including – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Bio-Sciences, Clinical Research, Zoology, Applied Sciences, Economics, Social Work, Literature, Arts, Psychology, and Social Sciences.
The student will get around 3-5 years to complete their PhD programme. At the end of the program, the student will have to submit an original research thesis on a particular topic.
The research paper may include topics like:
- Introduction to the subject
- Research Design
- Research Foundation
- Quality Standards
- Measuring Structure and Size
PhD Information You Might Be Interested In : PhD Syllabus
Popular PhD Programmes
Some popular PhD programmes that candidates can pursue in different streams are listed below:
Popular PhD courses in Humanities | ||
|---|---|---|
PhD in Humanities | PhD Economics | PhD Geography |
PhD in Social Work | PhD in English | PhD in Social Sciences |
PhD in Public and Economic Policy | PhD in Humanities & Social Sciences | PhD in Humanities and Life Sciences |
PhD in Psychology | PhD in Arts | PhD in International Relations and Politics |
PhD in Physiology | PhD in Public Policy | PhD in Literature |
Popular PhD Courses in Science | ||
PhD in Chemistry | PhD in Clinical Research | PhD in Science |
PhD in Bioscience | PhD in Bioinformatics | PhD Biotechnology |
PhD in Mathematical and Computational Sciences | PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering | PhD in Applied Chemistry & Polymer Technology |
PhD in Applied Sciences | PhD Zoology | PhD in Physics |
PhD in Basic and Applied Sciences | Phd in Mathematics | PhD in Zoology |
Popular PhD Courses in Commerce | ||
PhD in Commerce Management | PhD in Accounting and Financial Management | |
Popular PhD Courses in Engineering | ||
PhD in Engineering | PhD in Genetic Engineering | PhD in Civil Engineering |
PhD Program in Quantitative Techniques | PhD in Engineering and Technology | PhD Electronics & Communication Engineering |
PhD Computer Science Engineering | PhD in Electronics and Communication Engineering | PhD in Aeronautical and Automobile Engineering |
PhD in Information Technology | PhD in Ceramic Engineering | PhD in Production Engineering |
PhD in Marine Biotechnology | PhD in Chemical Engineering | PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
Popular PhD Courses in Business & Management | ||
PhD Business Administration | PhD in Management | PhD in Aviation Management |
PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management | PhD in Accounting and Financial Management | PhD in Marketing/ Brand Management |
PhD in Commerce | PhD in Commerce and Management | |
Popular PhD Courses in Law | ||
PhD in Law | PhD in Constitutional Law | PhD in Law and Governance |
PhD in Legal Studies | ||
Popular PhD Courses in Teaching & Education | ||
PhD in Education | PhD in Teaching | |
Note- This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary.
PhD Course Structure
Steps that candidates need to follow when pursuing a PhD course in order to be conferred a PhD degree are listed below:
- Once candidates are selected for PhD courses offered at educational institutes they need to submit their Research Proposal along with their Research Topic.
- Then, candidates are allocated a research supervisor/ guide.
- After this candidates are provided details of the Course Work, evaluation methodology and teaching schedule by the Research Programme Coordinator/ Guide/ Supervisor.
- While performing research work most educational institutes require aspirants to submit six-month progress reports for their research work.
- Further, as a Research Student one needs to give at least two seminar presentations as part of their tenure as a Research Scholar and thereafter submit a Certificate in the prescribed format to the Research Unit.
- Next, PhD students need to publish at least one research paper in a peer-reviewed/refereed Journal and also submit a Certificate in the prescribed format to the Research Unit before they submit their PhD thesis.
- Before aspirants submit their thesis, their supervisor or guide will organise a Pre-submission Seminar. This seminar will be open to all. As part of this seminar a report will be submitted which will include suggestions for improvement and the supervisor would ensure that candidates incorporate all these suggestions in the final thesis.
- Candidates then need to incorporate all the changes and submit a summary of their thesis to their supervisor or guide at least 45 days before the submission of the thesis.
- Finally, candidates need to submit their thesis in hard copy as well as soft copy. This thesis will be examined by external experts. In case any expert suggests any modifications in the research paper submitted by the candidate then he/ she needs to re-submit a modified thesis.
- Next, a viva-voce is conducted wherein candidates can openly defend their thesis and present their points of view before a panel of experts.
- Candidates who complete all these steps to perfection would only be conferred a PhD degree.
Top PhD Colleges
Before pursuing PhD, candidates must explore various options on the basis of availability of research facilities, research supervisor and fee structure. Private colleges charge around INR 1 lakh per annum whereas government colleges charge around INR 20,000- 30,000 per annum for Ph.D courses.
Top PhD Government Colleges
Some of the popular government colleges for PhD are as follows:
| Institute | Total Course Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Delhi, Delhi | INR 70,000 |
| Calcutta University, Kolkata | INR 80,000 |
| Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi | INR 50,000 |
| Lucknow University, Lucknow | INR 1 lakh |
| Allahabad University, Allahabad | INR 70,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi | INR 50,000 |
| Delhi Technological University, Delhi | INR 2 lakh |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | INR 3 lakh |
| National Law University, Delhi | INR 3.5 lakh |
| Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | INR 80,000 |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Top PhD Private Colleges
Some of the popular private colleges for pursuing PhD are as follows:
| Institute | Total Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Amity University, Noida | INR 4 lakh |
| Christ University, Bangalore | INR 1.2 lakh |
| ICFAI University, Hyderabad | INR 5 lakh |
| Symbiosis University, Pune | INR 1 lakh |
| UPES Dehradun | INR 4 lakh |
| Galgotias University, Greater Noida | INR 3 lakh |
| Sharda University, Greater Noida | INR 3 lakh |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar | INR 3 lakh |
| Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar | INR 2 lakh |
| KIIT University, Bhubaneswar | INR 2.5 lakh |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
PhD Information You Might Be Interested In :
- Ph.D Colleges in Delhi/NCR
- Ph.D Colleges in Kolkata
- Ph.D Colleges in Hyderabad
- Ph.D Colleges in Mumbai
PhD Career, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary and Recruiters
The job prospects after completion of the PhD program is bound to go up for all the major streams. Also, note that the PhD program gives the candidate a base in research, which in turn could open up more employment opportunities.
Here are some of the popular job roles for PhD holders:
| PhD Recruiting Industries | ||
|---|---|---|
Product manager | Development writer | Assistant Director, learning programs |
Teaching jobs | Government jobs | Become a research associate |
Economists | Financial managers | Work as consultants at corporate firms and companies |
Top Job Profiles and Salaries
Check below the list of PhD jobs and the average salary offered to the respective job profiles. The salary data is according to the website Payscale.com.
| Job Position | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | For the most part, assistant professors are in charge of giving excellent lectures, seminars, and workshops to undergraduate and occasionally graduate students. | INR 7.5 LPA |
| Associate Professor | Apart from teaching, they conduct intellectual activities such as innovative research in their area of expertise, publishing study results in journals, conferences, and other pertinent venues and collaborating on research initiatives with coworkers, students, and outside partners. | INR 10 LPA |
| Professor | Apart from academic and research activities, they are engaged in attending departmental meetings, committee meetings, and meetings for academic governance, assisting in the creation of educational programs and curriculum and helping junior faculty members develop professionally and giving them advice. | INR 13 LPA |
| Research Associate | A research associate is often a professional who works closely with principle investigators, senior researchers, and scientists on research projects. Experimentation, data analysis, participation in research design, and aiding in the communication of research results are their main duties. | INR 7.5 LPA |
| Consultant | They are engaged in interacting with clients to comprehend their requirements, difficulties, and objectives. fostering trusting relationships with clients and serving as a valued advisor. | INR 8 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
PhD Top Recruiters
Some of the top recruiters of PhDs in India along with the associated job profiles are listed below.
| PhD Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| Government Jobs |
|
| Private Educational Institutes |
|
| MNCs |
|
Syllabus: Important Facts for PhD
PhD in Science – A student can pursue a PhD in Science with any of the specializations such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc. In this course, students learn to create a new, modified piece of information and contribute to scientific knowledge. A minimum of 55% marks at the postgraduate level in Science background is required for admission to PhD Science courses.
PhD in Humanities – PhD in Humanities focuses on human culture and thoughts. It is an advanced course that explores human relationships and nature. This degree programme covers human behaviour, the evolution of culture, societal functions, and historical events. A minimum of 55% marks at the postgraduate level in any stream is required for admission to PhD in the Humanities field.
Scope of PhD in India – In India and other countries, the employment landscape is changing radically, which gives room for PhD graduates to find employment in the fields of writing, investment banking, law, and many more. The Government of India has also made PhD mandatory for direct recruitment of assistant professors in all universities.
Syllabus of PhD in Science – Depending on the field of specialisation, the syllabus for PhD in Science will vary. Some of the popular PhD courses in Science are as follows:
PhD in Chemistry
PhD in BioScience
PhD in Applied Sciences
PhD in Zoology
PhD in Biotechnology
PhD in Clinical Research
PhD in Mathematics
PhD in Physics
Syllabus of PhD in Humanities – The curriculum for PhD in Humanities differs depending on the type of course. Some of the popular PhD courses in Humanities are as follows:
PhD in Economics
PhD in Geography
PhD in Social Work
PhD in Arts
PhD in Literature
PhD in Psychology
PhD in Social Sciences
General Examination Pattern – The examination pattern for PhD programmes differs from the rest of the graduate or postgraduate exams as their focus lies on research work, presentations, seminars and submission of thesis. However, colleges/universities also conduct mid- and end-semester examinations.
List of Subjects in PhD in Computer Science
Typical Core Subjects for PhD in Computer Science
Subject Title | Subject details |
Research Methodology | This subject involves the study of sampling, scaling and qualitative measures, descriptive statistics, and correlation. It also focuses on reviewing literature and writing research papers, thesis, reports, and project proposals.
The topics covered here include:
|
Software Engineering | This subject offers a comprehensive view of the fundamentals of software systems by applying appropriate principles, theories, tools, and processes. It also aims to develop computer software in at least one domain, such as Safety, Society, Healthcare, Legal, Communication and Environment.
The topics covered here include:
|
Typical Elective Subjects for PhD in Computer Science
Subject Title | Subject Details |
Real-Time Systems | The course introduces the basic concepts of Real-Time Systems, resource allocation techniques and introduces the features specific to Real-Time Systems. It also discusses the various issues involved with the design and implementation of Real-Time Systems.
The topics covered here include:
|
Software Metrics | The subject provides an overview of Software Metrics, Metric Types, Measurements, Scales, and examples of how they are used. It also introduces some of the issues with Software Metrics. This subject also discusses the importance of Software Metrics within Object-Oriented Programming. The topics covered here include:
|
Natural Language Processing | The subject aims to deepen your understanding of natural language processing, as well as learn basic algorithms to apply in this field. You will also learn the algorithmic description of the main language levels and the resources for natural language data. The topics covered here include:
|
Software Quality Engineering | This subject describes quality assurance approaches, understanding quality models, and evaluating the system according to the chosen quality model. Additionally, it identifies measures applicable to the process of verification and validation. The topics covered here include:
|
Detailed syllabus for PhD in Computer Science
Various topics are offered by universities offering PhD in Computer Science, but some subjects are nearly identical across all universities.
Detailed information about some of these topics is provided below:
Semester | Core/Elective | Subject Title | Subject Details |
1 | Advanced Computer Architecture | Advanced Computer Architecture | The subject focuses on learning the fundamentals of computer architecture design, analysis, and simulation. It also covers topics such as processor design, pipelining, caches, storage systems, virtual memory, and simulation techniques. Moreover, it enables a better understanding of different processor architectures and systems levels of design.
The topics covered here include:
|
2. | Operating Systems | Operating Systems | This course highlights the importance of operating systems in Computer Architecture. It helps you acquire knowledge about the functions of an OS, alongside Process Management and Communication. |
3 | Network Security | Network Security | This subject discusses various electronic payment systems such as NetBill, MicroMint, PayWords, fair exchange protocols, as well as several types of Group Management techniques, including Group Key Agreement and Group Key Distribution, and at least one secure MANET routing protocol. The topics covered here include:
|
4 | Data Mining | Data Mining | Data mining as a subject offers an in-depth analysis of the process of mining large troves of data for meaningful information. Data is collected in clusters and subsequently classified based on certain criteria. Through this subject, you shall get hands-on knowledge of the process of data mining. |
5 | Computational Algebra | Computational Algebra | This course studies the use of mathematical models for solving computational and scientific problems. It includes an in-depth analysis of concepts such as linear and non-linear systems, basic data filtering and the robustness of an algorithm. |
6 | Database Management Systems | Database Management Systems | In this subject, students develop a comprehensive understanding of aspects of database technologies and the necessity for distributed databases to satisfy the deficiencies of centralized databases. |
SpecialisationsOffered in PhD
While PhD in Computer Science is a popular course, there are various other specialisations that you can opt for your doctorate degree. Some of them are as follows:
Specialisations | Subjects | Details |
PhD in Biochemistry |
| PhD in Biochemistry is a research-based degree that explores living creatures at the molecular level and includes a thorough examination of biomolecules.
This advanced degree combines several Biological Sciences topics, including Genetics, Forensics, Medicine, Plant Science, and Microbiology. |
PhD in Mathematics |
| Students pursuing a PhD in Mathematics learn about Mathematical Logic and Analysis, Statistics, Stochastic Processes and Topology.
The PhD programme provides students with advanced knowledge in the subject of mathematics as well as abilities that may be utilized to apply and solve complicated real-life problems. |
PhD in Physics |
| A PhD in physics provides a comprehensive overview of experimental and Theoretical Physics and seeks to give applicants a wide professional grounding in physics. This course will help students learn about Natural Laws in Optics, Classical and Quantum Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biomedical Physics, and other fields. |
PhD in Environmental Science |
| A PhD in Earth Science is a degree programme that prepares students to address emerging environmental issues such as climate change, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management. The comprehensive research required for a PhD in Environmental Studies aids in the development of sophisticated problem-solving abilities that are valuable in both life and work. |
Books and Authors for PhD students
There are various books that might assist you in preparing for your PhD course. The following are some popular books that provide a thorough review of the subject:
Subject | Book Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Research Methodology | Research Methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners | Ranjit Kumar | This book is a suitable choice for students who have no previous experience or knowledge of research or research methodology. This step-by-step guide teaches about theoretical concepts and 8 crucial steps to any research process. It provides examples illustrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches for a thorough understanding of the methods of analysis. |
Advanced Computer Architecture | Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach | Hennessy and Patterson | The book highlights how digital media, including smartphones, computers, tablets, and other mobile devices, can access the cloud and its software. It also covers the two most important aspects of modern architecture: parallelism and memory hierarchy. |
Advanced Network Security | Network Security Essentials | William Stallings | The book explains why internet security is critical in our age of robust electronic connectivity. Many factors can compromise private information, such as viruses, hackers, and electronic fraud. In this book, the author outlines the necessity of securing data and resources, ensuring their authenticity and evaluating the effects of network-based attacks. |
Distributed Databases | Database System Concepts | Henry F. Korth, Abraham Silberschatz, S. Sudarshan | This book is one of the cornerstones of database education. It presents the key concepts of database management in a straightforward manner so that students can begin using databases right away. The book is written for junior/senior courses on databases. |
Applied Cryptography | Handbook of Applied Cryptography | A. Menezes, P. Van Oorschot, S. Vanstone | This book is a great reference for both the novice and the expert who need a broader scope of study in the field of cryptography. It is a vital and current handbook for professionals interested in cryptographic arts. It is intended to provide an overview of the more practical features of both conventional and public-key encryption. |
Entrance Exams for PhD
In order to apply to the PhD programmes, candidates must have a minimum of 55% marks in post-graduation. For SC/ST/OBC/specially-abled candidates, this must be at least 50%. Students with previous work experience in the same area are preferred to apply to the PhD program.
Various national entrance examinations are available for admission to PhD Universities. However, some Universities have their own PhD entrance examinations followed by interviews.
Additionally, the structure of an entrance examination is decided by the authority that oversees the examination or by the University.
Here is a list of different national entrance examinations:
CSIR-UGC-NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test)
UGC-NET (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test)
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test)
TIFR GS Exam
Syllabus for Distance Learning Courses in PhD
Candidates who do not have the time to complete a full-time PhD programme can do the course online with a PhD distance learning programme. This allows students to take the course remotely from internal universities or colleges on an affordable range.
However, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a circular stating that distance learning PhD programmes will not be recognized anymore, and professors and other academic positions at universities require those with regular mode PhD courses.
Nonetheless, some popular colleges which offer distance learning courses in PhD are listed below:
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)
YCMOU (Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open Universities)
Top Colleges/Universities for PhD
Listed below are some of the best colleges in India that offer courses in PhD:
S. No. | College/University | Link |
|---|---|---|
1 | Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | To be uploaded soon |
2 | Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi | To be uploaded soon |
3 | University of Delhi, New Delhi | To be uploaded soon |
4 | Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi | To be uploaded soon |
5 | Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai | To be uploaded soon |
6 | University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad | To be uploaded soon |
7 | Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | To be uploaded soon |
8 | Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani | To be uploaded soon |
9 | Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram | To be uploaded soon |
10 | Tezpur University, Napaam | To be uploaded soon |
Why Choose PhD?
PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is one of the highest attainable degree in any field of study which is awarded for research and academic pursuits. This course is for a period of three years and can be extended for a maximum period of six years. It can be pursued either in full-time or part-time mode but PhD in distance mode is prohibited as per the UGC guidelines. PhD is no less than a commitment to spend many years into researching on a particular area of study. Furthermore, it requires great patience, hard work and an ability to think creatively. PhD requires unique contribution to the literature which has not been done earlier. This makes PhD extremely popular even amongst working professionals who wish to upgrade their skills. PhD can be pursued in various subjects related to Engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences etc.
Also Read: PhD Overview
Specialisation in PhD
PhD can be pursued under various specialisations in fields such as Social Sciences, Engineering and Natural Sciences. Some of the specialisations include:
- PhD in Natural Science: It is offered under various sub-disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Astrophysics etc. The programme revolves around two components: experimentation and recording the observations in a thesis.
- PhD in Commerce and Business Management: It is offered under sub-disciplines such as Commerce, Banking, Finance, Accountancy, Business Management, Labour Relations etc.
- PhD in Life Sciences: It is offered under sub-disciplines such as Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture etc.
- PhD in Social Sciences: It is related to sub-disciplines such as Geography, Sociology, History, Public Administration etc. Research deals with contribution to the existing literature and solving policy-related problems.
- PhD in Engineering and Technology: It deals with various branches of engineering and other allied fields such as Food Technology, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology etc. The researcher conducts experimentations with the application of scientific methods and creates novel materials for human-use. Many colleges offer integrated M. Tech-Ph. D or MS- PhD courses which is a five-year course.
Read More: Top Entrance Exams for PhD
Top Careers in PhD
Earlier it was considered that the only career option after pursuing PhD is to enter into academics. Therefore, many professionals from industry never pursued either a master’s or doctorate degree. But with changing times and current employment scenario, doctorates are hired across various domains, even beyond academics. It’s versatility and cost-benefit value makes it a unique degree which is pursued even by those who have entered the industry. Even though a majority of academicians or researchers do possess a PhD, it is not necessary that every doctoral candidate enters academia after finishing the degree.
Some of the job opportunities one can grab after completing doctoral programme are as follows:
- Academics: Academics is one of the most typical career choice which is pursued by candidates who have completed doctoral programme. After completing higher education, candidates can enter into higher secondary or university teaching. The candidates are driven by a passion to study their subject in Master’s as well as doctoral level. In fact, PhD is an indispensable qualification for becoming an academic in India. It involves teaching assignments, lectures and seminars and various other administrative work related to the university.
- Consultancy: Various consultancy firms such as BCG, IBM, PwC, McKinsey Company, Bain and Company used to hire postgraduates such as MBAs or MTech as consultants. Nowadays, they are hiring doctorates who possess in-depth knowledge and technical background on the relevant area of study.
- Research and Development: Research in the concerned area of study is one of the major outcomes of PhD, wherein candidates engage in writing research papers or books and publishing papers in journals. They make scientific publications and contribute to the field of study. They hold key positions in various research departments in educational and research institutions.
- Industrial Laboratories: One of the most popular career choices after pursuing PhD is a job in Industrial Research and Development Laboratory. They engage in critical research activities related to drug development or novel product development. R&D labs offer higher salary to professionals with advanced skills and good command over the technical know-how.
- Mentorship: Many professionals who possess a PhD also work as mentors to various start-ups or other research organisations. They possess strong academic background and command over the technical knowledge of the subject. They advise on product development or business strategy and influence critical decisions of the institutes.
- Government Sector and Public Administration: Many government departments working in the field of public administration hire consultants or researchers or fellows who possess demonstrated experience in fields such as Water Conservation, Land Conservation, Agriculture, Military etc.
Career Scope with PhD in India
The popularity of PhD has increased manifolds which is visible by the increased number of enrolments every year. Candidates who wish to pursue PhD must clear a Research Entrance Test conducted by the concerned university or clear any state-level or national-level Research Test such as CSIR NET/UGC NET/GATE/JEST. PhD can be either self-funded or funded through any organisation under any fellowship. There are vast opportunities in India after completing PhD such as:
- Professor/Associate Professor: After completing PhD and possessing teaching experience of 5-10 years, one can work as an Assistant/Associate Professor across various universities. Desirous applicants must also possess research and teaching skills as well as published papers in peer-reviewed journals.
- Consultant: Candidates who have completed PhD can work as consultants across various fields such as Business Management, Investment, Banking, Finance, Business Strategy, Product Development etc. They leverage their expertise and technical knowledge for critical decision making.
- Research Associate: Many professionals who possess PhD and relevant years of experience are hired as Research Associates across various government and not-for-profit research organisations. They contribute to the policy research and suggest measures for smooth functioning of the department or administration.
- Drug Developer: Drug Development or Industrial Research organisations also attract professionals who have completed PhD in their relevant field of study. Candidates from backgrounds such as Genetics, Molecular Medicine, Nanotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Life Sciences are hired in the drug development team.
PhD Admission 2024: Admission Status
PhD Admissions are generally conducted for Spring and Autumn Semesters. Spring Cycle generally begins in the month of January and admissions are completed withing June. Autumn Session admissions begin during July and conclude by the month of December. Therefore candidates must pay attention to the dates and regularly visit the websites in order to stay aware of the admission cycle.
PhD Admissions 2024 in Government Universities
Many Central and State Universities are currently offering PhD admissions for the July Session. In most of the universities admissions are conducted either on the basis of UGC NET/JRF scores or Research Entrance Test. Candidates who possess valid UGC NET/JRF scores can directly give interview and present their proposal. Many colleges also offer PhD Admissions only to candidates who have cleared JRF. Therefore, candidates must pay special attention to these requirements. The table below provides information related to current PhD Admission details:
| Institute | Exams Accepted | Application Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | UGC NET- JRF | Admission Details |
| University of Delhi | NET/JRF/ | Admission Details |
| Aligarh Muslim University | University Entrance Exam, UGC NET JRF | Admission Details |
| Mizoram University | University Entrance Exam, UGC NET JRF | Admission Details |
| Hidayaullah National Law University | Entrance Exam, UGC NET JRF | Admission Details |
| North Eastern Hill University | Entrance Exam, UGC NET JRF | Admission Details |
| Dibrugarh University | DURAT, UGC NET JRF | Admission Details |
| Sarguja University | Entrance Exam, Interview | Admission Details |
| Presidency University | UGC NET/ JRF | Admission Details |
| University of Calcutta | Entrance Exam or UGC NET JRF | Admission Details |
Also Read: PhD Syllabus
PhD Admissions 2024 in Private Universities
Various private universities offer PhD courses in various disciplines and also offer decent stipends to PhD scholars. Most of these universities conduct their own Research Entrance Test as well as offer admission to those who have already cleared any fellowship entrance examination. The PhD admission details in various private universities are given in the table below:
| Institute | Exams Accepted | Application Status |
|---|---|---|
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | GATE | Admission Details |
| Manipal University | PhD Manipal Entrance Test (MET) | Admission Details |
| VIT Vellore | VITREE | Admission Details |
| KIIT University | KIITEE | Admission Details |
| BITS Pilani | BITS PhD Entrance Exam | Admission Details |
| Thapar University | UGC NET/ CSIR NET | Admission Details |
| SASTRA University | UGC NET/ CSIR NET | Admission Details |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | UGC NET | Admission Details |
| Lovely Professional University | Entrance Exam Test | Admission Details |
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