PhD in India

The idea of pursuing PhD primarily emerges from an insatiable thirst to explore the domain of one’s interest. Especially in today’s scenario, when every domain has been divided into vast sub-domains, there is a great need for individuals with expertise of their respective fields. With the rapid urbanisation opening many new doors, India too is experiencing a boom in modern fields of science and technology, leading to a large demand of highly learned professionals.

Requirements for a PhD:

As per UGC Regulations, the minimum requirement for enrolling for a PhD in India is a minimum of 55% marks in Masters’ Degree. Although this not a tall order for most of the aspirants, the number of candidates enrolling for PhD is significantly lesser. There are many reasons for this trend, the most significant of which is the complicated nature of PhD. This degree, unlike most others is not time-bound, and therefore requires the highest level of commitment from the aspirants.

[caption class="snax-figure" align="aligncenter" width="1140"][/caption]

PhD Admission in India:

Most Institutes conduct their own entrance examinations for selection of their PhD candidates. This process in itself is rigorous and tests the academic acumen, problem solving skills and communication skills of the candidates. The process of award of a PhD Degree is demanding, and requires quantifiable outcomes from the candidates in specific time limits decided by the Institute. The various Institutes and Universities in India have different (but almost similar) requirements in terms of maximum duration, research publications and other outputs expected of a PhD Candidate.

Another factor that determines the ease of securing a PhD admission in India is the field of one’s interest. It is relatively much easier to enrol for a PhD in Arts or Sciences, than in a technical domain, like STEM. One of the most demanding fields of Engineering is Civil Engineering, and to secure a PhD in Civil Engineering in India is a matter of prestige. Most of the major Institutes in India including, centrally funded (IITs, NITs, Central Universities, etc.) and private (BITS Pilani, JUIT Waknaghat, OP Jindal University, SRM University, etc.), offers PhD in Civil Engineering. Although both offers similar facilities and have similar regulations regarding award of the PhD Degree, the process is relatively streamlined in case of private Universities. In private Universities the aspirants not only have a multi-point support system, but also a very good access to research facilities. The absence of bureaucratic hurdles in such Institutes accelerates the process and helps in developing a frame of mind conducive for productive research work. The flexibility afforded to a candidate in these systems helps them in focusing on their research.

Also, there are numerous possibilities of conducting interdisciplinary research in private Universities, as different departments work in unison to produce meaningful research. The state of the are research facilities of in private Universities aids the PhD Candidates in realising their full research potentials; the candidates also get a lot of exposure. Some of these private Universities, like JUIT Waknaghat works closely with its sister concerns in Jaypee Group thereby creating opportunities for the candidates to contribute towards practical and relevant Civil Engineering problems through their research. These and many similar advantages transform PhD candidates to industry ready scholars.