PhD in Engineering: Admission Process, Programmes & Career Opportunities

No matter how well-paying your current job is or how much of a well-reputed organisation you are currently working for, a PhD in engineering can surely make it better. Even if you are not looking for a job and have just completed your master's, it's still a smart choice.

Companies nowadays are no longer looking for graduates who can just do manual labour. They are looking for subject matter experts, individuals who possess in-depth knowledge about a certain topic, can fix critical problems, and also contribute to innovation. So, if you are considering pursuing a PhD in engineering anytime soon, do it now instead!

Why Pursue a PhD in Engineering?

This is something we hear a lot during admissions. Students often ask if a B.Tech degree in a good specialisation is enough for landing a good job, so why pursue a PhD? Well, a PhD degree is not only for finding jobs. It's more for gaining in-depth subject matter expertise and skills that help oneself contribute to innovation in that industry. The leadership roles come with it.

Build a Career in R&D and Academia

If you have spent enough time rising the corporate ladder and now you want to be in a space where you can share your expertise and be a part of fresh inventions, a PhD in engineering is the best option for you.

Work on Emerging Technologies and Innovation

Do you get excited whenever a new technology comes up and start exploring everything about it? If yes, a PhD will give you the perfect space to explore as much as you can, while your expertise will benefit industries and give you top recognition.

Access Leadership and High-Level Industry Opportunities

Students who are targeting leadership roles from the very beginning or working professionals looking to level up, this programme offers the right mentorship, practices and exposure.

Course Details

Most individuals know about what a PhD programme is, but when it comes to the core details such as the duration, specialisation or the curriculum, the confusion remains. That is why we have prepared the complete PhD in engineering course details. Find it below:

Duration

PhD programmes are typically 3-6 years in duration. However, the exact duration depends on the university you will be attending.

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: A master's degree in engineering, technology or a relevant discipline from a recognised university.
• Minimum Marks: At least 55% marks or an equivalent CGPA in the postgraduate degree.
• Research Proposal: Some universities may require a preliminary research proposal during the application or interview.

Curriculum

Before you get into a PhD in engineering programme, you must be aware that a PhD programme is not a UG/PG programme, where you will attend lectures and take exams. It's about:

• Conducting independent and original research
• Identifying and solving complex engineering problems
• Working closely with a research supervisor
• Reviewing existing studies and finding research gaps
• Collecting, analysing and interpreting technical data
• Publishing research papers in recognised journals
• Presenting research findings at seminars and conferences
• Writing and defending a doctoral thesis

Popular Specialisations

The PhD in engineering and technology programme offers a wide range of specialisations, such as:

Entrance Exams

Students who wish to pursue a PhD are required to appear for national, state, or university-level entrance exams. Therefore, you need to ensure that the universities you have shortlisted conduct such entrance exams, and if they do, appear for the same. Some of the popular PhD entrance exams are:

• UGC NET
• CSIR NET
• GATE
• ICMR JRF
• DBT JRF
• ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF
• JEST
• GPAT
• UGC NET JRF
• University-level PhD Entrance Test
• Institute-specific Research Entrance Test

Best Colleges for a PhD in Engineering

Below are the top 10 institutions for pursuing a PhD in engineering, as they offer the latest technology exposure, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and high-quality mentorship.

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) – Madras, Delhi, Bombay, Kanpur and Kharagpur
• Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
• National Institutes of Technology (NITs) – Tiruchirappalli, Karnataka and Rourkela
• Sharda University, Greater Noida
• Amity University, Noida
• BITS Pilani
• Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
• Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala

Course Fees

The fee for a PhD programme is often kept the same across all specialisations. However, the amount will vary depending on the university you are applying to and the facilities they offer.

Average Figures

• Government Colleges/Institutes: ₹20,000 to ₹80,000 per year
• Private Colleges/Universities: ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year

Fellowship or Monthly Stipend

• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹37,000 per month
• Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): ₹42,000 per month
• Institutional or Project Fellowship: ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month
• Contingency Grant: Around ₹20,000 per year

Additional Expenses

• Application and admission fee: ₹1,000–₹30,000
• Registration and coursework fee: ₹10,000–₹50,000 per year
• Laboratory, software and equipment costs: ₹10,000–₹1 lakh per year
• Research materials and data collection: ₹10,000–₹75,000
• Journal publication charges: ₹5,000–₹1 lakh per paper
• Conference registration and travel: ₹10,000–₹1 lakh per event
• Thesis printing, submission and evaluation: ₹10,000–₹50,000
• Hostel, mess and accommodation: ₹60,000–₹2 lakh per year

Step-by-Step PhD Admission Process

Here are all the steps you need to follow to have a smooth PhD in engineering admission in your desired university:

1. Check the eligibility criteria
2. Choose your research area
3. Shortlist suitable universities
4. Fill out the PhD application form
5. Submit required documents
6. Appear for the entrance exam
7. Attend the interview or research proposal presentation
8. Wait for the final selection list
9. Complete document verification
10. Pay the admission fee
11. Start PhD coursework and research

Career Opportunities After a PhD in Engineering

Why Choose Sharda University for a PhD in Engineering?

As mentioned earlier, a PhD is not like UG/PG programs. For a PhD student high-quality and modern research infrastructure, easy access to resources, and industry experts as mentors are very important. Therefore, you must choose only those universities that don't compromise on the above-mentioned aspects.

Now, if we have to name a university that is able to fit all boxes of a good PhD environment, Sharda University is the one. Whether it's latest technology exposure, state-of-the-art research labs, top industry leaders as mentors or happening campus life, Sharda has it all.

The university has an impressive record of a total of 912 filed and 234 granted patents and a vast network of industry collaborations, which will later help students find their dream job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an entrance exam required for PhD admission?

Yes, most universities consider national, state, or university-level entrance exams for PhD admissions.

Can I apply for a PhD without NET?

Yes, you can apply for a PhD programme without appearing for NET. However, you must appear for the entrance exam considered by your university.

Can working professionals apply for a PhD?

Yes, working professionals can also apply for a PhD programme.

Which specialisation should I do my PhD in?

You can choose a subject of your liking, but ensure that you have a master's degree in the same field.

Does Sharda University offer PhD admission in engineering?

Yes, Sharda University offers PhD programmes in engineering.