Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy. Ph.D. is a Latin term which stands for 'Philosophiae Doctor', meaning 'Teacher in the Love of Wisdom'. That is why Ph.D. Degree is awarded for original contributions to knowledge. It is Doctorate Degree Course which is subjective in nature and is structured as such. Philosophy is a belief or system of beliefs, accepted as authoritative by some group or school. The degree holder of a Ph.D. is conferred the title of ‘Doctor’ even though in the conventional sense he is not. The Duration of the programme is - Minimum 2 years from the date of registration (3 years for External candidates) & Maximum 5-6 years. The minimum qualifications and other eligibility criteria for admission are the same as for regular full time students. Ph.D. is a broad-based course involving a minimum course credit requirement and research thesis. Ph.D. programs are available in a wide range of areas in Engineering, Science & Humanities and Social Sciences. One can also pursue Ph.D. through distance learning programs. Distance Learning Ph.D. meets the needs of students who are unable to attend on-campus classes. Distance Learning Doctoral Degrees however have less value as compared to Full-time Ph.D.
Institutes like Bharathiar University offers Part Time Doctoral Programs, i.e. ‘Part time External Registration for Ph.D. programme’. This course provides opportunities to thousands of aspirants across the country and abroad who, otherwise have no opportunity, for want of a guide in the region/Institution for registration. Under the scheme, candidates, satisfying the eligibility criteria anywhere in India or abroad can register under a Research Supervisor, registered in Bharathiar University under the scheme and published in the website under Pool of Research Supervisors. A candidate can also choose any guide outside the Pool of Research Supervisors satisfying the required eligibility conditions. There are plans for introducing online doctoral programs by IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). The candidates desirous of pursuing Ph.D. programme while in employment are known as 'External Candidates'. The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is awarded to a candidate who, as per these regulations, has submitted a thesis on the basis of original and independent research in any particular discipline/inter-disciplinary that makes a contribution to the advancement of knowledge, which is approved by suitably appointed examiners as required.
Categories of Ph.D. Candidates
Full Time Research Scholar
i. Institute Research Scholars with Teaching Assistant (TA) - Students under this category are entitled for Institute Teaching Assistantship. as per MHRD norms.
ii. Govt./Semi Govt. Fellowship Awardees (FA QIP, CSIR, UGC, DAE, DST, DBT, NBHM, etc.) - These candidates are financially supported under various Govt./Semi Govt. schemes. The admission procedure and other requirements are same as applicable to Institute Research Scholars.
iii. Sponsored candidates (SW) - These candidates are sponsored by recognized R&D organization for doing research work in the Institute on full time basis. Candidates are expected to be released for full time research work at the Institute for a minimum period of three years. They will not receive any financial support from the Institute. Sponsorship letter (Appendix I) should be attached to the application form.
iv. Self-financed (Indian/Foreign)/Study Leave (SF).
a) Indian - This category refers to persons with experience and with good track record to join the doctoral programme. They are admitted along with the regular research students through the usual admission procedure but they would not get any financial support from the Institute. This is Non-residential student category and they are not entitled for hostel accommodation on campus. If admitted, these students should complete their programme within prescribed time without any financial support from the Institute.
b) Foreign - These students are admitted through Embassy of the respective Govt. after getting approval from the Ministry of External Affairs and no objection certificate from Ministry of Human Resources Development, Department of Education, Govt. of India.
c) Study Leave - This category refers to candidates who are released from Governmental or educational institutions on study leave for a period not less than three years for doing research work at the Institute. Employer’s letter should be produced at the time of joining, if selected.
v. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Awardees (Foreign Students)- These students are sponsored by their Governments and awarded scholarship by them. They should apply for admission through Indian Embassy in their country.
Part-time Research Scholar:
i. Institute Faculty/Staff (IS) - This category refers to candidates who are permanent employees of the Institute with more than 2 years of service left to their retirement are admitted to the Ph.D. Programme.
ii. Project Staff (PS) - This category refers to candidates who are working on various Projects undertaken by the Institute and admitted to the Ph.D. programme, if the duration of the Project at the time of admission is around 3 years.
iii. Research Assistants (RA) - Depending upon the requirements, each Department/Centre /School may induct one Research Assistant every year. Students under this category are entitled for Institute Research Assistantship.
iv. External candidates (Sponsored) (EX) - After fulfilling one semester (M.Tech./M.E./equivalent) or two semesters (B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc. or equivalent) of residential requirement at the Institute, these candidates will be allowed to register for Ph.D. with a supervisor from the Institute (Internal) and other from their parent organization (External) where they will be doing the research work. Sponsorship certificate from the organization (Appendix III) must be attached, to the application form.
v. Candidates working from Colleges / Educational Institutes (CT)
1) They are carrying out Research work during weekends, holidays and vacations, at Institute where they are studying.
2) After fulfilling one (M.Tech./M.E./equivalent) or two semesters (B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc. or equivalent) of residential requirement at the Institute, these candidates will be allowed to register for Ph.D. with a supervisor from the Institute (Internal) and other from their parent organization (External) which is optional based on recommendations of the supervisor and respective DPGC/IDPC/PGC. Sponsoring certificate from the organization is to be attached to the application form. Candidates admitted under this category will be treated on par with Self finance category as far as payment of fees and deposits are concerned.
Ph.D. Eligibility
Some of the Doctor of Philosophy Specialisations
Doctor of Philosophy Course Suitability
How is Doctor of Philosophy Course Beneficial?
General overview of Ph.D. Course Structure
The program comprises both course and research work; the amount of coursework one should undergo depends on the candidates' past background and the research one is engaged in.
Basically, the program includes:
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