Part-time PhD: Admission Process, Fees, Courses, Job and Salary 2024

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Waqar Niyazi

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The Part-Time PhD program has been designed to cater to the scholarly needs of the students who are doing full-time employment. The program is intended to prepare the participants for research and teaching positions both within and outside academia. To be eligible for undertaking the study of Part-Time PhD programs, candidates must be qualified graduates in the related subject. The candidates who have passed the postgraduate level course are also eligible for this extensive study.

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Part-Time PhD is available in various colleges such as IIT, or JNU and other top Universities in India. The average fee for Part Time PhD is around INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,00,000. Admission to the Part-Time PhD program is based on merit and an entrance test followed by an interview conducted by the various Universities.

See Also: PhD Admission

The scholars are expected to develop a very deep understanding of the areas of research which is selected by them. They also get structured exposure to a range of topics, develop various professional skills, they also participate in academic and other activities.

UGC guidelines for Part-Time PhD

Part-time PhD courses were introduced by the University Grants Commission for working professionals who cannot afford to take long leaves for research purposes. The UGC guidelines as proposed by Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar clearly state that

  • The eligibility conditions and assessment of part-time PhD students remain the same.
  • Candidates will have to bring a “No Objection Certificate” from their employer stating that the candidate will be given sufficient time to do their research and that the workplace will establish facilities that will aid the candidate in his doctoral research.
  • Candidates will also have to attend at least 6 months of course-work full-time.
  • Candidates will be guided by a supervisor who will be an Associate Professor/Professor who has at least five research publications in peer-reviewed or refereed journals and can also be supervisors under the proposed norms.

Why study part-time PhD programs?

A part time PhD program is something that has become useful for many individuals who want to pursue PhD along with some other job. It gives flexibility to a student to keep doing something that he/ she loves while studying and researching for a PhD. The other benefits of part time PhD program are listed below:

  • The students don’t have to limit their research work to the university/ college. In part time PhD programs, you will be allowed to conduct study and research off-campus.
  • In a part-time Ph.D. program, you don’t have to worry about time limitations. You can complete the course and can write the Thesis at your own pace.
  • The candidates won’t have to abide by all the decisions made by the faculty and supervisors.
  • For individuals who want to teach, a part-time PhD program is highly beneficial as they gain many years of teaching while they finish up their Ph.D. program.
  • The course fee of a part time Ph.D. program is less than the full time PhD program.

Part-time PhD: Duration

The enrolled students of the Part-Time Ph.D. program are expected to complete the program in 4 years after the doctoral registration. It may be extended with the due approvals.

  • For Category I Candidates: The first year will be spent on the doctoral coursework and the remaining years of the program for completing subsequent steps leading to the doctoral thesis.
  • For Category II Candidates: In the first year, the Part-Time Ph.D. program students will be required to attend the domain-related master-level courses that are prescribed by the School Research Committee. The doctoral coursework will commence from the second year onwards.

Part-time PhD: Admission Process

No matter what type of Ph.D. program it is, whether it is a part time or an online accelerated Ph.D. program, they can be competitive and the candidate will want to make sure that their application stands out to the admissions committee. The first step is making sure that you meet the requirements and include all the necessary documentation. The following is the step-by-step admission process with the necessary documents.

  • Application and fee: Candidates must fill the application form of their chosen college/university and choose their specialization and field of research.
  • College transcripts: Fill out the application form with all the necessary details and upload your transcripts as proof of your graduation and post-graduation.
  • Test scores: Many colleges and universities use GRE or GMAT scores to determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in a Ph.D. program. If you’re an international applicant, you may also need TOEFL exam scores to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language.
  • Letters of reference: These should come from academic or professional colleagues who can attest to your commitment and character. Nearly two to three letters may be required.
  • Personal statement or research proposal: This is your chance to communicate your study goals with the admission faculty. That way, the institute can determine whether your interests align with the expertise of the faculty.

Part-time PhD: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates need to satisfy the following criteria to be eligible for admission to the Part-Time Ph.D. program. Candidates who are not meeting the eligibility criteria need not apply to the school in concern.

  • The student should be working in an organization that encourages and facilitates research.
  • Candidates must have a bachelor's and master's degree in any stream to be eligible for Part time Ph.D. Admission.
  • The candidate should have a minimum of one year of work experience in any related field.
  • The aspiring candidate should furnish a "consent & No objection certificate" from his/her parent organization.

Part-time Ph.D.: Top Colleges in India

A significant number of top universities/colleges across the country offer Part-time Ph.D. programs to candidates. Some of the top colleges offering Part-time Ph.D. programs are given below.

Part-Time PhD Bangalore

The candidates who intend to pursue PhD must meet the following criteria:

  • They must hold a Master’s degree in order to be eligible for admission into a doctoral program.
  • To secure admission to reputable universities, the candidate must clear All-India examinations National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET) conducted by NTA. Final year students appearing for the qualifying exam can also apply for the examination provided they submit attested copies of their qualifying degree certificates.
College Name PhD Courses available Average Fees
Bangalore University Engineering, Humanities, Science, Language, Management. -
Indian Institute of Science Computer Science 75,000
Institute of Finance and International Management Management -
Indian Institute of Plantation Management Management -

Part time PhD: IIT

Name of the Colleges Course Average Fees
Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar PhD in Engineering PhD in Science INR 15,000
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras PhD in Engineering PhD in Science PhD in Humanities INR 9,100
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur PhD in Engineering PhD in Earth Science INR 12,700
Indian Institute of Technology, Bhilai PhD in Engineering -

Part-Time PhD from IIT Delhi

IIT Delhi offers part-time PhD in 24 courses. Qualification for part-time PhD remains the same as that for full-time PhD, except that the requirement of qualifying for a national exam is waived. To be eligible for part-time PhD from IIT Delhi, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

  • Only employees of Public Sector Undertakings or Government Departments Research and Development Organizations, or Private Industries (approved by Faculty Boards) are eligible for admission to these programs.
  • There is a certain minimum full-time experience required after obtaining the qualifying degree in part-time PhD as well. It is tabulated below.
Qualifications Work Experience (Post-Qualification)
M.E./M.Tech or equivalent Nil
B.E/B.Tech or equivalent from CFTIs/Central Universities 1 year
B.E./B.Tech or equivalent and working in IIT Delhi 1 year
B.E./B.Tech or equivalent from institutions other than CFTIs/Central Universities 2 years

Part-Time PhD from IIM

Out of all IIMs, part-time PhD is offered only in IIM-Jammu. The admission process is simple:

  • A written test is conducted for those who do not have a valid CAT/GRE/GMAT/JRF score
  • Then a personal interview is conducted to further screen the number of candidates.
  • Following the PI, a merit list is released on the basis of admission criteria and PI evaluation.

The candidate must have the following qualifications in order to be eligible for admission in IIM Jammu:

  • A Master's Degree or a 5-year Integrated Master’s Degree in any discipline, with at least 60 percent marks in the Bachelor’s as well as in the Master’s degree.
  • A professional qualification like CA, ICWA, CS, with at least 50 percent marks
  • A four-year/8 semester Bachelor's degree with at least 6.5 CGPA or equivalent marks.

There is no upper age limit for the candidate. The candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of work experience at the supervisory or above level in Government, autonomous bodies, research centers, PSUs, educational institutes, or private organizations.

Bharathiar university Part-Time PhD

Bharathiar University offers part-time PhD in 36 courses. Admission to Bharathiar University is based on the Common Eligibility Test (CET) conducted by the University between June and July followed by a personal interview.

  • Only candidates who have passed from a relevant P.G. degree with 55% aggregate are eligible for admission.
  • Candidates who have cleared the UGC NET/CSIR NET/SLET/GATE/SET or are Scientists working in DRDO/ Faculty of Air Force Administrative College, teacher fellowship holders are exempted from giving the CET.

The total fee for a part-time PhD is INR 21,000. The total duration for completing PhD is 4-6 years (for PG students) and 3-5 years (for M.Phil students).

IGNOU Part-Time PhD

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers distance PhD courses in subjects like Anthropology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, French, Psychology and many more. Candidates applying for PhD courses have to fulfill certain eligibility criteria mentioned below for your reference,

  • Candidates must have completed post graduation in the relevant discipline.
  • Candidates must have secured a minimum of 55% in post-graduation.
  • Candidates who have cleared M.Phil, along with the course work or have cleared NET need not appear for the IGNOU entrance exam.

Part-time PhD Courses in India

Some of the Part-Time PhD courses offered by the colleges and universities in India are listed below in the table:

Course Average Annual Fees
PhD in Computer Science INR 10,000 to 2,75,000
PhD in Management INR 10,000 to 2,75,000
PhD in Library and Information Science INR 3,000 to 25,000
PhD in Engineering INR 20,000 to 30,000
PhD in English Literature INR 10,000 to 1,00,000
PhD in Legal Studies INR 20,000 to 2,50,000
PhD in Mechanical Engineering 30,000 to 3,00,000
PhD in Chemical Engineering INR 5,00,000 to 1,60,000
PhD in Hospitality INR 48,000 to 1,60,000
PhD in History INR 50,000 to 1,00,000

Part time PhD: Computer Science Courses

Name of the Colleges Eligibility
Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 50% aggregate in Post Graduation

Part time PhD: Management Courses

Name of the Colleges Eligibility
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Institute of Finance and International Management, Bengaluru 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Vishwakarma Institute of Management, Pune 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar 50% aggregate in Post Graduation

Part time PhD Literature Courses

Name of the Colleges Eligibility
Techno University, Kolkata 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Ashoka University, Haryana 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Amity University, Noida 50% aggregate in Post Graduation
Lovely Professional University, Punjab 50% aggregate in Post Graduation

Part-time PhD: Job Opportunities

 Executives that earn their doctoral degrees can get hired in the following professions:

Job Roles Descriptions Average Annual Salary Package
Chief Executive Officer A Chief Executive Officer is responsible for creating an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the company’s mission, vision, and values. INR 29,89,350
Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officers design, plan and implements business strategies, plans and procedures, and set comprehensive goals for business growth and success. INR 29,57,785
Professional Consultant The duties of a professional consultant include discussing issues with clients, making recommendations, demonstrating favorable results, providing a high standard of customer service, and taking part in client meetings. INR 3,39,731
Academic Professor Academic Professors are responsible for developing curricula and delivering course material, conducting research, fieldwork, and investigations, and writing up reports. INR 16,50,000
Vice President of Marketing Vice presidents of marketing are responsible to get the word out about their company’s products, services and deals. INR 1,49,067

Part-time PhD: Facilities to Scholars

  • The students will be provided accommodation on campus for the first 2 years of the program.
  • The residential expenses will have to be paid by the scholars separately as per the prevalent rate, and mess expenses as per the actual.

Part-time PhD: Scope

The scope of the Part-time PhD program is very wide and after completing Part-time PhD program, candidates can get so many best opportunities in many fields anywhere in the world. The scopes of this course are:

  • The government, as well as the private sector, has started investing in the area of R&D, so there is a huge scope for the students after doing a program in Part-Time PhD.
  • If you want to be in the teaching line then after doing Part-Time PhD you can apply for directors, or for HOD post in any science college
  • If you want to go for a government job then you have many options like ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, Researcher, and scientist etc.
  • From the financial sector to the public sector, now PhDs are found everywhere as they are not limited to work only in the zone of academia.

Also, there is a chance for Part-Time Ph.D. graduates to work in other countries.

Part Time PhD: FAQs

Ques. Do Part Time PhD Programmes exist?

Ans. Yes, the part time PhD programmes do exist. Universities and colleges know that many people have packed schedules. To accommodate busy students, some institutes give the option of part-time enrollment in the PhD programs online or on-campus.

Ques. How Part Time PhD Degree Programmess do Work?

Ans. To graduate from a part-time doctoral program, a student needs to do the same work that they would for a full-time course of study. They will simply spread the work out over a longer stretch of time. The first portion of your program will likely be devoted to the classes. If a student enrolled on a part-time basis, they will probably keep their course load light instead of taking multiple classes at once.

Ques. How long does it take to do a part time PhD programme?

Ans. How long it takes to complete your part time scheduled PhD programme is largely up to you and how much you can commit to your studies at any point in time.

You may find that there are some seasons in which you’re able to invest a good portion of your time and other seasons as well when you’re only able to do the bare minimum to keep going.

Ques. Should I take on too many part time PhD students?

Ans. Most universities prefer not to take on too many part-time PhD students because statistically, the success rate is very low. With reduced access to the university or college facilities and staff, distractions from work, and so many years in which to lose motivation and direction, most part-time students give up and never achieve their PhD degrees.

Ques. Is it possible to study PhD program part time and work full time?

Ans. Plenty of people do this. However, the students have to be prepared to sacrifice much of your free time. Taking two classes a semester will consume nearly 20 hours of your time, not including travel time. Remember you will be reading up to 200 pages in a week, conducting research, writing papers, making presentations, attending class and participating in the discussion, and take exams. While each class may not include all these factors but many will.

Ques. Is it possible to enter a traditional academic career after the completion of a part time PhD programme?

Ans. Yes, it's possible, but a doctorate is only one element of an academic career. First, only the most dynamic doctorates land academic positions, especially in the research universities and colleges with tenure-track positions, thus it is essential as a doctoral student to cultivate a professional reputation, and that means participating in departmental duties as a teaching and research assistant, and attending and participating in professional conferences.

Ques. Which is better, a part-time PhD with a job or a full-time Ph.D.?

Ans. Do PhD programme when you are fully convinced and ready for the topic and research methodology of research yourself after successful completion of bachelor's or master's degree and project on the same subject or interdisciplinary subject. The foundation of the right education and knowledge is mandatory and very helpful. Asking for a guide for topic and methodology is disastrous. The role of a guide is to supervise the smooth run of the research project and nothing much. Hence, the question of part-time or full time PhD program does not arise.

Ques. What is the schedule of part-time Phd programme students at IIFT Delhi college; do the students have to attend the classes regularly?

Ans. The classes for both full time and part time PhD students happen during the weekends. The full time students of PhD program get an opportunity to carry out field visits and projects during the weekdays.

Ques. When are the classes for a part-time PhD conducted at IIT Delhi college?

Ans. Both part time and full time students study in the same class. The majority of the classes are the part of morning slot from 8 AM to 2 PM, there are classes in the evening as well. Some guest faculties do classes over the weekend.

Ques. Can we do a part time PhD programme in IIT Bombay?

Ans. Yes you can. IIT-Bombay will call two times per year. You can apply for the same and can attend a written test and/or interview.

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

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Ques. Are master's degrees from IGNOU acceptable for admission into Ph.D courses in top universities?

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ans. Yes, IGNOU is UGC approved, so masters degrees from IGNOU are acceptable for Ph.D. courses in top universities.  But to get admission you will have to meet the other eligibility criteria as well. The university will check your marks, rank, average, and age. As IGNOU is an open university, there is no age bar for learning any degree. Read more
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Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ans. Recently, UGC stated that only  Full-time Phd courses will be Valid and distance PhD is no more valid. The new full-time Ph.D. course will be delivered through the New Delhi main Campus of IGNOU. This change in itself has raised the worth and credibility of a Ph.D. from IGNOU. Here are a few Ph.D. programs offered in regular mode by IGNOU Ph.D. in Dairy Science and Technology Ph.D. in Gender and Development Studies Ph.D. in Women's Studies Ph.D. in Arabic Ph.D. in French Ph.D. in Distance Education Ph.D. in Translation Studies Moreover, IGNOU is the largest open university in the world, so the credibility of any degree from here cannot be doubted. What actually matters is the level of effort you put into research in the concerned field. Try to earn your degree and not just get one.Read more
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Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ans. If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT-M, you might be interested in knowing about the similarities and differences between a regular Ph.D. and a direct Ph.D. Here's what you need to know: Selection Procedure: All Ph.D. candidates, whether applying for a regular or direct Ph.D., have to clear a written exam followed by an interview at the institute. Coursework: A regular Ph.D. scholar has to complete four courses, while a direct Ph.D. candidate has to complete eight courses. If you are interested in a dual degree (i.e., MS by research and Ph.D.), you will need to complete two extra courses. Comprehensive Exam: After completing the coursework (usually taking two semesters), every candidate has to undergo a comprehensive exam consisting of a written test and an interview. You will have two chances to clear the comprehensive exam. If you fail to clear the comprehensive exam, you can still obtain an MS degree and get placed or join the Ph.D. program later. The amount and quality of research work by both kinds of Ph.D. candidates are the same. Financial Assistance: A regular Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance once to attend any international conference outside India. A direct Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance twice to attend an international conference outside India. Both regular and direct Ph.D. candidates can attend any national/international conference within India once every semester with full financial assistance. Stipend: The stipend for regular Ph.D. candidates is up to five years. The stipend for direct Ph.D. candidates is up to six years. Pre-Post Doc Fellowship: If you submit your degree within 4.5 years for a regular Ph.D. or 5 years for a direct Ph.D., you are eligible for a pre-postdoc fellowship.Read more
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Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ans. If you want to achieve self-satisfaction by gaining maximum knowledge about your research area, a Ph.D. could be a great way to do so. Consider coming to IIT Bombay if you are always enthusiastic about learning something new and doing something innovative. Your work will depend on your area and how far you can reach in the industry. For example, if your area is controlled, you can reach many consulting firms or industries that deal with automation problems. In fact, my lab deals with many industrial problems related to such issues. Your work will be recognized as an asset for IITB, and research is the foremost thing that every professor looks forward to. Apart from that, you can enjoy a good life as a Ph.D. student here, with the freedom to think in many directions and develop your research skills at your own pace. A Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay is well-recognized. Many of the students, who are doing their Ph. D.s here in controls, are well settled abroad or in India, which proves the worth of this degree.Read more
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Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ans. It’s highly illogical to question why some students in IIT leave high-paying jobs and join graduate schools for Ph.D. This is because some people tend to do whatever makes them happy rather than following the sheep mentality. They don’t consider money as the only source of happiness. And they know that a high-paying job will rob them of mental peace due to a lot of responsibilities they might not even enjoy. So they choose a happier and simpler part which is pursuing a Ph.D. Another major reason why people may pursue a Ph.D. rather than working at a top company is their strong inclination to words academics, and they may not be satisfied with a bachelor's degree and crave higher studies in the form of PhD. Basically, the reason behind such a decision is subjective and depends solely On the particular individual, and cannot be objectified.  The common reason why people make such a decision is that they have more interest in studies and doing a job would hinder that passion. Doing a Ph.D. gives you opportunities to travel and enjoy life generally. That being said, it's not necessary that a Ph.D. is easy for everyone. It strictly depends upon one’s preferences and capabilities.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ans. The placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay is generally poor, according to student feedback and departmental elections. Ph.D. students typically have very specific knowledge that may not be useful to companies, so they may not be recruited by BTech companies. There is no specific body that helps bring companies for Ph.D. students, resulting in a lack of job opportunities for graduates. Ph.D. graduates pursue two directions: Professor in a University or a specified job, but finding a job can be difficult without faculty contacts. The average salary for a Ph.D. student at IIT Bombay ranges from INR 3.4 Lakhs to INR 4.2 Lakhs per year .Read more
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Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ans. PhD from IGNOU is as valuable as from any other university. The UGC has recently ruled that PhD from distance education is no longer valid. This is applicable to every university. PhD is valid only in regular mode. This can be both part-time or full-time. IGNOU offers both so yes PhD from IGNOU is valuable. In fact, it is more valuable than the same degree from Manipal or Lovely Professional University.  PhD from IGNOU is valuable because of the following reasons: Affordable fees  Both part-time and full-time available ( both approved by UGC) Easy distance education Can be pursued alongside a business or profession. What really matters is what you learn during your course and how you apply it.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ans. The table below shows the key placement highlights of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay. Particulars  Statistics  Median Salary INR 55.4 LPA Average Salary INR 17.9 LPA Placement Percentage 66.67% International Offers 58 Top Recruiters  Accenture | Analog Devices | Apple | CITI Bank | Google | Hindustan Unilever | HONEYWELL | IBM | ISRORead more
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Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ans. Well, getting a Ph.D. from IISc is indeed difficult. In my opinion, the true meaning of a Ph.D. is investing your entire efforts, time, and knowledge in one specific region. In India though, Ph.D. is just considered a degree one can achieve by publishing some paper in some conference or journal. The quality of these papers is poor and substandard bringing down the sort of the degree.  However, IISc being a prestigious institute has managed to maintain the dignity and credibility of the degree so far. You need to prepare yourself for committing to hard work and high-level dedication. Know that your next 5-6 years will be spent proving and disproving every hypothesis possible and conducting infinite experiments. As a Ph.D. student, you will be publishing a few journals in top international forums and also writing your own thesis, which will culminate your entire work and present it before other researchers and professors of the institute. You will then be assessed thoroughly. Only after proving your point strongly and convincing them will you be able to get the degree.  During this whole time, you will face many struggles dealing with your PI and securing funds for your research work. But trust me the result will be worth the effort!Read more
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Ques. How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

Ans. The mentors and research facilities at IITs are much better than at BITS Pilani. However, the passing process is as much more difficult at IITs.  BITS Pilani, on the other hand, is flexible to incorporate the changing scenario and a PhD from BITS Pilani is much more industry relevant. One of my cousins had a bad experience at BITS Pilani during his Ph.D. in the Mechanical branch. According to him, a large number of Ph.D. students in BITS Pilani drop out because of the intense pressure for producing results. PhD students are burdened with numerous tasks including the evaluation work for B.Tech. The saving grace for Ph.D. at BITS is that under a guide, your Ph.D. will be completed in 3 years like an MS from IIT. Considering my cousin’s experience, you should consult the alumni at BITS Pilani before choosing the institution for pursuing your Ph.D. Otherwise, BITS Pilani is a reputable institution and its Ph.D. degree will hold great relevance. More so, if you get the right mentors and the right facilities, the name tag of an institution becomes secondary.Read more
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