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What kind of questions are asked in the Integrated PhD interview for Physics at IISc, TIFR, and HRI?
IISc Bangalore, TIFR, and HRI conduct interviews for the integrated Ph.D in Physics. My brother appeared for the TIFR NCBS Bangalore interview for iPh.D. in Physics.
People from different backgrounds appear for the NCBS interviews in various disciplines.
NCBS has Rounds 1 and 2 for the interviews. Round 1 lasts for 30-40 minutes. Here a candidate’s basics are tested. Round 2 lasts for 75 minutes. It involves more detailed questions which are usually based on the projects or write-ups done by a candidate.
For my brother, however, the interview went the other way around. During the first round, he was asked questions about his projects. During Round 2, he was asked detailed questions in the broad areas of Physics and Maths.
The interview experience for each candidate will be unique, whether in IISc Bangalore, TIFR, or HRI. This is especially true for NCBS as their research is not just limited to Physics, it is interdisciplinary. The interviews will help you learn something new. Prepare well for them and enjoy the process.
How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?
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.
What is it like to do M.Tech/Ph.D in IIT Bombay after B.Tech in IIT Bombay?
Many students who have completed their B.Tech + M.Tech (Dual Degree) are now pursuing their PhD from IIT Bombay. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of choosing to do a PhD at IIT Bombay:
Advantages of Choosing IIT:
- Freedom to choose your research topic and approach the problems in your own way.
- Professors generally do not refuse to be your guide if you are a B.Tech from IIT Bombay.
- You can explore other activities apart from academics such as art, music, dance, skating, and electronics hobbyist.
Disadvantages of Choosing IIT:
- Lack of resources compared to outside universities, but this can be worked to your advantage if you are creative.
- Most of the research topics at IITs are on outdated technologies and professors generally guide students to do research in their areas of expertise.
- Lack of competitive environment, as some PhDs are not as competitive as B.Tech students.
Overall, if you enjoy campus life and are not solely focused on pay packages, doing a PhD at IIT Bombay is worth it. You can improve the level of research in IITs by being self-motivated and exploring your interests beyond academics.
How is a PhD in IIT Mandi? Is it good or only a time pass like in most NITs?
A Ph.D. from IIT Mandi is certainly not a time pass. You need to put consistent efforts to keep up with the coursework. IIT Mandi follows a demanding curriculum. Ph.D. students need to maintain a CGPA of 7.5 out of 10. Students need to publish 2 reputed journal papers and various conference papers. They also need to deliver research seminars, It is anything but easy.
IIT Mandi has an excellent faculty base. Most faculty members are alumni of old IITs or universities abroad. So, they expect older IIT-level performance from Ph.D. students.
After earning a master's of science in physics from IIT Roorkee, is there any chance of me getting placed anywhere?
The chances of placement for an MSc in Physics student at IIT Roorkee depend on his mode of admission.
Through JEE: If you have taken admission through JEE, you are well-versed in more than just physics. Your knowledge base comprises math, electronics, computer programming, etc. You can use these in your favor to secure a decent job in the industry or IT. To enter the IT sector, opt for extra courses like DBMS as audit courses as these might improve your credibility during the interviews.
Through JAM: If you got admission through JAM and try looking for some good internship opportunities or sit for some competitive exams to appear more employable. You can also enter Academia and become a teacher at a decent University apart from IIT/NIT.
It’s okay to accept that the MSc program won’t make you an Engineer and you will have to resort to other things to upgrade your CV. To secure a managerial position, you can look for positions of responsibility on campus. You can show your interest in the particular field through extra courses, external coaching, competitions, and vacation internships/jobs.
Instead of losing all hope in the degree, it’s better to determine your interest and steer your resume and skills in that direction.
Do PhD candidates in IIT Guwahati get placements?
One of my relatives has done his PhD from IIT Guwahati and he shared his experience of the same. PhD and placements don’t go hand in hand as the goal of most PhD students is to research work and not get employed. IITs and IISc especially have very few job opportunities for Ph.D. students. Very few students around 3-4 from every department complete their Ph.D. every year.
My uncle told me he had 3 offers before submission. In IIT, it usually takes 4–6 months to get thesis review after submission, and an additional month for final defense. A few students get PostDoc and even job offers from foreign universities and companies.
All in all, it takes 5-7 years to get a Ph.D. degree but mostly the placements are satisfactory. My uncle too has become an assistant professor at IIT Guwahati.
How will be the selection procedure for direct PhD in IIT Madras?
The selection procedure for a direct Ph.D. in IIT Madras varies as per the department. Usually, there is a primary election that is based on the CGPA that you obtain after clearing any national-level entrance exam like GATE.
After this, you need to give an interview and a written test round.
If you want to go for MS by research or Ph.D., you will have to appear for a written test which is followed by an interview. These tests are conducted twice a year, in May and in November. Check the IIT Madra website regularly. Once you apply for the Ph.D. position, and you get shortlisted, and then you can appear for the written exam. The written exam is similar to what the GATE exam is and there is no difference for MS and Ph.D. aspirants. Your interview will be conducted only if you clear the written test.
However, if you do not clear the written or the interview round, and you are interested in some particular work that is being carried out by any professor, you can approach them directly and ask for a research or project assistant’s position. If the professor is impressed by your work, they may convert you to a full-time Ph.D.
Which is better, a PhD at Jadavpur University or at IIT Patna?
My friend had options of Ph.D. from JU, IIEST as well as IIT Patna and still chose IIT Patna. She claimed that IIT Patna had a better research culture and the professors get work published in very good journals, A/A* conferences, etc. The professors motivate the students for the same and this aspect attracted him the most. However, your personal preferences also come to play here. So consider the following points
- If you want to complete your Ph.D. quickly, JU will serve you better.
- If you are ready to commit yourself to hard work and increase your publications gradually with your knowledge and time
- IIT Patna students get 2.5lacs per student to go to any conference at a tenure of 5 years.
- If you want to enjoy college life in addition to research work then JU is better. The college ambiance is great with a dynamic city life.
Choose IIT Patna for its research culture and not the IIT tag.
Does the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS), Bangalore have RCI registration for M.Phil in clinical psychology?
No, NIMHANS does not have registration as of now. The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) recognized NIMHANS’ M.Phil Clinical Psychology course from 2010–11 to 2014–15 as per the RCI’s 2017 List of the Institutions Approved by RCI. But now it does not. However, it does not mean the NIMHANS M.Phil Clinical Psychology course is invalid or not recognized.
NIMHANS enjoys the status of an ‘Institute of National Importance ’ owing to its top-notch education quality and huge contributions to society. It therefore has become autonomous and has the right to regulate all its functions like starting a new course, conducting exams, recognizing its own degrees, etc. So, no approval of RCI is required for the degrees awarded by NIMHANS.
In simple words, NIMHANS’ M.Phil Clinical Psychology degrees are no longer recognized by RCI but by NIMHANS itself because it’s now an Institute of National Importance. As for the value of its degrees, they enjoy good recognition globally.
I got an offer for an MTech at IIT Gandhinagar and for a direct Ph.D at IIT Patna. Which one shall I take?
I think IIT Gandhinagar MTech is a safer option to go with than a direct Ph.D. from IIT Patna. IIT Gandhinagar provides better learning experiences and opportunities to explore than IIT Patna. IIT Gandhinagar CSE faculty is exceptionally good and will help you if you are willing to do Ph.D. after MTech.
Unlike PhD and MTech guarantees a degree within 2 years and so if you end up changing your mind later you will not have wasted 5-6 years. You can decide whether to do Ph.D. or not while pursuing your MTech and play safe.
The overall academic experience and campus life are better at IIT Gandhinagar than at IIT Patna. Be it the food, facilities, faculty, alumni, or placements, IIT Gandhinagar has it all.
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