PhD Programs
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is the highest degree awarded by the Mechanical Engineering Department and is recommended for students who are interested in leadership careers in academia (e.g., as a faculty member of a university), industry, or government. Its focus, unlike regular degrees, is not learning existing knowledge but creating new knowledge.
No wonder, PhD is desired by anyone wishing to 'make a mark' - the brightest seek it as it allows challenges that no other degree does; the innovative desire it as it allows the possibility to innovate and create new knowledge and technologies; the ambitious seek it as it is the top of the academic ladder; and the persistent seek it as this is the one degree where persistence and self discipline are brought to full use.
The PG program for PhD Degree has the following broad streams:
Students entering the PhD program with a Master's degree usually complete the PhD program in 4-6 years, while students who enter the direct PhD program with a bachelor's degree finish in 5-6 years.
Programs Structure
The PhD program is designed to equip the student with general proficiency in a stream through the course work.
Course Work: A PhD student with a Master’s degree is required to take a minimum of 6 courses, whereas, a direct PhD student takes a minimum of 10 courses. He may, upon consultation with his thesis supervisor, take more courses as needed to carry out his thesis work.
Comprehensive Exam: Within 6 months of completion of course work, the student is require to clear the comprehensive examination. This examination is in both the written and the oral form and is designed to judge the overall comprehension of the student. More details on comprehensive examination are available (here).
State-of-the-art Seminar: The student is required to present his research problem along with the necessary literature survey within 6 months of the comprehensive examination date.
Open Seminar: After finishing his thesis work, the student has to present it before the department. Only after his thesis work has been cleared from the department, he is allowed to submit it.
Defense: After review from the referees, the student is allowed to give defense of his work.
