PhD in Materials Science (Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science)

PhD in Materials Science About

PhD Material Science is a doctoral program and it takes 3 – 5 years to complete the entire course. The course provides the students with a broad understanding of the field of materials science engineering and also gives a deep insight into the numerous materials that are making a difference in the technological progress that we are witnessing in various sectors Such as aerospace, nuclear power, aviation, metals industry, construction, petroleum and so on. The eligibility criteria for applying for this PhD course is a postgraduate degree in Material Science with at least 55% marks in aggregate. Admission to the program is done based on an entrance test followed by an interview conducted by the concerned university. Those with an M.Phil degree or who have qualified for the UGC NET, CSIR-UGC NET, and other similar eligibility exams need not to appear for the entrance test. The tuition fees for a PhD Material Science course range from INR 20,575 to 1,13,650. Some of the universities offer a research grant to the students that covers most of the expenses incurred by them during the course. The course is available in both full-time and part-time mode. The students get to carry out research work under the supervision of a guide. The student has to carry out original research work on a topic as proposed by the student during admission. The average packages during the start of the career in this field range from INR 5,00,000 to 16,00,000. Those with PhD in Material Science can get jobs in sectors such as manufacturing industries, research laboratories, research institutions, space agencies, aircraft manufacturing firms, power equipment manufacturers, steel industry, metal industry, polymer industry, etc. Some of the popular job profiles are Materials Scientist, Research Scientist, Research Associate, Senior Materials Scientist, Project Scientist, Biomaterial Scientist, and so on.

PhD in Materials Science Highlights

PhD in Materials Science Entrance Exam

• CSIR UGC NET
• UGC NET
• IIT JAM
• GPAT
• VITMEE

PhD in Materials Science Admission Process

Step 1 – For admission to the PhD Material Science course, the candidates will have to be on the lookout for notifications from universities announcing the admission to their PhD programs. Such details will be released in local and national dailies, as well as, on the university website.

Step 2 – Based on the guidelines and the eligibility criteria given in the notifications, candidates have to register themselves at the university website or the respective entrance exam.

Step 3 – On registration, a login ID and password are generated that will help the candidate to log in to the site and apply for the test.

Step 4 – Apart from filling out the online form, the candidate will have to upload requisite documents, photographs, and signatures.

Step 5 – The candidates have to pay the necessary application fee through an online payment platform.

Step 6 – Based on the details submitted, the candidates will be issued admit cards that they can download from the website.

Step 7 – Based on the performance in the entrance test, the candidates are called for a round of personal interviews by the concerned department in the college.

Step 8 – Admissions are based on final performance in the interview round.

PhD Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science Eligibility Criteria

The minimum eligibility criteria for pursuing PhD Material Science from an Indian university are:

• Candidates should hold a master's degree in material science or a related stream of engineering.
• Should have a bachelor's degree in material science and engineering.
• Should have a master's degree in science in a relevant stream.
• Minimum 55% marks in aggregate in the qualifying exam. For institutes like IITs, the minimum requirement is 60%. For SC/ST/PwD candidates, there is a 5% relaxation in marks.

Duration of PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Materials Science Selection Criteria

Selection criteria for PhD programs in Materials Science may vary by institution. Typically, candidates are evaluated based on their academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Some programs may also require an interview or research proposal as part of the selection process.

PhD in Materials Science How to Apply

1. Prospective students should check the program's website or contact the admissions office for specific application requirements and deadlines.

2. Typically, applicants will need to submit transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a CV or resume.

3. In some cases, an interview or research proposal may also be required.

PhD in Materials Science Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Materials Science typically involves the following steps:

1. Research: Prospective students should research the programs they are interested in and identify the specific application requirements and deadlines.
2. Application Form: Fill out the online application form provided by the university or department.
3. Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions attended.
4. Test Scores: Submit any required test scores, such as GRE or TOEFL.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
6. Personal Statement: Submit a personal statement outlining academic and research interests, goals, and any relevant experience.
7. Application Fee: Pay the application fee.

PhD in Materials Science Application Fee

Syllabus of PhD in Materials Science

1. Theories and Concepts in Material Science Engineering
2. Advanced Methods of Research in Material Science Engineering
3. Failures: Fracture Mechanics
4. Composites of Metals
5. Issues of material usage: Economical, Environmental and Social
6. Application and Processing: Metals, Alloy, Polymer, Ceramics
7. Metals: Material Properties
8. Properties: Thermal, Optical, Electrical and Magnetic
9. Corrosion and Degradation
10. Writing Research
11. Media Seminar

Job Scope After PhD in Materials Science

Materials Scientist: The job of a Material Scientist is to study and research materials for their structure and chemical properties. The materials could be fabricated or natural, like glass, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, polymers, rubbers, and so on.

Material Science Engineer: A Material Science Engineer is involved in the development of newer materials. They are involved in the development process from selecting the right raw material to carrying out various tests before coming up with the final product.

Biomaterial Engineer: Biomaterial Engineers and Scientists apply the knowledge of both biology and material science engineering in the designing and development of various medical devices and products like artificial joints, pacemakers, defibrillators, etc.

Material Informatics Scientist: A Material Informatics Scientist works towards the application of the principle of informatics to material science engineering. They help in the understanding, selection, and development of newer materials through data analysis and management techniques.

Project Manager: Project managers are professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the completion of specific projects for an organization while ensuring these projects are on time, on budget, and within scope.

PhD in Materials Science Top Colleges

Some top colleges for a PhD in Materials Science include:

Admission Process for PhD in Materials Science

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required for PhD in Materials Science

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.