PhD in Geographical Sciences (Doctor of Philosophy in Geographical Sciences)

PhD Geographical Sciences About

Physical geography is a subfield of geography that focuses on the natural processes and phenomena that shape the Earth's surface, including climate, vegetation, landforms, water bodies, and the interaction between them. As a PhD student in geographical sciences specializing in physical geography, you would engage in advanced research and scholarship to deepen your understanding of these processes and their underlying principles.

Your research may involve using cutting-edge techniques and tools to analyze data and make new discoveries about physical phenomena, such as climate change, natural hazards, or landscape evolution. You may also develop new models and theories to better understand the complex interactions between physical processes and human activities, such as land use change, urbanization, or resource management.

Throughout your PhD program, you would work closely with faculty members, research associates, and other students in your field, participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences to share your findings and gain insights from others. You may also have opportunities to collaborate with experts in related disciplines, such as atmospheric sciences, geology, ecology, or hydrology.

As a PhD holder in physical geography, you may pursue a range of career paths, including academia, research institutes, government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. Your expertise in understanding and predicting natural phenomena would be highly valuable in addressing critical environmental challenges facing our planet, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters.

PhD Geographical Sciences Highlights

PhD Geographical Sciences Eligibility Criteria

A master's degree in Geography or a related field is typically required for admission to a PhD program in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography.

Candidates should have a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.

Candidates may also be required to submit GRE scores, although this requirement is becoming less common.

PhD Geographical Sciences Entrance Exam

The entrance exam may vary by institution, but typically it involves a written exam that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of basic geographical concepts and research methods.

Some institutions may also require an interview or a statement of purpose.

PhD Geographical Sciences Application Procedure

Candidates should typically apply directly to the institution where they wish to pursue their PhD.

The application package may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and other materials as required by the institution.

PhD Geographical Sciences DurationFees

1. A PhD program in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography typically takes 4-5 years to complete, although this may vary by institution and research topic.

PhD Geographical Sciences Selection Criteria

Selection criteria may vary by institution, but typically include a combination of academic record, entrance exam performance, letters of recommendation, research experience, and other relevant factors.

Institutions may also consider the availability of faculty members who are willing and able to serve as research advisors to the candidate.

PhD Geographical Sciences How to Apply

To apply for a PhD program in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography, candidates should typically start by researching institutions and programs that align with their research interests.

Once they have identified potential programs, candidates should review the admission requirements and application procedures for each program and prepare their application materials accordingly.

Candidates should plan to submit their applications well in advance of the program's deadline, and may need to follow up with the institution to ensure that their application materials have been received and reviewed.

PhD Geographical Sciences Application Form and Process

1. To apply for a PhD program in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography, candidates should typically fill out the application form provided by the institution they are interested in.
2. The application form usually requires personal and academic information, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a research proposal.
3. Candidates may also be required to pay an application fee, which varies by institution.

PhD Geographical Sciences Fee

• The application fee for a PhD program in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography varies by institution and country. In India, the fee can range from a few hundred rupees to several thousand rupees.

PhD Geographical Sciences Syllabus

The syllabus for a PhD program in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography varies by institution and research topic.

However, common topics covered in the program include advanced research methods, statistical analysis, physical geography theory and concepts, environmental dynamics, and geographical information systems (GIS).

PhD Geographical Sciences Job Scope

The salary and job prospects for a PhD in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography vary depending on the career path pursued.

In academia, PhD holders may work as professors, researchers, or postdoctoral fellows. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a professor of geography in India is around 700,000 INR per year.

In the private sector, PhD holders may work as environmental consultants, GIS analysts, or research scientists. Salaries in the private sector vary by industry and company, but typically offer competitive compensation packages.

PhD Geographical Sciences Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for a PhD in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography are diverse and may include academia, research institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations.

PhD holders may work on a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, natural hazards, land-use change, and biodiversity conservation.

PhD Geographical Sciences Top Colleges in India

Some top colleges in India offering PhD programs in Geographical Sciences with a focus on Physical Geography include:

1. Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
2. University of Delhi, Delhi
3. Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi
4. University of Calcutta, Kolkata
5. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
6. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
7. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
8. Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati
9. Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
10. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune

PhD Geographical Sciences Admission Process

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.

PhD Geographical Sciences Document Required

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

FAQs About PhD Geographical Sciences

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.