PhD Computer Engineering or Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering is a 3-year Doctorate Computer Engineering course which can be extended up to 5 years.
This course helps students to gain knowledge in areas of Business Applications, Database Applications, Software Programming, e-commerce fundamentals and software project management.
With this course, students will be able to observe how programmers create interactive websites. They also learn many topics including remote internet access, wireless security and security policy initiation.
The minimum eligibility criteria to be eligible to pursue this program is a postgraduate degree in Computer Engineering or equivalent from a recognized university. Admission to this course will be done on the basis of counseling after clearing entrance tests like GATE and other depending on the colleges.
Some of the Top PhD Computer Engineering Colleges in India are provided in the table given below:
| NIRF Ranking | Name of the College/ University | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Jamia Millia Islamia University | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 31,810 | INR 4,32,000 |
| 31 | AMU, Aligarh | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 12,285 | INR 5,78,000 |
| 40 | NIT, Kurukshetra | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 16,100 | INR 5,22,000 |
| 54 | SVNIT, Surat | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 40,000 | INR 6,80,000 |
| 88 | GNDU, Amritsar | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 33,465 | INR 4,50,000 |
PhD Computer Engineering degree holders can work as an Engineering Technician, Application Engineer, Research Assistant, Water Resource Engineer, Chemical Engineer etc. in various industries such as IT Sectors, Manufacturing Units, Agriculture Sectors, Retail Sectors, Aerospace Companies, Telecommunications etc.
The average tuition fees for PhD in Computer Engineering course in Indian colleges usually ranges between INR 30,000 and INR 4,00,000 for the duration of three years.
The average salary offered to a degree holder in PhD Computer Engineering is around INR 2,00,000 to INR 15,00,000, but this can be higher on the basis of experience and other factors.
If students wish to do further research, they can become independent researchers and publish their research papers. They can also earn a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in the related domain in future.
PhD Computer Engineering Course Highlights
Highlights for PhD Computer Engineering program are provided in the table given below:
| Course | PhD Computer Engineering |
| Level | Doctorate |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant discipline from a recognized university. |
| Admission Process | Merit/ Entrance-based |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 30,000 to 4,00,000 |
| Job Positions | Engineering Technician, Application Engineer, Research Assistant, Water Resource Engineer, Chemical Engineer etc. |
| Top Recruiting Areas | IT Sectors, Manufacturing Units, Agriculture Sectors, Retail Sectors, Aerospace Companies, Telecommunications etc. |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 2,00,000 to 15,00,000 |
PhD Computer Engineering: What is it about?
Information and details about the PhD Computer Engineering program are as follows.
- The PhD Computer Engineering degree program prepares students to become innovative leaders in academic, industrial and entrepreneurial settings.
- The program is designed with a research focus in mind, having a relatively small number of required courses.This allows students to focus on their research.
- Computer Engineering is a department that comes under both Computer Science and Engineering and hence deals with the various integrated fields that come under the subject of computer science by the applying principles of Engineering.
- The main purpose of Computer Engineering is to develop several fields of computer science by the help of principles used in Engineering.
- The main concern or purpose of Computer Engineering is to formulate new computer systems and modernize older ones by doing improvisation on terms such as software, network and technologies related to Computers.
- Computer engineering is a dynamic field and the candidates should possess a certain set of skills to be successful in the field of computer engineering.
Why study PhD Computer Engineering?
PhD Computer Engineering is one such course which will definitely help you to build a prosperous career. Given below are a few major reasons regarding why you should choose the PhD Computer Engineering course:
- It is a broader field and the course covers a wide range of subjects. Students start with the basics of this popular introductory programming course. As the technology sector is booming, the demand for computer engineers is more than ever.
- This course helps the students become professional Computer Engineers.
- This subject helps the students to get vast knowledge about computer applications for solving complex programs through structured formats.
- This course helps the students to create and invent things. A good knowledge in technology and an interest in maths, physics are good matches for this course.
- This helps the students to get familiar with programming and computer hardware and different techniques with the software.
- It demonstrates sound knowledge in critical areas of Computer Science or Industrial Computing.
- It also carries out the required analysis and synthesis involved in the computer applications, Information systems, and Computer systems.
- On completion of this course, students can easily get an average salary package ranging between INR 2,00,000 and INR 15,00,000 per annum.
What is the PhD Computer Engineering Admission Process?
Most colleges and institutes offering PhD Computer Engineering courses admit students based on their performance in the Master’s degree examination. However, there are some colleges which select candidates through national-level entrance examinations to judge their abilities and skill sets.
The following are the two major pathways through which a PhD Computer Engineering admissions takes place.
Merit-Based Admission
The step-by-step procedure for merit-based admission is as follows:
- Step 1: Students have to register on the official website.
- Step 2: Fill the application form with correct details.
- Step 3: Students will be called for a personal interview based on their score in the qualifying examination.
- Step 4: On meeting all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to the course.
Entrance Based Admission
Most of the colleges and universities offer admission to PhD Computer Engineering on the basis of entrance exams like GATE, UGC NET etc.
The step-by-step procedure for entrance-based admission is as follows:
- Step 1: Students have to register on the official website.
- Step 2: Fill the application form with correct details.
- Step 3: After examination, a cutoff list will be released on the website. Seats will then be allotted to candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam.
- Step 4: Some colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussion for admission to this course.
- Step 5: On meeting all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to the course.
What is the PhD Computer Engineering Eligibility Criteria?
The common PhD Computer Engineering eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil to be considered eligible for admission to this course is as follows:
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university.
- The candidates should pass their master’s degree with at least 50 to 55% score. The percentage required may vary from one college to another.
Which are the popular PhD Computer Engineering Entrance Exams?
There are many national and state-level entrance exams to appear for the admission into PhD Computer Engineering program. Colleges like IITs and NITs offer PhD Computer Engineering programs that require their candidates to sit for GATE examination.Listed below are some of these popular PhD Computer Engineering entrance exams.
| Entrance Exam | Application Deadline | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CSIR UGC NET (June Session) | 2nd week of March – 2nd week of April 2023 | 3rd week of June 2023 |
| UGC NET (July Session) | December 29, 2022 – January 23, 2023 | February 21, 2023 – March 10, 2023 |
| ICAR AICE JRF/SRF | To be Announced | To be Announced |
How to Prepare for a PhD Computer Engineering Entrance Exams?
The syllabus for PhD Computer Engineering entrance exams will vary from college to college. However, most exams concentrate on Biology and Material Science topic-oriented knowledge and skills.
- The question paper for the entrance examination for admission to the PhD in Computer Engineering course generally contains Multiple Choice Questions based on Computer Science and programming.
- Students should know the entire syllabus of the entrance exam which they are going to give because some of these exams are purely based on science-oriented knowledge.
- Candidates should consider buying study material or the previous year’s PhD entrance test question paper and practice them for PhD Computer Engineering entrance exams so that they prepare well for the same.
- The research proposal for the program is to be prepared and studied thoroughly.
- Computer Engineering course books also constitute a good study material for these exams.
Also, read more about the GATE Exam Question Pattern, Syllabus, and Important Tips in detail.
How to get admission to a good PhD Computer Engineering college?
To get admission in the top PhD Computer Engineering college, the following points must be kept in mind:
- Candidates are shortlisted by the college through respective entrance exams followed by an interview.
- The qualifying cut off marks of GATE for General category is 29.5.
- To get a good college for PhD Computer Engineering, appearing for the GATE exam is the best way and for some of the colleges’ GATE is also considered good to approach.
- A few private institutes are there offering the course to admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview.
- Getting into a good college for the admission in PhD Computer Engineering program, candidates need to score well in the respective entrance exams.
- Candidates should put their time and effort into the entrance test as well as be prepared for a personal interview round.
- They should be well versed with their research topic so that they can impress the interview panel with their research idea.
Which are the top PhD Computer Engineering Colleges?
The table below shows the best PhD Computer Engineering colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.
| NIRF Ranking | Name of the College/ University | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Jamia Millia Islamia University | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 31,810 | INR 4,32,000 |
| 31 | AMU, Aligarh | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 12,285 | INR 5,78,000 |
| 40 | NIT, Kurukshetra | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 16,100 | INR 5,22,000 |
| 54 | SVNIT, Surat | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 40,000 | INR 6,80,000 |
| 88 | GNDU, Amritsar | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 33,465 | INR 4,50,000 |
| 110 | MPSTME, Mumbai | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 91,500 | INR 7,25,000 |
| 171 | KJSCE, Mumbai | Entrance-Test based followed by Interview | INR 1,70,640 | INR 7,52,000 |
Source: College Websites
PhD Computer Engineering College Comparison
The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the three top PhD Computer Engineering colleges in India.
| Parameter | JMI, New Delhi | AMU, Aligarh | NIT, Kurukshetra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Jamia Millia Islamia Admissions offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, and Distance Learning Education for students. The institution shows lots of history and is famous for it is rich in culture and has its own elegance. | AMU offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses. It has 12 faculties namely Agricultural Sciences, Arts, Commerce, Engineering & Technology, Law, Life Sciences, Medicine, Management Studies & Research, Science, Social Sciences, Theology, Unani Medicine, each comprising several Departments of Studies. | NIT offers B.Tech, M.Tech, MCA and MBA programs as well as a doctoral program in Humanities, Engineering, and Sciences. |
| NIRF 2021 Ranking | 16 | 31 | 40 |
| Location | New Delhi | Aligarh | Kurukshetra |
| Admission Process | Entrance test followed by an interview | Entrance test followed by an interview | Entrance test followed by an interview |
| Average Fees | INR 31,810 | INR 12,285 | INR 16,100 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,32,000 | INR 5,22,000 | INR 5,78,000 |
| Top Recruiters | TCS, ABB Ltd., Adobe, India Infrastructure, snapdeal.com, Zomato, Mahindra and Mahindra, Navyug Info, etc. | Bharti Airtel Ltd., Blue Star Limited, Infosys, Informatics Business Solutions Pvt Ltd., InvenZone, Cisco, IREO, Jabong, CMS, JRE Group of Institutions etc. | Goldman Sachs, Google, SAMSUNG, EPIC, Microsoft, Adobe, Texas Instruments, HT Media, Oracle, TCS, Idea, Qualcomm, etc. |
Source: College Websites
What is the Syllabus of PhD Computer Engineering?
Although the PhD in Computer Engineering program syllabus varies from college to college, it mostly consists of some common foundation courses that students can select based on their interests.
The common subjects that are included in the structured PhD Computer Engineering syllabus are provided in the table given below:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Multimedia Systems | ASIC Design | Digital Imaging |
| Mobile Computing | Web Technology | Visualization Techniques |
| Advanced Web Design | Data Structures and Algorithms | Creative Thinking |
| Advanced Databases | Computer Architecture | Neural Networks, Architectures, and Applications |
| e-commerce Technology | Software Engineering Methodologies | Performance Evaluation of Computer System and Networks |
| Data Mining and Data Warehousing | Computer Networks Engineering and Management | Advanced Networks |
| __ | Mathematical Structures of Computer Science | Soft Computing |
| __ | Database Technology | Pattern Recognition |
| __ | Operating System Design | __ |
| __ | Advanced System Software | __ |
Which books to study for PhD Computer Engineering?
Tabulated below are some of the PhD Computer Engineering subject books that can help students to have a broader and better understanding of the course:
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Java: How to Program | Deitel |
| Python for Beginners | Harsh Bhasin |
| Think Python | Allen B Downey |
| Artificial Intelligence-A modern approach | Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig |
| Machine Learning Solutions | Samir Bhatia |
| Advanced-Data Analytics Using Python: With Machine Learning, Deep Learning and NLP Examples | Sayan Mukhopadhyay |
| Machine Learning for Beginners: A Plain English Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | John Slavio |
PhD Computer Engineering vs PhD Computer Science
Both PhD Computer Engineering and PhD Computer Science are doctoral courses in the field of computers. However there is a minute difference between these two courses.
Check the list of Top PhD Computer Science Colleges in India.
Check the table below for more comparative details:
| Parameters | PhD Computer Science | PhD Computer Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Study | Doctorate | Doctorate |
| Duration | 3-5 years | 3 years |
| About | The PhD Computer Science course is aimed at providing research and analysis level knowledge and skills to the students in the subject so as to make them well aware of every small and big aspect related to the domain of computer science. | The main purpose of a PhD Computer Engineering degree program is to develop several fields of computer science by the help of principles used in Engineering. |
| Eligibility Criteria | MPhil or any equivalent degree from any recognized college/university with a minimum of 55% marks. (relax able for reserved category candidates) | Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. |
| Admission Process | Entrance/ Merit-Based | Entrance/ Merit-Based |
| Average Fees | INR 10,000 to 2,75,000 | INR 30,000 to 4,00,000 |
| Job options | Hardware Engineer, Professor, Information Research Scientist, Software Developer, Network Engineer etc. | Engineering Technician, Application Engineer, Water Resource Engineer, Chemical Engineer etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 3,50,000 to 10,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 to 15,00,000 |
Source: College Websites
What are Job Prospects and Career Options after PhD Computer Engineering?
After getting a degree in this field, a candidate can get a variety of jobs to choose from. It will be easy for them to work for the government and private organizations and many other sectors. They can also choose to teach as a professor or a lecturer in colleges or universities.
- The Computer Engineer may work in various sectors including Manufacturing Units, Agriculture Sectors, Retail Sectors, Aerospace Companies, Telecommunications and many more.
- Some of the posts available for the graduates are Engineering Technician, Application Engineer, Research Assistant, Water Resource Engineer, Chemical Engineer etc.
- The salary of the graduates depends on various factors including experience, skills and job profile.
Some of the popular jobs available to a PhD Computer Engineering graduate along with the corresponding salaries are provided in the table given below:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineer | Computer Engineers are responsible for evaluating, testing and developing the software as well as hardware that makes the computer work. They may help to develop games, business applications, and design new operating systems. | INR 4,00,000 |
| Application Engineer | An Application Engineer's duties and responsibilities are to work with engineers on leading edge designs and seal up design and product contracts; they suggest new technologies and provide different design approaches that make for top-selling products in the market. | INR 2,85,000 |
| Research Assistant | A Research Assistant is expected to contribute in many ways to the research project, typical responsibilities are to conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze data, prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations. | INR 3,75,000 |
| Design Engineer | Design Engineers are responsible for specialize designing in a few areas of development, that are networks, databases or applications, operating systems, and each area requires fluency in its own set of computer languages and development environments. | INR 5,54,000 |
| Network Administrator | Network Administrators are responsible for maintaining the computing environment by installing upgrades, identifying network requirements, and monitoring network performance. | INR 4,87,000 |
Source: College Websites
What are the Future Scopes of PhD Computer Engineering?
PhD degree is a doctorate level degree and is the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. Generally one does not pursue further studies post completion of the PhD Computer Engineering degree.
Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high pay job profiles. With this knowledge, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.
- They have teaching jobs in colleges/universities after this course and then clearing the UGC-NET exam required for becoming a permanent lecturer.
- They have many jobs in IT Sectors, Manufacturing Units, Agriculture Sectors, Retail Sectors, Aerospace Companies, Telecommunications etc.
- PhD Computer Engineering degree holders will be able to find work in positions like Engineering Technician, Application Engineer, Research Assistant, Water Resource Engineer, Chemical Engineer etc.
- Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field.
- Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a Lecturer post in Computer Science and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales.
PhD Computer Engineering FAQs
Some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the PhD Computer Engineering program are as follows:
Ques. What PhD Computer Engineering is all about?
Ans. The PhD Computer Engineering program prepares students to become innovative leaders in academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial settings. This program is designed with a research focus in mind, having a relatively small number of required courses. This allows students to focus on their research.
Ques. What are the elective subjects covered under the field of Computer Engineering?
Ans. Some of the elective subjects that cover under the courses of Computer Engineering include Soft Computing, Computer Systems, Mobile Communication, Network Security etc.
Ques. What are the skill sets required to make a career in the Computer Engineering field?
Ans. For making a promising career in any field, a candidate needs some skills with academic knowledge of that course and hence below some skill required under the Field for computer Engineering are mentioned:
- Knowledge of programming languages
- Knowledge of operating systems
- Good in mathematics
- Ability to learn quickly
- Ability to do time management
- Basic understanding of web development
- Strong, command on Data Structures and Algorithms techniques
- Analytical skills
- Critical and creative thinking
- Communication skills
Ques. What are the top most recruiting companies available for the graduates of PhD Computer Engineering?
Ans. The top recruiting companies that offer different job positions for PhD Computer Engineering degree holders with very reasonable salary packages are Tata Consultancy Services, Deloitte, Wipro, Cisco, Flipkart, Infosys, Oracle, IBM, Yahoo, Adventure etc.
Ques. What is the scope of doing a PhD Computer Engineering course?
Ans. Computer Engineering overtures a tremendous scope of employment to the students of this Field. The reason behind this great scope is that we are living in a digital era where we approach everything digitally, which directly increases workload in the IT sector and hence increases the demand for the efficient worker under the sector.
Ques. What are the common jobs for PhD Computer Engineering students?
Ans. On completion of the PhD Computer Engineering program, candidates can opt for jobs in various fields such as private and public sectors as an Engineering Technician, Application Engineer, Research Assistant, Water Resource Engineer, Chemical Engineer etc.
Ques. What is the duration of the PhD Computer Engineering program?
Ans. The duration of the PhD Computer Engineering program is 3 years.
Ques. Is PhD Computer Engineering a tough course?
Ans. It all depends on you. If you wish to perform well in your PhD Computer Engineering course, you must get admitted to a good college and also follow the right set of books.
Ques. Do I have to sit for an entrance test for admission to the PhD Computer Engineering course?
Ans. Yes, you have to sit for an entrance test for admission to the PhD Computer Engineering course in Indian Colleges/ Universities.
![Jamia Millia Islamia University-[JMI]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25460_JMI_APP.jpg?tr=h-100,w-200,c-force)
![Aligarh Muslim University - [AMU]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1504180374cover.jpg?tr=h-100,w-200,c-force)
![Mumbai University - [MU]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1509454461cover.jpg?tr=h-100,w-200,c-force)
![National Institute of Technology - [NIT]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25540_NITKURUKSHETRA_APP.jpg?tr=h-100,w-200,c-force)
![Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology - [SVNIT]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25509_SVNIT_APP.jpg?tr=h-100,w-200,c-force)
