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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.
Through this course the students get a true perspective of the cutting-edge research that is being done these days in the field of material science. During the course, they come across the various research methodologies that are to be adopted by the students while carrying out original research work in this field.
The program consists of a coursework followed by actual research. The coursework prepares the student for the research by teaching about the various research methodologies. At the end of the research, the student will have to write a thesis and defend it in an oral examination that is conducted by a panel of external examiners.
Checkout: Top Colleges offering PhD Material Science in India
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 have qualified 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 ranges from INR 20,575 – 1,13,650. Some of the universities offer a research grant to the students that cover 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 starting 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.
Also Checkout: Top PhD Colleges in India
PhD Material Science Course Highlights
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Material Science |
| Duration | 3 - 5 Years |
| Examination type | Coursework plus Research |
| Eligibility | Master degree in Material Science |
| Admission Process | Entrance test and personal interview |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 20,575 – 113,650 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 5,00,000 to 16,00,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Micron, Whitehall International, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), CSIR, ESAB India, Shell, Jacobs Engineering Group, General Electric, DRDO, ISRO, BHEL, BEL, BMEL |
| Job Positions | Material Scientist, Research Associate, Material Science Engineer, Research Scientist, Material Informatics Scientist, Project Associate, Senior Materials Scientist, Project Scientist, Biomaterial Scientist |
Read the following few lines to learn what the PhD Material Science course is all about:
- PhD Material Science is a doctoral program that makes the students aware of the various developments in the field of material science. It gives them a deep understanding of the various research methodologies that are part of every PhD course.
- Students will get to understand the various advancements that are taking place in the development of new-age materials such as composites, polymers and nanomaterials.
- By undertaking this course, the students will be able to understand the various research processes that are involved in the finding and development of new material with advanced features.
- By taking this course, many students will ultimately be able to discover various new materials that will revolutionize the material industry and provide for greater economic progress.
- The program is useful for those who are aspiring for a career as a scientist or researcher and are desirous of making a mark with their efforts towards the development of better materials.
- At the end of the course, the students will have to write a thesis and defend it through viva voce in a public seminar in front of a panel of external examiners. On successfully passing the oral examination and fulfilling other requirements, like the publishing of research papers, the university awards the student with the PhD degree.
Why Should You Study PhD Material Science?
Pursuing PhD Material Science has numerous benefits. Find below some of them:
- By undertaking this course, a number of career opportunities open up that can lead to jobs in both the private and the government sector.
- Other than jobs in the industries and the corporate sector, the course also leads to various research opportunities in the field. Many sectors such as aviation, space agencies, nuclear power corporations, and many others are always on the lookout for newer materials. Such sectors provide a lucrative opportunity for a material scientist.
- There are numerous research laboratories and institutions where one may pursue a career in research in the field.
- Doing PhD Material Science also opens up careers in teaching in any of the colleges and universities in India and overseas.
- As a Material Scientist, one gets to play an important role in the development of newer materials that may benefit humankind in its quest towards a better world.
- The coursework and the research work introduces the student to various research methodologies and scope for advanced research in the field.
What is the Admission Process for PhD Material Science?
For admission to the PhD Material Science course, the candidates will have to appear for a common entrance test that is conducted by the college or university. Those qualifying the entrance test will have to appear for a round of personal interview or viva-voce. Based on the candidates’ performance in the entrance test and the interview, the final selections are done. Some of the colleges have an additional round of group discussion for finalizing the selections.
Those who have an M.Phil degree in Material Science or have a valid UGC NET, CSIR-UGC NET, or other national level eligibility tests score, do not have to appear for the entrance test. They can directly appear for the interview.
Find here the general admission procedure followed by most Indian universities for admission to the PhD Material Science course.
- Step 1 – For admission to the PhD Material Science course, the candidates will have to be on the lookout for notifications by universities announcing the admission to their PhD programs. Such details will be released in local and national dailies, as well as, in 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, login ID and password are generated that will help the candidate to login to the site and apply for the test.
- Step 4 – Apart from filling the online form, the candidate will have to upload requisite documents, photograph and signature.
- 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 with 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 interview by the concerned department in the college.
- Step 8 – Admissions are based on final performance in the interview round.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Admission to PhD Material Science?
The minimum eligibility criteria for pursuing PhD Material Science from an Indian university are:
- Candidates should hold a masters 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 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.
Those with bachelors or MSc degree should have at least two years of professional experience and also fulfil one of the following conditions as mentioned below:
- Should hold a valid GATE/CEED score.
- Should have a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-UGC NET score or other valid national level exams.
Are there Any Entrance Exam for Admission to PhD Material Science course?
For entrance to any PhD program, the candidates have to appear for an entrance test conducted by the university or college, where the candidate is seeking admission.
| Entrance Exam | Registration Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CSIR UGC NET | July 11 – August 10, 2022 | September 16 – 18, 2022 |
| UGC NET | April 30 – May 30, 2022 | July 9 – July 12, 2022, and August 12 – August 14, 2022 |
| ICAR AICE JRF/SRF | July 21 – August 19, 2022 | September 20, 2022 |
| IIT JAM | September 7 – October 14, 2022 | February 12, 2023 |
| VITMEE | April 2022 | June 2023 |
| NIPER PhD Entrance Exam | To be Announced | To be Announced |
How to Prepare for PhD Material Science entrance tests?
To prepare for the PhD Material Science entrance tests, the candidates may keep in mind the following few points:
- Most common entrance tests conducted by the universities seeking admission to their PhD programs are qualifying in nature. The candidates should score at least 50% marks in the test to qualify for the next round.
- Mostly, 50% of the syllabus for the entrance test consists of research methodology and the other 50% concerning the specific subject.
- As such, for the written test, the candidates will have to go through the subject details thoroughly and have a good hold on the basics.
- Candidates can go through practice tests and past question papers to prepare for the test and improve accuracy and speed.
- The interview or the viva voce mostly tests the candidates’ suitability for the research work. The candidates will have to discuss their research proposal through a presentation. It will also judge whether the research work to be taken by the candidate is going to add fresh or new knowledge to the field.
How to get Admission in a good PhD Material Science College?
For getting admission to a good college for PhD Material Science, the candidates may go through the following few points:
- Research on the universities and colleges that offer the PhD Material Science course. List them out based on their ranking and your preference. Filter out the rest.
- For your chosen college, find out about the research guides and supervisors that are available with the college, who may guide you with your research work.
- Prepare a nice presentation about your research proposal and prepare all the points that may be discussed during the interview. Build upon your conversation skills as well.
- Go through the entire syllabus of the entrance test and prepare accordingly for the subject matter as well as topics on research methodology.
What are the Subjects Covered in PhD Material Science Syllabus?
The Syllabus for the PhD Material Science course involves both theoretical and practical aspects of study. The topics may differ from course to course. In general, the following topics are part of most PhD Material Science course.
| Theories and Concepts in Material Science Engineering |
| Advanced Methods of Research in Material Science Engineering |
| Failures: Fracture Mechanics |
| Composites of Metals |
| Issues of material usage: Economical, Environmental and Social |
| Application and Processing: Metals, Alloy, Polymer, Ceramics |
| Metals: Material Properties |
| Properties: Thermal, Optical, Electrical and Magnetic |
| Corrosion and Degradation |
| Writing Research |
| Media Seminar |
Which books to study for PhD Material Science course?
Following are few of the important books for the PhD Material Science course:
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Material and Design: The Art and Science of Material Selection in Product Design | Kara Johnson and Michael F Ashby |
| Thermodynamics of Materials | David Gaskell |
| Materials: Engineering, Science, Processing and Design | David Cebon, Hugh Shercliff and Michael F Ashby |
| Nanomaterials: An Introduction to Properties, Synthesis and Applications | Emmanuel Craig |
| Polycrystalline Nanostructures in Modern Materials Science | Artem Kozlovskiy |
Which are the Top Universities for studying PhD Material Science?
The top universities in India offering the PhD Material Science course are as follows:
| Name of the College/ University | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 73,000 |
| IIT Kanpur | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 64,050 |
| IIT Indore | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 78,800 |
| Jaypee Institute of Information Technology | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 50,000 |
| Madurai Kamaraj University | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 113,650 |
| Centurion University of Technology and Management | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 60,000 |
| Tripura University | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 80,800 |
| University of Allahabad | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 35,600 |
| PSG Institute of Advanced Studies | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 1,20,000 |
| Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Solapur University | Entrance Test and Interview | INR 20,575 |
PhD Material Science: College Comparison
Find below, a comparative study of the three top colleges offering the PhD Material Science course.
| Parameter | IIT Bombay | IIT Kanpur | IIT Indore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | IIT Bombay is among the best IITs in India. It has a brand value that is recognised even in western countries. This is one institute, where every engineering aspirant in India wants to study at. | IIT Kanpur is among the old IITs that have a worldwide reputation for its quality of education imparted by it for its various undergraduate courses in engineering. | IIT Indore is relatively a new IIT that was established not long back. But over the years, it has been instrumental in building its reputation and is these days one of the sought after institutes for engineering education. |
| NIRF Ranking 2021 | 3 | 4 | 10 |
| Eligibility Criteria | M.Tech | M.Tech | M.Tech |
| Admission Process | Entrance Test and Interview | Entrance Test and Interview | Entrance Test and Interview |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 73,000 | INR 64,050 | INR 78,800 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 16,13,000 | INR 12,00,000 | INR 8,00,000 |
| Top Recruiting Sectors | Research Laboratories, Research Institutes, Aerospace, Power Sector, Manufacturing Industries, Steel Industry, Space Agencies | Research Laboratories, Research Institutes, Aerospace, Power Sector, Manufacturing Industries, Steel Industry, Space Agencies | Research Laboratories, Research Institutes, Aerospace, Power Sector, Manufacturing Industries, Steel Industry, Space Agencies |
PhD Material Science Course Comparison
PhD Material Science vs PhD Metallurgy
PhD Material Science and PhD Metallurgy are two courses that are quite similar to each other that focus on materials and metals respectively.
A comparative study between the two courses is presented below:
| Parameters | PhD Material Science | PhD Metallurgy |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 - 5 years | 3 - 5 years |
| Eligibility | Postgraduate degree in Material Science | Postgraduate degree in Metallurgy |
| Course Overview | The PhD program in Material Science deals with all kinds of materials be it metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, composites and even carbon nanomaterials. | The PhD Metallurgy course specifically deals with metals and metals only. |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam and Personal Interview | Entrance Exam and Personal Interview |
| Average Annual Fee | INR 20,575 – 113,650 | INR 20,000 – 120,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 5,00,000 to 16,00,000 | INR 4,50,000 to 13,00,000 |
| Recruitment Sectors | Research Laboratories, Research Institutes, Aerospace, Power Sector, Manufacturing Industries, Steel Industry, Space Agencies, Petroleum Industry | Research Laboratories, Research Institutes, Power Sector, Manufacturing Industries, Steel Industry, Aluminium Industry, Mining Industry |
| Top Job Profiles | Material Scientist, Research Associate, Material Science Engineer, Research Scientist, Material Informatics Scientist, Project Associate, Senior Materials Scientist, Project Scientist, Biomaterial Scientist, Biomaterial Engineer, Professor | Chemical Metallurgist, Metallurgical Engineer, Plant Metallurgist, Research Associate, Research Scientist, Project Associate, Project Scientist, Professor |
What are the Career Options and Job Profiles available after completing PhD Material Science?
Undertaking a course in PhD Material Science provides with a number of career options and job profiles as given below:
- One gets to work as a scientist or researcher at a number of government and private organisations and laboratories that are dedicated to research work in the field of material science engineering.
- On completion of this course, one can also look towards working as a lecturer or professor in any of the colleges and universities dealing with the subject.
Some of the popular job profiles in the field of Material Science are listed below:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | INR 20,00,000 |
| Material Science Engineer | A Material Science Engineer is basically involved in the development of newer materials. They are involved in the development process right from selecting the right raw material to carrying out various tests before coming up with the final product. | INR 18,00,000 |
| 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. | INR 17,00,000 |
| 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. | INR 15,00,000 |
| Project Manager | Project managers are professional 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 | INR 10,00,000 |
What is the Future Scope after Completing a PhD Material Science Course?
After completion of the PhD Material Science course, one may look for the following future scope in the field:
- Career in Research: The PhD Material Science course offers various research and development positions in research labs and institutions in India and abroad.
- Career in Academics: The course also offers numerous teaching positions in universities and colleges dealing with the subject.
- Competitive Exams: Various competitive exams like Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other state-level exams provide an opportunity for employment in the civil services and the government.
Thus PhD Material Science offers numerous career choices, depending upon one’s area of interest and specialisation.
PhD Material Science FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions pertaining to PhD Material Science course:
Ques. How many years does it take to complete the PhD Material Science course?
Ans. It takes around 3-5 years to complete the entire course including the thesis.
Ques. What is the selection process for the PhD Material Science course?
Ans. The candidates for the PhD program are selected based on an entrance exam followed by an interview. The applicant’s past academic performance and the research proposal is also given weightage during selection.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for applying for the PhD Material Science course?
Ans. To be eligible for this course the applicant should have a postgraduate degree in material science from a recognized university from India or overseas.
Ques. Are there any distance-learning programs for the PhD Material Science course?
Ans. There are only full-time and part-time programs available with the PhD Material Science course.
Ques. What are the course fees for pursuing a PhD Material Science course?
Ans. The average course fee ranges from INR 20,575 – 113,650. The fee depends a lot upon the college.
Ques. Which are the industries, where one may seek jobs after doing a PhD Material Science course?
Ans. On completion of the PhD Material Science course, one can seek jobs in numerous sectors related to the field. Jobs are available in the government as well as private sector in defence organizations, research labs, research institutes, aviation sector, steel manufacturing industry, power sector and so on.
Ques. What are the average salary packages offered on completion of the PhD Material Science course?
Ans. The average salaries offered in this field range from INR 5,00,000 to 16,00,000 depending upon the job and its location.
Ques. What are the various job profiles in this field?
Ans. Some of the job profiles in this field are Materials Scientist, Research Scientist, Material Science Engineer, Research Associate, Biomaterial Scientist, Project Informatics Scientist, etc
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