PhD Materials Science is a doctoral program and takes 3 to 5 years to complete the entire course. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of materials science and the many materials that influence technological advances found in fields as diverse as aerospace, nuclear power, aviation, metals, construction, and petroleum. It also provides deep insight.
Materials science and engineering is a field of study that focuses on the development and design of new materials with desired properties and applications. A PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering typically involves advanced coursework in materials synthesis, processing, characterization, and properties. The program also includes research work where students work closely with their advisors to conduct original research and contribute to the advancement of the field.
The curriculum of a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering usually includes courses in solid-state physics, materials chemistry, thermodynamics, materials processing, mechanical behavior of materials, and advanced characterization techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy. Students may also be required to take courses in mathematics, computer science, and statistics, depending on their research focus.
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 |
Job Positions | Material Scientist, Research Associate, Material Science Engineer, Research Scientist, Material Informatics Scientist, Project Associate, Senior Materials Scientist, Project Scientist, Biomaterial Scientist |
Attending this course opens up numerous career opportunities leading to employment in both the private and public sectors.
In addition to jobs in industry and the corporate sector, this course also leads to a variety of research opportunities in this field. Many industries, such as aviation, space agencies, and nuclear energy companies, are constantly searching for new materials. Such fields offer lucrative opportunities for materials scientists.
There are many institutes and institutions where you can pursue a career in this field of research.
A Ph.D. in Materials Science will give you access to teaching posts in all universities in India and abroad.
As a materials scientist, you play a key role in developing new materials that benefit humanity in its quest for a better world.
Research and Research Papers introduce students to a variety of research methods and advanced research opportunities in this field.
Here are some highlights of a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering:
Research Focus: PhD programs in Materials Science and Engineering are heavily focused on research. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty advisors on cutting-edge research projects and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Interdisciplinary: Materials Science and Engineering is an interdisciplinary field, which means that PhD students will have the opportunity to learn about and work with concepts and tools from a variety of fields, including physics, chemistry, and engineering.
Advanced Coursework: PhD students in Materials Science and Engineering take advanced coursework in topics such as materials synthesis, processing, characterization, and properties. This coursework is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of materials science and engineering.
Professional Development: PhD programs in Materials Science and Engineering often provide professional development opportunities for students, such as workshops on scientific writing, presentation skills, and grant writing.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of PhD programs in Materials Science and Engineering are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, and government. They can work as materials scientists, research scientists, engineers, or consultants in a variety of fields.
State-of-the-art Facilities: PhD programs in Materials Science and Engineering often have state-of-the-art facilities, such as electron microscopy centers and materials characterization labs, that provide students with access to the latest tools and technologies.
Collaboration Opportunities: PhD students in Materials Science and Engineering have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from other institutions, both nationally and internationally, and work on large-scale interdisciplinary projects. This collaboration provides opportunities for students to expand their network and develop new skills.
PhD programs in Materials Science and Engineering may require applicants to take a standardized test such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the subject-specific GRE in Materials Science. However, some universities may waive the requirement for GRE scores for admission.
To be admitted to a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering, applicants are typically required to have a master's degree in Materials Science, Engineering or a related field, along with a strong academic record, and research experience. In addition, some universities may require applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The eligibility requirements for PhD programs in Materials Science and Engineering may vary from one university to another. However, typically, the following eligibility criteria are required:
The duration of a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering varies depending on the university and the individual's progress. Typically, it takes between 3-5 years to complete a PhD program, but it may take longer depending on the complexity of the research project.
The selection criteria for admission to a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering typically includes a review of the applicant's academic record, research experience, recommendation letters, and research statement. Some universities may also require an interview with the applicant. Additionally, the availability of research funding and research interests of the faculty member may also influence the selection criteria.
To apply for a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering, applicants should follow the following steps:
Research the program: Applicants should research the program's curriculum, faculty members, research areas, and admission requirements.
Prepare application materials: Applicants should prepare their application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a research statement.
Take standardized tests (if required): Applicants should take the required standardized tests and submit the scores to the university.
Submit the application: Applicants should submit their completed application materials through the university's online application system.
Wait for notification: After the application deadline, applicants will receive a notification from the university regarding the status of their application. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview or directly offered admission.
To apply for a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering, applicants need to fill out an online application form on the university's website. The application form will ask for personal information, academic history, and relevant experience. Applicants also need to submit supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. After submitting the application, applicants may be asked to attend an interview or take an entrance exam.
To gain admission to the doctoral program in materials science, candidates must participate in a common entrance examination conducted by the university. Those who pass the entrance exam must undergo a personal interview or a rigorous exam. The final selection will be based on the entrance exam and interview results. Some universities may also conduct group discussions for final selection.
Those who have a Master's degree in Materials Science or have valid UGC NET, CSIR-UGC NET or other national level aptitude test results are not required to appear in the entrance exam. You can also come in for an interview directly.
Below are the general admission procedures followed by most universities in India for admission to Materials Science Ph.D.
Step 1 – When enrolling in a PhD program in Materials Science, candidates should pay attention to notifications from universities announcing admission to PhD programs. Such details will be published in local and national newspapers and on the university website.
Step 2 – Based on the guidelines and eligibility criteria mentioned in the notification, candidates are required to register for the university's her website or the respective entrance exam.
Step 3 – During registration, a login ID and password will be generated to help candidates log into the website and apply for the test.
Step 4 – Besides filling the online form, candidates will also need to upload the required documents, photos and signatures.
Step 5 – Candidates must pay the required application fee through the online payment platform.
Step 6 – Based on the details submitted, candidates will be issued an admit card which can be downloaded from her website.
Step 7 – Based on the performance of the entrance exam, candidates will be invited for a personal interview by the relevant department of the university.
Step 8 – Admission will be based on the final performance of the interview round.
The application fee for a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering varies depending on the university.
Typically, the fee ranges from INR 500 to INR 2000. Applicants should check the university's website for the exact fee amount.
The syllabus for a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering varies depending on the university and the research interests of the faculty members. However, the following topics are typically covered:
Graduates of a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering can work in a variety of fields, including academia, industry, and government. The salary for PhD graduates in Materials Science and Engineering varies depending on the job title and the organization. However, according to payscale.com, the average salary for a materials scientist in India is around INR 668,000 per year.
Job Role | Description |
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 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. |
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 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 |
Graduates of a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering can work in a variety of roles, including:
Some of the top colleges in India that offer a PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering are:
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.