What You Need to Know to Get Your Doctorate in Polymer Chemistry
Are you interested in pursuing a career in Polymer Chemistry? If yes, then you might want to consider a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry. Pursuing a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry is a great way to further your education and career in this field. In this article, we will cover all the important aspects related to a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry such as highlights, entrance exam, admission, eligibility, duration, selection criteria, how to apply, application form, application process, fee, syllabus, salary, jobs, and career opportunities.
Highlights of PHD in Polymer Chemistry
A Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry is a research-based programme that focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of polymers. The following are a few of the highlights of the programme:
Typically, a programme will last between three and five years.
The curriculum focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of Polymer Chemistry.
The programme provides opportunities to conduct original research in the field of Polymer Chemistry.
The programme helps students to develop skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and critical thinking.
Admissions Test for Polymer Chemistry PHD
Most universities require students to take an entrance exam to be eligible for a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry. The entrance exam typically covers topics such as organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and polymer chemistry. Some of the popular entrance exams for Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry are:
CSIR NET Chemical Science \sGATE Chemistry \sIIT JAM Chemistry \sAdmission and Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, a student should have a master's degree in Polymer Chemistry or a related field with a minimum of 55% marks. Additionally, students are required to qualify for the entrance exam conducted by the respective universities.
The admission process varies depending on the university. Some universities may conduct a personal interview or a written test as part of the admission process.
PHD IN POLYMER CHEMISTRY Time Commitment and Evaluative Standards
The duration of the Ph.D. programme in Polymer Chemistry typically ranges from 3-5 years. The selection criteria for the programme may vary from university to university. However, some common selection criteria are:
Evaluation of Your Entrance Exam Results
Previous academic record
Relevant research experience
Effectiveness in an Interview
PHD IN POLYMER CHEMISTRY How to Apply and Application Form
The application process for a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry typically involves the following steps:
Visit the official website of the respective university and find the application form for the Ph.D. programme in Polymer Chemistry.
Fill out the application form with all the required information such as personal details, academic qualifications, and research experience.
Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway or by submitting a demand draught.
Submit the application form along with the required documents.
PHD IN POLYMER CHEMISTRY Application Process and Fee
The application process for a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry typically starts in the month of May or June. The application fee varies depending on the university. The typical application fee is between 500 and 2000 INR. However, students from underrepresented groups (such as SC/ST or OBC) may be exempt from paying the application fee at some institutions.
Polymer Chemistry Coursework for a Doctoral Degree
The following are typical topics covered in a Polymer Chemistry Ph.D. program's curriculum:
Synthesis of Polymers
Methods for Characterizing Polymers
PHD IN POLYMER CHEMISTRY Physics of Polymers
Manipulation of Polymers
Uses for Polymers
PHD IN POLYMER CHEMISTRY Jobs and Payscale
Opportunities for those with a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry are plentiful. Employment opportunities for programme alums span many fields, including but not limited to
Industries involving chemicals and medicines
Institutions devoted to research and development
Colleges and universities
Government Research Facilities
Organizations that create polymers
Expertise salary
Eligibility Criteria for PHD
Aspirants are eligible to pursue a Ph.D. course only if they have completed their master’s degree in a similar course/ field/stream in which they want to pursue a Ph.D. Some colleges also specify that candidates need to have completed an MPhil to pursue a Ph.D. course offered by them. Apart from this, many colleges state that candidates meet the eligibility criteria for Ph.D. programs offered by them if they have cleared UGC NET. Candidates who want to pursue a Ph.D. in Engineering need to possess a valid GATE score. There are various categories of Ph.D. candidates. Some of the types of Ph.D. candidates are listed below:
Full-Time Research Scholars
Government/ Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients
Ph.D. scholars who fall under this category are offered financial assistance under Government/ Semi-Government fellowship schemes.
Institute research Scholars with Teaching Assistants
Aspirants falling under this category of Ph.D. scholars are offered Institute Teaching Assistantship as specified by the MHRD.
Self-financed Candidates (Indian/ Foreign)
Indian self-financed candidates are offered a seat in doctoral programs offered at institutes depending on their track
record and experience. Such candidates are offered admission in Ph.D. programs offered by the institute by taking part in the normal admission process for Ph.D. courses but such candidates do not receive any financial assistance from the institute.
Foreign self-financed candidates are offered admission through the embassy of their respective country only after they get the necessary 'no objection certificate' from MHRD, Govt of India, and other necessary approvals from India's Ministry of External Affairs.
Sponsored Candidates
Aspirants falling under this category of Ph.D. scholars are sponsored by (recognized) Research and Development organizations to do full-time research at the concerned institute.
Study Leave Candidates
Aspirants falling under this category are given study leave by Government institutes/ companies/ educational institutes for a time duration of fewer than three years to perform research work at the specified institute. A letter of leave provided by the candidate's institute/ company is necessary to secure admission as a Ph.D. scholar in this category.
ICCR Awardees
Foreign candidates who are sponsored by their respective government are awarded a seat in a Ph.D. course under the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) award holders’ category if they have been awarded a scholarship by their government.
Part-Time Research Scholars
Candidates who seek admission under part-time research scholars at an institute are offered admission under the below-mentioned categories:
Research Assistants
Institute staff/ Faculty
Project Staff
External Sponsored Candidates
PHD Admission Process
In order to secure admission in Ph.D. or research programs offered by the educational institute, aspirants need to go through the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the educational institute and go through all the details of the Ph.D. courses offered by the institute and select the area of research that the candidate wants to pursue.
Step 2: Candidates need to keep an eye out for any admission advertisement in newspapers or visit the official website of the university to fill the application form for admission in the course of their choice. Usually, the admission notification is released 4-5 months before the commencement of the course cycle.
Step 3: Next, candidates need to fill and submit their application forms for the Ph.D. course as per the schedule shared by the educational institute. Aspirants also need to ensure that they pay the application fee on time and submit all the required documents along with their application forms for Ph.D. admissions.
Step 4: Some educational institutes also specify that candidates need to submit a research proposal along with their application form. The application form along with the research proposal is submitted at the Research Unit of the educational institute where scrutiny of the application is conducted.
Step 5: After scrutiny of the Ph.D. course application form is complete then most of the educational institutes shortlist the names of the candidates who need to appear for the entrance exam and other admission rounds that are conducted for shortlisting aspirants for admission in Ph.D. programs offered by them.
Step 6: Candidates who are selected for Ph.D. programs on the basis of the admission rounds are then assigned supervisors/ guides for their Ph.D. research.
PHD Course Structure
Steps that candidates need to follow when pursuing a Ph.D. course in order to be conferred a Ph.D. degree are listed below:
Once candidates are selected for Ph.D. courses offered at educational institutes they need to submit their Research Proposal along with their Research Topic.
Then, candidates are allocated a research supervisor/ guide.
After this candidates are provided details of the Course Work, evaluation methodology, and the teaching schedule by the Research Programme Coordinator/ Guide/ Supervisor.
While performing research work most educational institutes require aspirants to submit six-month progress reports for their research work.
Further, as a Research Student one needs to give at least two seminar presentations as part of their tenure as a Research Scholar and thereafter submit a Certificate in the prescribed format to the Research Unit.
Next, Ph.D. students need to publish at least one research paper in a peer-reviewed/refereed Journal and also submit a Certificate in the prescribed format to the Research Unit before they submit their Ph.D. thesis.
Before aspirants submit their thesis, their supervisor or guide will organize a Pre-submission Seminar. This seminar will be open to all. As part of this seminar, a report will be submitted which will include suggestions for improvement and the supervisor would ensure that candidates incorporate all these suggestions in the final thesis.
Candidates then need to incorporate all the changes and submit a summary of their thesis to their supervisor or guide at least 45 days before the submission of the thesis.
Finally, candidates need to submit their thesis in hard copy as well as soft copy. This thesis will be examined by external experts. In case any expert suggests any modifications in the research paper submitted by the candidate then he/ she needs to re-submit a modified thesis.
Next, a viva-voce is conducted wherein candidates can openly defend their thesis and present their point of view before a panel of experts.
Candidates who complete all these steps to perfection would only be conferred a Ph.D. degree.
PHD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How many years does it take to have a PHD?
A. Ph.D. courses take a maximum of five to six years. However, the duration may vary as per the institute where the students have applied.
Q. Can I finish my PHD in four years?
A. There is a possibility that a student can finish off his/her Ph.D. in four years, but that completely depends on the chosen degree and institute.
Q. Will I be paid for PHD?
A. Yes. Most Ph.D. degrees offer stipends to students. The amount varies as per the degree chosen by the candidates for the doctorate.
Q. What is a PHD course?
A. Ph.D. is the short form of Doctor of Philosophy and to be eligible, the students are required to have completed their Master’s degree.
Q. Do I need to qualify for an entrance exam for PHD admissions?
A. No. Students are not required to qualify for any entrance exam for Ph.D. admissions.
Q. How can I get a fellowship for PHD?
A. Students can get fellowships by attempting and qualifying entrance exams such as UGC-NET, GATE, and more.
Q. What are the required skillset for PHD?
A. Students should be dedicated and good at research for Ph.D. Additionally; they should also be self-motivated and good at writing all the reports and their thesis, which they will prepare.
Q. How can I get PHD admission?
A. For Ph.D. admissions, the students will have to apply at the official website of the institute they prefer. Some institutes may also ask for research proposals to select the students for admission into their institute.
Q. How is the course flow of PHD?
A. After admissions, the students will have to work on their research proposal along with their allotted supervisor/guide. Students will have to participate in seminars and research papers while preparing their thesis. The final thesis will have to be submitted as a hard copy as well as a soft copy. A viva-voce will be conducted where the students will have to defend their thesis.
Q. Is a person with PHD a doctor?
A. No. A person with Ph.D. has completed his/her Doctorate of Philosophy while a doctor has completed his education in Medicine and works to help other people with their medical conditions.
Q. Do I need MPhil to apply for PHD?
A. Most of the colleges accept students with a Master’s degree for Ph.D. However, some institutes may require MPhil for Ph.D. admissions.