Woxsen University PhD in Soil and Environmental Science Admission 2024-25, Process, Books, Learn More About Courses

PhD Soil and Environmental Science About

PhD Soil and Environmental Science or Doctor of Philosophy in Soil and Environmental Science is a 3-year Doctorate program that deals with the study of the environment in a chemical, biological, and physical context. This is also considered a higher study of energy conservation, pollution, climatic changes, biodiversity, plastic menace, and global warming as it is a combination of both social science and natural science. In Indian colleges, the annual average fee charged for the course ranges between INR 1,000 and 2 lakh for 3 years, and the annual average salary the graduates can earn after completion of the course ranges from INR 4 to 10 lakh, and it may increase with experience and expertise. Candidates for this program are hired in diverse fields such as ecologists, geographers, Lecturers, Conservation Scientists, Energy conservationists, Hydrologists, Climate Change analysts, botanists, Wildlife biologists, and so on. Interested postgraduates pursuing higher studies in this discipline can opt for further positions in management. Scientific research in the subject and consultancy services are available for those interested in pursuing the discipline professionally.

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Highlights

Entrance Exam for PhD Soil and Environmental Science

• CSIR UGC NET
• UGC NET
• IIT JAM
• GPAT
• VITMEE

Admission Process for PhD Soil and Environmental Science

Most colleges and institutes offering PhD Soil and Environmental Science admit students based on the graduate degree level examination marks. However, some institutes conduct entrance examinations to judge a candidate’s abilities and skill sets.

The following are the two major pathways through which PhD Soil and Environmental Science admissions take place:

Merit-Based Admission: Most private universities that offer PhD Soil and Environmental Science courses usually admit students based on the marks secured at the master’s/ graduate degree. Besides that, these colleges may conduct a Personal Interview or a Written Test to further know the candidate’s skills.

Entrance Exam Based: Top PhD Colleges like Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal University, Amity University, etc. offers admission in the PhD Soil and Environmental Science program through entrance examinations that usually consist of MCQ-based questions related to environmentally oriented topics, helping the college to screen the deserving candidates for admission.

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Eligibility Criteria

The common PhD Soil and Environmental Science eligibility criteria to be successfully admitted into a college offering this course are as follows:

1. Master’s Degree from any recognized university or institution with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade.
2. For candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/ Differently-Abled and such other categories, a 5% relaxation as per the decision of the UGC & Govt. of India will be accorded.
3. However, an applicant with GATE/CSIR-UGC/JRF/NET/SLET cleared in the relevant subject is exempted from the Entrance Test.
4. Candidates who have M.Phil degree from the UGC accredited universities are also exempted from entrance tests.

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Duration

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for a PhD in Soil and Environmental Science varies depending on the university or institution.

The admission committee evaluates the student's academic record, research experience, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and the results of the entrance exam.

PhD Soil and Environmental Science How to Apply

To apply for a PhD in Soil and Environmental Science, students must typically submit an application to the university or institution offering the program.

The application may include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, GRE or TOEFL scores (if required), and a research proposal.

Students should consult the specific program for more information on the application process.

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Application Process

1. To apply for a PhD in Soil and Environmental Science, students must typically fill out an online application form on the university's website.
2. The application form will require students to provide personal and academic information, as well as information about their research interests and experience.
3. Students will also need to submit supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a research proposal.
4. The specific application process may vary depending on the university or institution, so students should consult the program's website for detailed instructions.

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Application Fee

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Syllabus

• Research Methodology
• Bioremediation & Ecological Agriculture
• Environmental Microbiology
• Microbial Ecology
• Microbial Enzymes and Bioremediation
• Waste Management and Energy Generation Technologies
• Energy Generation from Waste
• Environmental Impact Assessment and Air Pollution 
• Water Resources – Management and Modeling Techniques
• Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Technologies
• Plant-Microbe Interaction for Sustainable Agriculture
• Presentation and Review of Literature
• Presentation of Synopsis 

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Job Scope

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Career Opportunities

1. Academia/Research: Many PhD graduates pursue careers as professors or researchers in universities, colleges, or research institutions. They conduct research, publish papers, and teach courses related to soil and environmental science.

2. Government Agencies: Government agencies at local, state/provincial, and federal levels often employ soil and environmental scientists for roles such as environmental protection, natural resource management, land use planning, and policy development.

3. Environmental Consulting Firms: Consulting firms hire soil and environmental scientists to provide expertise on projects related to environmental impact assessments, site remediation, soil conservation, and sustainable land management practices.

4. Agricultural Industry: Soil scientists play vital roles in the agricultural industry, working for companies involved in crop production, agribusiness, and agricultural research. They may focus on soil fertility, nutrient management, soil conservation, and sustainable agriculture practices.

5. Environmental NGOs: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on environmental conservation, sustainability, and advocacy may employ soil and environmental scientists to work on projects related to land degradation, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and environmental education.

6. Waste Management and Recycling: Soil and environmental scientists can work in the waste management sector, helping to develop strategies for waste reduction, recycling, composting, and landfill management.

7. Water Resource Management: Professionals with expertise in soil and environmental science are valuable in water resource management roles, where they assess water quality, study watershed dynamics, and develop strategies for sustainable water use and conservation.

8. Energy Sector: In the energy sector, soil and environmental scientists may be involved in projects related to renewable energy development, such as assessing the environmental impact of wind or solar farms, or studying the feasibility of bioenergy production from agricultural residues.

9. International Development: Organizations involved in international development may hire soil and environmental scientists to work on projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity, addressing land degradation, and promoting sustainable natural resource management practices in developing countries.

10. Private Research and Development: Private companies engaged in research and development may employ soil and environmental scientists to develop new technologies, products, or solutions related to soil health, environmental monitoring, or pollution remediation.

PhD Soil and Environmental Science Top Colleges

Some top colleges for a PhD in Soil and Environmental Science include:

Admission Process for PhD Soil and Environmental Science

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.

Document Required for PhD Soil and Environmental Science

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

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

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.