PhD in Civil Engineering is usually a 4 to 5 years long doctorate level degree. It is a course of study that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of structures that are integral to the general public, like roads, dams, bridges, canals, and additionally railways, sewage systems, etc. While pursuing a PhD in civil engineering, students will have to choose a specialization area, like geo informatics, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, and water resources engineering, infrastructure engineering, etc to conduct research for their dissertation. Candidates wanting to pursue PhD in Civil Engineering should fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria i.e, master's degree in civil/environmental/mechanical/chemical/agricultural engineering or in a related engineering branch. The admissions are usually based on the entrance exams. The average tuition fee charged to pursue a PhD in Civil Engineering differs in each and every college.
Duration | 4 to 5 years |
Eligibility | Scores in GATE, NET, etc |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam Based |
Top Recruiting Companies | Afcons Infrastructure Limited, Punj Lloyd, Newton Engineering & Chemicals Ltd, Consolidated Construction Consortium Ltd (CCCL), Akme Projects Ltd, and etc. |
Job Positions | Project manager, head quality controller, site engineer/civil engineer, project coordinator, quality assurance manager, project procurement manager, etc. |
Most universities require a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score for admission to a PhD program in Civil Engineering. Some universities may also require subject-specific GRE scores. Additionally, international students may be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency.
Entrance Exam |
IIT JAM |
VITMEE |
UGC NET |
Applications: | Candidates can start with filling up the application form of the particular institute, followed by submitting documents and paying the application fees. |
Entrance Exams: | Institutes may accept the scores of national level exams like GATE/ NET or will conduct their own entrance examination at the university level. |
Merit-list: | Students will be evaluated based on the marks scored in the entrance test. The candidates clearing the cut-off will be shortlisted. |
Interview: | Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. |
Enrollment: | The students clearing the interview can get enrolled after document verification and payment of the 1st installment. |
Master's degree in any branch of engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university. |
The candidate must have obtained at least 60% in their master’s degree. |
Some colleges and institutes conduct entrance examinations, and some only consider students’ scores in national level entrance exams like GATE or NET. |
The duration of a PhD in Civil Engineering program typically ranges from four to six years, depending on the individual program and the student's progress. The program includes coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation or thesis.
The application form for a PhD in Civil Engineering program is typically available online on the university's website. |
You will need to create an account and complete the application form, which includes personal information, educational background, and program-specific questions. |
1 | The application process for a PhD in Civil Engineering program typically involves the following steps: |
2 | Research universities that offer the program and review their admission requirements and deadlines. |
3 | Gather the required documents, such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. |
4 | Complete the online application form and submit the required documents. |
The application fee for a PhD in Civil Engineering program may vary depending on the university. It typically ranges from updated Soon.
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Graduates of a PhD in Civil Engineering program can pursue a variety of careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector. They may work as professors, researchers, consultants, and managers in areas such as infrastructure design and construction, transportation planning, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for civil engineers was $87,060 as of May 2020, with higher wages for those with advanced degrees and experience.
Job Profile | Job Description |
Building Control Surveyor | They ensure that building regulations are met during construction. |
Building Services Engineer | They work on a range of projects that contribute to the functioning of any kind of building, office, or living space. |
Engineering Geologist | They work as advisors to private and public bodies on the natural, environmental, and geological threat in real estate development. |
Sustainability Consultant | They promote sustainable solutions for the conflicting needs of people and the environment. |
Fire Risk Assessor | They identify fire hazards and risks, record their findings, and advise on fire prevention. |
Geotechnical Engineer | They support design and construction by testing and analyzing the risk to humans and the environment. |
Urban Designer | They create practical and visually pleasing places, including buildings, open spaces, and landscapes. |
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Civil Engineering program in the US are:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD 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.
NOTE:- Students are requested to note that their application will not be considered for admission if the above certificates are not enclosed with their application.
Given below are few of the important highlights of the program.
Program Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering |
Program Level | Doctorate Degree Courses |
Duration of the Program | 3 Years |
Examination Type | Year |
Eligibility | Postgraduate Degree in a Relevant Discipline With Minimum 55% Marks ( 50% for SC/ST Candidates ) |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam and Merit Based |
Average Program Fee | Rs. 5 Lakh - Rs. 6 Lakh |
Syllabus of Management as prescribed by various Universities and Colleges.
Paper Code | Subjects of Study |
Mentioned below are some states in India that offer the program.