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Doctor of Philosophy in Physics or PhD Physics is a 3-5 years doctorate course for candidates who prefer to do independent research on various domains in physics namely Solid State Physics, Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics, Quantum Optics and Laser Physics and so on.
Most institutes look for candidates with a minimum of 60% marks in PG preferably in Physics or Material Science from a recognized university. Some elite institutes even prefer MPhil in relevant subjects as basic criteria for admission.
Admission to PhD Physics is either based on merit or performance in various entrance exams namely CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC, JEST/GATE, etc. Top institutes offering PhD Physics are IGNOU, Amity University, Pondicherry University and many more. The average fee would cost around INR 15,000 - INR 20,000.
Some of the common job profiles available after completing PhD Physics are offered as Scientist, Professor and Lecturer, Researcher, Independent Consultant, etc. The average salary offered to candidates holding PhD Physics ranges between INR 2-20 Lakhs per annum. While many candidates prefer working as Professors in colleges or institutes, some others prefer going for Post Doctorate with reputed international or national institutes while few others prefer working as Independent Consultant.
Table of Content
PhD Physics: Course Highlights
| Course type | Doctorate |
| Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| Course Examination Type | Semester System |
| Course Eligibility | Post Graduation in Physics or Material Science |
| Course Admission process | Merit/ Entrance based |
| Course Fee | INR 2,000 to INR 6,00,000 |
| Average Placement Salary | INR 2-20 Lakhs per annum |
| Top Recruiters | IISc Bangalore, Physical Research Laboratory, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory of India etc |
| Job Position | Lecturer & Professor, Senior Research Scientist, Independent Consultant etc |
About PhD Physics
- PhD Physics is a doctorate program offering research exposure in various domains of Physics viz. Solid State Physics, Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics, Quantum Optics, and Laser Physics, etc.
- Some of the common subjects available in the common scope of physics are Research Methodology and Statistics, Numerical Methods and Simulation, Electrodynamics, etc.
- Candidates successfully completing this course work as Lecturer & Professor, Senior Research Scientist, Independent Consultant, etc at an average salary of INR 2,00,000- 20,00,000 per annum.
PhD Physics Admission Process
Admission into PhD Physics is either based on merit or performance in the entrance examination. Some institutes offer admission based on merit while others offer admission based on performance in entrance examinations namely CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC, JEST/ GATE, etc.
Steps for Merit-Based Admission:
- Colleges publish notice of admission on their website at the end of April or the beginning of March.
- Candidates satisfying the minimum eligibility criteria must visit the respective college website and fill the application form online.
- Colleges declare and publish merit lists based on cut-off marks on their website.
- Enlisted candidates would have a personal round of interviews based on subject specialization.
- Candidates who clear the interview must visit the respective college and complete the necessary formalities for final admission.
Steps for Entrance Based Admission:
- The various exam conducting bodies publish dates of entrance examination, application form submission dates, dates of admit card download on their respective websites.
- Candidates satisfying minimum eligibility criteria must fill up the online application form of the entrance exam by sharing essential information followed by paying the requisite application fee.
- Candidates must download their admit cards from the respective website well in advance before the entrance exam.
- The exam conducting body publishes the list of successful candidates with their respective marks on the website.
- Successful candidates are called for counseling followed by an interview for college selection.
- Post counseling candidates must visit the respective college and complete all essential formalities for final admission.
Eligibility
- Candidates who have completed their post-graduation in relevant subjects from a recognized university.
- Candidates with post-graduation or M.Phil. preferably in Physics or Material Science are eligible to apply.
- Candidates must hold a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in the last qualifying examination.
Entrance Exams
| Exam Name | Application Period | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CSIR UGC NET | December 3, 2021 - January 2, 2022 | 29 January, 5,6 February 2022 |
| UGC NET | February 2, 2021 - September 6, 2021 | 20 November, 2021- 30 December, 2021 |
| GATE | October 2021 | February 2022 |
PhD Physics Distance Education
- Most institutes that offer PhD Physics in distance education mode are of 5 years duration but this may extend depending on the availability of the candidate and the professor under whose supervision the candidate is undergoing his/ her research activity.
- PhD Physics in distance education mode is best suited for working professionals who cannot dedicate themselves to full-time PhD Physics courses either due to work-life or personal issues or fees charged in regular mode.
- A few of the institutes offering PhD Physics in distance education mode are IGNOU, Nalanda Open University, Amity University, Sikkim Manipal University, etc.
- Most institutes offering PhD Physics in distance education mode offer admission based on merit with an average fee ranging between INR 15,000 - 20,000.
Top Colleges offering PhD Physics
| Name of College/University | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | INR 35,200 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | INR 19,670 |
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani | INR 1,10,125 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai | INR 73,000 |
| Jadavpur University, Kolkata | INR 2,388 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | INR 64,050 |
| Loyola College, Chennai | INR 7,200 |
PhD Physics Syllabus
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Research Methodology and Statistics | Physics Laboratory |
| Theoretical Physics | Mathematical Methods |
| Experimental Physics | Quantum Mechanics |
| Numerical Methods and Simulation | Statistical Mechanics |
| Research and Technical Communication | Numerical Methods and Programming |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Electrodynamics | Atomic and Molecular Physics |
| Condensed Matter Physics | Nuclear and Particle Physics |
| Condensed Matter Physics Lab | PhD Project |
| Department Elective | Department Elective |
| Open Elective | Open Elective |
Top Colleges offering PhD Physics
| Name of College/ University | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida | INR 2,10,000 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | INR 19,670 |
| Jadavpur University, Kolkata | INR 2,388 |
| Loyola College, Chennai | INR 7,200 |
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani | INR 1,10,125 |
| Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | INR 35,200 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai | INR 73,000 |
| Christ University, Bangalore | INR 35,000 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | INR 64,050 |
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Ranchi | INR 75,000 |
| Trivandrum University College | INR 4,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University | INR 14,000 |
| B.K. Birla College of Arts Science and Commerce | INR 21,395 |
| Queen’s Mary College, Chennai | INR 2,000 |
| Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar’s Senthikumara Nadar College | INR 4,000 |
| Thiagarajar College, Madurai | INR 15,000 |
| PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore | INR 19,000 |
| Presidency College, Chennai | INR 2,000 |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 80,000 |
Jobs on offer after PhD Physics
| Job Profile | Average Salary per Year |
|---|---|
| Research Scientist | INR 8,50,000 |
| Physicist | INR 8,00,000 |
| Professor | INR 8,00,000 |
| Natural Science Manager | INR 8,65,000 |
| Petroleum Engineers | INR 8,05,000 |
PhD Physics FAQs
Ques. What are the various areas of research available in PhD Physics?
Ans. Various Indian and foreign universities offer a wide variety of domains for research activity in PhD Physics which is listed below:
- Molecular physics
- Astrophysics
- Condensed matter physics
- Optical physics
- Geophysics
- High energy/ particle physics
Ques. Suggest a few foreign universities offering PhD Physics?
Ans. Some of the preferred foreign universities for pursuing PhD Physics are as follows:
- Cornell University, USA
- Southern Illinois University, USA
- Heidelberg University, Germany
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- University of Bristol, UK
- University of New South Wales, Australia
Ques. What are the recruitment areas for a candidate with PhD Physics?
Ans. Some of the common areas of recruitment after completion of PhD in Physics are educational institutes, consulting, healthcare, IT, finance, etc.
Ques. What are the future scopes of pursuing higher education after completing PhD Physics?
Ans. Most candidates pursuing PhD Physics are inclined to research activities and opt for pursuing PostDoc from some renowned foreign university to gain relevant experience in their research field of study. After completion of Post Doctorate activity, these candidates work as Scientists with top research organizations or join the academic world.
Ques. Mention some must-read books for a candidate pursuing PhD Physics?
Ans. Some of the must-read books for a candidate PhD Physics are listed below:
- Concept of Physics written by HC Verma
- Fundamentals of Physics written by Halliday Resnick and Walker
- An Introductory Course of Particle Physics written by Palash B. Pal
- Problems on General Physics written by IE Irodov
- University Physics written by Francis W. Sears, Hugh D. Young, Roger Freedman, Mark Zemansky
Ques. What are the job responsibilities of a Physicist after completion of PhD Physics?
Ans. A candidate working as a Physicist after completing PhD Physics is involved in studying the universe and formulating scientific theories along with publishing scholarly journals about their research work in addition to offering expert knowledge in designing new scientific equipment.
Ques. Which one is preferable- a B.Tech in Radio Physics or a PhD in Radio Physics?
Ans. Both the courses are designed as per prevailing industry and academic standards and practice. But the choice depends on the interest of the candidate who is willing to pursue such courses. A B.Tech in Radio Physics is more of an application of radiophysics for industrial use while a PhD in Radio Physics deals with research work in the field of radiophysics dealing with high profile and harmful radioactive elements.
Ques. Who are the best candidates for pursuing PhD Physics?
Ans. Apart from an inclination of mind into research activity, candidates must possess the following skills to pursue PhD Physics:
- Analytical Skill
- Writing Skill
- Collaborative finding skill
- Patience
Ques. Name some colleges offering PhD Physics based on performance in the entrance exam in India?
Ans. Below is listed a few of the colleges offering PhD Physics based on entrance examination marks:
- IISc, Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Technology
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science
- Jamia Millia Islamia University
Ques. Is it worthwhile to pursue PhD Physics online?
Ans. PhD in any field of study requires extensive research work along with frequent interaction with professor or guide for gaining necessary input for completion of research activity and submitting thesis paper. Though very recently few institutes are offering PhD Physics in online mode, but provide benefit and essential knowledge in the relevant field of study in the long run. Physics itself is such a subject that requires extensive hard work and regular study in the field coupled with voracious mathematical calculations and hypothesis analysis. Thus it is always beneficial to devote time in full-time PhD Physics.
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