A PhD in Mechanical Engineering is a three-year doctoral program. PhD Mechanical Engineering is a research-based course for mechanical engineers that focuses solely on mechanical engineering-related topics. Research Methodology and other topics are among the topics covered in this course. Aside from that, some branch-specific topics are also covered in the curriculum.
Candidates may apply for jobs in the public and private sectors after completing the course. Assistant engineer, mechanical engineer, executive engineer, researcher, and others are some of the most common job profiles.
Being a mechanical engineer entails using fundamental engineering principles and mechanical processes to create the machines and devices we use on a daily basis. Thermodynamics, heat transfer, quality control, and product design are all concepts that students learn about. There are also classes on the materials that are used in manufacturing. Individual or group projects encourage students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
Throughout the course, students will learn a variety of mechanical engineering skills. Various machines and related equipment are studied. Students interested in pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering must be strong in math and science.
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PhD Mechanical Engineering: An Overview
Level of Course | Doctorate |
Also referred as | Doctorate of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering |
Duration of Course | 2 to 5 years |
Eligibility Criteria | Postgraduate degree in engineering/ technology or any other science subjects or bachelors degree in engineering/ technology. |
Process of Admission | Direct Admission or on the basis of Entrance test. |
Fee for the Course | INR 96,000 to 3,16,000 per year. |
Average Annual Salary | INR 3,37,899 |
Positions of Job | Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Lecturer, Executive Engineer, Researcher |
Top Areas of Recruitment | manufacturing areas, chemical plants, Power plants, steel plants, educational institutes. |
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Ranking of Institutes by NIRF
Ranking by NIRF | Institute Name | Process of Admission | Average Fee for the first year | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | Entrance test | INR 19,670 | INR 12.79 LPA |
2 | Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi | Entrance test | INR 34,900 | INR 20-25 LPA |
3 | Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | Entrance test | INR 73,000 | INR 10-15 LPA |
9 | NIT Trichy, Tiruchirapalli | Entrance test | INR 85,000 | INR 7 LPA |
30 | Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani | Entrance test | INR 1,10,125 | INR 6-7 LPA |
PhD Mechanical Engineering Eligibility
If you want to be a part of one of India’s top PhD mechanical engineering colleges, you must meet the eligibility requirements. The following are the requirements for pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering:
- A candidate must earn the required grades in his master’s degree in engineering or technology. Candidates with a postgraduate degree in any science discipline are also eligible to apply for the program. They will, however, have to pass the GATE cut-off.
- Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology may also apply. They must have a graduation grade point average of at least 75%.
- Candidates who are SC/ST/OBC/PWD or otherwise underprivileged are given a mark reduction.
- If the college administers an entrance exam, passing it becomes an important eligibility criterion.
PhD Mechanical Engineering Curriculum/Syllabus
- For all PhD courses, the first semester’s syllabus is the same. Following that, the students will begin learning more about their specialization, Advances in Mechanical Engineering.
- The research portion is completely self-contained, and the candidates will be responsible for securing their own funding.
The PhD Mechanical Engineering syllabus is divided into two sections. The following is the part-by-part syllabus:
First Part | Second Part |
---|---|
Research Methodology | Thesis |
Seminar | Seminar |
Mathematics for Engineering Research | Research work I |
Branch Specific topics | Research Work II |
PhD Mechanical Engineering Admission Procedure
For more information on the course’s admission process, see the points listed below.
- Each university has its own set of admissions requirements. The majority of the time, admission is based on your post-graduate grades. Some universities, however, require you to take an entrance exam.
- GATE and NET UGC are two of the most popular entrance exams. After passing the entrance exam, you will be invited to continue with the rest of the admissions process.
- In most cases, the application forms are released in June. Before the deadline, you must submit the application form. You can also find detailed information about the admission process on the official websites of the respective colleges or universities.
Based on Merit
- Students must complete the university’s application form. The application forms are available in both offline and online formats.
- In merit-based selection, candidates are chosen based on their academic achievements during their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
- The required percentage will be determined by the number of students who apply for the course and the number of seats available.
Based on Entrance
- Students must register for any entrance exam they wish to take. They must also complete the application forms for the colleges to which they are applying.
- The entrance exam is required of all students. They become eligible for any subsequent stage of admission once they have qualified.
- Students must also appear for a personal interview round following the exam.
- Finally, the students who have been shortlisted are offered admission to the college in the course of their choice.
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Focus Areas
- A PhD in Mechanical Engineering is a technical degree that requires students to have a solid understanding of topics such as thermodynamics, mechanics, and scientific computing.
- The students will learn mechanical engineering skills, technical drawing skills, and computing skills throughout the course. All of these abilities will aid students in the design of various machines and equipment.
- The course will assist students in comprehending real-world problems so that they can come up with innovative solutions. As a result, we can conclude that mechanical engineering is not entirely based on technical studies; it also employs an analytical approach.
- The course offers a lot of opportunities for research. Research into this topic has the potential to generate plenty of novel ideas that will ultimately benefit society.
- Another unique feature of the PhD Mechanical Engineering program is that it is essentially an all-purpose engineering degree, with Mechanical Engineering graduates able to pursue careers in a variety of engineering fields.
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Important Entrance Exams
PhD Mechanical Engineering students may be required to take an entrance exam in order to be admitted to their preferred college. The format of entrance exams may differ from one college to the next.Candidates who pass the entrance exam may be offered admission to the college or may be required to attend an interview.
The following are some of the most popular entrance exams for PhD candidates in mechanical engineering:
- The most popular entrance exam for PhD candidates is the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET). The exam is held for admission to PhD programs in a variety of fields. Students are accepted into most colleges based on their UGC NET scores.
- JNUEE is Jawaharlal Nehru University’s entrance exam for PhD students. It takes place once a year, in the month of June. By the end of April, all application forms must be submitted.
- The GATE exam is a national-level entrance exam for engineering students. Although the exam is primarily for M.Tech students, some colleges accept GATE scores for PhD admission as well. Every year in the month of February, the exam is held.
- The National Eligibility Test of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR NET) is the entrance exam for the Junior Research Fellowship position. The test is conducted in an offline mode twice a year.
- For the admission of PhD students, Delhi Technical University holds an entrance exam. The exam is typically held in December. After clearing the entrance, an interview may take place.
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Preparation Plan
Some of India’s most prestigious universities require entrance exams as part of the admissions process. You must perform well on the admissions test in order to be admitted to that particular college or university. So, here are a few pointers to help you get ready.
- You must be well-versed in your course material. This is the first and most fundamental step in the preparation process. You will not be able to get a good score on the entrance exam unless and until you are familiar with the syllabus.
- Understand the examination patterns as well as the types of questions that are frequently asked. You will almost certainly be asked multiple-choice questions. As a result, you should practice such questions to familiarize yourself with the examination format.
- Try to get a rough idea of how many questions you’ll have to answer in order to get a good grade on the exam. This strategy will undoubtedly assist you in achieving a high score on the entrance exam.
- More emphasis should be placed on the important sections, as these are the sections from which questions are most frequently asked. You must concentrate on these sections while revising the chapters.
- Practice questions from previous years’ question papers and sample papers. This will assist you in your planning.
- Don’t be concerned. Any form of anxiety will act as a barrier, preventing you from achieving a high score on the entrance exam. Be self-assured in your preparations.
- Consult the important literature. Read all of the chapters thoroughly. You can also watch YouTube videos or seek advice from a professional.
- First and foremost, you must determine whether or not the college to which you are applying is a good fit for you. You should do so by carefully reading the reviews and ratings. You can also talk to former students and get their feedback.
- Make an effort to learn about the institute’s placement situation. After completing the course, you should have a general idea of the average CTC offered to candidates. Do not enroll in a college that has a poor record of placing students.
- Having a high grade point average in your undergraduate and graduate studies will help you meet the eligibility requirements and be admitted to the college of your choice.
- If you want to get into a prestigious college, you must have a minimum grade point average of 60% in your graduation and postgraduate work.
- If the college to which you wish to apply administers an entrance exam, you must do well on it. Otherwise, you will be unable to progress to the next stage of the admissions process.
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Top Academic Institutes
In India, PhD mechanical engineering is taught at a number of universities. The following are some of the top colleges and universities that offer PhD Mechanical Engineering programs:
Ranking by The Week | Institute Name | Place | Average Fees in the first year | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | Madras | INR 19,670 | INR 12.79 LPA |
2 | Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi | New Delhi | INR 34,900 | INR 20-25 LPA |
3 | Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | Bombay | INR 73,000 | INR 10-15 LPA |
4 | Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | Kanpur | INR 64,050 | INR 15.8 LPA |
7 | Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati | Guwahati | INR 18,150 | INR 11 LPA |
9 | NIT Trichy, Tiruchirapalli | Tiruchirapalli | INR 85,000 | INR 7 LPA |
10 | Indian Institute of Technology, Indore | Indore | INR 70,900 | INR 15 LPA |
11 | Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi | Varanasi | INR 46,815 | INR 15 LPA |
18 | Institute of Chemical Technology | Mumbai | INR 64,500 | INR 4-8 LPA |
30 | Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani | Pilani | INR 1,10,125 | INR 6-7 LPA |
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Important Documents Required
- Passing/Degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination
- Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
- Character certificate (from the head of the Institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree.
- Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the University last attended)
- Documentary proof for date of birth
- Gap certificate (if applicable)
- Research Proposal *
- No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
Students should be aware that if the aforementioned certificates are not attached to their application, their application will not be taken into account for admission.
Documents Required by International Candidates
International students interested in pursuing a doctorate in mechanical engineering must submit the following documents:
- Visit the official website and submit the online application.
- Supplementary form of PhD
- LORs
- If applicable, official IELTS/TOEFL scores.
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume/CV
- Visit the official website and submit the online application.
- Transcripts and mark sheets from all colleges/universities attended for more than one year.
PhD Mechanical Engineering and PhD Electrical Engineering: Key Differences
PhD Mechanical Engineering and PhD Electrical Engineering are two distinct courses that pertain to two distinct engineering disciplines. Below are some key distinctions between the two.
Basis of Comparison | PhD Mechanical Engineering | PhD Electrical Engineering |
---|---|---|
Qualification Level | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering |
Course Highlight | A PhD in Mechanical Engineering is a research-oriented program. It primarily focuses on the development of new machines for various applications. | PhD Electrical Engineering is a research-oriented degree program. It is concerned with the field of electricity technology. They will learn how to design circuits that perform specific functions and meet their requirements in this course. |
Eligibility Criteria | Post Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks. | Post Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks. |
Process of Admission | Direct admission or Entrance test | Direct admission or Entrance test. |
Average Annual Fee | INR 96,000 to INR 3,16,000 per year | INR 60,000- INR 5,00,000 |
Average Salary Per Annum | 10 LPA | 12 LPA |
Institutes | IIT-Bombay, IIT-Kanpur,IIT-Delhi, BITS Pilani, Chandigarh University, NIT Trichy | IIT-Hyderabad, Sharda University,IIT-Gandhinagar, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT Ranchi) – Jharkhand. |
Areas of Recruitment | petrol companies, Manufacturing companies,chemical companies, etc. | Consultancies, Private Companies and Academic Institutions, |
Top Profiles Job | Executive Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Junior Engineer,Researcher. | Program manager, Electrical technician, Electrical engineer, Application engineer |
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Important Skills Required
While a relevant educational qualification is a must for a career in mechanical engineering, a very specific set of skills is required to unlock a wealth of advancement opportunities and success in the field. The following are some of the skills that candidates should try to develop or instill in order to have a successful career:
1. Creativity: Regardless of the field of work, this is an important skill. Mechanical engineers must be innovative in their thinking in order to become irreplaceable for a company. They must be able to think outside the box when deciding how to best implement a system or brainstorming solutions to any constraints that may arise.
2. Effective Technical and Budgeting Skills: Mechanical engineers are in charge of not only designing systems, but also implementing, operating, and maintaining them. If they have strong technical and budgeting skills, they can determine the most cost-effective and cost-cutting methods of implementing certain technologies to ensure their durability and effectiveness.
3. Ability to work under pressure: It’s not uncommon for these engineers to be under pressure at work, with looming deadlines and a steady stream of high-demand work. Those who can work under pressure are more likely to succeed and have better opportunities in the future.
4. Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: This is a crucial point: these engineers can only effectively address maintenance issues if they have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which would be a serious flaw in their work if they lacked them.
5. Leadership and Teamwork Skills: The majority of the projects that mechanical engineers are assigned to are done in groups. As a result, these candidates should be able to work effectively with others in a team setting and, when the need arises, assume leadership and wisely lead the team.
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Top Foreign Institutes
Students will have the opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary team with internationally renowned academics. The following are some of the best colleges and universities in the world that offer PhD mechanical engineering programs:
Institutes | Average Fee |
Columbia University, New York, USA | 63,530 USD (INR 46 lakhs) |
Rice University, Houston, USA | 52,070 USD (INR 38 lakhs) |
The Braunschweig University of Technology, Brunswick, Germany | 800 euros/semester (INR 69,000) |
University of Dayton, USA | 44,890 USD (INR 33 lakhs) |
Florida A&M University, USA | 23,062 USD (INR 16 lakhs) |
The University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA | 10,710 USD (INR 7 lakhs) |
University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia | 23,000 AUD (INR 12 lakhs) |
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia | 21,000 AUD (INR 11 lakhs) |
Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA | 31,104 USD (INR 22 lakhs) |
University of Auckland, Hamilton, New Zealand | 32,000 AUD (INR (INR 17 lakhs) |
Carleton University, Toronto, Canada | 29,023 CAD (INR 16 lakhs) |
The University of Bristol, UK | 20,100 euros (INR 17 lakhs) |
Curtin University, Perth Australia | 8,786 AUD (INR 4 lakhs) |
University of Bath, UK | 9,250 euros (INR 7 lakhs) |
Future Trends in Mechanical Engineering
With technology advancing in leaps and bounds, the field of mechanical engineering is always in flux. Currently, some very exciting developments are taking place in the field, including:
- 3D Printing: This is a lengthy procedure that entails using CAD software to create a model of an object. The 3D printing process, also known as Additive Manufacturing, involves slicing the designed object into ultra-thin layers and then transferring them to a 3D printer to be printed in the form of a formation of fine plastic layers, each bonded to the previous layer. The introduction of 3D printing has resulted in some enormous advancements, such as artwork for the blind, prosthetic limbs, and so on.
- The Internet of Things (IOT): IOT is a system of interconnected computing machines with unique identifiers that can transfer data over networks without the need for any human-to-computer or human-to-human interactions. When given an IP address, any system of machines can become part of the Internet of Things.
- Electric Vehicles: One of the world’s top priorities today is sustainable development, and the introduction of electric vehicles has been a huge step in that direction. Mechanical engineers have spent decades perfecting the performance, safety, and quality of automobiles, but electric vehicles are about to change the way these engineers work.
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Important Books Required
Mechanical Engineering textbooks can be used for academic as well as competitive exams. We’ll look at a list of books you should read while pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or studying for competitive exams:
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design – Richard G. Budynas, J Keith Nisbett |
Marks’ Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers- Eugene A. Avallone, Theodore Baumeister, and Ali Sadegh |
Modelling, Analysis, and Control of Dynamic Systems- William J. Palm |
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics- Claus Borgnakke and Richard E. Sonntag |
PhD Mechanical Engineering: A Comparison among Institutes
In India, there are numerous colleges that offer PhD mechanical engineering programs. The following is a comparison of the top three colleges based on various criteria:
Institute Name | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | NIT Trichy, Tiruchirapalli | Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani |
---|---|---|---|
Highlight | Indian Institute of Technology is unquestionably one of India’s best universities. The institute is divided into several departments and offers a wide range of courses to its students. | NIT Trichy is one of India’s best NITs. Students can choose from ten bachelor’s degree programs and 28 master’s degree programs. The college offers excellent job placement services. | BITS Pilani is one of India’s most prestigious private colleges. It focuses on Science, Engineering, and Management courses. There are no reservations accepted at the Institute. |
Place | Chennai | Tiruchirapalli | Rajasthan |
Ranking by NIRF | 1 | 9 | 30 |
Average Fees for the first year | INR 19,670 | INR 85,000 | INR 1,10,125 |
Eligibility Criteria | Minimum 6.5 CGPA in masters | Minimum 60% in masters | Minimum 50% in masters |
Process of Admission | Entrance test and interview | Entrance test and interview | Entrance test |
Average CTC | INR 12.79 LPA | INR 7 LPA | INR 6-7 LPA |
Top Employment Firms | Amazon, Cisco, Citi Bank, IBM, Facebook, Accenture. | Cognizant, Citrix, Bosch, Mu Sigma, NTPC. | Adobe, Amazon, IBM Genpact, Flipkart, Facebook. |
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Top Job Profiles
PhD Mechanical Engineering students always seem to be interested in a wide range of career opportunities.
Students will be exposed to a variety of opportunities after successfully completing their course.
The students will be taught a wide range of topics throughout the course that will help them secure jobs as mechanical engineers.
The following are some of the most popular job titles for such professionals:
Profile of Job | Description of Job | Average Salary (Annually) |
---|---|---|
Junior Engineers | They may find work in power plants, manufacturing companies, and other places. | INR 2 to 5 LPA |
Executive engineers | As a technician, they perform groundwork in a variety of engineering-related industries. | INR 15 to 17 LPA |
Mechanical Design Engineer | They test a variety of mechanical systems for use in research. | INR 3 to 6 LPA |
Research Scientist | They are in charge of conducting research in a variety of mechanical engineering fields. | INR 5 to 8 LPA |
Lecturer | They work in educational institutions, where they teach students about mechanical engineering topics. | INR 9 to 11 LPA |
Some other important employment areas and opportunities.
- researcher,
- Junior engineer, assistant engineer
- Colleges and universities
- chemical, electronic, steel plants.
- power plants, etc.
- executive engineer, mechanical engineer
PhD Mechanical Engineering: Benefits and Scope
PhD Mechanical Engineering is quite a prosperous course. Some important features of the course are mentioned below:
- An analytical approach is used in the Mechanical Engineering course. It will enable students to think about a variety of practical problems and come up with technical solutions. They might come up with novel solutions to the problems.
- Students are able to successfully design machines based on user requirements after completing the course. They combine all of their creativity to build something new for the world.
- PhD Mechanical Engineering students have excellent job prospects. They may work in industries such as power plants, chemical plants, and manufacturing firms, among others. They can also choose to work in other fields of engineering.
- At various companies, students can work as a junior engineer, assistant engineer, or executive engineer. They could also conduct research in mechanical engineering-related fields. They could work in research labs or for other companies.
- Students can also become lecturers, passing on their knowledge to others. PhD Mechanical Engineering students earn an average salary of INR 3.37 LPA. With experience, the salary will rise.
- PhD holders in the field of mechanical engineering have numerous job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. They can work for companies like Larson and Turbo, which specialize in mechanical engineering. Every year, government companies such as BHEL, SAIL, and others hire a large number of candidates.
- The option of teaching is always available to interested candidates. They can work as professors in any university and earn well. They are free to start their tuition classes.
- Mechanical engineers have a wide range of career options in India and abroad, with opportunities in almost every industry. Mechanical engineering graduates can work in fields such as aerospace, chemical manufacturing, automobiles, research and development, oil exploration, railway factories, and many others.
- As a result of recent technological advancements, mechanical engineers’ expertise and skills are increasingly sought after in more technology-specific domains such as nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, and energy conservation, among others.
- Mechanical engineering careers are expected to grow dramatically over the next few years, surpassing many other professions to become one of the highest-paying professions.
FAQs
Your expected salary is approximately 3.37 LPA.
Yes, general science students can pursue a PhD in mechanical engineering as well. They must, however, meet the eligibility requirements.
The average annual tuition fee ranges from INR 96,000 to INR 3,16,000 in India.
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and NIT, Trichy are some of the best colleges/universities.
Candidates must have a minimum of 50% to 60% in their post-graduate course to be considered.
After the entrance exam, some colleges, such as the top IITs, conduct an interview. Only those students who pass the interview are eligible to enroll.
A number of well-known universities administer entrance exams for PhD programs. The NET UGC is the most popular PhD entrance exam.
Junior Engineer, Executive Engineer, Researcher, Lecturer/Professor, and others are common job profiles.
A PhD in Mechanical Engineering takes about 3-5 years to complete.
You can choose to teach at colleges and universities if you want to pursue an academic career. In addition, you can conduct research in a variety of fields. Students can apply for jobs in both the public and private sectors.
Yes, PhD Mechanical Engineering is a very financially rewarding course, and you will have a plethora of career options in this field.
Mechanical engineering is not a dying field; mechanical engineers are still in high demand. Mechanical engineers will always be in demand as long as humans require machines and other complex systems. In fact, it’s safe to predict that it will expand rapidly and branch out into even more branches.
Mechanical engineering’s future scope and demand in industry appear to be bright. According to a report published in 2016 by the global consulting firm Deloitte, India’s manufacturing sector is expected to expand dramatically in the coming years.
A PhD in Mechanical Engineering can lead to a variety of career opportunities. During the four years it takes to earn a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, candidates will conduct their own original research on a specific topic, which must culminate in a publishable dissertation.
Doctor of Philosophy is abbreviated as PhD. This is an academic or professional degree that qualifies the holder to teach their chosen subject at the university level or work in a specialized position in their chosen field in most countries.
There are numerous companies and PhD engineers to choose from. So it is debatable. In positions that do not require independent research, most companies do not require a PhD. A PhD is generally advantageous when it comes to research positions.
There are numerous companies and PhD engineers to choose from. So it is debatable. In positions that do not require independent research, most companies do not require a PhD. A PhD is generally advantageous when it comes to research positions.
No. They don’t have any. If you’re sponsored by an organisation such as a company or an educational institute, you may be able to keep your job while working on your research, assuming they have such programs or are willing to fund original research.