A Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology is a doctoral degree program in information technology. It is a graduate-level program with a strong emphasis on research in technology-related fields. PhD IT is a three-year research-based doctoral program in information technology. PhD IT teaches programming, data processing, telecommunications, statistics, analytical problem-solving abilities, Microsoft Office practical working models, data analysis, and information presentation in graphical modalities and schematics, among other skills.
If a PhD graduate wants to work in industry rather than academia, there are a variety of job opportunities available for PhD IT candidates in the non-academic arena. Market Research Analyst, Business Development Manager, Competitive Intelligence Analyst, Product Manager, Software Consultant, Management Consultant, Quantitative Analyst, and others are just a few of the jobs available.
PhD Information Technology: An Overview
In the table below, the major highlights of the PhD IT course are listed.
| Name of the Course | PhD IT |
| Also referred as | Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology |
| Stream of the Course | Engineering |
| Level of Course | Doctorate |
| Duration of Course | 3-5 years |
| Type of Examination | Thesis based |
| Eligibility Criteria | The candidate must have a master’s or post-graduate degree in computer science, data science, information technology, electronics, or business with a minimum of 55 percent overall. |
| Process of Admission | Entrance Based |
| Fee for the Course | INR 40,000 to 4,00,000 |
| Average Annual Salary: | INR 4,00,000 to 20,00,000 |
| Top Employers: | Dell, Hp, Deloitte, Apple, Samsung,Microsoft, Reliance, Nokia, Philips, HCL, TCS, KPMG, Capgemini, ICICI, HDFC etc. |
| Positions of Job: | Data Analyst, Database Designer, Marketing Specialist, Chief Executive, Manager, System Analyst, Researchers, Professor, Lecturer, Coding Expert etc. |
PhD in Information Technology Eligibility
For admission to the PhD IT program, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria listed below.
- The candidate must have earned a minimum of 55 percent in his or her post-graduate or master’s degree in computer science, information technology, electronics, communication, or business.
- The minimum percentage required in the postgraduate degree for admission to the PhD program varies depending on the college and the candidate’s category.
- Scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, and physically handicapped people are given a 5% discount.
- These individuals must sit for common entrance examinations for junior research fellowships, such as GATE JRF, CSIR NET JRF, UGC NET JRF, TIFR, and others, which are administered by national boards or colleges.
PhD Information and Technology Syllabus
The PhD program is a three-year program with exams based on the subjects covered in each paper that must be completed at the end of the program.
| First Paper | Second Paper |
|---|---|
| Theories in IT Research | E-commerce Strategy |
| Sociotechnical Perspective of IT | Managing IT Projects |
| Managing Virtual Systems and Global Information Technology | Information System Analysis and Design |
| Research Management | Data Mining and Business Intelligence |
| Research Methods and Techniques | Statistics |
| Thesis Writing | Communication Skills |
PhD Information and Technology Admission Procedure
For admission to PhD IT programs, the majority of universities use an entrance exam system. However, a few colleges may also conduct a round of personal interviews. Only a few colleges offer merit-based admission. The general admissions procedure is described further down.
- Most colleges accept students who score well on UGC-recognized entrance exams or national level tests such as UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR-NET, and others.
- When applying for merit-based admission, the result is usually announced after the application has been processed and the qualifying exams have been completed.
- Admission is determined by the candidate’s performance on the entrance exam in the case of entrance exams. This is calculated after the entrance exam is completed.
- There will be a personal interview round in both cases for final selection to the PhD IT program. The candidate will have to describe his research proposal to the panel in this round. If the panel approves the candidate, he or she will be admitted to the program.
PhD Information and Technology: Focus Areas
After earning a master’s degree in computer science, electronics and technology, or business, most candidates pursue a PhD in IT.
- It is a branch of engineering that focuses on data science, computer programming, and statistical analytics.
- PhD IT is a three-year program in which the candidate is expected to finish his or her thesis by the end of the program.
- The candidate may, however, apply for an SRF (Senior research fellowship) to extend the period for another two years, giving him or her more time to complete his or her research or specialize further.
- PhD IT focuses on topics such as programming, website management, database management, and so on.
- It is a course that is based on research. As a result, it will entail research in any of the major information technology domains.
- This course is for candidates who want to work as a data analyst, a coding specialist, a management consultant, or who want to start their own company as an executive or join management positions in top-tier firms.
PhD Information and Technology: Suitable Candidates
- They should be able to understand how natural resources like raw materials, energy, and ecosystems are used to support modern society.
- They should be detail-oriented and have a sharp, analytical, and practical mind.
- Applicants must have strong technical design skills and be able to conceptualize structures. To use design, they must be computer literate.
PhD Information and Technology: Important Entrance Exams
The following are some of the most popular entrance exams for admission to PhD IT programs:
- The National Testing Agency administers a national entrance exam to select candidates for PhD programs, JRF positions, and faculty positions in colleges and universities. It usually takes place twice a year, once in December and again in May-June.
- CSIR-UGC-NET: The National Testing Agency also administers this national entrance exam. The primary goal of this exam is to select candidates for junior research fellowships and lectureships at prestigious science and technology colleges in India, including the IITs. This test takes place twice a year.
PhD Information and Technology: Preparation Plan
The following are some of the most important tips for effectively preparing for the PhD IT Entrance exam.
- At least one month before the exam date, try to finish the entire syllabus of the entrance exam. This will ensure that you have plenty of time to revise.
- Make sure to go over the syllabus and important topics to cover thoroughly to ensure that nothing is missed.
- As many sample papers as possible will help you. In the exam environment, try to solve them within a set time limit.
- Check and record your scores after completing the sample papers. This will assist you in keeping track of your daily progress and identifying areas in which you need to improve.
- Read newspapers on a daily basis to improve your general knowledge score.
- Candidates must correctly complete the application form, as an incorrect application may result in the candidate’s application being cancelled.
- Candidates must strive for high scores on entrance exams, as top colleges typically have cutoffs of more than 90%.
- Keep up with the latest information technology trends so you can easily impress the interviewers.
- Work hard on your research idea so that you can properly explain it.
- Work on your communication skills because they will help you pass the personal interview round.
PhD Information and Technology: Top Institutes
In the table below, the top colleges for PhD in IT are listed.
| Ranking by NIRF | Institute Name | Place | Process of Admission | Average Fees (Annually) | Average Salary Per Annum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | Chennai | Entrance Exam Based | INR 19,670 | INR 18,68,000 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | Bangalore | Entrance Exam Based | INR 35,200 | INR 15,00,000 |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology | Delhi | Through GATE | INR 42,000 | INR 16,00,000 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Technology | Bombay | Entrance Exam Based | INR 73,000 | INR 20,34,000 |
| 8 | Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi | Delhi | Entrance Exam Based | INR 1,391 | INR 12,00,000 |
| 15 | University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Entrance Exam Based | INR 11,210 | INR 9,00,000 |
| 18 | Delhi University | Delhi | Entrance Exam Based | INR 25,000 | INR 12,50,000 |
| 33 | National Institute of Technology | Surathkal | Entrance Exam Based | INR 69,505 | INR 22,00,000 |
| 46 | National Institute of Technology | Warangal | Entrance Exam Based | INR 47,000 | INR 12,15,000 |
| 63 | Amity University | Noida | Entrance Exam Based | INR 1,00,000 | INR 4,50,000 |
PhD Information and Technology: Important Documents Required
- A 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)
- passing/degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination.
- Research Proposal
- Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
- Documentary proof of the date of birth
- Gap certificate (if applicable)
- 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.
PhD Information and Technology: A Comparison between Institutes
The top two colleges in India that offer PhD IT programs are compared below based on factors such as ranking, fees, and salary.
| Basis of Comparison | IIT Madras | IISc Bangalore |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight | Our country’s premier technical institution is the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. According to multiple ranking agencies, including NIRF, it is currently the best educational institution in the country. It focuses on providing high-quality engineering and technical courses, but it also offers students management and social science courses. | In India, the Indian Institute of Sciences in Bangalore is the best place to study research-based Basic Science courses. It offers one-of-a-kind courses in basic science and engineering subjects, with a strong emphasis on research-based and hands-on learning from the start. Multiple agencies consistently rank it among the top three best educational institutions in the country. |
| Place | Chennai | Bangalore |
| Ranking by NIRF | 1 | 2 |
| Process of Admission | Entrance Based | Entrance Based |
| Average Fees (Annually) | INR 19,670 | INR 35,200 |
| Average Salary Per Annum | INR 18,68,000 | INR 15,00,000 |
| Top Employers | Intel, Microsoft, TCS, Mastercard, Flipkart, Axis Bank, etc. | Adobe, Lanco, Siemens, LAVA, ERA, Tech Mahindra, etc. |
PhD in Information and Technology: Institutes Ranked by NIRF
| Ranking by NIRF | Institute Name | Place | Process of Admission | Average Fees (Annually) | Average Salary Per Annum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | Chennai | Entrance Exam Based | INR 19,670 | INR 18,68,000 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | Bangalore | Entrance Exam Based | INR 35,200 | INR 15,00,000 |
| 8 | Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi | Delhi | Entrance Exam Based | INR 1,391 | INR 12,00,000 |
| 15 | University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Entrance Exam Based | INR 11,210 | INR 9,00,000 |
| 18 | Delhi University | Delhi | Entrance Exam Based | INR 25,000 | INR 12,50,000 |
PhD IT and PhD Computer Science: Key Differences
In the field of computer science engineering, two important doctoral courses are PhD IT and PhD Computer Science. In the table below, the two courses are compared.
| Basis of Comparison | PhD IT | PhD Computer Science |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight | The PhD IT program covers all aspects of the field of information technology. It covers topics such as data analysis, database management, and operating systems, among others. | PhD Computer Science encompasses all aspects of computer science, including data science and information technology. It also includes Computer Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security, among other things. |
| Process of Admission | Entrance Based | Entrance Based |
| Criteria for Eligibility | The candidate must have a master’s or post-graduate degree in computer science, data science, information technology, electronics, or business with a minimum of 55 percent overall. | The candidate must have a master’s or post-graduate degree in computer science, data science, information technology, electronics, or business with a minimum of 55 percent overall. |
| Average Fees (Annually) | INR 40,000 to 4,00,000 | INR 31,810 to 3,34,000 |
| Average Salary Per Annum | INR 4,00,000 to 20,00,000 | INR 4,00,000 to 15,00,000 |
| Positions of Job | Data Analyst, Database Designer, Chief Executive, Manager, System Analyst, Marketing Specialist,Researchers, Professor, Lecturer, Coding Expert etc. | Website Designer, Data Analyst, Testing Engineer, Front End Developer, Software Developer,Back End Developer, Etc. |
| Top Employers | Dell, Hp, Deloitte, Apple, Samsung, Reliance, Nokia, Philips, HCL, TCS, Microsoft,KPMG, Capgemini, ICICI, HDFC etc. | Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Flipkart, Accenture, Infosys, Dell, Apple, Google, Capgemini, TCS, Wipro, Intel, etc. |
PhD Information and Technology: Top Job Profiles
The following sections discuss the various job opportunities available to PhD IT candidates.
- Any candidate who has completed a PhD in information technology is eligible to work as a lecturer or professor at any reputable university or institute.
- This course entices the candidate’s interest in conducting extensive research and, as a result, becoming a data scientist.
- PhD IT candidates can find work at a variety of multinational corporations, banks, insurance companies, major corporations, startups, and government and private sector firms.
- Apple, Samsung, Reliance, Nokia, HCL, HP, Dell, Microsoft, Deloitte, TCS, Capgemini, and other industries such as Wipro, KPMG, Philips, Whirlpool, Hindustan, Indian Oil, Infosys, PwC, EY, Goldman Sachs, and others are among the top software companies and brands.
- Apart from that, banks such as HDFC and ICICI recruit PhD IT candidates from all of India’s major universities.
- Salary expectations differ depending on the recruiter’s position and the employee’s job profile. However, the initial salary could range from INR 4,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 per annum on average.
The following are some of the most popular job profiles.
| Positions of Job | Description of Job | Average Salary Per Annum |
|---|---|---|
| Professor/Lecturer | A professor or lecturer is primarily responsible for imparting basic information technology knowledge and problem-solving concepts to the younger generation of computer science and technology enthusiasts. They are also in charge of invigilating and formulating questions for examinations. | INR 5,00,000 |
| Data Analyst | Data analysts are experts tasked with gathering existing data, reorganizing it systematically, correlating it with previously collected data, and deriving logical solutions in mathematical format in order to produce a final generalized report and the necessary plan of action to improve future statistical plans and sales. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Project Manager | Project managers have the traditional job of coordinating the work of their subordinates, drawing up a project plan, organizing meetings, allocating work, and so on, in order to achieve the best results possible. | INR 7,00,000 |
| Intelligence Expert | The company’s AI projects are overseen by the Intelligence expert, who also provides advice on how to improve their performance. | INR 8,00,000 |
| Database Designer | The Database Designer is in charge of creating and designing databases, as well as uploading, downloading, mining, and protecting the data. | INR 5,00,000 |
| System Administrator | In any IT company, the system administrator is a critical position. System administrators are in charge of monitoring and maintaining the performance of an IT service’s main systems. | INR 6,50,000 |
| Testing Engineer | The testing engineer is in charge of testing the software and its performance, as well as the codes that go with it. | INR 5,50,000 |
Some other important areas of employment are
- Systems Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- A Computer Games Developer
- Data Communications Specialist
- Database Manager
- Electronic Commerce Developers
- Colleges & Universities
- Network Manager
- Network Administrator
- programmer
- KuVi Innovations Pvt. Ltd.-Bangalore
- InsideView, Inc.-Hyderabad
- Siemens India-New Delhi
- Systems Manager
- A Computer Systems Engineer
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise-Bangalore
- Librarian
PhD in Information and Technology: Benefits and Scope
There are numerous advantages to enrolling in a PhD IT program, some of which are discussed below.
- Students who have completed their undergraduate and postgraduate studies in information technology may apply for a PhD in order to become experts in the field and enter the field of research.
- People interested in becoming professors at major universities around the world or working for engineering institutions such as BITS, IIT, IIIT, and others across the country should strongly consider pursuing a PhD in IT.
- This degree is for candidates who want to work for top software companies such as Dell, HP, Samsung, Apple, Deloitte, Microsoft, HCL, and others.
- Candidates interested in working for Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Accenture, angel broking, Indian Oil, Deutsche, HDFC, Bajaj, TCS, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, Whirlpool, Mediatek, Toshiba, and other government sector industries, banks, and insurance companies should consider pursuing a PhD in IT.
- Although the average starting salary varies depending on the company’s norms and protocols, it typically ranges from 4,00,000 INR to 20,00,000 INR and is subject to change based on how well the candidate executes his or her own work and the employee’s job satisfaction.
- Candidates who earn a PhD in information technology will have a bright future ahead of them. They can choose from a variety of teaching fields, both private and public.
- They may also be able to work as principals in private schools after earning their doctorate.
- They can also run their own schools and coaching centers.
FAQs
Both courses have their own set of requirements, but jobs for PhD IT and PhD Computer Science candidates are almost identical in terms of pay.
It depends on the college’s criteria, but in most cases, it is not required. Candidates with prior research experience, on the other hand, are always given preference when it comes to admission.
Most IITs accept students for PhD IT programs either through the GATE exam or through their own entrance exams.
PhD IT tuition fees in private colleges range from INR 15,180 to a maximum of INR 7,50,000 per annum.
The fee structure in government-run or public-sector colleges ranges from a minimum of INR 23,000 to a maximum of INR 3,59,000 per year.
The average initial stipend received by any IT specialist after completing a PhD in IT program is between INR 4,00,000 and INR 20,00,000 per year, which is subject to changes as deemed by the employer, as well as the employee’s work efficiency and years of experience.
To be eligible for a PhD in Information Technology, a candidate must have completed a master’s degree or post-graduate work in the fields of computer science, information technology and communications, machine learning, data science, or business with a minimum aggregate of 55 percent or higher for general category students. Candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes are given a 5% discount.
