PhD Physics - Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Scope, Salary

  • Posted 3 weeks ago

Mohit Dhulia

A PhD in Physics is a full-time research program that lasts three to five years and instructs or expands on research knowledge and skills. The PhD Physics program consists of research-based topics that are applied in the classroom. Quantum Optics and Laser Physics, Matter Physics, Solid State Physics, and Materials Science, High Energy Physics, Nonlinear Optics, and Electronic Science are among the topics covered in the course. Applied physics, nano-physics, advanced thermodynamics, chemical thermodynamics, solid-state physics, and kinetics are among the topics covered in the doctoral program. This course is offered by a number of colleges and universities in India. The PhD physics course is beneficial in a variety of fields.

After completion, candidates will have a plethora of career options. Physics Professor, physicist, research scientist, biophysicist, natural science administrator, petroleum engineer, researcher, specialist, nano-technologist, and others are some of the most common job titles.


PhD Physics: An Overview

Level of CourseDoctorate
Also referred asDoctorate of Philosophy in Physics
Duration of Course3 years
Examination Type of ExaminationSemester System
Eligibility CriteriaPost-graduation
Process of AdmissionEntrance Based & Merit Based
Fee for CourseINR 2,000 to 6 lakhs
Average Salary
Per Annum
INR 2 – 20 LPA
Top HiresITM Group of Institutes, Amity University, Manipal University, Physical Research Laboratory, Solid State Physics Laboratory, IISC Bangalore, IIIT Hyderabad, UBS, Amazon, Indian Institute of Science, Physical Research Laboratory PRL Thaltej Campus, etc. CSIR-National Physical Laboratory of India, ITM Group of Institutes, Amity University, Manipal University, Physical Research Laboratory, Solid State Physics Laboratory, IISC Bangalore, IIIT Hyderabad, UBS, Amazon, Indian Institute of Science, Physical Research Laboratory PRL
Positions of JobAuthor & Writer, Journalist, Human Services Worker,  Philosophical Journalist, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Independent Consultant, Editor & Critic, Senior Research Scientist, etc. Researcher, Physicist,Author & Writer, Journalist, Scientist, Editor & Critic, Human Services Worker, Philosophical Journalist, Lecturer & Professor,  Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Senior Research Scientist,  Independent Consultant,etc.

Relevant Links
Ph.D. (computer Science) Ph.D. (mathematics) Ph.D. (biotechnology)
Ph.D. (zoology) Ph.D. (botany) Ph.D.

PhD Physics Eligibility Criteria

The following are the eligibility criteria for the PhD in physics:

  • Candidates for admission to the PhD program in physics should have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a master’s degree in physics or material science with a required aggregate score of 60%.
  • A minimum of 60 percent of the overall aggregate or equivalent CGPA is required (reduced to 55 percent or equivalent CGPA for SC/ST).
  • Various colleges hold entrance exams such as the CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC, JEST, and others, which are followed by a personal interview.

PhD Physics Focus Areas

Read the points below to know what PhD Physics is all about:

  • The PhD Physics program prepares students to be researchers and subject material experts in any field of their choice, as well as to pursue careers in a variety of fields.
  • The PhD Physics program prepares you for advanced study in physics, with a focus on subject areas such as atomic and condensed matter physics, laser physics, and particle physics, among others.
  • Part-time degrees are no longer recognized by the UGC, so the PhD Physics program can only be pursued full-time. However, if the guidelines are followed correctly, an IGNOU distance degree can be obtained.
  • For students interested in working in this field, the PhD Physics program lasts three years.
  • Candidates with a PhD in Physics can work in the educational, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and research fields, among other fields.
  • Good research conducting skills, collaborative findings, analytical skills, and other skills are essential for pursuing a PhD.
  • PhD Physics will teach you how to conduct research in the business or academic world.
  • This course will help students gain a better understanding of natural laws in optics, classical and quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, astronomy and astrophysics, biomedical physics, and other fields.

PhD Physics Admission Procedure

The PhD Physics admissions process is based on entrance exams such as the CSIR/UGC-JRF, JEST/GATE, and others. Personal interviews will be used to narrow down the qualified candidates.

Some institutes also offer direct admission to students based on merit, with a minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s Degree and a 60 percent aggregate score.

The steps to remember when trying to apply for a PhD in Physics are as follows:

Step 1: Fill out the required information on the college admission portal, such as your name, phone number, and email address.
Step 2: Log in with the credentials that were generated. Fill out the online application form with personal and academic information such as Gender, Address, Subject, Marks, and so on.
Step 3: Scan and upload the required documents, such as a photograph, signature, mark sheet, certificates, and so on. Scanned copies should be in the format and size requested.
Step 4: Pay the application fee that the college specifies. The candidate will receive a registration confirmation after making a successful payment.
Step 5: Applicants should save and print the online application for future use.


PhD Physics: Preparation Plan

  • One of the most extensive competitive exams for research positions is the PhD entrance exam. Candidates should calculate how much time and days they will need to prepare thoroughly.
  • Concepts in engineering, science, and mathematics should be thoroughly studied. Quantitative ability, general ability, engineering, statistics, and other topics will be discussed. Candidates should divide their time between subjects and topics.
  • To learn the exam pattern, aspirants should solve sample papers and take numerous mock tests and model tests. Candidates will have a better understanding of the exam pattern, which will save them a huge amount of time during the exam.
  • Aspirants should learn to effectively manage their time so that they can answer 65 questions in about three hours and receive a total of 100 points. Candidates should practice using shortcuts for mathematical questions in order to save time during revision.
  • Examine the different material available for Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Engineering to get a sense of the questions from the previous years.
  • To gain admission to a top institute, you must achieve exceptional grades and performance in your Bachelor’s degree as well as the required entrance exams. The better your grades, the more likely you are to be accepted into a prestigious PhD physics program.
  • Aside from that, the candidate’s performance in the interview must be excellent, as this will be used to make the final decision.
  • Aspirants should also be excellent at conducting research and presenting the results of their research.
  • Always stay informed about course cut-offs, eligibility, key dates, application procedure and fees, and deadlines.
  • Candidates should study for the exam well ahead of time, covering all the required topics such as general attitude, engineering, and so on.

PhD Physics: Important Entrance Exams

  • CSIR UGC NET 2020: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts a national-level Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship test in June for PhD admission to various institutes.
  • UGC NET 2020: This is a test for Junior Research Fellowships and Assistant Professorships that will be held after July for admission to PhD programmes.
  • GATE 2020: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level exam that assesses a student’s overall understanding of a variety of undergraduate engineering and science subjects. In February 2020, it was held for admission to various IITs and NITs.
  • IIT JAM 2020: IIT JAM is an annual national online test administered by any of the IITs. It was held on February 9, 2020, for admission to a variety of institutions.
  • JEST 2020: Institutes such as IISc, IISERs, NISER, and others collaborate to conduct the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST). The exam for pursuing a PhD or Integrated PhD course in one of the participating academic institutions is administered by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

PhD Physics: Important Documents Required

  • passing certificate of the last qualifying degree examination.
  • Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
  • Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the university last attended)
  • A character certificate (from the head of the institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree.
  • Research Proposal
  • Documentary proof of the date of birth
  • No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
  • Gap certificate (if applicable)

PhD Physics and PhD Chemistry: Key Differences

Basis of ComparisonPhD PhysicsPhD Chemistry
HighlightAtomic and condensed matter physics, laser physics, particle physics, and other fields are all involved. Graduates will be able to develop theories, mathematical modelling, and other skills.It focuses on the properties, structure, and science of matter, as well as reaction, interaction, composition, and behavior.
Content of CourseKinetics, solid-state physics, chemical thermodynamics, advanced thermodynamics, nano-physics, and applied physics are among the topics covered.It covers topics such as general structure, research methodology, scientific communication, and recent chemistry trends, among others.
Core AreasA doctorate in physics focuses on atomic physics, molecular physics, matter optical physics, geophysics, physics, biophysics, high-energy or particle physics, and astrophysics.PhD chemistry focuses on analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and materials, both organic and inorganic, physical, polymer, or molecular biophysics, theoretical, and so on.
Knowledge FocusIt focuses more on physics methodology.It places a greater emphasis on organic chemistry and biological connections.
Average FeesINR 2 to 5 lakhsINR 2 to 5 lakhs
Duration 3 years 3 years 
Eligibility Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university/board.Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university/board.
Admission ProcessBoth Entrance and Merit-BasedBoth Entrance and Merit-Based
Top CollegesIIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IISc Bangalore, BITS Pilani, etcOsmania University, Punjabi University, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, North Maharashtra University, Loyola College, and others are among the universities and colleges in India.
Average
Annual Salary 
INR 2 to 20 LPAINR 2 to 9.8 LPA
Employment OpportunitiesAuthor & Writer, Journalist, Editor & Critic, Independent Consultant, Philosophical Journalist, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Human Services Worker, Senior Research Scientist, etc. Researcher, Scientist, Physicist, Lecturer & Professor, Author & Writer, Journalist, Human Services Worker, Independent Consultant, Philosophical Journalist, , Editor & Critic, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Senior Research Scientist, etc.Scientist, R and D Manager, Chemical Engineers, Medical Scientists, Environmental Scientists, Staff scientist, chemistry lecturer, professor, faculty, etc.
Recruiting AreasEducational institutes, medical, healthcare, research, finance, consulting, IT, Banking, etc.Chemical Industries, Food Industries, Chemical Research Organizations, etc.
Top Recruiters ITM Group of Institutes, Manipal University, Indian Institute of Science,Physical Research Laboratory,Amity University, Solid State Physics Laboratory, IISC Bangalore, IIIT Hyderabad, UBS, Amazon and so on University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, SPRERI, Sygene, Amity University, Clariant, Intel Corporation and so on

PhD Physics: Distance Course (IGNOU)

According to the UGC, PhD physics distance education is no longer valid. A PhD in Physics from IGNOU, on the other hand, will be accepted. The basic eligibility requirements for PhD Physics Distance Education are that the applicant must have a Master’s Degree from a UGC-accredited university or an equivalent qualification.

The details of the PhD Physics course through IGNOU is mentioned below:

Name of the InstitutePlaceAdmission ProcedureAverage Annual FeesAverage Salary
IGNOUNew DelhiEntrance basedINR 16,800INR 6 LPA

PhD Physics: Average Salary

PhD physics is an excellent specialization for M.Sc. graduates. On average, PhD physics students with very little more than a year of expertise earn around Rs. 50,000 per month. Aspirants can earn up to Rs. 1,00,000 per month. Faculty members can expect to earn around Rs. 5,00,000 per month after five years of experience.

Experience LevelAverage Annual Salary
0 – 1 yearRs. 4,00,000
1 – 3 yearsRs. 8,00,000
Above 5 yearsRs. 12,00,000

PhD Physics Syllabus

The following is a list of some of the fundamental and major PhD physics course materials that every aspirant must study throughout the course.

First Semester Second Semester
Research Methodology and StatisticsPhysics Laboratory
Theoretical PhysicsMathematical Methods
Experimental PhysicsQuantum Mechanics
Numerical Methods and SimulationStatistical Mechanics
Research and Technical CommunicationNumerical Methods and Programming
Third Semester Fourth Semester
ElectrodynamicsAtomic and Molecular Physics
Condensed Matter PhysicsNuclear and Particle Physics
Condensed Matter Physics LabPhD Project
Department Elective Department Elective 
Open Elective Open Elective 

PhD Physics: Top Institutes in India

Some of the top colleges in India providing PhD Physics are:

Institute NamePlaceThe Body of AccreditationAverage Annual Fees
Indian Institute of ScienceBangalore NAAC, UGCINR 35,200
Indian Institute of TechnologyMumbai AICTE, UGCINR 73,000
Indian Institute of TechnologyKanpur UGCINR 64,050
Indian Institute of TechnologyMadras AICTEINR 19,670
Birla Institute of Technology and SciencePilani AICTE, NAACINR 1,10, 125
Loyola CollegeChennai NAACINR 7,200
Christ UniversityBangalore NAAC, UGCINR 35,000
Jadavpur UniversityKolkata NCTE, COA, AICTE, NAAC, UGCINR 2,388
Shiv Nadar UniversityGreater NoidaAICTE, UGCINR 2,10,000
Birla Institute Of TechnologyRanchi PCI, AICTE, NAAC, UGC, NBAINR 75,000

PhD Physics: Important Book Recommendations

Some of the PhD physics books listed below can assist aspirants in gaining a wider and better understanding of the material.

Book NameAuthor’s Name
Concept of PhysicsHC Verma
Problems on General PhysicsIE Irodov
Fundamentals of PhysicsHalliday Resnick and Walker
University PhysicsFrancis W. Sears, Hugh D. Young, Roger Freedman, Mark Zemansky

PhD Physics: Top Institutes

The PhD in Physics is one of India’s most prestigious professional degrees. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best government universities that offer PhD Physics in the table below.

InstitutesFee Structure
JMI New Delhi – Jamia Millia Islamia
IIT Bombay – Indian Institute of Technology
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
IIST Thiruvananthapuram – Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
IIT Madras – Indian Institute of Technology
ICT Mumbai – Institute of Chemical Technology
NIT Trichy – National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli
IIT Delhi – Indian Institute of Technology
University of Hyderabad, HyderabadRs. 52,070
NIT Warangal – National Institute of Technology

PhD Physics: Average Fee

The college administration sets the fees for all PhD Physics programs. Each university determines its own fees, which vary depending on the program. Every university appears to have its own fee structure, which appears to be set by higher education management. Fees at private universities may be higher than at public universities. A PhD in physics could cost anywhere from 50,000 to 5,000 rupees.


PhD Physics: Top Private Institutes in India

PhD physics programs are available at a number of private academic institutions across the country. Prior academic performance and the results of entrance examinations are used to determine admission. The table below lists some of India’s leading private PhD physics institutes.

InstituteStructure of Fee
LPU Jalandhar – Lovely Professional UniversityRs. 240,000
Christ University, Bangalore
REVA University, Bangalore
Techno India University, Kolkata
Manipal University, Jaipur
BITS Pilani – Birla Institute of Technology and Science
CMR University, Bangalore
JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru
Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, GurgaonRs. 450,000
Sharda University, Greater Noida

PhD Physics: A Comparison among Top Institutes

The table drawn below shows the comparison made among the 2 top IITs that offer a PhD in Physics.

Basis of ComparisonIIT Kanpur IIT Bombay 
Highlight Engineering, Science, Management, and Design UG, PG, integrated, and research programs are available at the institute.Under the B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, and PhD programs, the institute offers a variety of specializations.
PlaceKanpur Mumbai 
Ranking by NIRF 2020#4 under Engineering Category #6 under Overall Category#3 under Engineering Category #4 under Overall Category 
Accreditation BodyUGCAICTE, UGC
Average Annual FeesINR 1.73 lakhsINR 1.96 lakhs
Average Salary Per AnnumINR 7.8 LPAINR 20.34 LPA
Top HiresZomato, Yahoo, Microsoft, Uber, Myntra, IBM, Barclays, Accenture, Bharat Petroleum, Flipkart, Yes Bank, ITC Limited, Mahindra Finance, Deloitte, Star labs, EXL, KPIT, Capital One, Ford, TCS, Early Salary, Bosch and so on Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Accenture, Amazon, Qualcomm, Tata Steel, JP Morgan, McKinsey, Analog Devices, TSMC, BYJUS, TATA, L&T, Ramboll, etc.

PhD Physics: Important Skills Required

Those wanting to pursue a PhD in physics must have a diverse skill set in order to fully understand ideas for improving their academic experience. These skills are also important for future employment and a successful career. People can benefit from a PhD in physics by broadening their knowledge and abilities.

Observational SkillsExperimental Skills
Avid LearningProblem Solving Skills
Analytical SkillsTechnical Skills

PhD Physics: Suitable Candidates for the Course

  • They should be able to plan, carry out, and report experiments, as well as use specialized equipment and pay attention to detail.
  • They should be able to solve scientific problems using mathematics, create mathematical models, and understand and present data graphically.
  • Candidates should be able to reason logically, apply analytical skills, and comprehend complex problems.
  • Those who want to improve their educational credentials and give them more weight can do so.

PhD Physics: Top Job Profiles

Graduates of the PhD Physics program have a wide range of career options. They can work in fields such as IT, research, chemical, medical, healthcare, educational, engineering, or research administration, university administration, science reporting, technical management, and marketing, among others.

Graduates can work as scholars, scientists, physicists, lecturer and professor, author and writer, journalist, editor and critic, human resources worker, active consultant, philosophical journalist, industrial R & D lab professional, senior research scientist, and other professions.

Some of the major job profiles associated with the PhD in physics, along with the average salary, are as follows:

Role of JobResponsibilities of JobAverage
Annual Salary
Research ScientistTheir main responsibilities include learning social events, comprehending exploration, development and configuration work, research exploration, and so on.INR 8,49,405
PhysicistTheir main responsibilities include conducting universe studies and formulating scientific theories, assisting product designers and engineers in the development of new scientific equipment, developing software to model data, and publishing scholarly journals describing in detail their research.INR 8,00,000
Physics ProfessorThey help students conduct effective research on their own and ensure that their coursework properly prepares students for employment in their field after graduation.INR 7,99,918
Natural Science ManagersThey devise research and development strategies that are both cost-effective and efficient.INR 8,62,161
Petroleum EngineersThey develop oil and gas extraction plans, assist in the development of new machinery, and work on-site to make sure that all systems are properly installed, among other things.INR 8,08,111

Some other important employment areas are:

  • Oil and Gas Companies
  • Subject Matter Expert
  • Physics Research Labs
  • Lab Supervisor
  • Radiation Protection Centers
  • Researcher and technician
  • Colleges & Universities
  • Energy Companies
  • Teacher and lecturer

PhD Physics: Benefits and Scope

  • Students gain knowledge of the natural laws in fields such as classical, electricity and magnetism, and astrophysics, biomedical physics, quantum mechanics, astronomy, and others, as well as the capacity to perform experiments, develop theories, and mathematical modelling.
  • PhD Physics graduates can work as researchers, scientists, physicists, lecturer and professor, author and writer, journalist, editor and critic, human services worker, independent consultant, philosophical journalist, industrial R & D lab professionals, senior research scientist, and so on.
  • The course is beneficial for those interested in continuing their studies in physics and pursuing a PhD in any specialized field of physics, such as atomic and condensed matter physics, laser physics, particle physics, and so on.
  • Obtaining a PhD in physics necessitates patience and meticulous observation of all aspects of the field chosen.
  • Physicists research the fundamental laws of nature and are frequently involved in experiments as well as the expansion and refinement of theories.
  • In addition to communications, biology, engineering, electronics, geophysics, health, chemistry, and transportation, they use their calculations and theories in other fields as well.

FAQs

What is the difference between a PhD and a master’s degree in physics?

A PhD in Physics is a full-time research program which lasts three to five years and teaches or broadens on research skills and expertise.

What exactly does a PhD in Physics entail?

Physics graduates work in a variety of industries, including education, aerospace and automobile manufacturing, security, government, healthcare, energy, materials, technologies, computation, and information technology.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Physics?

For a PhD in physics, students must obtain a master’s degree in physics from a recognized university.

What are the career opportunities for a physicist with a PhD?

After earning a PhD in physics, you can pursue a variety of careers. Teacher, Senior lecturer, Quality Controller, and Data Analyst are just a few of the professions available.

Is a physics PhD worthwhile?

PhD Physics graduates will be well-positioned to obtain heavy research or physicist  jobs, with an average salary of INR 8 LPA.

What is the scope of a PhD in Physics?

A PhD Physics course familiarizes a student with the basics of physics. Candidates are encouraged to pursue prominent employment options such as Research Scientist, Biophysicist, Environmental Engineering, Physics Faculty, and others after earning a degree in the course.

What is a typical fee and salary for a PhD Physics graduate?

The average course fee for a full-time PhD Physics program ranges from INR 20,000 to 5 lakhs, with an average annual salary of INR 2 to 20 lakhs.

Which is preferable: a PhD in physics or a PhD in chemistry?

PhD physics entails topics such as atomic and condensed matter physics, laser physics, and particle physics, among others. Graduates will be able to develop theories, mathematical modeling, and other skills. It focuses on matter, properties, structure, structure, behavior patterns, reaction, interaction, and change as a science.

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