Part-time PhD in Computer Science India

If you wish to pursue a part-time PhD in computer science in India, you are at the right place. We offer all the information about obtaining a part-time PhD in computer science in India, including the eligibility criteria, benefits, fees, admission process, entrance exams and the top universities/ colleges in India.

Computer Science is one of the subjects that always keep on evolving. The growth of computer science is evident in all aspects of our lives, especially in the last few years. It is a field that keeps on growing in all corners, and with its growth, it increases the demand for computer science experts, especially those who hold a PhD in computer science. In today’s world, we are surrounded by computers everywhere. With the advent of big data, automation, machine learning & artificial intelligence, the sheer number of computers around us will keep on growing. As a result, many people have tapped into the sector of computer science and made vast sums of money.

It is also the field that employs the highest number of people in the organized sector, and the number will keep on increasing. Soon, it is expected that the demand for computer science employees will rise 20% to 25% on a year-on-year basis. This implies that the current time is best for obtaining a PhD in computer science.

More About Part-time PhD in Computer Science India

The highest university qualification that you can obtain in computer science is a PhD in computer science. It is a research-oriented academic doctoral degree that can be obtained in three to five years. However, the duration varies because it depends on the academic rigor of the candidate, i.e., how fast he/ she can finish the academic research and doctoral thesis.

PhD in Computer Science in India can be pursued in two formats – either a part-time PhD in computer science or a full-time PhD in computer science. Over here, we will discuss all the aspects of a part-time PhD in computer science in India.

As it is a doctoral course, it requires the candidates to perform individual academic research in the field of computer science with the guidance of a research supervisor. As it is an emerging field, you will find several research areas that you can pick to stand out from the crowd. Some of the best universities/ colleges in India are offered the course, and you can easily pursue it in a part-time format. During your course, you will have to document all your work, findings, data, analysis, implications, and conclusions based on your research in your doctoral thesis. You will submit the doctoral thesis to the university/ college at the end of the course and defend research work in front of an academic panel called the ‘Open Defence’ in India.

If you are a working individual and want to pursue a PhD in computer science without quitting your job, a part-time PhD in computer science is your best option.

In a part-time PhD, students can keep working at their organizations and at the same time obtain their PhD. Classes are generally conducted 2 to 3 days a week, mostly on weekends. The process, structure and duration remain similar to a full-time PhD. The examinations are not as frequent as a full-time PhD, but you have to clear all your credited subjects in a given timeframe depending on the college/ university.

A part-time PhD in computer science is also sought-after by teachers and professors who want to climb the academic ladder. So, along with teaching at their colleges/ universities, they obtain a part-time PhD in computer science. This helps them to earn a higher salary and also get promoted to higher teaching profiles.

The short answer is yes. A part-time PhD in computer science is as good as a full-time PhD in computer science. In some sense, it is even better because you get the chance to increase your work experience while you are pursuing your PhD.

Many people think that a part-time PhD is not as valuable as a full-time PhD, but it is incorrect. The University Grants Commission (UGC) recognizes both modes of PhD equally, i.e., both full-time PhDs and part-time PhDs are considered equal and valid by the UGC. Also, if your research work is good and it is published in international journals, the mode of study of your PhD won’t matter.

So, if you are working somewhere and want to pursue a PhD in computer science, it is highly advised that you opt for a part-time PhD in computer science. Then, you will be able to work and study simultaneously.

A few of the benefits/ advantages of pursuing a part-time PhD in computer science are mentioned below:

• It will increase your educational value as well as your industrial value.
• You will gain in-depth knowledge about various fields in computer science.
• You can easily enter the development sector after obtaining a PhD in computer science.
• You will get the ‘Dr’ prefix before your name, which is quite a big deal in India.
• You will have ample chances and opportunities to work with industry professionals and academic experts.
• If you dream to work at research laboratories like ISRO, DRDO, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and others, a PhD in computer science will surely help you.
• You can also be selected to work as a technical consultant or technical advisor in various government organisations.

Top Universities for PhD Computer Science in India

With the exponential growth in the demand for computer science experts in various sectors, several universities/ colleges across India offer a part-time PhD in computer science. Some of them are mentioned below:

• IITs (Indian Institute of Technology).
• NITs (National Institute of Technology).
• IIITs (Indian Institute of Information Technology).
• Delhi Technological University (DTU).
• Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi.
• Christ University, Bangalore.
• University College of Engineering, Hyderabad.
• Indian Institute of Engineering Science& Technology (IIEST), Kolkata (Previously Bengal Engineering & Science University).
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata.
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

Mentioned below are some of the most sought-after research areas in the field of computer science:

• Artificial Intelligence.
• Machine Learning.
• Neural Networks.
• Programming Languages – Python, R, Java, etc.
• Nanotechnology.
• Digital Electronics.
• Software Development.
• Quantum Computing.
• Electronic Circuitry.
• Fuzzy Logic.

The tuition fee for pursuing a part-time PhD in computer science depends on the university/ college. The fee is highly varying and generally ranges between INR 10,000 to INR 1,50,000 annually. Government colleges/ universities tend to have lower fees as compared to private colleges/universities.

You have to satisfy the eligibility requirements mentioned below to secure a seat for pursuing a part-time PhD in computer science in India.

• Graduation – A valid and full-time graduation (bachelor’s) degree obtained from a government-recognized college/ university is a must.
• Post-Graduation – A valid and full-time PG (master’s) degree like MSc/ MTech/ MCA/ MBA/ MPhil is required to apply for a part-time PhD in computer science. It should have pursued in a discipline relevant to computer science from a government recognized university/ college.
• Marks in Post-Graduation– An overall score of 55% in PG is required to apply for a part-time PhD in computer science. In SC/ ST/ OBC candidates, the minimum necessary score gets relaxed to either 50% or 45%, depending on the university/ college.
• PhD Entrance Tests – You need to clear a PhD entrance test required by the college/ university.
• Full-time Employment – To pursue a part-time PhD in computer science, you will have to be a full-time employee at any organization. If you don’t hold valid employment, you will not be allowed to pursue a part-time PhD.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) – You have to furnish a NOC from the organization currently employed. It needs to state that the organisation has allowed you to pursue a part-time PhD while working there.

The admission process for a part-time PhD in computer science is mentioned below:

• Step 1 – Visit the official website of the university/ college to get the admission details and eligibility requirements.
• Step 2 – In case you meet the eligibility requirements, apply from the official website by filling the online application form.
• Step 3 – Make sure you furnish all the required documents and information. In case of any mismatch, your admission might stand cancelled.
• Step 4–Sit for the required PhD entrance test and make sure that you clear it.
• Step 5 – After clearing the PhD entrance exam, the university will call you for an academic interview at the university/ college. Your combined performance for the entrance test and interview will be the basis of your admission.
• Step 6 – If you are admitted, the university/ college will inform you or publish a merit list. Keep checking regularly.

• UGC NET.
• UGC JRF.
• GATE.
• SET/ SLET.

After obtaining a PhD in computer science, your salary will surely increase in your current organisation. In case of a fresh pass-out, you will receive an average monthly salary in the range of INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000. A few of the job profiles for individuals who hold a part-time PhD in computer science are mentioned below:

• Software Developer.
• University/ College Professor.
• Information Research Scientist.
• Data Modeler.
• Data Analyst.
• Security Architect.
• Computer Data Researcher & Analyst.
• Technical Consultant.
• Technical Advisor.

We hope you liked this article about Part-time PhD in computer science in India. If you have any suggestions or feedback about Computer Science PhD part-time or full-time programs, please contact us.