The Ph.D. program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) is designed to provide an in-depth research experience in various disciplines including Engineering and Technology, Science and Humanities, Medical and Health Sciences, Management, Law, and Agricultural Sciences. A “Ph.D. Scholar” refers to any candidate admitted to the program, either full-time or part-time, to pursue research leading to the award of a Ph.D. degree. The doctoral research process is guided by recognized faculty members who serve as supervisors, and each scholar is assigned a Doctoral Committee (DC) to monitor and support their progress.

Ph.D. scholars at SRMIST are categorized into three types: Full-Time Scholars, who dedicate themselves entirely to research at SRMIST; Part-Time (Internal) Scholars, who are employed at SRMIST and conduct research alongside their professional duties; and Part-Time (External) Scholars, who are employed in recognized research centers outside SRMIST and continue their research either at their workplace or at SRMIST.

To be eligible for the Ph.D. program, candidates must possess a master’s degree (1-year/2-semester after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s or 2-year/4-semester after a 3-year bachelor’s) with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade. Candidates with a 4-year bachelor’s degree must have at least 75% marks or equivalent and must also have qualified in national-level tests such as UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, or CEED.

Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. program with at least 55% marks are also eligible. Relaxations in marks are available for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates as per the applicable norms.

The Ph.D. program has a minimum duration of three years, including coursework, and a maximum duration of six years from the date of admission. Extensions are permissible under certain conditions, with the total period not exceeding eight years, except in cases of female scholars and Persons with Disabilities, where an additional two years may be allowed. However, the total duration for such scholars cannot exceed ten years. If a scholar fails to complete the program within the prescribed time, they may be permitted to re-register and continue their research with the approval of the Doctoral Committee.

The admission process is based on an entrance test and an interview. The entrance test consists of research methodology and subject-specific knowledge, and candidates who score at least 50% in the entrance test are eligible for the interview. The interview assesses the candidate’s research interests, competence, and potential contribution to the field. The selection process also considers the availability of research supervisors and the alignment of the candidate’s interests with the expertise of faculty members. Once selected, candidates are provisionally admitted and assigned a research supervisor.

SRMIST recognizes the importance of skilled and experienced research supervisors. Faculty members holding a Ph.D. and with requisite research experience are eligible to supervise Ph.D. scholars. The supervisor’s role is to guide the scholar’s research and help in the development of their doctoral work. Supervisors from other institutions may be allowed as co-supervisors for interdisciplinary research, but only under specific conditions and with approval from the Vice-Chancellor.

Ph.D. scholars are required to complete coursework as part of their program. The coursework includes a minimum of 12 credits, covering subjects such as Research Methodology, Research and Publication Ethics, and subjects directly related to the research area. Scholars must obtain at least 55% marks in the coursework to continue in the program. Those who fail to meet this requirement will be asked to redo the coursework.

After completing coursework, scholars must pass a comprehensive examination, which may be written and/or oral. The examination assesses the scholar’s overall understanding of their research field. If the scholar’s performance is satisfactory, their provisional registration is confirmed. Scholars are required to present their progress before the Doctoral Committee every six months, and any unsatisfactory progress may lead to corrective measures or cancellation of registration.

Once a scholar has completed the research work and published at least two research papers in peer-reviewed journals, they are eligible to submit their synopsis for review. After synopsis approval, the scholar prepares their thesis and submits it for evaluation. The thesis is evaluated by the supervisor and external examiners, with recommendations for revision or approval. Upon satisfactory evaluation, the scholar is required to defend their thesis in a public viva voce examination. If successful, the Ph.D. degree is awarded.

The publication of the thesis is an essential part of the doctoral process. After the viva voce, scholars submit a final copy of the thesis to SRMIST Archives and INFLIBNET, ensuring the research is accessible to the broader academic community. Papers arising from the thesis may be published, but the complete thesis cannot be published without SRMIST’s approval.

The regulations for the Ph.D. program are subject to periodic review and amendment by the Academic Council of SRMIST, ensuring they remain aligned with evolving academic standards and institutional goals.