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Are master's degrees from IGNOU acceptable for admission into Ph.D courses in top universities?
Yes, IGNOU is UGC approved, so masters degrees from IGNOU are acceptable for Ph.D. courses in top universities.
But to get admission you will have to meet the other eligibility criteria as well. The university will check your marks, rank, average, and age. As IGNOU is an open university, there is no age bar for learning any degree.
Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?
Recently, UGC stated that only Full-time Phd courses will be Valid and distance PhD is no more valid. The new full-time Ph.D. course will be delivered through the New Delhi main Campus of IGNOU. This change in itself has raised the worth and credibility of a Ph.D. from IGNOU. Here are a few Ph.D. programs offered in regular mode by IGNOU
- Ph.D. in Dairy Science and Technology
- Ph.D. in Gender and Development Studies
- Ph.D. in Women's Studies
- Ph.D. in Arabic
- Ph.D. in French
- Ph.D. in Distance Education
- Ph.D. in Translation Studies
Moreover, IGNOU is the largest open university in the world, so the credibility of any degree from here cannot be doubted. What actually matters is the level of effort you put into research in the concerned field. Try to earn your degree and not just get one.
How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?
If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT-M, you might be interested in knowing about the similarities and differences between a regular Ph.D. and a direct Ph.D. Here's what you need to know:
Selection Procedure:
- All Ph.D. candidates, whether applying for a regular or direct Ph.D., have to clear a written exam followed by an interview at the institute.
Coursework:
- A regular Ph.D. scholar has to complete four courses, while a direct Ph.D. candidate has to complete eight courses.
- If you are interested in a dual degree (i.e., MS by research and Ph.D.), you will need to complete two extra courses.
Comprehensive Exam:
- After completing the coursework (usually taking two semesters), every candidate has to undergo a comprehensive exam consisting of a written test and an interview.
- You will have two chances to clear the comprehensive exam.
- If you fail to clear the comprehensive exam, you can still obtain an MS degree and get placed or join the Ph.D. program later.
- The amount and quality of research work by both kinds of Ph.D. candidates are the same.
Financial Assistance:
- A regular Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance once to attend any international conference outside India.
- A direct Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance twice to attend an international conference outside India.
- Both regular and direct Ph.D. candidates can attend any national/international conference within India once every semester with full financial assistance.
Stipend:
- The stipend for regular Ph.D. candidates is up to five years.
- The stipend for direct Ph.D. candidates is up to six years.
Pre-Post Doc Fellowship:
- If you submit your degree within 4.5 years for a regular Ph.D. or 5 years for a direct Ph.D., you are eligible for a pre-postdoc fellowship.
Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?
It’s highly illogical to question why some students in IIT leave high-paying jobs and join graduate schools for Ph.D. This is because some people tend to do whatever makes them happy rather than following the sheep mentality. They don’t consider money as the only source of happiness. And they know that a high-paying job will rob them of mental peace due to a lot of responsibilities they might not even enjoy. So they choose a happier and simpler part which is pursuing a Ph.D.
Another major reason why people may pursue a Ph.D. rather than working at a top company is their strong inclination to words academics, and they may not be satisfied with a bachelor's degree and crave higher studies in the form of PhD. Basically, the reason behind such a decision is subjective and depends solely On the particular individual, and cannot be objectified.
The common reason why people make such a decision is that they have more interest in studies and doing a job would hinder that passion. Doing a Ph.D. gives you opportunities to travel and enjoy life generally. That being said, it's not necessary that a Ph.D. is easy for everyone. It strictly depends upon one’s preferences and capabilities.
What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?
The placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay is generally poor, according to student feedback and departmental elections.
- Ph.D. students typically have very specific knowledge that may not be useful to companies, so they may not be recruited by BTech companies.
- There is no specific body that helps bring companies for Ph.D. students, resulting in a lack of job opportunities for graduates.
- Ph.D. graduates pursue two directions: Professor in a University or a specified job, but finding a job can be difficult without faculty contacts.
The average salary for a Ph.D. student at IIT Bombay ranges from INR 3.4 Lakhs to INR 4.2 Lakhs per year.
How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?
The mentors and research facilities at IITs are much better than at BITS Pilani. However, the passing process is as much more difficult at IITs.
BITS Pilani, on the other hand, is flexible to incorporate the changing scenario and a PhD from BITS Pilani is much more industry relevant.
One of my cousins had a bad experience at BITS Pilani during his Ph.D. in the Mechanical branch. According to him, a large number of Ph.D. students in BITS Pilani drop out because of the intense pressure for producing results. PhD students are burdened with numerous tasks including the evaluation work for B.Tech. The saving grace for Ph.D. at BITS is that under a guide, your Ph.D. will be completed in 3 years like an MS from IIT.
Considering my cousin’s experience, you should consult the alumni at BITS Pilani before choosing the institution for pursuing your Ph.D. Otherwise, BITS Pilani is a reputable institution and its Ph.D. degree will hold great relevance. More so, if you get the right mentors and the right facilities, the name tag of an institution becomes secondary.
What is it like to do M.Tech/Ph.D in IIT Bombay after B.Tech in IIT Bombay?
Many students who have completed their B.Tech + M.Tech (Dual Degree) are now pursuing their PhD from IIT Bombay. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of choosing to do a PhD at IIT Bombay:
Advantages of Choosing IIT:
- Freedom to choose your research topic and approach the problems in your own way.
- Professors generally do not refuse to be your guide if you are a B.Tech from IIT Bombay.
- You can explore other activities apart from academics such as art, music, dance, skating, and electronics hobbyist.
Disadvantages of Choosing IIT:
- Lack of resources compared to outside universities, but this can be worked to your advantage if you are creative.
- Most of the research topics at IITs are on outdated technologies and professors generally guide students to do research in their areas of expertise.
- Lack of competitive environment, as some PhDs are not as competitive as B.Tech students.
Overall, if you enjoy campus life and are not solely focused on pay packages, doing a PhD at IIT Bombay is worth it. You can improve the level of research in IITs by being self-motivated and exploring your interests beyond academics.
How is a PhD in IIT Mandi? Is it good or only a time pass like in most NITs?
A Ph.D. from IIT Mandi is certainly not a time pass. You need to put consistent efforts to keep up with the coursework. IIT Mandi follows a demanding curriculum. Ph.D. students need to maintain a CGPA of 7.5 out of 10. Students need to publish 2 reputed journal papers and various conference papers. They also need to deliver research seminars, It is anything but easy.
IIT Mandi has an excellent faculty base. Most faculty members are alumni of old IITs or universities abroad. So, they expect older IIT-level performance from Ph.D. students.
Which is better, a PhD at Jadavpur University or at IIT Patna?
My friend had options of Ph.D. from JU, IIEST as well as IIT Patna and still chose IIT Patna. She claimed that IIT Patna had a better research culture and the professors get work published in very good journals, A/A* conferences, etc. The professors motivate the students for the same and this aspect attracted him the most. However, your personal preferences also come to play here. So consider the following points
- If you want to complete your Ph.D. quickly, JU will serve you better.
- If you are ready to commit yourself to hard work and increase your publications gradually with your knowledge and time
- IIT Patna students get 2.5lacs per student to go to any conference at a tenure of 5 years.
- If you want to enjoy college life in addition to research work then JU is better. The college ambiance is great with a dynamic city life.
Choose IIT Patna for its research culture and not the IIT tag.
What are all the advantages of doing Ph.d in IIT Madras?
When considering pursuing a Ph.D., it is important to understand the challenges that come with it. However, if you have a passion for research and contributing to the world through your technical knowledge, you can bring about a change. Additionally, pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Madras can offer many financial advantages and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Here are some of the financial advantages of joining the Ph.D. program at IIT Madras:
- Stipend: As a Ph.D. student at IIT Madras, you will receive a stipend of 31,000 INR per month. This stipend is provided to help you cover your living expenses while you focus on your research.
- PMRF Scheme: You can also try for the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) scheme. If you perform well in your first semester, you can apply for lateral entry (or direct entry) and receive a stipend of 70,000 INR per month.
- Financial Benefits for Research Conferences and Publications: You can receive financial benefits of 1.5 to 2 lakhs per annum to attend research conferences and publish your work. This can help you expand your research network and showcase your work to a wider audience.
- Semester Exchange: Semester exchange to top universities across the globe is also possible, subject to your guide's approval. This can provide you with an opportunity to gain exposure to different research environments and cultures.
- Quarters for Married Ph.D. Students: If you are a married Ph.D. student, quarters are provided in the residential area of IIT Madras. This can help you and your spouse live comfortably while pursuing your studies.
- High-Paying Job Opportunities: After completing your Ph.D., any top band industry is ready to pay you thousands of dollars. This is because you would have acquired a specialized set of skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the industry.
- Scientist D Level in Government Organizations: You can also become eligible for entry to the Scientist D level in government research organizations such as ISRO, DRDO, and BARC, provided you have the minimum required experience.
- Teaching Opportunities: Pursuing a Ph.D. can also help you improve your teaching skills. As a Ph.D. student at IIT Madras, you will have the opportunity to teach B.Tech, Dual Degree, M.Tech, and MS students. This can help you gain valuable teaching experience and learn from your students as well.
In conclusion, pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Madras can provide you with many financial advantages and opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you have a passion for research and technical knowledge, a Ph.D. can help you make a positive impact on the world.
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