About This Course

The research-based programmes at CDE offer specialised training through independent study, systematic investigation, and experimental work. Students complete the programme by submitting a thesis based on their original research. These programmes provide excellent opportunities to engage in a dynamic, research-focused environment across various departments.

With advanced infrastructure, expert faculty, and a strong emphasis on innovation, our Ph.D. programmes are designed to produce future-ready scholars and researchers. The University has established global standards in education, training, and research through state-of-the-art facilities and modern teaching methodologies. Its industry-integrated curricula prepare future leaders by blending modernity with tradition, nurturing both professional competence and personal growth.

Campus life is vibrant and enriching, offering students numerous opportunities to reinvent themselves, adapt to new technologies, and develop essential people-management and problem-solving skills. The multicultural environment—with students from across India and more than 15 countries—creates a diverse and globally enriched academic atmosphere.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering encourages motivated and capable Ph.D. aspirants to join BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus and Hyderabad Campus to explore, understand, and solve complex problems in specialised research areas. A part-time Ph.D. option is also available for working professionals from industry and academia.

The department is actively engaged in emerging research domains of societal and national importance. Current research includes advanced materials for improving durability in bioimplants, turbines, and cancer-related applications; innovative energy systems; and biomimetics for developing bright surfaces and robotics. Several faculty members specialise in advanced manufacturing, with emphases on weld-based additive manufacturing, friction stir processing, and microwave-assisted cladding and casting. Both experimental and theoretical research across all mechanical engineering domains is encouraged and well supported. Nearly all faculty members lead sponsored research projects funded by government agencies and industry partners.

In response to the rapid evolution of technology, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT-WPU offers a Ph.D. programme that addresses modern engineering challenges through interdisciplinary research. Faculty and research scholars collaborate on both fundamental and applied projects, supported by strong publication records and numerous granted patents.

Ph.D. scholars complete at least one semester of coursework designed to strengthen foundational research competencies such as hypothesis formulation, research methodology, and the use of advanced analytical tools. Research opportunities span design engineering, materials and manufacturing, thermal engineering, biomedical engineering, robotics and automation, electric vehicle design, battery management systems, and energy engineering.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering prepares students to apply and advance engineering knowledge through industry-focused mechanical and manufacturing research. Key research areas include aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, turbulence, structural mechanics, aerospace engineering, composites, heat transfer, and micro/nano-scale fluid and solid mechanics. Students are supported by experienced supervisors and access to extensive, state-of-the-art research facilities to pursue impactful and independent research projects.

Eligibility

1. General Eligibility

Candidates are eligible to apply for admission to the Ph.D. programme if they have completed:

i) A 1-year/2-semester Master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree,

ii) A 2-year/4-semester Master’s degree programme after a 3-year Bachelor’s degree,

iii) Qualifications declared equivalent to a Master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body,

with at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade (wherever the grading system is followed).

Candidates with equivalent qualifications from foreign educational institutions accredited by authorised agencies may also apply.

2. Direct Admission After 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree (Honours with Research)

Candidates applying after a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s (Honours) degree with Research must have:

Minimum 75% marks in aggregate or
Equivalent grade/CGPA (e.g., 7.5 on a 10-point scale).

3. Relaxation of Marks

A 5% relaxation in minimum marks or equivalent grade may be granted to candidates belonging to:

SC / ST
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
Differently-Abled (PwD)
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
Any other categories as decided by the UGC/Government of India

This applies to both Master’s-level and 4-year Bachelor’s degree applicants.

4. Eligibility Through M.Phil.

Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. programme with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) are also eligible.

Relaxations as above will apply.

5. Entrance Test Requirement

Candidates must qualify the Ph.D. Entrance Test followed by an interview,

Except those who have already qualified:

UGC-NET / UGC-JRF
CSIR-NET / CSIR-JRF
SET / SLET
GATE (valid score)
GPAT (valid score)
Completed M.Phil. (Regular mode only)

Such candidates may directly appear for the interview.

6. Eligibility for Foreign/NRI Applicants

Foreign or NRI applicants with a Master’s degree from a foreign university must submit an AIU Equivalence Certificate along with the online application.

7. Special Requirement for Ph.D. in Agriculture

For Ph.D. in Agriculture programmes, eligibility will be as per ICAR guidelines.

8. Reservation Policy

Reservation benefits apply only to Maharashtra domicile candidates upon submission of valid supporting documents before the interview.

Phd Admission Process

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline with minimum marks as specified by the university (usually 55% or equivalent grade).
Candidates with a 4-year Bachelor’s (Hons) degree with Research may apply with higher academic requirements (usually 75% or equivalent).
Relaxations may be applicable for reserved categories as per university and government regulations.
Candidates with M.Phil., UGC/CSIR NET-JRF, GATE, or GPAT qualifications may be exempted from the entrance test.

2. Application Submission

Application forms are generally released in June.
Submit the form before the specified deadline along with all required documents.
Candidates should regularly check the official website of the university or department for updates.

3. Entrance Examination

Some universities require candidates to appear for a Ph.D. entrance test.
Commonly accepted exams include GATE and UGC/CSIR NET.
Candidates who have qualified these exams or hold M.Phil. degrees may be exempted from the entrance test.

4. Interview / Viva Voce

Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview or viva voce.
During the interview, candidates may be assessed on their research aptitude, technical knowledge, and alignment with faculty research areas.

5. Research Proposal and Supervisor Allocation

Candidates may be required to submit a research proposal.
Supervisors are assigned based on research interests and availability within the Mechanical Engineering department.

6. Final Selection

Selection is based on a combination of:
Academic performance in postgraduate studies
Entrance test score (if applicable)
Interview / viva performance
Availability of research supervisors and facilities

7. Commencement of the Programme

Once selected, candidates are enrolled in the Ph.D. programme and may be required to complete coursework, followed by independent research under a faculty supervisor.

Future Scope

The future of Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in India is promising, offering students a wide range of career opportunities across academia, research, and industry.

Career Opportunities

Ph.D. graduates in Mechanical Engineering can pursue careers in both the public and private sectors, including:

Power plants, steel plants, and manufacturing industries
Research laboratories across India, working on cutting-edge mechanical engineering topics
Foreign universities as research scientists
Entrepreneurship, starting their own ventures
Academia, teaching at universities, colleges, and governmental educational institutions

Popular job profiles include: Assistant Engineer, Executive Engineer, Research Scientist, Junior Engineer, and managerial positions in various sectors.

Ph.D. Admission Process – Mechanical Engineering at MIT-WPU

Eligibility and Entrance Test
Candidates satisfying the eligibility criteria are required to appear for the Ph.D. entrance test conducted by MIT-WPU.
Exemptions are granted to candidates who qualify UGC-NET / UGC-CSIR NET / GATE / CEED / GPAT or other recognized national tests.
Qualifying Marks and Syllabus

The Ph.D. entrance test is qualifying in nature, with 50% as the minimum marks.
Relaxation is provided to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and other eligible categories, lowering the minimum marks to 45%.
The syllabus includes 50% research methodology and 50% subject-specific questions.

Interview / Viva-Voce

Candidates who qualify the entrance test are called for an interview/viva-voce.
Weightage for final selection: 70% for the entrance test and 30% for the interview.
Candidates exempted from the entrance test (GATE/NET/JRF/SET/GPAT/CEED) are selected based solely on the interview/viva-voce.

Selection Notification
Selected candidates are notified via email and are offered provisional Ph.D. admission.
Provisional Eligibility

Admission is provisional based on information provided in the application form.
Verification of eligibility, educational documents, and reservation certificates is mandatory.

Cancellation of Admission
The university reserves the right to cancel Ph.D. admission in cases of:

Misconduct or unsatisfactory progress
Consecutive absence from progress seminars
Failure in any Ph.D.-related examination
Fabrication of educational or reservation documents
Plagiarism in publications or thesis
Candidate found ineligible at any stage

Stipend
Full-time Ph.D. scholars are provided a stipend as per MIT-WPU norms.
Coursework Requirement

Admission is confirmed after successful completion of coursework with 55% or more (as per UGC norms).
Minimum duration of the Ph.D. programme: 3 years, including coursework
Maximum duration: 6 years from the date of admission

Extension / Re-registration

Up to 2 additional years may be granted through re-registration, with the total period not exceeding 8 years.
Female candidates and persons with ≥40% disability may receive an additional 2-year relaxation, with a maximum total duration of 10 years.

Maternity / Child Care Leave
Female Ph.D. scholars may avail Maternity Leave or Child Care Leave up to 240 days during the entire Ph.D. programme.

PhD Degree in mechanical engineering - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26