

PHD in Petroleum Engineering at School of Technology


Gandhinagar, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Petroleum Engineering at School of Technology Gandhinagar?
This Petroleum Engineering PhD program at School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University focuses on advanced research in hydrocarbon exploration, production, and refining processes. It addresses critical challenges and innovations in the Indian energy sector, emphasizing sustainable practices and technological advancements. The program aims to cultivate expertise vital for India''''s growing energy demands and self-reliance in oil and gas.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Tech. graduates in Petroleum Engineering or related fields seeking to pursue cutting-edge research. It also suits working professionals from the oil and gas industry aiming to solve complex real-world problems through doctoral studies. Individuals with a strong analytical background and a passion for energy innovation, particularly those aspiring to academic or high-level R&D roles, are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as Senior Researchers, R&D Scientists, or Consultants in national and international oil companies (ONGC, Reliance, Cairn India). Career paths include academia as Professors or post-doctoral fellows. Entry-level PhDs can expect salaries ranging from INR 10-20 LPA, with significant growth potential in specialized roles within leading energy firms and research institutions in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & IPR- (Semester 1)
Actively engage with the Research Methodology and IPR coursework, focusing on understanding diverse research designs, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. Proactively identify potential IPR opportunities in your initial research ideas.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Python (for data analysis), WIPO resources, institutional IPR cell workshops
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is crucial for conducting credible research, leading to publishable work and recognized expertise, essential for academic and R&D roles.
Engage with Departmental Research Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Attend all departmental research seminars, guest lectures, and PhD colloquia. This exposes you to diverse research topics, methodologies, and faculty interests within Petroleum Engineering. Network with senior PhD scholars and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, research group meetings, faculty office hours
Career Connection
Broadens your understanding of the research landscape, helps identify potential collaborations, and sharpens your own research problem formulation, critical for future R&D positions.
Initial Literature Review & Research Problem Identification- (Semester 1-2)
Undertake a comprehensive literature review in your chosen sub-domain of Petroleum Engineering. Identify gaps in existing knowledge to formulate a clear and impactful research problem statement, in close consultation with your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Mendeley/Zotero for reference management, institutional library databases
Career Connection
A well-defined problem is the bedrock of successful PhD research, demonstrating critical thinking and foundational knowledge, which impresses future employers in research-intensive roles.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Specialized Simulation & Experimental Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Gain hands-on proficiency in advanced simulation software (e.g., CMG, Schlumberger Petrel, ECLIPSE) or experimental techniques relevant to your research. Seek training from lab technicians or advanced users.
Tools & Resources
CMG Suite, Petrel, ECLIPSE, MATLAB, laboratory equipment (e.g., core flooding apparatus, high-pressure cells)
Career Connection
Practical skills in industry-standard tools or experimental methods make you highly valuable for R&D roles in oil & gas companies and research institutions.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Conferences/Journals- (Semester 3-5)
Aim to publish at least one or two research papers in reputed national/international conferences (e.g., SPE-India, AAPG) or peer-reviewed journals. Focus on quality and originality of your findings.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, journal submission platforms
Career Connection
Publications are a crucial metric for academic and R&D careers, demonstrating your ability to contribute to the scientific community and validate your research.
Seek Industry Collaboration/Internship- (Semester 4-5)
Explore opportunities for short-term industry collaborations, projects, or internships with local or national oil and gas companies. Apply your research to real-world problems and gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
Department''''s industry liaison cell, professional networking events, company career pages
Career Connection
Industry exposure provides valuable insights, builds professional networks, and can directly lead to placement offers or relevant project opportunities post-PhD.
Advanced Stage
Prepare a High-Quality Thesis Manuscript- (Semester 6-7)
Dedicate substantial time to writing a clear, concise, and comprehensive thesis manuscript that effectively communicates your research contributions. Pay attention to academic rigor, formatting, and logical flow.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX, Microsoft Word, Grammarly, Zotero/Mendeley for citations, university thesis guidelines
Career Connection
A well-written thesis is your ultimate research output, reflecting your diligence and intellectual capabilities, critical for impressing viva examiners and future employers.
Network with Potential Employers & Mentors- (Semester 7-8)
Actively network with professionals in your target industry or academia through conferences, LinkedIn, and alumni events. Seek mentorship for career guidance and job search strategies.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, professional conferences (SPE-India, PETROTECH), alumni association, career services cell
Career Connection
Networking often leads to direct job opportunities, informational interviews, and insights into the job market, significantly enhancing your chances for a desirable post-PhD position.
Develop Strong Presentation and Communication Skills- (Semester 7-8)
Practice presenting your research effectively to diverse audiences (academic committees, industry professionals). Focus on conveying complex ideas clearly, articulating your contributions, and handling questions confidently.
Tools & Resources
Departmental pre-viva seminars, mock viva sessions, Toastmasters International, online presentation courses
Career Connection
Excellent communication skills are essential for all professional roles, enabling you to present research findings, lead teams, and articulate your value to potential employers and collaborators.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (M.Tech./M.E.) in relevant discipline (e.g., Petroleum Engineering) with minimum 60% aggregate marks or CPI/CGPA of 6.5/10. OR Bachelor''''s degree (B.Tech./B.E.) in relevant discipline with minimum 75% aggregate marks or CPI/CGPA of 8.0/10 along with a valid GATE score/NET/SET/JRF/Senior Research Fellowship.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (Full-time) / 4 years (Part-time) for Ph.D. completion
Credits: Minimum 8 coursework credits Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (for coursework), External: 50% (for coursework)




