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PHD in Mechanical Engineering at ST. SOLDIER INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Jalandhar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Mechanical Engineering at ST. SOLDIER INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY Jalandhar?
This PhD program in Mechanical Engineering at St. Soldier Institute of Management and Technology focuses on advanced research and innovation across traditional and emerging areas of mechanical science. With a strong emphasis on addressing Indian industrial challenges, the program encourages interdisciplinary research crucial for national technological self-reliance, driving advancements in manufacturing, energy, and design sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate degree holders in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplines who aspire to a career in academia, advanced R&D, or as subject matter experts. It caters to individuals passionate about fundamental research, problem-solving, and contributing significantly to technological advancements, especially those aiming for research leadership roles in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as professors, senior research scientists in national labs (e.g., DRDO, CSIR), or lead R&D departments in top Indian and multinational companies. Salary ranges vary widely based on sector and experience, often starting from INR 8-15 LPA in research roles, with significant growth potential and opportunities to contribute to intellectual property development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals and Ethics- (Semester 1-2 (during coursework phase))
Thoroughly engage with coursework on Research Methodology and Publication Ethics. Focus on understanding literature review techniques, statistical analysis, and ethical research conduct. Participate actively in seminars to present initial research ideas.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for statistical analysis, Mendeley/Zotero for reference management, UGC CARE list for journal identification, Plagiarism detection software
Career Connection
A strong foundation in research methods and ethics is crucial for conducting credible research, avoiding academic misconduct, and ensuring the publishability of your work, directly impacting your academic and professional reputation.
Identify and Refine Research Area- (Semester 1-2)
Work closely with your supervisor to identify a niche, impactful research problem within Mechanical Engineering. Conduct extensive literature surveys using academic databases to understand current gaps and potential contributions, aiming for a well-defined research proposal.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Institutional Library Resources
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem forms the backbone of a successful PhD. This early clarity prevents delays, ensures focus, and increases the likelihood of producing publishable work that is valuable to your career progression.
Engage in Departmental Seminars & Workshops- (Ongoing through Semesters 1-3)
Regularly attend and actively participate in departmental seminars, guest lectures, and workshops organized by the institution or IKGPTU. This broadens your knowledge, exposes you to diverse research perspectives, and helps in networking with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, University event calendars, LinkedIn for academic event notifications
Career Connection
Networking and knowledge exchange are vital for a PhD scholar. These interactions can lead to collaborative opportunities, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of industry and academic trends, enhancing your overall research quality and future prospects.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Analytical & Simulation Skills- (Semesters 3-5)
Acquire proficiency in advanced analytical tools and simulation software relevant to your research area (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB, SolidWorks, Abaqus). Take specialized workshops or online courses to deepen your expertise in these critical skills.
Tools & Resources
ANSYS Academic Research License, MATLAB, SolidWorks, Coursera/edX for specialized courses, NPTEL advanced modules
Career Connection
Expertise in cutting-edge simulation and analytical tools makes you highly competitive for R&D roles in both industry and academia, as these skills are directly transferable to complex problem-solving in engineering domains.
Initiate & Publish Research Papers- (Semesters 3-5 (First publication target))
Start converting your research findings into high-quality research papers for submission to peer-reviewed national/international journals (preferably Scopus/WoS indexed). Focus on clear articulation, robust methodology, and significant contribution.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, SpringerLink, Elsevier ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis Online, Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
Publications are the currency of academia and a strong indicator of research productivity for industrial R&D. A good publication record is essential for securing post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, and promotions.
Attend & Present at National/International Conferences- (Semesters 4-6)
Present your ongoing research at national and international conferences. This provides valuable feedback from experts, allows you to disseminate your work, and helps you stay updated with the latest advancements in your field. Utilize institutional travel grants if available.
Tools & Resources
Conference alert websites, Professional body memberships (e.g., ASME, IEI), Institutional travel support forms
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance your communication skills, build your professional network, and raise your research profile, which are all vital for academic career progression and industry collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Comprehensive Examination & Synopsis Submission- (Semesters 5-7)
Rigorously prepare for your comprehensive examination, covering your coursework and research domain. Develop a detailed synopsis of your research, outlining objectives, methodology, key findings, and contributions, in preparation for its formal submission and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Previous year''''s comprehensive exam papers (if available), Supervisor guidance, University PhD Regulations Handbook
Career Connection
Passing the comprehensive exam and successfully defending your synopsis are critical milestones for thesis submission. These stages validate your understanding and research direction, paving the way for timely degree completion and career readiness.
Strategize Thesis Writing & Defense- (Semesters 6-8)
Systematically organize your research findings into a coherent, high-quality thesis document. Pay meticulous attention to academic writing standards, originality, and clarity. Practice your thesis defense presentation with mock vivas to refine your communication and prepare for critical questions.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Word for thesis formatting, Grammarly/Turnitin for proofreading and originality check, Departmental viva-voce guidelines
Career Connection
A well-written and successfully defended thesis is the culmination of your PhD journey, leading to the award of the degree. It serves as your primary research portfolio for all future academic and industrial opportunities.
Network for Post-PhD Opportunities & Mentorship- (Semesters 7-8 (leading up to thesis submission and defense))
Actively network with faculty, industry leaders, and senior researchers to explore post-doctoral positions, research fellowships, or R&D roles. Seek mentorship for career guidance, CV building, and interview preparation, leveraging your research network.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Professional Network, Research conferences, University career services (if applicable), Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive networking is crucial for securing desirable positions post-PhD. Strong professional relationships and mentorship can open doors to collaborative projects, funding opportunities, and accelerate your career trajectory in academia or industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade). Qualification in university-level entrance examination or exemption as per UGC/IKGPTU norms (e.g., NET/GATE qualified candidates).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (for overall PhD program). Coursework typically 1 semester.
Credits: 12-16 credits (for coursework phase, as per IKGPTU norms) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30-50% (for coursework, typically includes assignments, presentations, mid-term exams), External: 50-70% (for coursework, end-semester examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHRM101 | Research Methodology & IPR | Core (Mandatory) | 4 | Research Problem & Formulation, Research Design & Methods, Data Collection & Analysis Techniques, Interpretation & Report Writing, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Ethics in Research |
| PHRE102 | Research and Publication Ethics (RPE) | Core (Mandatory, UGC Compliant) | 2 | Philosophy of Science & Ethics, Scientific Conduct & Plagiarism, Publication Ethics & Misconduct, Databases & Research Metrics, Open Access Publishing, Conflicts of Interest |
| PHMEE01 | Specialized Elective in Mechanical Engineering | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Robotics & Automation, Renewable Energy Systems, Advanced Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer |
