PhD after BTech

Pursuing a PhD after Btech is for those who have figured early out the answer to “What to do after BTech?”. A doctoral degree helps candidates discover advanced-level research opportunities after completing a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program through the integrated or combined PhD route rather than completing a master’s degree and then applying for a doctoral program. Pursuing a PhD program, individuals can work under professors at universities and organisations that demand research scientists, and associates, amongst others for various projects. Here is a detailed guide on the various aspects of how you can pursue a PhD after BTech and delve deeper into the field of Research directly after graduation.

Also Read:

• What Next After BTech?
• Why MBA after BTech?

Overview of Combined/Integrated Master’s and PhD

In many universities, professors encourage students to pursue research by providing them with necessary exploratory tools and techniques. Further, integrated MS/PhD degree programs are also offered by many academic institutions and these courses have a comprehensive research-oriented curriculum and are designed with flexible duration ranging from 3-6 years and even 10 years. The course also encourages practical experience through research assistantships, projects and fellowships. Increasingly popular in the US, this degree is now being steadily offered at institutions all across the globe. 

Also Read: Integrated PhD

PhD after BTech: Routes of Applying

Individuals looking to pursue a PhD after Btech can either follow the traditional application process or opt for direct faculty recommendations. While the former has been discussed below, the latter involves reaching to faculty members of a university department directly. Typically considered as an informal path, the method of direct recommendation can lead to an admission offer if the research interests align, the professor is impressed by your projects and is willing to recommend the candidate to the admissions department of a university. Many professors at elite institutions invite candidates through this method.

PhD after BTech: How to Apply

The process of applying for a PhD after a B.Tech, apart from the method of direct faculty recommendation, is a simple one. While a prior background and coursework in Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics or relevant Engineering branches is a must, relevant industry experience, research projects are undertaken and extra-curricular activities are also preferred. While many universities adhere to the above criteria of admission, a considerable number of institutions do not have any restrictions as to eligibility conditions whatsoever. It is advised that prospective students get in touch with Leverage Edu experts and know about the exact specifications and updated information about their chosen program and university.

Background & GPA Requirements

Admission to most programs of PhD after BTech prescribe a strong background related to the specific intended field of study. Common requirements include familiarity with advanced mathematical concepts like algebra, calculus etc, economics, software proficiency, statistical tools amongst others. A strong score throughout all post-secondary qualifications is highly recommended. However, if you have a score belonging to less than the recommended section, you can compensate it by stating the activities you undertook, assistantships, projects completed, languages learnt during that time etc.

• International Tests like GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS etc.
  A huge majority of institutions as part of the application process for PhD after BTech either require or recommend submission of scores of various international tests such as GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE etc.

• Letters of Recommendation/Statement of Purpose/Resume
  These form an essential supplementary part of an application that elaborates the motivations and interests of candidates and how they are suitable for the program. Further, Letters of Recommendation/Statement of Purpose/Resume helps the admission committee in understanding what a candidate aims to achieve through the program they are applying for.

• Research Proposal (optional)
  In some universities, the application process comprises a research proposal to be submitted that outlines somewhat the specific area of research the applicant is intending to pursue while at the university. 

Also Read: PhD Entrance Exams

How to Do PhD After BTech?

When it comes to finding a suitable answer for how to do a PHD after BTech, the most suitable solution to this is having a strong profile during and after your BTech course. It is vital for one to show adequate experience in research for a PhD that you can do by showcasing your published papers for certificates of seminars along with the extra projects that you have made during your BTech. You can align the topic of your final year project as per the topic of your PhD research. Make sure that the work you carry out under guidance corresponds to a letter of recommendation to you that will help you uplift your profile. 

The selection of major and minor subjects also help the students presenting their direct m application for PhD. Stating that your major subject of BTech course aligns with your research domain I will help you elevate your candidature. Since you will not be having a proper degree of masters, possessing peripheral knowledge or a stronghold over the concepts that are taught in the master’s program for the same will also work as an icing on the cake. Do not forget to thoroughly proofread your statement of purpose and make sure that it aligns the best with your future endeavours. 

PhD After BTech Abroad

There are many leading academic institutions and research universities across the world that offer a wide range of programs for those wanting to pursue a PhD after BTech or their bachelor’s degree completion. Here is a list of major global research universities providing plentiful PhD programs in Science and Technology-related fields and specialisations.

University	Location
Columbia University	USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USA
Stanford University,	USA
University of Illinois at Chicago	USA
University of Manchester	UK
University of Sussex	UK

Note: The above-mentioned universities as well as the academic institutions in Germany, Denmark, Canada etc operate with flexible admission requirements. This implies that the relevant admissions committee evaluates a candidate’s suitability with the program requirements individually and this means that in some cases, applicants might be required to have attained their master’s degree. Especially with regards to applicants from India, though there is no compulsion, they must ensure the suitability of their qualifications with the stated eligibility requirements given on the university’s official website.

Also Read: PhD in Computer Science

Eligibility for PhD after BTech  

PhD after BTech in India is also known as Direct PhD that one can pursue after completing their BTech course. Those who are clear about pursuing a career in research and academics, this is one of the best career options for them in India. Leading Indian institutes like IIT, IIM, IISc, etc offer this advantageous opportunity of pursuing PHD after BTech to the students having an exceptionally great academic background.  let us now take into consideration what all is required to become eligible for Direct PhD- 

• The average score in GATE exam or other equivalent national exams is mandatory for students belonging to Non-Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs). Whereas those who belong to CFTI may not be required to present a score in GATE or any other national-level exam. 
• At least 8.0 CGPA out of 10.0
• Only the student studying in the final year of BTech/ BE can apply 
• Well written SOP 
• Letters of Recommendation 
• References

Colleges Offering PhD After BTech in India

Listed below are the popular universities in India from where you can pursue PhD after BTech-

• IIT Delhi
• IIT Kanpur
• IIT Guwahati
• IIT Hyderabad
• IIT Kharagpur
• BITS Pilani
• Chandigarh University
• Lovely Professional University
• Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth
• Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
• Awadhesh Pratap Singh University

FAQs

We hope that this blog helped you understand the key essentials of pursuing a Ph.D. after BTech. Further, while going for a doctoral program, it is important to choose the right specialization and the university. Take the help of Leverage Edu‘s AI tool to browse through a wide range of academic institutions across the globe offering Ph.D. programs and find the right one that suits your interests and career aspirations.