PhD in Electrical Engineering

Amongst the diverse Engineering branches, each and every specialisation is filled with countless opportunities and immense career scope. From electrical and electronics engineering to aerospace engineering and architectural engineering, the engineering landscape has truly revolutionised our daily activities as well as brought us new and innovative devices. There are several degrees and diploma courses available in this domain and amongst these, electrical engineering is one of the most sought after specialisations. For those planning to pursue a career in research, PhD is certainly the highest-level degree you must pursue. Through this blog, we have collated all the essential features of PhD in Electrical Engineering, its popular specialisations, subjects, universities and career scope!

Also Read: Types of Engineering Degrees

Key Highlights for PhD in Electrical Engineering

Particulars	Details
Course	Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
Duration	3 years – 5 years
Eligibility Criteria	Masters in Electrical Engineering with 55% aggregate marks
Top Entrance Exam	GATE, UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR-NET
Top Colleges	IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi
Average Annual Fees	INR 20,000 to INR 3,00,000
Career Prospects	Project Manager, Electrical Engineer, Application Engineer, Sales Engineer, Research & Development, etc.
Average Annual Salary	INR 4,00,000 to INR 20,00,000

PhD Electrical Engineering Course Overview

Popular offered as a 3-year degree, PhD in Electrical Engineering equips students all the nuances related to electronic and electromagnetics. Further, you will get to explore advanced level knowledge of VLSI, circuits, images and vision, communications, networks, information theory, microwave antennas etc. Moreover, digital signal processing, as well as electromagnetics is thoroughly analyzed and researched through this course

PhD Electrical Engineering: What is it About?

The field of Electrical Engineering is broadly widespread and incorporates a thorough study about the electric circuits and innovative equipment. It is one such field that deals with the study, design and application of devices and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Regardless of the level of the course here are some subjects which candidates will have to study in the program- Control Systems, Instrumentation, Electromagnetism, Circuit Analysis, Microprocessor interfacing. The field deals with intense working with the electrical equipment which incorporates manufacturing, designing, operating power plants Computer chips along with ignition systems of the space crafts, automobiles etc.

Why PhD Electrical Engineering?

• PhD in Electrical Engineering is one of the most desired as well as globally recognized degrees.
• A PhD degree provides students with an opportunity to explore electrical engineering in a deeper manner and formulate a thorough well-written thesis.
• It is completed with the extensive research material of academic research in the form of a dissertation or thesis before a group of mentors who evaluates the work and gives a green signal after detailed interviews and presentations. 
• For those studying abroad, have the opportunity to find a faculty member in the university that they are interested in and whose research interest is similar to them.

PhD in Electrical Engineering Admission Process

The application process takes place over a period of time and begins months before the commencement of classes. The universities have two main intakes known as the fall intake and winter intake for international students to kickstart their journey. You can call our Leverage Edu experts on 1800 572 000 to find out how the application process can be fast-tracked and streamlined! Here’s an easy 5-step process to complete your application process:

1. Call our experts on 1800 572 000 to shortlist your favourite universities and courses. Start your application to multiple universities through our one dashboard platform
2. Compile all your documents like SOPs, essays, certificates and LORs and exam scores like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc
3. Meet all the applications deadlines and start the application process for accommodation, students visa, and scholarships/student loans
4. Accept the offer letter and meet your teachers, college mates and roommates virtually
5. Get your visa approved and fly to your dream university!

Course Variants for PhD in Electrical Engineering

There are several course variants offered across the world for a PhD in Electrical Engineering and its related specialisations and some of these are:

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering	Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Doctor of Philosophy (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
PhD in Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering	PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering- Power Electronics, Drives and Energy Conversion	PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering- Wind Energy and Control
PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering- High Voltage Technologies and Electrical Plant Diagnostics	PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering- Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering	Doctor of Philosophy in Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering
PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering- Advanced Electrical Systems	PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering- Centre for Intelligent Dynamic Communications	PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering- Centre for Microsystems and Photonics

PhD in Electrical Engineering Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply for a PhD in Electrical Engineering, it is quintessential that you are able to qualify the admission prerequisites set by your chosen university. Unequivocally, students are advised to visit their respective university’s website about the admission procedure of a specific course. Glance through some of the general eligibility requirements for a PhD in Electrical Engineering;

• The basic requirement for this course is a master’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering or its related fields from a recognised university. You must also qualify the criteria of minimum marks for the master’s degree as prescribed by the university.
• In order to apply for this course at an Indian university, you will have to provide entrance exam scores of GATE/UGC NET/CSIR NET, etc.
• For those planning to pursue this PhD degree abroad, it is highly recommended to have your English proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE etc cleared. Moreover, GRE scores are also required in many universities. Along with this, you will also have to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).

How to Prepare for a PhD Electrical Engineering Entrance exam?

• Get familiar with the exam pattern and topics covered in Electrical Engineering
• Revise your UG and PG syllabus of Electrical Engineering
• Based on the previous year’s paper build a study plan which will help you in revision
• Do not stress and manage your time well during the exam

Major Subjects & Syllabus for PhD in Electrical Engineering

Though the actual course offerings might differ from one university to another, here is a list of major subjects which are commonly studied under a PhD in Electrical Engineering:

• Applied Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Elements of Electrical Engineering
• Electrical Circuits
• Computer-aided Engineering
• Electrical Circuit Technology
• Electrical Power Generation
• Transmission
• Power Electronics
• Computer-aided Electrical Drawing
• Estimation Specification
• Industrial Drives
• Switchgear Protection
• Utilization of Electrical Energy
• Embedded Systems

Note: The aforementioned subjects and syllabus are only for indicative purposes and may differ as per course and university.

Specialisations for PhD in Electrical Engineering

As Electrical Engineering is a broader domain of study, there are different branches in this field that one can opt for a doctorate degree. Here are the major specialisations you must consider for a PhD in Electrical Engineering:

• Power Engineering
• Control Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Microelectronics
• Signal Processing
• Telecommunications Engineering
• Instrumentation Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electro-Optical Engineering

Popular Universities for PhD in Electrical Engineering

There are numerous universities across the globe which offer doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering. While choosing a university for this course, you must explore the research exposure and academic faculty that will be guiding you throughout this degree to help you make the most of it. Check out the following popular universities offering PhD in Electrical Engineering:

• University of Florida
• University of Canterbury 
• Northwestern University
• University of Dayton 
• The University of New South Wales
• University of Tennessee 
• RMIT University
• University of Waterloo
• Curtin University
• University of Glasgow
• University of Exeter
• University of Strathclyde 
• University of Birmingham
• Loughborough University

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering: Top Colleges in India 2022

Mentioned below are the prominent universities or colleges of India offering a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering: 

• IIT Kanpur
• IIT Hyderabad
• Lovely Professional University
• Sharda University
• IIT Bombay
• IIT Madras
• JMI New Delhi
• IIT Delhi
• Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
• College of Engineering, Trivandrum

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in IIT

The admission to Ph.D. electrical engineering is based on marks scored in entrance exams. Some of the popular entrance exams are GATE, UGC – NET, CSIR – UGC – NET, etc. Almost all the engineering colleges in India provide a Ph.D. in Electrical engineering degree. What it’s like to pursue it from IIT? Let’s look at the information which is tabulated below: 

NIRF Ranks 2022	College	Admission Process	Average Annual Fees	Average Placement Package
1	IIT Madras	Entrance Exam followed up by Interview	INR 19,670	INR 16,10,000
2	IIT Delhi	Entrance Exam followed up by Interview	INR 42,900	INR 16,00,000
3	IIT Bombay	Entrance Exam followed up by Interview	INR 73,000	INR 20,34,000
4	IIT Kanpur	Entrance Exam followed up by Interview	INR 64,050	INR 15,80,000
5	IIT Hyderabad	Entrance Exam followed up by Interview	INR 25,095	INR 18,00,000

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering: Entrance Exams

Important details related to some of the popular Ph.D. electrical engineering entrance exams are given below in the table:

Entrance Exams	Conducting Body	Date of Registration	Exam Dates	Exam Modes
GATE 2021	IIT council	September 2020(Tentative)	February 2021 (Tentative)	Online
UGC – NET	NA	Till June 30, 2020	To be announced	Online
CSIR – UGC – NET	NA	Till June 30, 2020	To be announced	Online

Career Prospects & Job Options After PhD in Electrical Engineering

While many pursue a career in research and development after completing their doctorate in Electrical Engineering, you can explore lucrative opportunities available in the public and private sectors. Go through the following list of prominent career opportunities available after completing this degree: 

• Electrical Engineer
• Automotive Designer
• Application Engineer
• Electrical Technician
• Program Manager
• Micro Electrical Engineer
• Instrumentation Engineer
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Electrical Design Engineer
• Lecturer/Professor

PhD Electrical Engineering Syllabus Important Books

1. Network Analysis by M.E. Van Valkenburg
2. Electrical Machine by Stephen J Chapman
3. Power System Analysis by Grainer and Stevenson
4. Control System Engineering by Norman S. Nise

Also Read: Best Engineering Courses for Future

FAQs

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