PhD programs/Doctoral Research

Research is the backbone of Education. Research helps educationists to recognize and benefit the opportunities for collaboration, sharing of knowledge, innovative practices and skills. Brainware University supports quality research with a broad range of subject areas and strong research environments.

BWU emphasises on immersing the prospective doctoral candidates actively into research practices with faculty guides, supplemented by course work that prepares them to reason and evaluate ideas and data across multi-disciplinary areas.

We select the best applicants to our research programmes. Successful applicants are expected to:

Have a good undergraduate degree.
Hold, or expect to achieve a good Master’s degree in the relevant subject.
Have a knack for delving deeper into areas of his study interest.

Doctoral Degree Awarding Departments

Our Doctoral degree awarding departments are:

Computational Science
Mathematics
Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical Technology
Law
Electronics and Communication

Ph.D. Programme at Brainware University

The Ph.D. programme at Brainware University is designed to create research interest among the young minds who are dynamic and capable of addressing complex problems with the help of in-house research supervisors and senior professors from NIT, Calcutta University, Jadavpur University and other prominent universities and institutes of repute as well in the form of co supervisors.
The programme is flexible and designed for the best interest of working persons and full-time scholars.

Eligibility

The following are eligible to seek admission to the Ph.D. programme:

(1) Candidates who have completed:

A 1-year/2-semester master's degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme or a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of the educational institution.
A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.

(2) Candidates who have completed:

M.Phil. programme with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of educational institutions, shall be eligible for admission to the Ph.D. programme. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.

Duration of the Programme

[1] Ph.D. Programme shall be for a minimum duration of three (3) years, including course work, and a maximum duration of six (6) years from the date of admission to the Ph.D. programme in BWU.
[2] A maximum of an additional two (2) years can be given through a process of re-registration as per the Statute/Ordinance of the Higher Educational Institution concerned; provided, however, that the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme should not exceed eight (8) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme. Provided further that, female Ph.D. scholars and Persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two (2) years; however, the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme in such cases should not exceed ten (10) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme.
[3] Female Ph.D. Scholars may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days in the entire duration of the Ph.D. programme.

Procedure for admission

[1] The admission shall be based on the criteria notified by the institution, keeping in view the guidelines/norms in this regard issued by the UGC and other statutory/regulatory bodies concerned, and taking into account the reservation policy of the Central/State Government from time to time.
[2] Admission to the Ph.D. programme shall be made using the following methods:
1. Brainware University’s may admit students who qualify for fellowship/scholarship in UGC-NET/UGC- CSIR NET/GATE/CEED and similar National level tests based on an interview.
2. Brainware University’s may admit students through an Entrance Test conducted at the level of the individual University level. The Entrance Test syllabus shall consist of 50% of research methodology, and 50% shall be subject specific.
3. Students who have secured 50 % marks in the entrance test are eligible to be called for the interview.
4. A relaxation of 5% marks will be allowed in the entrance examination for the candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled category, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
5. Brainware University’s may decide the number of eligible students to be called for an interview based on the number of Ph.D. seats available.
6. Provided that for the selection of candidates based on the entrance test conducted by the Brainware University, a weightage of 70 % for the entrance test and 30 % for the performance in the interview/viva- voce shall be given.

Selection process details

The Entrance Test will be as follows:

PARTICULAR	COMPONENT	QUESTIONS	MARKS
SECTION 1 – GENERAL	Section 1 shall be common to all candidates for testing their aptitude in research by covering questions from following areas for research methodology: General Knowledge & Research Awareness English Language Logical Reasoning Quantitative Analysis Data Analysis and Interpretation	50 Questions of 1 mark each	50 marks
SECTION 2 – SUBJECT SPECIFIC	Section 2 shall be Programme / Subject Specific as per applied Ph.D. programme of the applicant. This section shall be divided into two parts – 25 questions shall be purely from the PhD Programme subject & 25 questions from either the PhD Programme subject or any related and offered allied field.	50 Questions of Master’s level of 1 mark each	50 marks
INTERVIEW BY DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE (DRC)			50 marks

Fellowship for full time scholars

Limited number of fellowships is available for scholars with outstanding academic record and performance in the selection process. (Tenure 3 Years)

COURSES OFFERED / PROPOSED PH.D. INTAKE: 2023-24 (2ND PHASE: NOV-DEC’2023)

Ph.D. Programs Offered	Intake	Subjects from which candidates can be eligible
Computational Science	5	Masters in Computer Science, Information Technology, Physics, Pure and Applied Mathematics, Statistics and other related subjects.
Biotechnology	8	Masters in Biotechnology, Zoology, Botany, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master Degree in Medical Sciences and other related subjects.
Pharmaceutical Technology	4	Masters in Biotechnology, Zoology, Botany, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master Degree in Medical Sciences and other related subjects.
Law	4	Masters in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Strategic Studies, Constitutional Studies, Mass Communication and Media Studies, Ethical Studies, Environmental Studies and other related subjects.
Mathematics	2	Masters in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and other related subjects.
Electronics and Communication	4	Masters in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and other related subjects.

How to Apply

To apply for the Ph.D. programme of the University, eligible candidates may apply online using credit/debit card for payment. Further, the candidate should download and print the application form available on our website and submit hardcopy to the office.

Incomplete applications or applications received without all required enclosures (As defined in Application form) are liable to be rejected / may not be processed.

Important Note

Please use separate application forms to apply for different Departments.
Each application form must be complete in all respects.
Candidates can apply for the Ph.D. programme for three Departments at most.

FEE STRUCTURE

S. No.	Description	Time period	University Fee	Remarks
1	Application Processing Fee		Rs.2000/-	One Time
2	Publication of result, Guide allocation and payment of Course Work and Library fees	On any working day [28.12.2023-10.01.2024]	Rs.40000/- + Rs.10000/- (Library) = Rs.50000/-	One Time
3	Payment of semester fees (first semester)	On any working day [08.08.2024-18.08.2024]	Rs.50000/-	Per Semester
4	Payment of fees for PhD Registration	On any working day [04.09.2024-09.09.2024]	Rs.20000/-	One Time
5	Payment of semester fees (second semester): Progress Seminar_1	On any working day [03.02.2025-08.02.2025]	Rs.50000/-	Per Semester
6	Payment of semester fees (third semester): Progress Seminar_2	On any working day [04.08.2025-09.08.2025]	Rs.50000/-	Per Semester
7	Payment of semester fees (fourth semester): Progress Seminar_3	On any working day [02.02.2026-07.02.2026]	Rs.50000/-	Per Semester
8	Payment of semester fees (fifth semester ): Progress Seminar_4	On any working day [03.08.2026-08.08.2026]	Rs.50000/-	Per Semester
9	Payment of fees (sixth semester) and any other fees/dues) and Pre submission presentations in respective DRC	On any working day [01.02.2027-06.02.2027]	Rs.50000/-	Per Semester
10	Submission of Thesis	On any working day [02.08.2027-07.08.2027]	Rs.20000/-	One Time
11	After Sixth Semester, every additional Semester till the completion		Rs.50000/-
12	Re-Registration fees during extension beyond stipulated time		Rs.20000/-

COURSE WORK

Credit requirements, number, duration, syllabus, minimum standards for completion, etc.

The Credit requirement for the Ph.D. coursework is a minimum of 12 credits, including a “Research and Publication Ethics” and a research methodology course. The Research Advisory Committee can also recommend UGC recognized online courses as part of the credit requirements for the Ph.D. programme.
All Ph.D. scholars, irrespective of discipline, shall be required to train in teaching /education /pedagogy/writing related to their chosen Ph.D. subject during their doctoral period. Ph.D. scholars may also be assigned 4-6 hours per week of teaching/research assistantship for conducting tutorial or laboratory work and evaluations.
A Ph.D. scholar must obtain a minimum of 55% marks or its equivalent grade in the UGC 10-point scale in the course work to be eligible to continue in the programme and submit his or her thesis.

PH.D. PROGRESS CALENDAR

Semester	Plan of Action
1	[Course Work (12 Credits) as follows: Paper I: Research Methodology (Compulsory) [Credit: 4; Full marks 100; Duration: 60 hours] Paper II: Research and Publication Ethics (Compulsory) [Credit: 2; Full marks: 100; Duration: 30 hours] Paper III: Background Paper relating to the candidate’s Ph.D. work. [Credit: 3; Full marks 100; Duration: 45 hours] Paper IV: Subject Based Case Study Report and presentation relating to the candidate’s Ph.D. work. [Credit: 3; Full marks 100; Duration: 45 hours] Pre-registration seminar at the end of the semester
2	Literature survey; Gap identification; Work on research proposal
3	Research Work (Reviews/ Theoretical/ Experimental)
4	Research Work (Reviews/ Theoretical/ Experimental)
5	Research Work (Reviews/ Theoretical/ Experimental) Preparation of Pre–Submission Seminar
6	Pre – submission seminar followed by submission of thesis

N.B: The Ph.D. Programme shall be for a minimum duration of three years (including course work) and a maximum of 6 years. The programme is divided into 6 semesters (The time period of each semester is 6 months). Research work should result in presentation of papers in national/ international conferences together with publication in peer-reviewed Journals of repute.

Failing to submit the thesis in the prescribed period of time, extension may be granted to him on the terms and conditions prescribed by UGC and the university has sole discretion in this regard. On expiry of the period, the registration of the candidate shall automatically stand cancelled but in this context, he or she may be considered by university in a genuine case of delay.

TIME ACTIVITY CHART FOR PH.D. SCHOLARS (PROPOSED)

	Events	Time period
Time Activity Chart for PhD Scholars
1.	Advertisement for applications for PhD (Faculty/Department along with the subjects and available seats are to be mentioned depending on the availability of supervisors)	1st week of November,2023
1(a)	Issue of application forms	01.11.2023 to 30.1.2023
1(b)	Last date for receipt of complete Online application form	04.12.2023
1(c)	Last date for submission of hard copy of Application form with all enclosures	30.11.2023
2.	Entrance Exam to PhD programme	2^nd week of December,2023
2(a)	BWU-PET Entrance Examination	08.12.2023
2(b)	Publication of list of Eligible candidates for Interview	14.12.2023
2(c)	Viva-voce on Proposed Research Area along with plan of work (250 words) before Interview Panel (Offline)	20.12.2023 & 21.12.2023
3. (a)	Publication of merit list and Guide allocation	27.12.2023
(b)	Payment of Course Work fees	last week of December,2023 till 10.01.24
(c)	Date of Joining/ Induction activities at Campus/Commencement of Classes	15.01.2024
4.	Ph.D. Course work classes are to be held (January):	January,2024
5.	Ph.D. Course work classes are to be held (February):	February,2024
6.	Ph.D. Course work classes are to be held (March):	March,2024
7.	Ph.D. Course work classes are to be held (April):	April,2024
8.	Ph.D. Course work classes are to be held (May):	May,2024
9.	Ph.D. Course work classes are to be held (June-July):	June,2024- till 15.07. 2024
10.	For full time/part time PhD scholar, course work classes will be held on every Friday and Saturday [ 10.00 am - 5 pm (Proposed)].
11.	Course work Examination	4^th week of July,2024
12.	Publication of result of Course Work Examination	End of 1^st week of August,2024
13.	Payment of first semester fees	Within 10 working days [08.08.2024-18.08.2024]
14.	Submission of Synopsis	3^rd week of August,2024
15.	Synopsis presentations in respective DRC	4^th week of August,2024
16.	Payment of Registration fees and Registration	On any working day[04.09.2024-09.09.2024]
17.	Payment of second semester fees: Progress Seminar_1	On any working day [03.02.2025-08.02.2025]
18.	Payment of third semester fees: Progress Seminar_2	On any working day [04.08.2025-09.08.2025]
19.	Payment of fourth semester fees: Progress Seminar_3	On any working day [02.02.2026-07.02.2026]
20.	Payment of fifth semester fees: Progress Seminar_4	On any working day [03.08.2026-08.08.2026]
21.	Payment of fees (Sixth semester fees, and any other fees/dues) and Pre submission presentations in respective DRC	On any working day [01.02.2027-06.02.2027]
22.	Payment of fees and Submission of Thesis	On any working day [02.08.2027-07.08.2027]
23.	Provisional Award of PhD Degree (Expected)	By 1^st week of November,2027
24.	Formal Award of Degree during next University Convocation

Termination from the Programme

A scholar’s PhD procedure will be terminated if:

He/she fails to complete the course work within the first year of provisional registration with a minimum of 55% marks or its equivalent grade in the UGC 10-point scale in the course work.
He/she fails to submit a satisfactory Research Proposal in three attempts.
The PhD thesis has not been accepted after two resubmissions.
Any disciplinary action has been taken against him/her on the recommendation of the appropriate committee.
He/she gets continuous non satisfactory 6th month progress report.
He/she does not respond to the mails sent by PhD office or supervisor

FAQ

What is the minimum qualification for admission to a PhD Program?

A 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester master’s degree programme or a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of the educational institution. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time. Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.

When can I apply to a PhD program at Brainware University?

The Ph.D. Application forms are accepted twice a year i.e.

For April Session
For November Session

Visit the website for necessary information.

Who are expected to submit a NOC (No Objection Certificate)?

If you are in a job, then it is mandatory for you to produce a NOC from your employer at the time of joining.

What is the admission procedure?

1] The admission shall be based on the criteria notified by the institution, keeping in view the guidelines/norms in this regard issued by the UGC and other statutory/regulatory bodies concerned, and taking into account the reservation policy of the Central/State Government from time to time.

Admission to the Ph.D. programme shall be made using the following methods:

University may admit students who qualify for fellowship/scholarship in UGC-NET/UGC- CSIR NET/GATE/CEED and similar National level tests based on an interview. And/or
University may admit students through an Entrance Test conducted at the University level. The Entrance Test syllabus shall consist of 50% of research methodology, and 50% shall be subject specific.
Students who have secured 50 % marks in the entrance test are eligible to be called for the interview
A relaxation of 5 % marks will be allowed in the entrance examination for the candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled category, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
University may decide the number of eligible students to be called for an interview based on the number of Ph.D. seats available.
Provided that for the selection of candidates based on the entrance test conducted by the University, a weightage of 70 % for the entrance test and 30 % for the performance in the interview/viva- voce shall be given.

In the PhD entrance test, what subject will I be tested?

The entrance test shall be of one and half hour duration and of hundred marks consisting of 100 objective types questions on

SECTION 1 – GENERAL: 50 Questions of 1 mark each [50 marks]

Section 1 shall be common to all candidates for testing their aptitude in research by covering questions from following areas for research methodology:

General Knowledge & Research Awareness
English Language
Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Analysis
Data Analysis and Interpretation

SECTION 2 – SUBJECT SPECIFIC: 50 Questions of Master’s level of 1 mark each [ 50 marks]

Section 2 shall be Program / Subject Specific as per applied Ph.D. program of the applicant. This section shall be divided into two parts – 25 questions shall be purely from the PhD Program subject & 25 questions from either the PhD Program subject or any related and offered allied field.

On what basis is a candidate selected for a PhD program at Brainware University?

Following parameters are considered for selection to a PhD Program at Brainware:

Score in the Brainware Entrance Test
Performance in the Interview
Academic record

I have completed M. Phil. Will I be exempted from the Ph.D. Entrance Test?

No.

I have a rich teaching /corporate work experience, Am I exempted from the Entrance Test?

No, you have to go through the entire selection process.

Is Ph.D. available on distance mode?

No, Brainware University does not offer Ph.D. Programs on distance mode.

How is a research topic/ preliminary research idea decided?

Research topic is conceptualized by the candidate. It can however be modified with the help of the appointed supervisor and Co-supervisor. It is finally approved by the Competent Authority of the University.

Is the preliminary research idea uploaded?

Not necessarily. You are allowed to modify/ improve upon your research idea with the help of your appointed supervisor /Co-supervisor after registering for the PhD program.

Does University provide any Hostel facility to a PhD scholar?

Hostel facility may be offered to full time research scholars subject to availability. Here, preference is given to undergraduate and graduate students.

What is the pattern of classes for full time and part time candidates during the first-year coursework?

For full time/part time PhD scholars, classes will be held on every Friday and Saturday during coursework between 10.00 am - 5 pm(proposed).

How is a supervisor and Co-supervisor decided?

The supervisor and Co-supervisor are decided by the Departmental Research Committee (DRC). The supervisor should be a whole time faculty member of Brainware University.

Am I allowed to change my appointed supervisor during the course of the PhD program?

No, unless the supervisor himself becomes unavailable for certain reasons.

Is a transfer to/ from another University (Including Brainware in another city) possible during the course of PhD program?

I have rich teaching experience; can I get exemption from the course work?

Can I complete course work at my work place?

Is it mandatory to publish a research paper before submitting the thesis for award of PhD degree from Brainware University?

No, but we prefer at least two publications in peer reviewed Journals and two papers in conference proceedings.

Is the PhD degree conferred by Brainware University recognized in India and abroad? And, is it valid for Indian Government jobs?

Yes

Can PhD Scholars apply for Brainware’s fellowship program?

Yes, only Full- Time PhD scholars are eligible to apply for it after their selection to the PhD program. The Brainware university awards Fellowships to brilliant young researchers and scientists. The candidate must have GATE/SET/NET/SLET first class (75%) academic record throughout up to Masters’ degree from recognized Universities.The Brainware Fellowship will be given to only those candidates who are not getting fellowship from any other source and who meet the above eligibility criteria. Decisions regarding Brainware Fellowship award, are made entirely by the management and are not fixed. The Fellowship amount varies from 15,000/- to 18,000/- per month according to the merit and research experience of the candidate. For further details, please visit Brainware website.

As a full time Ph.D. student, can I work after classes to support myself financially?

Duration of the Programme: - As per University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PH.D.

1] Ph.D. Programme shall be for a minimum duration of three years, including course work, and a maximum duration of six (6) years from the date of admission to the Ph.D. programme.

2] A maximum of an additional two years can be given through a process of re-registration as per the Statute/Ordinance of the Higher Educational Institution concerned; provided, however, that the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme should not exceed eight years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme. Provided further that, female Ph.D. scholars and Persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two (2) years; however, the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme in such cases should not exceed ten years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme.

3] Female Ph.D. Scholars may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240days in the entire duration of the Ph.D. programme.

Doctoral Research

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