Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program emphasizes original research contributions and advanced scholarship in specialized areas of electrical engineering.

Expected Duration: 5-6 years Program Type: Research-intensive with dissertation

Program Structure

Research Guide/Advisor

The research guide is assigned to each student based on research area and mutual preferences of the student and faculty. Students are expected to maintain regular meetings with their research guide throughout the program.

Doctoral Committee (DC)

Each student's Doctoral Committee consists of:

  • Head of Department (HoD) or HoD's nominee
  • Research Guide
  • Two department faculty members
  • Two faculty members from outside the department

The DC regularly reviews the candidate's progress throughout the program.

Academic Requirements Timeline

Requirement Expected Time Frame* Reference Notes
Coursework Within two semesters PhD-R.11 Specific requirements determined by DC
Comprehensive Examination Within three semesters PhD-R.12 Detailed process described in Comprehensive Exam tab
Research Proposal Seminar (Seminar 1) Within one year of passing comprehensive exam - HTRA continues beyond 30 months upon successful completion
Mid-term Review Within 3.5 years of joining - Progress evaluation by Doctoral Committee
Research Colloquium (Seminar 2) 6+ months after Seminar 1, before thesis approval 295th Senate Res. No 09/2022 Must be within 24 months of Research Proposal Seminar
Thesis Approval Meeting Within 6 months of research colloquium PhD-R.14 Final approval for thesis submission
Ph.D. Viva Voce Examination As scheduled PhD-R.14, PhD-R.15 Final defense examination

* Time frames shown for Regular Ph.D. scholars. Exact timelines for different categories available in respective ordinance sections.

Half-Time Research Assistantship (HTRA)

All HTRA recipients are expected to work as research or teaching assistants. The faculty in-charge must certify this each month for HTRA release.

Conference Travel Funding

  • Institute Support: Two national conferences per year + one international conference
  • Additional Sources:
    • IIT Madras Alumni Association
    • Department of Science and Technology (DST)
    • Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Career Opportunities

Ph.D. graduates typically pursue:

  • Academic and research positions in universities and institutions
  • Research and development roles in industry
  • Specialized technical leadership positions
  • Entrepreneurship in technology sectors

Placement Office provides support, though most Ph.D. students secure positions through specialized recruitment processes.

Comprehensive Examination Process

The comprehensive exam is divided into three sequential steps that must be completed in order. None of the steps can be repeated.

Step 1 – Written Examination

Timing:

  • Regular Ph.D. students: End of first semester
  • M.S./M.Tech. upgrades: End of first semester after conversion
  • Direct Ph.D. students: End of third semester

Process: Students select 3 out of 11 foundational topics in consultation with their guide.

Foundational Topics (UG Course Equivalent)
Electric Circuits & Networks (EE2015)
Engineering Electromagnetics (EE2025)
Analog Circuits (EE3002)
Solid State Devices (EE3001)
Signals & Systems (EE1101)
Digital Signal Processing (EE2004)
Probability Foundations (EE3110)
Digital systems (EE2001)
Electrical Machines (EE2005)
Control Engineering (EE3004)
Principles of Measurement (EE3006)

Evaluation: Each test carries 25 marks. Passing requires:

  • ≥12.5 marks in each test
  • ≥45 marks overall

Outcome: Successful students proceed directly to Step 3 with positive recommendation.

Step 2 – Remedial Treatment

For students not meeting Step 1 requirements, the Doctoral Committee directs to either Step 2A or Step 2B.

Step 2A: Course Enrollment
  • DC recommends specific course enrollment
  • Student attends lectures and completes assessments
  • Grades S, A, or B yield 15 marks for the topic
  • Other grades yield 0 marks
Step 2B: Retake Written Exam
  • Independent preparation for one semester
  • Retake written test on same or different topics
  • Must achieve ≥12.5 marks in each test and ≥45 overall

Outcome: Successful completion leads to Step 3 with positive recommendation.

Step 3 – Oral Examination

Process: Oral exam carrying 25 marks, conducted only once after Step 1 or Step 2.

Positive Recommendation
  • Student prepares presentation on agreed topic/papers
  • Presentation to DC followed by Q&A session
  • Conducted by Doctoral Committee
Negative Recommendation
  • Oral exam with DC and topic experts
  • DC makes final pass/fail decision
  • Includes foundational topic experts

Final Requirement: Students must secure ≥60 marks out of 100 (written + oral combined) to pass the Comprehensive Examination.

Key Policies

  • All procedures follow IIT Madras Ph.D. ordinances
  • Regular progress monitoring through Doctoral Committee
  • Emphasis on original research contributions
  • Comprehensive financial and academic support
  • Strict adherence to timeline requirements

For detailed Ph.D. ordinances and specific category requirements, please contact the Department Office.

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