FAQ's

Minimum Qualification for Admission to a Ph.D Programme

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, recognised or authorised 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.

2. 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.

3. 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, recognised or authorised 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 for all above candidates.

When can I apply to a Ph.D programme at Brainware University?

• For September Session
• For March Session

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?

The admission to Ph.D programme at Brainware University will be using the following methods, keeping in view the guidelines/norms in this regard issued by the UGC (U.G.C regulations 2022 and NET entrance test criteria notification of 27 March 2024) 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
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. University 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 University, a weightage of 70% for the entrance test and 30% for the performance in the interview/viva-voce shall be given.

In the Ph.D entrance test, what subject will I be tested?

Entrance Test Details

The entrance test shall be of one and half hour duration and of hundred marks consisting of 100 objective type 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 the 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 Programme / Subject Specific as per the applied Ph.D programme of the applicant. This section shall be divided into two parts:

• 25 questions shall be purely from the Ph.D programme subject
• 25 questions from either the Ph.D programme subject or any related and offered allied field

On what basis is a candidate selected for a Ph.D programme at Brainware University?

Ph.D Programme Selection Criteria at Brainware

The following parameters are considered for selection to a Ph.D Programme at Brainware:

• NET or other national entrance test marks or National/International fellowships and/or score in the Brainware University Ph.D Entrance Test (BWU-PET)
• 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 programmes on distance mode.

How is a research topic/ preliminary research idea decided?

Research topic is conceptualised 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 as per Ph.D rules and regulations of Brainware 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 Ph.D Programme.

Does University provide any Hostel facility to a Ph.D scholar?

Hostel facility may be offered to full-time research scholars subject to availability. However, preference is given to undergraduate and post-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 Ph.D scholars, classes will be held on every Friday and Saturday during coursework between 10 am - 5 pm (proposed).

How are the Supervisor and Co-supervisor decided?

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

Am I allowed to change my appointed supervisor during the course of the Ph.D programme?

No, unless the Supervisor himself becomes unavailable for certain reasons Supervisor changes are done following due procedure.

Is a transfer to/ from another University (Including Brainware in another city) possible during the course of Ph.D programme?

No

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

No

Can I complete course work at my work place?

No

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

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

Is the Ph.D degree conferred by Brainware University recognised in India and abroad? And, is it valid for Indian Government jobs?

Yes

Can Ph.D scholars apply for Brainware’s fellowship programme?

Yes, only full-time Ph.D scholars are eligible to apply for it after their selection to the Ph.D programme. 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 Master’s degree from recognised Universities. The Brainware University Research Fellowship will be given to full-time scholars who are not getting fellowship from any other source and who meet the above eligibility criteria. Decisions regarding the Brainware University Research Fellowship award are made entirely by the competent authority and are not fixed. The fellowship amount varies from 20,000/- to 35,000/- per month according to the criteria decided upon by competent authority.

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

No

What is the duration of the Programme?

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 Differentially Able (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.