The full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. PhD in Computer Science is a doctoral program which particularly focuses on computer science theory and its related aspects. The course duration of the same is 3 years. The syllabus of PhD in CS includes aspects related to advanced computer science theory. An individual must also submit a dissertation and other research materials. It is one of the fastest growing professions with advancements in the sciences and technology.
Entrance Exams like GATE, and UGC are some of the most important exams. Along with that, many universities also conduct their own personal exams and a face-to-face interview to know about the aspirations of the candidate. PhD in CS also offers some specializations which could help an individual with a job prospect in a specific industry.
Below is a guide to help researchers and students who are willing to sign up for a PhD in Computer Science. The course helps an individual with the admission process, eligibility criteria, specializations, best universities and much more.
Table Of Content
PhD in Computer Science: Course Details
| Course Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD in CS) |
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Entrance Exams | NET, GATE, CSIR NET, ICMR JRF, etc. |
| Duration | 3-5 years |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in computer science in addition to Entrance Exam |
| Course Fee | INR 84,000 to INR 2.11 Lakhs |
| Job Profile | Professor, Software Developer, Computer Systems Engineer, Web Developer, etc. |
| Job Recruiters | Google, Amazon, Flipkart, Microsoft, TCS, Infosys, etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 17 lakhs |
What is a PhD in Computer Science?
PhD in Computer Science is a doctoral degree which covers concepts like algorithms, machine learning, bioinformatics, data mining, database management systems and much more. PhD is counted as one of the highest levels of academic programs that one can achieve.
The study of computers and computation, encompassing their conceptual and mathematical principles, hardware and software, is known as Computer Science. PhD in Computer Science duration is 3-5 years, depending on your research and dissertation.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria may largely depend on different institutions. Below are the eligibility criteria for admission to a PhD in Computer Science:
1. Candidates must have done their post-graduation in Computer Science and related fields with an aggregate of 55% or above from a recognized institution or a university.
2. Candidates must appear for entrance exams including UGC-NET, CRIR-NET, GATE, etc.
3. Candidates must fulfill the required cutoff to meet the eligibility criteria of the institution.
Admission Process
Given below in detail is the admission process for PhD in Computer Science:
Step 1: Researching: The initial step is researching which course you are applying for. You need to have a surety about it. Along with that research about the different universities, eligibility criteria, professors, career prospects so that you are aware of what you are attracting.
Step 2: Application Form: With a release in the application form from your selected university, try to go through it first. Make sure to make no mistakes as correction window is not available in most of the universities. Try to fill it in the first week of its release than waiting for its deadline.
Step 3: Entrance Exam: Entrance Exams like UGC NET, GATE, etc. are usually conducted much before the university applications. But sometimes, a university organizes its own entrance exam and interview to test the candidates. It is important, thereby, to regularly study and also research the university exams so that one can prepare accordingly, at least 6 months before.
Step 4: Admissions Awaiting: Once you are done with all the exams, you are then supposed to wait for the result. It takes a maximum of a month before the list of selected candidates is released. It could be available on the dashboard of the college website or in your email.
Step 5: Document Verification: With your confirmed admission, the university will inspect all your original documents and degree. You will then be asked to pay the admission fee as the last step in obtaining your degree.
Universities and Fee
Many of the educational institutes across India offer admissions to PhD in Computer Science. Admission to these universities depends on your postgraduate and your entrance exam score. Below is a compiled list of some of the best universities and colleges offering PhD in Computer Science along with their fee:
| Universities and Institutes | Fee |
| IIT, Madras | INR 19,670 |
| Anna University | INR 41,000 |
| Christ University | INR 35,000 |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | INR 16,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 13,870 |
| Ashoka University | INR 45,000 |
Specializations
A PhD in Computer Science offers some of the most important specializations which can be quite overwhelming for an individual sometimes. Moreover, an individual might not know much about these specializations. Thereby, below are some of the specializations that are mentioned along with a description for an easy understanding:
| PhD in Computer Science Specializations | Description |
| Software Engineering | Software Engineering is a process of designing, developing, testing and maintaining software. It is a disciplined approach which focuses on creating high quality, reliable and efficient software. |
| Artificial Intelligence | AI or Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence process by machines, like computer systems. The specialization of AI is focused more on principles, techniques and applications of AI. |
| Data Science | A specialization is Data Science, which helps an individual in providing the skills and knowledge to extract meaningful insights from data, helping in an enhanced decision-making skill. |
| Cybersecurity | A specialization in Cybersecurity enables an individual with knowledge and skills to protect computer systems, networks and data from malware. |
| Computer Systems and Networks | A specialization in Computer Systems and Networks, helps an individual in learning about the software and hardware aspects of the computer systems, with a focus on how the systems connect and network within networks. |
Syllabus
A PhD in Computer Science is a Doctoral Degree, it can take up to 3-5 years. Part-time and full-time options are available for this course. The syllabus can, however, vary from university to university. It also includes and broadly consists of thesis writing, which is the crux of PhD programs.
Below is a list of some of the common syllabus subjects of PhD in Computer Science:
| Research Methodology | Data Mining | Machine Learning |
| Rough Set Theory | Fuzzy Logic | Thesis Report |
| Web Engineering | Artificial Intelligence | Simulation and Modelling |
| Software Architecture and Testing | ||
Job Profiles, Recruiters and Salary
PhD in Computer Sciences makes an individual efficient and more of an expert. An individual is equipped with the required knowledge and expertise to diversify their careers. With an in-demand course and a much higher and accomplished degree, the chances of an individual getting recruited to a much larger firm are greater.
Let’s look at the job profiles along with the recruiters.
| Job Profile | Description | Salary |
| Software Engineer | Software Engineers use programming languages, platforms and architecture to develop everything from computer games to maintain software built by others. | INR 4-5 LPA |
| Application Developer | An Application Software is someone who specializes in designing, creating, testing and maintaining software applications for various platforms. | INR 3-4 LPA |
| Professor | The job of the professor is to teach computer and information sciences, develop and design curriculum plans to foster student learning. | INR 4-5 LPA |
| Data Administrator | A data administrator is responsible for the overall management of data resources within an organization, including defining data policies, developing data models, and ensuring data quality. | INR 4-5 LPA |
Recruiters
| Amazon | TCS | Flipkart |
| Microsoft | Tata Institute of Fundamental Research | |
| Bosch | Accenture | Infosys |
Conclusion
Computer Science PhD Program along with the specializations like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and much more. PhD in Computer Science is a doctoral program with a duration of 3-5 years. It is advantageous for individuals who are interested in programming and related fields. It promises a bright future with a lot of job opportunities.
