Introduction about Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University:

Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) is a renowned name in the field of higher education in India, established in 1995 with headquarters in Gangtok, Sikkim. The university offers a range of programs in various disciplines, including a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program. The Ph.D. program at SMU is designed to provide students with a rigorous and intellectually stimulating environment to carry out research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields. The program is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in academia, research institutions, or other settings requiring advanced research skills.

The Ph.D. program at SMU is offered in various disciplines, including Management, Information Technology, Biotechnology, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, and Mass Communication. The program is designed to allow flexibility in choosing the research area and methodology, giving students the freedom to explore their interests and develop their skills. The program comprises coursework, comprehensive examinations, and a thesis component. The coursework component includes taught courses in research methodology, statistical tools, and specialized courses in the chosen discipline. The comprehensive examination assesses the student's understanding and comprehension of the course material and readiness for research. The thesis component requires the student to conduct original research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen field.

SMU is committed to providing quality education and research opportunities to its students, and the Ph.D. program is no exception. The faculty members are experienced researchers and scholars who bring their expertise and knowledge to guide and support students in their research endeavors. The university has a well-established research ecosystem, with state-of-the-art research facilities, funding opportunities, and partnerships with research institutions and industry partners. The university also encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration, allowing students to explore the intersection of different disciplines and broaden their perspectives.

Fee structure for the Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University :

 

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Application Fee	1,500
Admission Fee	10,000
Tuition Fee (Year 1)	50,000
Tuition Fee (Year 2)	50,000
Tuition Fee (Year 3)	50,000
Research Support Allowance	10,000 (per annum)
Examination Fee (Every Appearance)	5,000
Contingency Grant (Doctoral)	15,000 (per annum)
University Enrollment Fee (Every Year)	3,000
University Maintenance Fee (Every Year)	2,000
Student Gymkhana Fee (Every Year)	1,000
Student Activity Fee (Every Year)	1,000
Total Fee (First Year)	1,18,000
Total Fee (Second Year)	1,18,000
Total Fee (Third Year)	1,18,000

Admission process for Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University:

1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for admission to the Ph.D. program, candidates must have a Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade point average in a relevant discipline. Relaxation of up to 5% marks is provided to reserved categories as per the rules of the Government of India.

2. Application Process: Interested candidates can submit their applications online or offline. The application forms can be downloaded from the official website of or obtained from the Admissions Office. The completed application form must be submitted along with all the necessary documents and the application fee.

3. Entrance Test: All eligible candidates are required to appear for the National Level Test (UGC-NET/JRF/CSIR-NET/DBT-BET/ICMR-JRF) or the Entrance Test conducted by University. The entrance test comprises objective type questions covering the candidate’s subject of interest and general aptitude.

4. Personal Interview: Based on the performance in the written test, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The interview panel evaluates the candidate’s motivation, communication skills, research interests, and potential for successful completion of the doctoral program.

5. Selection: The final selection is based on the candidate’s overall academic record, performance in the entrance test, and interview. Meritorious candidates securing fellowships from funding agencies like UGC, CSIR, DBT, DST, ICAR, ICMR, etc., are preferred.

6. Document Verification: Selected candidates are required to produce the original certificates and mark sheets at the time of document verification.

7. Provisional Admission: Once the document verification process is completed, candidates are granted provisional admission to the Ph.D. program.

Documents required for Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University:

1. Completed application form with recent photograph and signature.

2. Mark sheets and degrees of all qualifying examinations starting from class X onwards.

3. Certificate of proof of date of birth (Matriculation certificate or Birth Certificate issued by competent authority).

4. Valid scorecard of any one of the National Level Tests (UGC-NET/JRF/CSIR-NET/DBT-BET/ICMR-JRF) or the Entrance Test conducted by A P Goyal Shimla University.

5. Caste certificate (if applicable) issued by competent authority.

6. Disability certificate (if applicable) issued by competent authority.

7. Migration certificate from previous university.

8. Experience certificate(s), if applicable.

9. Any other relevant documents supporting the candidature.

Ph.D Syllabus of Course work in Sikkim Manipal University:

Research Methodology

Unit-I Introduction

Meaning, Concept, Nature, Steps, Types and Characteristics of research. Scientific Inquiry, Philosophical and Sociological foundations of research Interdisciplinary approach and its implications in various research area.

Unit-II Methods of Research

Qualitative and quantitative methods of research like Historical, case study, ethnography, exposit facto, documentary and content analysis, survey (Normative, descriptive, evaluative etc.) field and laboratory experimental studies. Characteristics of methods and their implications in research area.

Unit-III Development of research proposal

Research proposal and its elements, Formulation of research problem-criteria of sources and definition Development of objectives and characteristics of objectives. Development hypotheses and applications.

Unit-IV Methods of data collection

Concept of sampling and other concepts related to sampling. Probability and non-probability samples, their characteristics and implications. Tools of data collections, their types, attributes and uses. Redesigning, research tools-like, questionnaire, opinionnaire, observation, interviews, scales and tests etc.

Unit-V Methods of data analysis

Analysis of qualitative data based on various tools. Analysis of quantitative data and it presentation with tables, graphs etc. Statistical tools and techniques of data analysis-measures of central tendency, dispersion.

Decision making with hypothesis testing through parametric and non-parametric tests. Validity and delimitations of research findings.

Unit-VI Report writing and evaluations

Principles of report writing and guide lines according to style manuals. Writing and presentation of preliminary, main body and reference section of report. Picture and Graphs. Introduction to SPSS. Evaluation of research report.

References:

1. Wilkinson & Bhandarkar: Methodology and Techniques of Social Research.
2. Pauline Vyoung: Scientific Social Surveys and Research.
3. Panneerselvam,R., Research Methodology, Prentice Hall Of India,New Delhi,2004
4. Kothari: Research Methodology.
5. Festinger. L & D. Katz: Research Methods in Behavioral Science.
6. Sellitz, Et Al: Research Methods in Social Relations

(For Non Computer Background)

Computer Application

Unit 1: Basics of Computer

Characteristics of Computers, Evolution of computers, computer memory, computer generations, Basic computer organization; System software, Application software, introduction to operating system, single user, multi-user, multi-tasking single tasking, application of computer for business and research, MS-windows, Linux.

Unit 2: Data Communication and Networks

Data communication concepts, local area network, wide area network, internet, intranet, extranet, website. E-mail, search engines-enterprise E-communication and E-collaboration

Unit 3: Using Internet for Research

The Internet: quick look, what is internet, Use of Internet, major internet services, electronic mail, www, downloading super tools for better computing Internet and the society, Use of E-Journals, Use of E-library, searching the keyword search engines, News and multimedia, governments, archives and statistics.

Unit 4: Introduction to Research Related Software’s

Introduction to Data analysis software-SPSS: Definition, objectives and features, data analysis using SPSS: Data entry creating variables, switching to data labels, data analysis: Frequencies, recording into different variables, cross tabulations and layers. Core calculation software, developing utility programs for research, Introduction to C programming.

Unit 5: Research Related Tools and Utilities

MS-Office and its application, File handing in window, various versions of MS- Office, Research publishing tool- MS-Word, Adobe acrobat, Graphics tool- MS- Excel, MS-Power Point: Creating presentations and adding effects, Subject/field specific tools.

(For the students in Engineering & Computer background)

Advanced Computer Application

Unit 1: Basics of Computer Organization

System software compilation and interpretation, phases of compilation process, Lexical analysis, Lex packages on Linux system, Parsing Techniques, code generation and optimization. Application software, software development models, requirement analysis and specification for software design, Programming techniques and tools, software validation and quality assurance techniques, software maintenances and advance concepts, software management. Operating system, functions of OS. Multiprogramming, multiprocessing and multitasking, memory management, Concurrent programming. Scheduling, study of Linux operating system.

Unit 2: Data Communication and Networks

Data communication concepts, local area network, wide area network, internet, intranet, extranet, website. E-mail, search engines-enterprise E-communication and E-collaboration

Unit 3: Working with Internet

Introduction to internet, INFLIBNET, sights (DOAJ), searching on the internet, using graphics on internet, E-mail. The use of multimedia on the internet, Security on the internet, exploring e-mail facilities. Web design, creating web pages, themes and graphics, linking web pages, Navigation and testing, Making the website interactive, Internet and the society, study of search engines, Use of EBSCO HOST online database of Academic Libraries.

Unit 4: Programming Fundamentals

Object oriented programming concepts, Classes, Objects, Installations, Inheritance, Polymorphism and Overloading, Elements of C++ tokens, identifiers, variables and constants, Data types, Operators, Control statements, Function parameter passing. Class and objects, Constructors and destructors, overloading inheritance templates, exception handling Relational database design and SQL: E-R diagrams, transformation and normalization, SQL, DDL, DML, DCL command database objects.

Unit 5: Research Related Tools and Utilities

MS-Office and its application, File handing in window, various versions of MS- Office, Research publishing tool- MS-word, Adobe acrobat, Graphics tool- MS- excel. MS-Power Point: Creating presentations and adding effects. Subject/Field specific tools.

REVIEW WRITING & SEMINAR ON THE PUBLISHED RESEARCH WORK IN THE RELEVANT FIELD

Each student will submit a review report on any general topic of subject or area of interest in subject which will carry 50 marks and student will also give a presentation/seminar of the same which will also carry 50 marks.

Eligibility for Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University:

1. Master's Degree: Applicants must hold a master's degree or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in a related field from a recognized institute. Some universities might accept candidates with a bachelor's degree if they meet specific conditions or requirements.
2. Minimum Qualifying Marks: Universities require a minimum percentage or grade point average (CGPA). For instance, at least 55% marks or equivalent grades in previous degrees are common eligibility thresholds. However, certain prestigious universities may ask for higher scores.
3. Entrance Test: Most universities demand aspirants to appear for an entrance exam specifically designed for Ph.D. admissions. These tests assess critical thinking, reasoning, general aptitude, language proficiency, and domain expertise. Examples of such exams include Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), National Eligibility Test (NET), etc.
4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates usually go through a selection interview where they demonstrate their motivation, research interests, communication skills, and readiness to undertake independent study. Interviews could be held face-to-face, via video conferencing, or telephonically.
5. Letter of Recommendation (LOR): Many universities seek references from individuals familiar with the candidate's academic background and potential. Typically, two LORs from former professors or industry experts are mandatory.
6. Statement of Purpose (SOP): An SOP serves as an introduction to the candidate's academic journey, career goals, and reasons behind selecting the particular Ph.D. program. Candidates highlight their strengths, achievements, and suitability for the course.

Sikkim Manipal University Highlights:

 

Category	Details
Type	Private University
Established	1995
Approval	University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Medical Commission (NMC)
Location	Gangtok, Sikkim
Campuses	Two campuses in India - Gangtok, Sikkim and Bangalore, Karnataka
Number of Programs	More than 150 programs across various disciplines
Program Levels	Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, and Diploma programs
Faculty	Over 1,000 faculty members with expertise in various fields
Students	Over 40,000 students from across India and abroad
Research	Emphasis on research and innovation with numerous research centers and collaborations with industry partners
Awards and Rankings	Awarded “Best Private University” in India by ASSOCHAM in 2017 and ranked among the top universities in India by various rating agencies
Infrastructure	World-class infrastructure with state-of-the-art facilities including smart classes, libraries, laboratories, and hostels
Entrepreneurship	Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation with incubation centers and startup support
Partnerships	Collaborations with various national and international institutions, industries, and organizations for research, exchange, and employment opportunities
Admissions	Transparent and fair admissions process with merit-based and entrance exam-based options
Financials	Affordable fee structure with scholarships and financial aid options available for eligible students
Safety and Wellness	Safe and secure campus with healthcare, counselling, and wellness services available for students
Extra-curricular Activities	Various extra-curricular and co-curricular activities including sports, cultural events, and student societies
Alumni	Strong alumni network with successful professionals and entrepreneurs across various sectors and industries

How to apply for Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Visit the official website of University and navigate to the “Admissions” section. Look for the link to the Ph.D. program and click on it.

Step 2: Read the Instructions Carefully

Read the instructions carefully before filling out the application form. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before proceeding.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Fill out the online application form accurately and completely. You will be asked to enter your personal details, educational background, work experience, and other relevant information. Be prepared to upload scanned copies of your photograph, identity proof, and academic transcripts.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the application fee through the payment gateway provided on the website. Keep the transaction ID as proof of payment. The application fee amount may vary every year, so confirm the current fee on the official website.

Step 5: Submit the Application Form

After double-checking all the entered data and attachments, submit the application form. Take a printout of the confirmation page and the application form for future reference.

Step 6: Wait for the Entrance Exam Date and Time

Once your application is processed and accepted, you will receive an email notification containing the date, time, and venue of the entrance exam. Ensure you reach the venue on time and bring all necessary documents, including photo identification.

Step 7: Appear for the Entrance Exam

Appear for the entrance exam and perform to the best of your abilities. Your performance in the entrance exam will play a crucial role in determining whether you get admitted to the Ph.D. program.

Step 8: Attend the Counselling Session

If you qualify in the entrance exam, attend the counselling session, where you will be interviewed and asked about your research interests. Depending on your performance in the interview and entrance exam, you may be offered admission to the Ph.D. program.

Step 9: Accept the Offer Letter

Courses after Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University:

1. Academic Positions: With a Ph.D. degree, you can pursue a career in higher education as a professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or dean in top universities or research institutions. In addition to teaching responsibilities, you will be expected to publish research papers and guide graduate students in their research projects.

2. Industry Roles: Many companies value Ph.D. holders for their analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of a particular domain. Therefore, you can explore roles such as senior manager, director, consultant, or head of department in various industries, including IT, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and consulting firms.

3. Entrepreneurship: Starting your own venture or start up is another exciting option post-Ph.D. Leveraging your research insights, networking skills, and entrepreneurial mind-set, you can build innovative products, services, or technologies that address real-world problems and challenges.

4. Postdoctoral Fellowships: Postdoctoral fellowships are temporary research positions aimed at helping new PhD holders gain additional training, skills, and publications needed to become competitive for tenure-track faculty positions. There are many postdoc opportunities available globally in prestigious universities, research centres, and think tanks.

5. Policy Making and Advocacy: With a Ph.D. degree, you can influence public policy by working as a research analyst, policy maker, lobbyist, or advocate in government agencies, regulatory bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Job profile after Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University:

1. Professor/Assistant Professor/Associate Professor: Higher education institutions hire Ph.D. holders as professors or researchers. Professors teach classes, design curricula, mentor students, advise student groups, serve on committees, write letters of recommendation, and engage in scholarly activity such as conducting research, presenting findings at conferences, and publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.

2. Scientific Researcher: Research institutions, corporations, and government entities employ Ph.D. graduates to work on advanced research projects. Research scientists design experiments, collect data, analyse results, present findings, and publish reports. They also develop new methodologies, tools, and software to solve technical challenges.

3. Consultant: Organizations hire consultants to provide expert advice on strategic planning, project implementation, operational efficiency, market analysis, technology assessment, and organizational transformation. As a consultant, you might work independently or as part of a consulting firm.

4. Project Manager: Project managers lead cross-functional teams responsible for delivering projects on schedule and within budget constraints. They plan projects, allocate tasks, manage timelines, monitor progress, mitigate risks, communicate effectively, and report status to stakeholders.

5. Product Developer: Companies developing high-tech products or platforms hire Ph.D. graduates to drive product strategy, user experience design, feature prioritization, prototyping, testing, and launch. As a product developer, you might collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and sales personnel.

6. Technical Writer: Technical writers create documentation such as manuals, guides, whitepapers, FAQs, and release notes for hardware and software products. They translate technical jargon into accessible content for end users, developers, and internal audiences.

7. Business Analyst: Business analysts gather and interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and relationships that inform decision-making processes. They use statistical modelling, machine learning algorithms, and visualization tools to derive insights and recommendations.

Scholarship available for the Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University:

Types of Scholarships Available:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, creativity, or leadership qualities. Recipients usually maintain a certain GPA, participate in extracurricular activities, and exhibit outstanding character traits.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are awarded to students experiencing financial hardship or unable to afford tuition without assistance. Financial need is determined by assessing family income, assets, and other relevant factors.

3. Research Grants

Research grants are funded by government agencies, charitable foundations, or corporations, enabling students to undertake significant research projects aligned with sponsor priorities.

4. Conference Travel Awards

Conference travel awards are provided by academic associations, societies, or foundations, subsidizing attendance at regional, national, or international conferences to promote intellectual exchange, collaboration, and dissemination of research outcomes.

5. Fellowships

Fellowships are often targeted toward early-career researchers, offering stipends, allowances, or salary supplements to advance their studies or professional practice. Examples include postdoctoral fellowships, summer research fellowships, and visiting fellowships.

Ph.D from Sikkim Manipal University, FAQ’s :

What is the eligibility criterion for the Ph.D. program at SMU?

Candidates must have a master's degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent CGPA. Those belonging to the scheduled caste (SC)/scheduled tribe (ST)/other backward class (OBC) categories are entitled to relaxation in percentage as per the norms.

How is the admission process carried out for the Ph.D. program at SMU?

Admissions to the Ph.D. program at SMU are done twice a year, i.e., January and July. Candidates are shortlisted based on their past academic record and performance in the entrance exam conducted by SMU. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview round, following which final selections are made.

What is the duration of the Ph.D. program at SMU?

The Ph.D. program at SMU is a full-time residential program that extends for a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years.

Is there any provision for part-time or distance learning for the Ph.D. program at SMU?

Currently, SMU does not offer part-time or distance learning modes for the Ph.D. program.

What is the fee structure for the Ph.D. program at SMU?

The total fee for the Ph.D. program at SMU is INR 3,30,000, which is divided into equal installments payable annually. Additional expenses may arise concerning research, travel, and printing of the thesis.

What are the research facilities available at SMU for Ph.D. scholars?

SMU provides state-of-the-art research facilities, including well-equipped laboratories, libraries, computing resources, and access to databases. The university also facilitates research collaborations with industry partners and other academic institutions.

Does SMU provide financial assistance to Ph.D. scholars?

SMU offers limited scholarships to meritorious candidates based on their academic record and performance in the entrance exam. Additionally, Ph.D. scholars can apply for external fellowships and grants from various funding agencies.

Conclusion:

The Ph.D. program at Sikkim Manipal University is a promising option for those keen on pursuing advanced research in their chosen field. The university offers a favorable research environment, backed by modern infrastructure and expert faculty. Although the fee structure may seem steep compared to other universities, the university compensates by providing financial assistance to eligible candidates. Overall, SMU presents itself as a credible choice for aspiring researchers aiming to carve a niche in their respective disciplines.