Ph.D from Visva Bharati University, Introduction, Admission, Registration, Eligibility, Duration, Fees, Syllabus 2024

Introduction about Ph.D from Visva Bharati University:

Visva Bharati University, situated in Santiniketan, West Bengal, is a prestigious central university established by none other than Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. This remarkable institution, born from Tagore's vision of a global village celebrating unity, harmony, and cooperation, offers a rich tapestry of academic programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels.

The cornerstone of Visva Bharati University's research division is its Ph.D. program, which draws inspiration from both ancient wisdom and modern scientific temperaments. The university offers Ph.D. programs across a diverse spectrum of disciplines, including Humanities, Languages, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Fine Arts. The Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati places great emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, experimental pedagogies, and cross-cultural dialogue, remaining faithful to Tagore's grand vision of fostering a global community characterized by mutual respect and appreciation for varied cultures.

Nestled within the picturesque campus of Santiniketan, Visva Bharati University's tranquil surroundings of verdant trees and stunning architectural marvels create the perfect environment for undisturbed research and reflection. The university advocates strongly for sustainability, conservation of ecological equilibrium, and minimalism, instilling in students the imperative to care for our precious earth and protect its finite resources.

Spearheaded by a team of committed and experienced faculty members, Visva Bharati University's Ph.D. scholars are presented with an incredible opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research, leveraging the university's impressive infrastructure, expansive library resources, and extensive collaborations with domestic and international institutions. By fostering a strong sense of social responsibility and global citizenship, Visva Bharati University molds its researchers and intellectuals to be well-rounded, mindful of their duty towards society, and attuned to the nuanced dynamics of our increasingly interconnected world.

Fee structure for the Ph.D from Visva Bharati University :

Fee Type	Amount (INR)	Description
Registration	5,000	One-time fee charged at the beginning of the first semester
Tuition	25,000	Per semester
University Common Fee	1,500	Per semester
Student Welfare Fund	1,000	Per semester
Establishment Charges	1,500	One-time fee charged at the beginning of the first semester
Medical Insurance	1,000	Per annum
Alumni Association	1,000	One-time fee charged at the beginning of the first semester
Total (Indian Nationals)	30,000	Per semester

Admission process for Ph.D from Visva Bharati University:

The admission process for a Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University typically involves the following steps:

1. Notification and Application Release: Usually, the university releases a notification announcing the commencement of the admission cycle. Simultaneously, they release the application form on their official website. Interested candidates can fill out the application form, pay the application fee, and submit the required documents.

2. Entrance Examination: Upon scrutiny of the applications, the university may conduct an entrance examination, which tests the candidates' aptitude in their chosen field. The examination pattern, syllabus, and dates are announced on the official website.

3. Shortlisting: Based on the candidates' performance in the entrance examination, the university prepares a shortlist of potential candidates. Generally, the shortlisted candidates are informed via email or through the university's website.

4. Interview: Following the declaration of the shortlist, the university schedules interviews for the candidates. The interviews may be held on-campus or through videoconferencing platforms. Candidates are expected to discuss their research interests and present their credentials during the interview.

5. Selection: The final selection is made based on the candidate's performance in the entrance examination, interview, and their academic record. The university publishes the provisional list of selected candidates on its website.

6. Document Verification and Admission: Selected candidates must report to the university for document verification and confirmation of their admission. They must pay the necessary fees and complete other formalities as directed by the university.

Documents required for Ph.D from Visva Bharati 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 Visva Bharati 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 Visva Bharati University:

PAPER NAME	MAX. MARKS
Research Methodology	100
Computer Applications	100
Advanced Computer Application	100
Review Writing & Seminar on the Published Research Work in the Relevant Field	50+50=100
TOTAL MARKS	300

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 Visva Bharati University:

 

Sr. No.	Eligibility Criteria	Remarks
1	Possess a Master’s degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade.	Mandatory
2	Belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribes (ST)/Other Backward Classes (OBC)/Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories are entitled to a relaxation of 5% marks in the minimum eligibility requirements.	If applicable
3	Candidates who are awaiting their Master’s degree result may also apply provisionally, subject to submitting the final results within the specified deadline set by the University.	Provisional basis

Visva Bharati University Highlights:

Parameter	Description
University Name	Visva Bharati University
Type	Central University
Established	1921
Founder	Rabindranath Tagore
Location	Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India
Accreditation	University Grants Commission (UGC), National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
Academic Affiliation	Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
Campus Area	Approx. 100 hectares
Number of Schools	34
Number of Departments	74
Total Student Strength	Approx. 5,000
Faculty-Student Ratio	01:14
Library Holdings	More than 4 lakh books
Research Centers	25+
Notable Alumni	Amartya Sen, Satyajit Ray, Sunil Janah, Ramkinkar Baij
Motto	"Yatra visvam bhavatyekanidam" (Where the whole world makes one nest)

How to apply for Ph.D from Visva Bharati University:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Visit the official website of A P Goyal Shimla University (https://agu.edu.in), 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

If you are offered admission, accept the offer letter promptly and make the required initial deposit to secure your seat in the program. Follow the enrolment procedures outlined in the offer letter, including submitting original documents and paying the remaining fees.

Courses after Ph.D from Visva Bharati 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).

6. Research Institutions: Joining a research organization or laboratory focused on your domain expertise is another excellent opportunity post-Ph.D. Such institutions often engage in cutting-edge research and innovation, leading to breakthrough discoveries and inventions.

7. Think Tanks: Working at a think tank allows you to leverage your research skills to analyse complex issues, generate ideas, and propose solutions for policymakers, businesses, and society at large.

8. Editing and Publishing: With a strong command of writing, editing, and publishing skills, you can consider editorial or publishing roles in scientific journals, magazines, newspapers, or book publishers.

9. Grant Writing: Non-profits, universities, hospitals, and other organizations rely on grants to fund their operations, research, and programming activities. By leveraging your research skills and grant writing techniques, you can assist such organizations in obtaining financial aid and resources.

Job profile after Ph.D from Visva Bharati 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.

8. Intellectual Property Attorney: IP attorneys protect patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and licenses for clients ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations. They draft legal agreements, negotiate contracts, and represent clients in court proceedings.

9. Science Journalist: Science journalists cover news stories related to science, technology, health, environment, and mathematics. They interview experts, synthesize complex concepts, and convey accurate information to lay readers via blogs, podcasts, videos, and traditional media channels.

10. Public Speaker/Educator: Ph.D. holders can share their expertise with broad audiences as motivational speakers, trainers, coaches, and educators. They deliver keynote speeches, facilitate workshops, and host webinars for professionals seeking to expand their knowledge base.

Scholarship available for the Ph.D from Visva Bharati University:

Visva Bharati University offers various scholarship opportunities for Ph.D. students. Some of the major scholarships available are:

1. Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF): PMRF is a scheme introduced by the Government of India to boost research in premier institutions like Visva Bharati University. Ph.D. students can benefit from a generous fellowship package, consisting of a stipend, grant for academic contingencies, and travel funds.

2. University Grants Commission (UGC) Fellowships: UGC offers various fellowships for Ph.D. students, namely UGC-JRF, UGC-SRF, and UGC-NET. These fellowships provide a monthly stipend, a contingency grant, and HRA, depending on the fellowship category.

3. Departmental Research Assistantship (DRA): Visva Bharati University offers financial assistance to Ph.D. scholars in the form of Departmental Research Assistantships. The quantum of financial aid varies depending on the department and the availability of research projects.

4. Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for College and University Students: This scholarship targets meritorious students coming from low-income families. It provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and book grants.

5. National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPWD): NFPWD is funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, offering financial support to Ph.D. students with disabilities. Beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend and an annual contingency grant.

6. Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities: This scholarship is managed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and is meant for economically disadvantaged minority students. It covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and book grants.

7. Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students: The Ministry of Minority Affairs administers this fellowship for minority students pursuing Ph.D. degrees. The fellowship comprises a monthly stipend and an annual contingency grant.

Ph.D from Visva Bharati University, FAQ’s:

1. What is the duration of the Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University?
   The Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University is designed to be completed in a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years.

2. What is the medium of instruction for the Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University?
   The medium of instruction for the Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University is predominantly English.

3. What are the eligibility criteria for the Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University?
   Candidates must possess a Master's degree or a professional degree recognized as equivalent thereto with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PH/VH category candidates) in aggregate in the main subjects or all the subjects taken together. Also, candidates appearing in the final year of the Master's degree can apply provisionally.

4. How can I apply for the Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University?
   Apply online through the Visva Bharati University website during the specified application period. Upload the required documents and pay the application fee. Hard copy submissions are also accepted.

5. What is the fee structure for the Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University?
   The fee structure for the Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University is as follows:

   • Registration fee: ₹ 5,000/- (Non-refundable)

   • Tuition fee: ₹ 25,000/- per semester

   • University Common Fee: ₹ 1,500/- per semester

   • Student Welfare Fund: ₹ 1,000/- per semester

   • Establishment Charges: ₹ 1,500/- (One-time)

   • Medical Insurance: ₹ 1,000/- per annum

   • Alumni Association: ₹ 1,000/- (One-time)

Conclusion:

Visva Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, is a prestigious central university in Santiniketan, West Bengal. With a rich history and commitment to excellence, Visva Bharati offers a wide array of academic programs, including a Ph.D. program. The Ph.D. program at Visva Bharati University spans across multiple disciplines and offers students an enriching and challenging environment for research and academic growth. With a favorable fee structure and various scholarship opportunities, the university provides ample scope for financially challenged yet deserving students.

The university's picturesque campus, emphasis on traditional and classical knowledge, and commitment to social justice make Visva Bharati an attractive option for students seeking a wholesome educational experience. With its long-lasting legacy and sterling reputation, Visva Bharati University holds a distinct position among India's premier educational institutions. Pursuing a Ph.D. at Visva Bharati University opens up numerous opportunities for students, promising a fulfilling and gratifying academic journey.