PhD Mechanical Engineering: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
PhD Mechanical Engineering is a doctorate-level mechanical engineering course. The course could last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. A PhD in Mechanical Engineering is a research-based degree. Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Mechatronics and Robotics, Structural Analysis, Thermo-Science, and Design, are all sub-disciplines of mechanical engineering. After getting a PhD Mechanical Engineering degree, there are various career opportunities such as Lecturer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Executive Engineer, Research Scientist, etc.
PhD Mechanical Engineering Course Details
| Degree | Doctorate |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering |
| Duration | 5 Years |
| Age | No age limit |
| Subjects Required | Math and Science, Thermodynamics, Mechanics and Scientific Computing |
| Minimum Percentage | 60% |
| Average Fees | ₹96K - 3.1 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 3.5-INR 10 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Lecturer, Researcher, Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Executive Engineer, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Audi G, BMW, Continental, Volkswagen, Bombardier and many more.... |
About PhD Mechanical Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD Mechanical Engineering) falls under the umbrella course of a PhD. PhD in Mechanical Engineering offers an understanding of research areas such as additive manufacturing, computational design, energy conversion and storage, etc. The PhD Mechanical Engineering syllabus covers all the related topics for the field and gives rigorous training to the students. Students can develop machines based on user requirements after completing the course.
According to Wikipedia, "Mechanical engineering is an engineering branch that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science, to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering branches."
Table of Contents
- PhD Mechanical Engineering Eligibility Criteria
- PhD Mechanical Engineering Admission Process
- Who Should Do a PhD Mechanical Engineering?
- Types of PhD Mechanical Engineering
- Popular PhD Mechanical Engineering Entrance Exams
- Study PhD Mechanical Engineering in India
- Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges
- Study PhD Mechanical Engineering Abroad
- PhD Mechanical Engineering Fees Structure
- PhD Mechanical Engineering Syllabus and Subjects
- Why Choose PhD Mechanical Engineering?
- PhD Mechanical Engineering Course Comparison
- Preparation Tips for PhD Mechanical Engineering
- Salary of a PhD Mechanical Engineering Graduate
- Career Options after PhD Mechanical Engineering
- Skills to Excel
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Mechanical Engineering
Students interested in pursuing a PhD Mechanical Engineering should know the eligibility criteria and all the PhD Mechanical Engineering course details. Eligibility for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering includes students having to successfully pass their Postgraduate degree in engineering/ technology or any other similar field from a recognized university.
In addition, many colleges and universities conduct entrance exams for students to be eligible for the course. In comparison, other colleges require students to have scored a minimum of 75% in their graduation. There is no age limit to applying for this course.
How To Get Admission for PhD Mechanical Engineering?
PhD Mechanical Engineering admission is possible through both entrance examination and merit-based selection. Many universities offer direct and entrance exam-based admission to the PhD Mechanical Engineering course. Candidates applying for the PhD Mechanical Engineering degree should have their results from the respective entrance exams required by the selected/opted universities.
Though the admission process varies from college to college, below are the steps that one should generally go through to get admission.
How to Apply?
Each university has its unique set of admissions requirements. The candidate may be admitted based on their post-graduate grades or may be required to take an entrance exam. After passing the entrance exam, the candidate is called to proceed with the rest of the admission process. Candidates should also refer to the official websites of the different colleges or universities for information regarding the admission procedure.
Selection Process
In merit-based selection, candidates are chosen based on their academic performance during undergraduate and postgraduate studies. For entrance-based selection, students need to take the entrance test. Once the candidates are qualified, they become eligible for any further admission stage. Students must also appear for a personal interview round following the entrance exam. Finally, the candidates who have been shortlisted are offered admission to the college according to their preferences.
Who Should Pursue a PhD Mechanical Engineering?
For those wishing to gain the maximum expertise in mechanical engineering, a PhD in mechanical engineering is required. This type of knowledge and experience is most commonly found in academia and at the highest levels of engineering work.
When To Do PhD Mechanical Engineering?
Candidates can apply for the PhD Mechanical Engineering programme after getting a minimum of 75% in their post-graduate engineering or technology degree from a recognized college or university. Candidates with a master's degree in any similar field and an academic record of 65% or higher can also apply for the PhD Mechanical Engineering programme. Bachelor's degree holders with a minimum of 75% in graduation can also apply for the course.
Types of PhD Mechanical Engineering
Aspirants can pursue the course in the full-time or part-time mode. Below are the types of PhD Mechanical Engineering courses in detail:
Full-Time
The full-time PhD Mechanical Engineering programme, is typically for 3 years, where students will have to attend classes in person, write a thesis, and do research in labs. The advantage of a full-time course is that students can gain more exposure, experience and knowledge through direct interaction with their peers and faculty.
Part-Time
The part-time PhD Mechanical Engineering course is designed for students who cannot attend regular classes. The duration of the course is typically 6 years. The advantage of the part-time course is that students can pursue this course while simultaneously being engaged in employment, research, etc.
Distance
A distance education programme is for students who cannot afford full-time studies due to financial constraints or employees who cannot dedicate themselves to full-time or part-time studies. PhD Mechanical Engineering degree obtained by distance learning is not considered valid.
Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Mechanical Engineering
PhD Mechanical Engineering students may be required to take an entrance exam to get admitted to their preferred college. The format of entrance exams may differ from one college to another. Here are some of the most popular entrance exams for PhD students in Mechanical Engineering:
A Quick Glance at the PhD Mechanical Engineering Entrance Exams
Students can access the PhD Mechanical Engineering course details by going to the college's official website to which they are interested in applying. The college's approach to the entrance exam is strongly influenced by specialization. Below listed are some of the general guidelines of the PhD Mechanical Engineering entrance examinations:
- The exam pattern includes Mechanical Engineering related questions such as Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, etc.
- The papers are mostly objective and MCQ-based.
- According to the university/conducting body, the syllabus, style of examination, and question pattern may differ.
Study PhD Mechanical Engineering in India
India is home to some of the best PhD Mechanical Engineering colleges globally. Aspirants have many options to choose from in terms of the best PhD Mechanical Engineering course as per their preferences. Depending on the type of PhD Mechanical Engineering programs offered, candidates will have to make the appropriate choice. Below are some of the top colleges in India offering PhD Mechanical Engineering courses:
Top 10 PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in India
Below is the list of the 10 best PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in the country:
| Sl.No | Name of the College |
| 1 | IIT Madras |
| 2 | IIT Delhi |
| 3 | IIT Bombay |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur |
| 5 | IIT Kharagpur |
| 6 | IIT Guwahati |
| 7 | BITS Pilani |
| 8 | NIT Trichy |
| 9 | IIT Indore |
| 10 | IIT Varanasi |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in New Delhi
India’s capital city is home to some of India's best institutions for PhD Mechanical Engineering. Check the table below for the top PhD Mechanical Engineering colleges in New Delhi:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | IIT Delhi |
| 2 | JMI |
| 3 | Delhi Technological University |
| 4 | IGNOU |
| 5 | Netaji Subhas University of Technology |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Pune
Pune also has some of India's best institutions for PhD Mechanical Engineering. Check the table below for the top PhD Mechanical Engineering colleges in Pune:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | VIT |
| 2 | Dr D.Y. Patil Institute of Technology |
| 3 | MIT WPU |
| 4 | Sinhgad College of Engineering |
| 5 | Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Chennai
Tamil Nadu’s capital city is home to some of India's premier institutions for PhD Mechanical Engineering. Check the table below for the best PhD Mechanical Engineering colleges in Chennai:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | IIT Madras |
| 2 | Madras Institute of Technology |
| 3 | BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology |
| 4 | Vel’s University |
| 5 | Chennai Institute of Technology |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top PhD Mechanical Engineering programmes. Check the table below for the best PhD Mechanical Engineering colleges in Bangalore:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | DSCE Bangalore |
| 2 | Ramaiah Institute of Technology |
| 3 | BMS College of Engineering |
| 4 | REVA University |
| 5 | AIT Bangalore |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Kolkata
West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of India's best colleges for PhD Mechanical Engineering courses. Check the table below for the best PhD Mechanical Engineering colleges in Kolkata:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Techno India University |
| 2 | Aliah University |
| 3 | Adamas University |
| 4 | UEM Kolkata |
| 5 | National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Hyderabad
The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions for PhD Mechanical Engineering courses in India. Check the table below for the top colleges for PhD Mechanical Engineering in Hyderabad:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Osmania University |
| 2 | IIT Hyderabad |
| 3 | ICFAI Tech |
| 4 | Anurag University |
| 5 | Malla Reddy University |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Government Colleges
Several top Government Colleges offer quality PhD Mechanical Engineering programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top PhD Mechanical Engineering government colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | IIT Madras |
| 2 | IIT New Delhi |
| 3 | IIT Bombay |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur |
| 5 | IIT Kharagpur |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PhD Mechanical Engineering private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top PhD Mechanical Engineering private colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | DSCE Bangalore |
| 2 | VIT Pune |
| 3 | REVA University, Bangalore |
| 4 | Techno India University, Kolkata |
| 5 | MSRIT Bangalore |
Study PhD Mechanical Engineering Abroad
Students can opt to study a PhD Mechanical Engineering course abroad if they can afford it. The PhD Mechanical Engineering abroad is for 2 - 5 years, depending on the type of course, college and country. Studying a PhD Mechanical Engineering programme overseas provides students with access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculty and global exposure to the subject matter and other cultures. In addition, PhD Mechanical Engineering is one of the best courses to study abroad because of its diversity. Below are some of the top PhD Mechanical Engineering colleges abroad and the relevant fees structure:
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges Abroad
The table below contains the list of the some of the best colleges abroad for PhD Mechanical Engineering:
| Institution | Fees |
| Western Michigan University, USA | USD 58,974 |
| University of Auckland, New Zealand | NZD 21,989 |
| Purdue University, USA | USD 65,807 |
| University of Alabama, USA | USD 73,290 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA | USD 166,530 |
| University of New South Wales, Australia | AUD 145,440 |
| Carleton University, Canada | CAD 65,007 |
| University of Bristol, UK | GBP 73,800 |
| University of Birmingham, UK | GBP 70,740 |
| University of Waterloo, Canada | CAD 44,376 |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in the USA
The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PhD Mechanical Engineering programmes globally. The table below contains the list of top colleges for PhD Mechanical Engineering in the USA:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Western Michigan University, USA |
| 2 | Purdue University, USA |
| 3 | University of Alabama, USA |
| 4 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA |
| 5 | Oklahoma State University, USA |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in the UK
The UK has institutions that date back to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a PhD Mechanical Engineering. The table below shows the top colleges for PhD Mechanical Engineering in the UK:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Bristol, UK |
| 2 | University of Birmingham, UK |
| 3 | Newcastle University, UK |
| 4 | University of Manchester, UK |
| 5 | University of Bath, UK |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Canada
Known as the ‘Great White North, Canada is one of the most sought after destinations for PhD Mechanical Engineering programmes globally. The table below shows the top universities in Canada for PhD Mechanical Engineering:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Carleton University, Canada |
| 2 | University of Saskatchewan, Canada |
| 3 | University of Windsor, Canada |
| 4 | University of Waterloo, Canada |
| 5 | Dalhousie University, Canada |
Top PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Australia
For many students, Australia, also known as the 'Land Down Under,' has emerged as one of the top locations for higher education. The list of top colleges for PhD Mechanical Engineering in Australia is as follows:
Fee Structure for PhD Mechanical Engineering
The PhD Mechanical Engineering course fee is not fixed and depends on many factors. Some of the factors which affect the PhD in Mechanical Engineering fees include location, faculty, demand, infrastructure, and the facilities available to the students. India's average PhD Mechanical Engineering course fee is around INR 96,000 - 3.16 LPA.
| Sl.No. | Name of the College | Total Fee Structure |
| 1. | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | INR 19,670 PA |
| 2. | Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi | INR 34,900 PA |
| 3. | Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | INR 73,000 PA |
| 4. | Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | INR 64,050 PA |
Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Mechanical Engineering
The course syllabi included in the curriculum of some of the most popular PhD Mechanical Engineering courses are tabulated below. The core of the syllabus is followed by most colleges across the country, with a few minor exceptions. The following are some of the subjects that students can get a chance to study:
- Research Methodology
- Mathematics for Engineering Research
- Branch specific topics
- Thesis
- Research work and seminar
Read More: PhD Mechanical Engineering Syllabus and Subjects
Why Choose PhD Mechanical Engineering?
When students decide to pursue the PhD Mechanical Engineering qualification, they should research PhD Mechanical Engineering course details to ensure they know the course they are enrolled in. Students encounter some common queries: "What is PhD Mechanical Engineering" and "Why PhD Mechanical Engineering?". To understand the answer to these questions, we can make it simpler by breaking it down into the following three short questions:
What is PhD Mechanical Engineering All About?
The dissertation-based PhD. (Doctor of Philosophy) in mechanical engineering is a research-based higher degree. Students can study at the top level of research under the guidance of a faculty member in this programme. The PhD Mechanical Engineering degree is one of the oldest and most popular programs globally. Throughout the course, students learn a variety of mechanical engineering skills. Students learn about various machinery and related equipment. The PhD Mechanical Engineering course enhances the candidates’ problem solving, research, and analytical skills.
What Does a PhD Mechanical Engineering Graduate Do?
Students can select the subjects of their choice depending on their interest in job prospects available in the specific field. Since graduates with a PhD Mechanical Engineering degree possess skills in various subjects, there are career opportunities available in multiple fields. In addition, there are many responsibilities that graduates of this role have to undertake, which makes the role very dynamic and diverse.
Teaching: One of the popular roles undertaken by graduates of the PhD Mechanical Engineering course is teaching. Since students gain a deeper understanding of a specific subject when studying PhD Mechanical Engineering, it helps them pursue teaching as a career.
Reasons Why PhD Mechanical Engineering Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
Mechanical engineering is important in manufacturing everything from automobiles to aircraft to appliances. Because it provides valuable technologies to our modern culture, it allows one to conduct numerous daily tasks easily. A PhD Mechanical Engineering can open several doors for students and employment opportunities. Thus, the PhD Mechanical Engineering job scope is forever widening and appealing.
Job Role Diversity: Graduates with PhD Mechanical Engineering degree can choose from a wide range of job opportunities. Students can pursue a wide range of jobs in their professions because the specializations accessible to them are quite flexible.
Read More: PhD Mechanical Engineering Jobs & Scope
PhD Mechanical Engineering Course Comparison
Mechanical engineering involves analysing, developing, producing, and testing mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, such as tools, engines, and machines. Mechanical engineers work on inventing technologies that satisfy a wide range of human needs. Below is a comparison of the PhD in Mechanical Engineering course with other courses:
PhD Mechanical Engineering vs PhD Electrical Engineering
The table below showcases the differences between PhD Mechanical Engineering(ME) and PhD Electrical Engineering(EE):
| Course | PhD in M.E | PhD in EE |
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering |
| Stream | Engineering course in Mechanical Engineering | Engineering course in Electrical Engineering |
| Course Duration | 2-5 years | 3-5 years |
| Eligibility | Post-graduation in Mechanical Engineering or any other similar field | Post-graduation in Electrical Engineering or any other similar field |
| Entrance Exams | UGC NET, GATE, JNUEE, UGC CSIR NET, DTU PhD | UGC NET, GATE, UGC CSIR NET |
| Top Colleges | IIT, NIT, BITS Pilani, VIT | IIT, NIT, IISc, BITS, VIT |
| Fees | INR 96,000-3.16LPA | INR 20,000-3.00LPA |
Preparation Tips for PhD Mechanical Engineering
There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a PhD Mechanical Engineering degree. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles.
Syllabus: Students must be well-versed with the course syllabus. This is the first and most fundamental step in the preparation process.
Exam Pattern: Understand the examination patterns and the kind of questions that are commonly asked. Students will almost likely be asked multiple-choice questions.
Important topics: Students should concentrate more on the important areas where questions are most usually asked. These sections must be focused on while reviewing the chapters.
Practice: Practice questions from past years' question papers and sample papers.
Salary of a PhD Mechanical Engineering Graduate
The salary for PhD Mechanical Engineering graduates varies depending on the specialization chosen by the candidates. Other factors that can affect PhD Mechanical Engineering salary in India include experience, geography, and the industry they are working in.
Graduates can increase their salary by getting more work experience. Graduates' average PhD Mechanical Engineering job salary is around INR 3.5 - 10 LPA [Source: PayScale].
Read More: PhD Mechanical Engineering Salary
Career Options After PhD Mechanical Engineering Graduation
There are plenty of jobs available for PhD Mechanical Engineering students looking for career options in Mechanical Engineering. The job roles will differ based on the specialization that one has opted for. PhD Mechanical Engineering graduates have abundant job opportunities with good salary packages that include the following job profiles:
- Junior Engineer
- Executive Engineer
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Lecturer
Skills That Make You The Best PhD Mechanical Engineering Graduate
Mechanical engineers design, test, and operate mechanical equipment like tools, engines, and machines. PhD Mechanical Engineering graduates need to possess many complex and soft skills to succeed in their careers. These skills are learned through experience. Therefore, students should always put in the effort to go out of their comfort zone and gain as much experience as possible. Some of these skills include:
- Problem-solving
- Research and Analysis
- Math and Computer Skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Team Work
- Interpersonal Skills
