How to Apply for a PhD in India / Abroad Successfully ?

How to Apply for a PhD in India / Abroad Successfully ?

So you’re planning to apply for a PhD Programme but have no idea where to begin. If you’re a Masters student, now could be the best time to think about applying for a PhD degree. First things first do not forget to qualify your csir net exam if you want to do phd in India. If you want to do PhD abroad then also these tips will be handy.

Applying for a Ph.D. seems like an intense process, especially if you are a working person or a fresher with zero or no experience in interacting with project guides.  However, there are a few things that you can do to make your application smooth going. In this article, I’m going to share the most important steps on how to apply for a PhD.

Step 1: Start early and research on available Ph.D. programs

The first important step in applying for a PhD is to do some research. Make sure you understand the different types of doctorate degrees on offer, including eligibility and PhD entry requirements. Then research on potential universities and programs that you want to enroll.

Once you

get relevant information about a particular PhD program, you will start getting ideas about the kind of work you want to do.

Always remember, deadlines for PhD applications usually fall on late autumn but some universities, in and out of India, still accept applications until spring. It is important that you are ahead of time so you won’t be late. If you are late then it means you loose a precious year. Thus keep this point in mind. You can check the latest PhD dates here

Step 2: Decide on what area or topic you want to specialize in

When you do your research, expect to be confronted with a myriad of available PhD programs from different universities. Everything will sound seemingly enticing and will cause you to feel ambivalent.

To drive away confusion, try to consider your graduate course and your master’s degree. For example, if you have a Masters in Research (MRes) then you can proceed to get a doctorate degree in the same program.

Also, make sure that you’re passionate about your choice. Let’s say you love hard sciences like Molecular Biology , Cell Biology, or Nuclear Medicine. Then choose a PhD program focusing on these areas. Remember that your chosen subject will be the bread-and-butter of your PhD journey for the next half-decade. Don’t choose something that you’re half-hearted, otherwise, your dream of becoming a PhD will surely be compromised

Step 3: Choose a topic for your PhD dissertation

Once you’ve chosen your specialty, think about what you want to write. It could be an assumption that you want to challenge or a problem that hasn’t been addressed yet. It does not have to be perfect right away. So long as you have an idea what to write, then you’re good for now.

The problem with most PhD students is that they start their PhD with over-ambitious projects. The key is to simply boil down your ideas into one central research question.

If you can’t think of an idea, try to investigate old research projects or read through several dissertations. This helps you explore interesting topics that you can start writing later on.

Step 4: Research for a potential supervisor

I’m sure you’re feeling a little tedious now after reading through the tips. I can totally understand if you feel like the process of applying for PhD is difficult. But the hard truth is that getting a PhD is absolutely rocket science. There is no shortcut to success. Remember all Good things are hard to achieve. So is your PhD

If there’s one thing I can promise you – that is I’m going to make it sound simpler. So once you have chosen a topic, the next thing you must do is to find a potential supervisor. You will be working with this person throughout the actual writing process that is why you need to find someone that you’ll be comfortable with.

Research on the person’s history and experience in handling a similar thesis project. Is your supervisor an established academe? Does he have a good track record? Is he strict? How many students is he handling right now?

Gather as much information as you can to prepare yourself once you meet this person. Also, it’s a good time to think about what to expect from your PhD supervisor and the kind of support you’ll be getting based on his record.

Step 5:  Send a “formal” application to your supervisor

A PhD supervisor can probably handle just 5 to 10 students per semester. It is important that you reserve your slot by contacting your prospect.

Now, I have put emphasis on the word “formal” application because I don’t want you to send a generic email. The people you’ll be dealing with are professionals. They get dozens of emails every day saying “Sir, can you please be my supervisor?” or “Sir, can you please take a look at my thesis?” Unfortunately, these are the types of emails that go to trash.

Every now and then, I advise students to craft a formal letter to get noticed. Below is an example of a really good email that will surely grab the attention of your potential supervisor.

Dear Dr. Rajesh Goyal,

I’ve read your journal about Bio-Chemistry with focus on the molecular function of the latest medication for hypertension and it fits well with my research interest. I’m sure you can give me the best input regarding the subject matter and I want you to become my thesis supervisor.

Kind regards,

With this example, you will see how sincere the student is. Considering every supervisor’s highly reputable profession, sending formal letters is also one way of showing respect.

Step 6: Follow up with phone or email

Stop wasting time pondering on several reasons why your supervisor has not replied. Assuming they are busy, it’s still your responsibility to make a follow-up.

The best time to follow up with your application is within two weeks. As you note, they’re frequently busy and you can’t expect them to reply within three days. But this doesn’t mean that your application has been turned down. The following is a perfect example of a follow-up email.

Dear Dr Goyal,

I wrote to you on the 15th of March requesting you to become my supervisor on my investigative research in Bio-Chemistry regarding the molecular function of the alternative medication for hypertension. I would really appreciate it if you could reply to this email and let me know your thoughts on this matter.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Kind regards,

Step 7: Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Getting in touch with your PhD advisor is just the first step of the PhD application process. You will be meeting more people in the university such as the admission staff, lecturers, head of the graduate school, and research department.

Most of these people are thrilled to help you put together a successful PhD application. So make sure that you clear your mind from doubts and understand every detail of your PhD program by asking relevant questions.

Step 8: Completely fill up the application form

This may sound pointless for many of you but everything can go up or down from your application form. Majority of students who don’t fill up application forms properly often get overlooked.

For a stellar application form, make sure that you completely fill up all the important hotspots such as the Education and Qualifications, Employment History, Interest and Achievements, and Personal Statement, Statement of Purpose etc

When you apply for a PhD, candidates are shortlisted based on the application form and interviewing only comes second. So it is important that you’ve laid down all important information in the application for you to gain entry and proceed to the next step.

Step 9: Spend enough time on your actual application

If you’re in a rush, just think of this – your application is your gateway to your PhD Degree. So make plenty of time to think about your application.

Have you visited your university and talked to your supervisor? Have you carefully compared different research topics and PhD programs? Just be honest with the opportunities you’ve explored. Who knows you might be given better offers because of your impeccable effort.

Lastly, gather positive feedback from the people who know you well. Make sure you choose the right people as your reference and apprise them of your PhD application, so they can prepare something in advance.

Step 10: Start thinking about your career

We all know that not all PhD graduates go to the academia. There is only 50 percent of those who successfully finished their PhD who choose to become professors. The other half goes to other areas like policy work, non-government organizations, and private entrepreneurship.

Getting a PhD might seem a long way but it’s good to have a vision of what your future will be. This will help define your direction as a PhD student.

So there you go. Knowing these 10 tips would be an immense importance not only for effectively completing your PhD application but also for a successful post-graduate journey. Good luck with your application and I hope that you’ll get what your heart desires. Got Questions? Shoot them to us in the comments below.