PhD

Why are there two PhD tracks?

In theory both the PhD tracks are the same and have the same rigour and requirements. However, to pursue a PhD in India, students are required to have a master’s degree. Hence, the integrated track is designed for students with just a bachelor’s degree while the regular PhD is for students who already have a master’s degree.

What is Integrated PhD?

Integrated PhD is designed for individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue a PhD in Data Science at Vijaybhoomi University. Students will be required to complete a master’s degree prior to attempting the qualifier exam that will determine the Phd Candidacy.

What master’s degree is offered under the Integrated PhD?

There are three streams that students can choose from under the integrated PhD track

1. MBA in Business Analytics + PhD in Data Science
2. M.Sc in Computational Data Science + PhD in Data Science
3. M.Tech in Engineering + PhD in Data Science

What is regular PhD?

The regular PhD is designed for students who already have a master’s degree and wish to pursue the PhD in Data Science. Such individuals do not need to go through another master’s degree (offered as part of integrated PhD track) when applying to the PhD.

The required education in data science to pass the qualifier exam will be provided both as recorded lectures and part-time in person classes at Vijaybhoomi University campus, Karjat and at INSOFE campuses located in Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Students who choose to attend in person classes will receive a Case Western Reserve University certification in Data Science upon successfully completing the coursework.

All students will be required to take the qualifier exam that will determine their PhD candidacy.

What is Sponsored International Conference Presentation?

All PhD students (enrolled in integrated or regular track) are required to present one paper at an international conference within 2 years of passing the Qualifier exam and receiving the PhD candidacy.

The cost of registering for the conference, travel, and accommodation will be sponsored by INSOFE School of Data Science for such students. However, students who choose to attend conference without presenting will have to do it at their personal expense and will not be sponsored by the school or the university.

What are the approved journals for publication?

INSOFE School of Data Science faculty will identify and curate a list of journals that students can send their publications to, these will include peer-reviewed Tier-1 or A-grade journals and will be updated every academic year.

Students are required to have 2 publications prior to their dissertation defence.

Who guides the research?

Students will be guided by the Thesis Advisory Committee for the duration of their study at INSOFE School of Data Science.

The Thesis Advisory Committee consists of 4 members, including the student’s primary advisor (a faculty member from the INSOFE School of Data Science), a professor from one of the Vijaybhoomi University schools, an external entity (industry or academic institution based in India or abroad) and a fourth member who can belong to any of these categories.

Can I extend my PhD program?

Yes, but only under exceptional circumstances. You will be allowed to extend your PhD for a maximum of 2 years after the 4 years from the date of passing your Qualifier Exam. Your request will be assessed and approved by the program directors at both INSOFE School of Data Science and Vijaybhoomi University.

However, you will not receive any stipend or funding through INSOFE for the extended years. The onus is on the student to complete all the degree requirements and pay the additional fees for extending their program of study.

Students unable to complete the degree requirements within 6 years of passing the qualifier exam will no longer be eligible to receive a PhD from INSOFE School of Data Science, Vijaybhoomi University.

Who is eligible to apply to the PhD program?

Integrated PhD: Individuals with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply to this PhD track.

1. MBA in Business Analytics + PhD in Data Science - Students with a bachelor’s degree in BBA are eligible to apply to this track of the integrated PhD
2. M.Sc in Computational Data Science + PhD in Data Science - Students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science are eligible to apply to this track of the integrated PhD
3. M.Tech in Engineering + PhD in Data Science – Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field of engineering are eligible to apply to this track of the integrated PhD

Regular PhD: Individuals with a master’s degree in engineering, sciences, or business are eligible to apply to this PhD track.

What criteria are used to assess admission eligibility?

While the admission process takes into account several factors such as a research proposal and video interview, students need to have a master’s degree with a minimum 60% grade after appropriate scale conversion to be eligible to apply for the PhD program. In addition, students also need to demonstrate good academic standing on one competitive exam such as GMAT, NET, or INEX (INSOFE Entrance Examination)

Does my education or professional background matter?

Students with a master’s degree in engineering, sciences, or business studies and with any level of professional experience can apply to the PhD in Data Science program.

Is there an age limit to apply to the PhD?

No, there isn’t any such limit. Any student who fulfils the admission criteria is eligible to apply to the PhD program.

What is the duration of the PhD?

The PhD in Data Science is a 4-year full time residential program during which time a student is expected to design and defend a thesis. However, the total time taken to complete the degree requirements will vary based on the track chosen.

Integrated PhD: This is a 6-year full time residential program with the student spending the first 2-years completing their master’s coursework and requirements.
Regular PhD: This track is a 5-year program that includes 1-year taken to prepare for the qualifier exam either through a self-study mode or by attending in person part-time classes at Vijaybhoomi University or INSOFE campus.

What is the delivery format for the PhD?

Integrated PhD: All classes will be held in person on the Vijaybhoomi campus.
Regular PhD: The first year of coursework can be completed in a self-study format or attended part-time at one of INSOFE campuses in Hyderabad, Bengaluru or Karjat.

What is the application process for the PhD?

1. Apply on the INSOFE website, including filling up the application and paying the appropriate application fees.
2. Submit the required documents (Need to have 60% in Undergraduate degree if applying to Integrated PhD or 60% overall in the master’s degree, if applying as a master’s candidate to Regular PhD).
3. Submit competitive entrance exam (GATE, NET or INEX) scores.
4. Video interview.

What documents should be submitted during admission?

Integrated PhD: If applying as an Undergraduate Student

• Undergraduate marks memo of all 4 years
• Degree Certificate
• Professional Resume and Work Experience Letter
• Statement of Purpose for doing a PhD – not your research proposal

Regular PhD: If applying as a Master Student

• Undergraduate and Master’s marks memo of all years of study
• Undergraduate and Master’s degree certificates
• Professional Resume and Work Experience Letter
• Statement of Purpose for doing a PhD – not your research proposal

What is the tuition fee structure of the PhD?

Integrated PhD: Students will pay ₹8,16,000* for the first 2 years of the program for which they will receive a master’s in their chosen specialization (M.Sc, MBA, or M.Tech).

However, students will undertake a paid industry apprenticeship in year 2 and receive a stipend of ₹25000* per month.

Regular PhD: Students will pay ₹5,00,000* for their 1st year of in the program and begin to receive a stipend upon successfully passing the qualifier exam and receiving admission to the PhD in Data Science program.

In addition, all PhD candidates (integrated and regular track) have to pay a tuition fee of ₹40,000 per year and a hostel fee of ₹10,000 per year.

Will there be any scholarship provided?

Yes! The PhD program is fully funded with students receiving a stipend for the entire duration of 4 years taken to complete the thesis. Student’s academic progress is assessed every year based on which the continuation of stipend will be decided by the major advisor and the college.

The exact amount is revised periodically and will be at par or higher than what UGC provides for students in Government universities. The following is the stiped determined for academic year 2021-2022

Integrated PhD: Students will undergo a paid industry apprenticeship of ₹25000* per month during the second year of their master’s program.

In addition, students will receive a monthly stipend for 4 years upon passing the qualifier exam during which time the PhD requirements need to be successfully completed and the thesis defended.

1. Year 1 ₹35000 per month
2. Year 2 ₹45000 per month
3. Year 3 ₹55000 per month
4. Year 4 ₹65000 per month

Regular PhD: Students enrolled in this track will also receive a monthly stipend for 4 years, after they pass the qualifier exam during which time the PhD requirements need to be successfully completed and the thesis defended.

1. Year 1 ₹35000 per month
2. Year 2 ₹45000 per month
3. Year 3 ₹55000 per month
4. Year 4 ₹65000 per month

Will there be any additional financial assistance provided?

INSOFE has tie-ups with 13 different leading banks in India. Indian students will be assisted by the program advisory team in applying for an education loan from one of these banks. Overseas citizens and other foreign national citizens will need to talk to the academic advisors who will guide them based on their specific requirements and situation.

Where are the classes delivered?

The PhD is a residential program and requires students to stay on campus at Vijaybhoomi University located in karjat.

Regular PhD: Students pursuing this mode may opt to attend the 1 year of coursework (part-time) at one of the INSOFE locations in Hyderabad, Bangalore or Karjat. Following which, students will need switch to the residential mode and stay on campus at Vijaybhoomi University to complete the remaining PhD degree requirements.

If I completed my Data Science training or PGP certification; can I transfer my credits?

Individual cases are assessed by the program directors at INSOFE that account for your educational Status.

Integrated PhD: If you have an undergraduate degree, you will need to go through the integrated PhD track. You must first enroll in one of our master’s degree programs, pay the required fees, and get a degree from Vijaybhoomi University. Following this, you can attempt the qualifier exam which will determine your admission to the PhD program.

Regular PhD: If you have a master’s degree and then got a PGP certificate with INSOFE, you are eligible for the regular PhD track. You can take the PhD qualifiers directly after paying the appropriate program fees for the first year. However, if you feel that you need additional help, you can audit the course once again and go through the master’s first year program before taking the exam that will determine your admission to the PhD program.

Will the PhD be awarded by INSOFE or Vijaybhoomi University?

Upon the completion of the PhD program, degree will be awarded by INSOFE School of Data Science through Vijaybhoomi University.

Tell me more about the Alumni Status post-completion of the PhD program?

As a PhD student, you will have both INSOFE and Vijaybhoomi University alumni status which can help maintain good networking with experienced faculty, students, and management.

The unique PhD program has been designed such that every student gets the unique experience in both real-life projects and academic research such that the student will be both industry and academic ready to be employed by the top companies globally.