Program Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, a recognized Research Centre by Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) since 2012, is dedicated to fostering advanced research and innovation, providing an enriching environment for doctoral students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty guidance, our research centre empowers scholars to explore cutting-edge areas, encouraging interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships, and knowledge transfer.

Our doctoral program in Mechanical Engineering empowers candidates to contribute original research in prominent international journals and conferences, and resonate with global research community. VTU's methodically crafted mandatory coursework provides foundational knowledge and research skills, equipping students with depth and breadth to tackle complex challenges. Our mission is to drive innovation and inspire impactful research addressing critical technological challenges, including Robotics, Mechatronics, Materials Science, Energy Systems, Manufacturing, and Aerospace, through expert guidance, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and industry collaborations, shaping the future of mechanical engineering and transforming industries.

Eligibility Criteria

The Candidates shall possess a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering/ Technology or an equivalent Degree or M.S. (Research) Degree from the University or any other University recognized by VTU, with a minimum CGPA of 6.75 out of 10 or 60% aggregate marks at either the Bachelor’s or the Master’s Degree.

Admission Procedure

The admission process to the Ph.D. Programme shall be as follows

• The admission shall be based on the criteria notified by the University, keeping in view the guidelines/ norms in this regard issued by the UGC and other statutory/ regulatory bodies concerned, and taking into account the reservation policy of the Central/State Government from time to time.
• Admission to the Ph.D. programme shall be made using the following methods:
  • University may admit students who qualify for fellowship/scholarship in UGC NET/ UGC-CSIR NET/GATE/CEED and similar National level tests based on an interview. And/or
  • University shall admit students through an Entrance Test, called VTU-ETR, conducted at the level of the University. The Entrance Test syllabus shall consist of 50% of research methodology, and 50% shall be subject- specific.
  • Students who have secured 50% marks in the entrance test are eligible to be called for the interview.
  • A relaxation of 5 % marks will be allowed in the entrance examination for the candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled category, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the UGC from time to time.
  • HEIs may decide the number of eligible students to be called for an interview based on the number of Ph.D. seats available.
  • Provided that for the selection of candidates based on the entrance test conducted by the University, a weightage of 70 % for the entrance test and 30% for the performance in the interview/viva- voce shall be given.
• Universities and Colleges which are eligible to conduct Ph.D. programmes, shall:
  • Notify a prospectus well in advance on the institution’s website specifying the number of seats for admission, subject/discipline-wise distribution of available seats, criteria for admission, the procedure for admission, and all other relevant information for the candidates.
  • Adhere to the National/State-level reservation policy, as applicable.
• The University shall maintain a list of Ph.D. supervisors (specifying the name of the supervisor, his or her designation, and the department/school/centre), along with the details of Ph.D. scholars (specifying the name of the registered Ph.D. scholar, the topic of his/her research and the date of admission) admitted under them on the website of the institution and update this list every academic year.

Facilities

The department of mechanical engineering offers a comprehensive array of facilities to support research scholars in their academic and investigative endeavours:

• State-of-the-Art Laboratories - Access to well-equipped laboratories featuring the latest design software tools to assist hands-on research in various domains of design, composites, thermal sciences.
• Research Libraries - Extensive collections of books, journals, and digital resources provide scholars with access to a wealth of information and research materials necessary for their studies and publications.
• Workshops and Seminars - Regularly scheduled workshops and seminars led by industry experts and faculty members, offering insights into current trends and advancements in computer science research.
• Mentorship and Guidance - Access to experienced faculty members who provide mentorship, guidance, and support throughout the research process, from topic selection to publication.
• Publication Rewards - Recognition and incentives for research scholars who successfully publish their work in reputable journals and conferences, encouraging a culture of excellence and achievement.
• Access to various online Resources - Providing access to E- journals and databases, enabling research scholars to access high-quality, peer-reviewed research articles and stay updated on the latest advancements in technology and engineering.

These facilities are designed to create an enriching and supportive environment for research scholars, empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals.