PhD Syllabus & Subjects List 2026: Download Semester-wise Syllabus PDF

Updated on Jan 5, 2023 05:15 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

A Doctor of Philosophy also known as PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest academic qualification that one can attain. This degree normally requires three to five years of full-time research work to complete a thesis that represents an original contribution to your field.

Various streams of PhD research are there, which include Science, Humanities, Management, Engineering, Art, Pharmacy, Law, Mass Communication, and Commerce. PhD holders are permitted to use the title Doctor with their name.

A PG degree is required usually for the admission to a PhD programme. However, after a UG degree, direct admission to PhD programmes is also available at the IITs, NITs, IIITs, and the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research.

List of Subjects in PhD in Computer Science

Typical Core Subjects for PhD in Computer Science

Subject Title

Subject details

Research Methodology

This subject involves the study of sampling, scaling and qualitative measures, descriptive statistics, and correlation. It also focuses on reviewing literature and writing research papers, thesis, reports, and project proposals.

 

The topics covered here include:

  • Research Foundations

  • Computer Science Research Context

  • Research Design

Software Engineering

This subject offers a comprehensive view of the fundamentals of software systems by applying appropriate principles, theories, tools, and processes. It also aims to develop computer software in at least one domain, such as Safety, Society, Healthcare, Legal, Communication and Environment.

 

The topics covered here include:

  • Software Engineering Fundamentals

  • Software Requirements Analysis & Specification

  • Software Design

  • CASE Tools

  • Coding and Testing

  • User Interface Design

Typical Elective Subjects for PhD in Computer Science

Subject Title

Subject Details

Real-Time Systems

The course introduces the basic concepts of Real-Time Systems, resource allocation techniques and introduces the features specific to Real-Time Systems. It also discusses the various issues involved with the design and implementation of Real-Time Systems.

 

The topics covered here include:

  • Real-Time Systems Models

  • Real-Time Process Management

  • Programming Environment

  • Real-Time System Design

Software Metrics

The subject provides an overview of Software Metrics, Metric Types, Measurements, Scales, and examples of how they are used. It also introduces some of the issues with Software Metrics. This subject also discusses the importance of Software Metrics within Object-Oriented Programming.

The topics covered here include:

  • Software Quality Assurance Framework

  • Quality Standards

  • Measuring Structure and Size

  • Object-Oriented Metrics

Natural Language Processing

The subject aims to deepen your understanding of natural language processing, as well as learn basic algorithms to apply in this field. You will also learn the algorithmic description of the main language levels and the resources for natural language data.

The topics covered here include:

  • Introduction to Morphology, Syntax, Semantics

  • Analysis and generation of language on phrasal and sentence level

  • Applications of Natural Language Processing

Software Quality Engineering

This subject describes quality assurance approaches, understanding quality models, and evaluating the system according to the chosen quality model. Additionally, it identifies measures applicable to the process of verification and validation.

The topics covered here include:

  • Introduction to Software Quality

  • Software Quality Assurance

  • Software Verification, Validation & Testing

Detailed syllabus for PhD in Computer Science

Various topics are offered by universities offering PhD in Computer Science, but some subjects are nearly identical across all universities.
Detailed information about some of these topics is provided below:

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject Title

Subject Details

1

Advanced Computer Architecture

Advanced Computer Architecture

The subject focuses on learning the fundamentals of computer architecture design, analysis, and simulation. It also covers topics such as processor design, pipelining, caches, storage systems, virtual memory, and simulation techniques. Moreover, it enables a better understanding of different processor architectures and systems levels of design.

 

The topics covered here include:

  • Review of Basic Organization and Architectural Techniques

  • Instruction Level Parallelism

  • Memory Hierarchies

  • Thread Level Parallelism

  • Process Level Parallelism

2.

Operating Systems

Operating Systems

This course highlights the importance of operating systems in Computer Architecture. It helps you acquire knowledge about the functions of an OS, alongside Process Management and Communication.

3

Network Security

Network Security

This subject discusses various electronic payment systems such as NetBill, MicroMint, PayWords, fair exchange protocols, as well as several types of Group Management techniques, including Group Key Agreement and Group Key Distribution, and at least one secure MANET routing protocol.

The topics covered here include:

  • Introduction to the Concepts of Security

  • Cryptographic Techniques

  • Public Key Infrastructure

  • Security Protocols

4

Data Mining

Data Mining

Data mining as a subject offers an in-depth analysis of the process of mining large troves of data for meaningful information. Data is collected in clusters and subsequently classified based on certain criteria.

Through this subject, you shall get hands-on knowledge of the process of data mining.

5

Computational Algebra

Computational Algebra

This course studies the use of mathematical models for solving computational and scientific problems. It includes an in-depth analysis of concepts such as linear and non-linear systems, basic data filtering and the robustness of an algorithm.

6

Database Management Systems

Database Management Systems

In this subject, students develop a comprehensive understanding of aspects of database technologies and the necessity for distributed databases to satisfy the deficiencies of centralized databases.

Specialisations Offered in PhD

While PhD in Computer Science is a popular course, there are various other specialisations that you can opt for your doctorate degree. Some of them are as follows:

Specialisations

Subjects

Details

PhD in Biochemistry

  • Advanced Cancer Biology

  • Bacterial Infection and Therapeutics

  • Molecular Parasitology

  • Nanobiotechnology

  • Protein Science and Engineering

PhD in Biochemistry is a research-based degree that explores living creatures at the molecular level and includes a thorough examination of biomolecules.

 

 

This advanced degree combines several Biological Sciences topics, including Genetics, Forensics, Medicine, Plant Science, and Microbiology.

PhD in Mathematics

  • Advanced Commutative Algebra

  • Advanced Functional Analysis

  • Topology and Mixing

  • Convex and Non-Smooth Analysis

Students pursuing a PhD in Mathematics learn about Mathematical Logic and Analysis, Statistics, Stochastic Processes and Topology.

 

 

The PhD programme provides students with advanced knowledge in the subject of mathematics as well as abilities that may be utilized to apply and solve complicated real-life problems.

PhD in Physics

  • Theoretical and Experimental Physics

  • Numerical Methods and Simulation

  • Research and Technical Communication

  • Laser and Nonlinear Optics

 

A PhD in physics provides a comprehensive overview of experimental and Theoretical Physics and seeks to give applicants a wide professional grounding in physics.

This course will help students learn about Natural Laws in Optics, Classical and Quantum Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biomedical Physics, and other fields.

PhD in Environmental Science

  • Data Collection and Data Preparation

  • Statistics

  • Concept of Ecosystem

  • Biodiversity and Wildlife

A PhD in Environmental Science is a degree programme that prepares the students to address the emerging environmental issues like climate change, environmental sustainability and natural resource management.

Books and Authors for PhD students

There are various books that might assist you in preparing for your PhD course. The following are some popular books that provide a thorough review of the subject:

Subject

Book Title

Author

Description

Research Methodology

Research Methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners

Ranjit Kumar

This book is a suitable choice for students who have no previous experience or knowledge of research or research methodology. This step-by-step guide teaches about theoretical concepts and 8 crucial steps to any research process. It provides examples illustrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches for a thorough understanding of the methods of analysis.

Advanced Computer Architecture

Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach

Hennessy and Patterson

The book highlights how digital media, including smartphones, computers, tablets, and other mobile devices, can access the cloud and its software. It also covers the two most important aspects of modern architecture: parallelism and memory hierarchy.

Advanced Network Security

Network Security Essentials

William Stallings

The book explains why internet security is critical in our age of robust electronic connectivity. Many factors can compromise private information, such as viruses, hackers, and electronic fraud. In this book, the author outlines the necessity of securing data and resources, ensuring their authenticity and evaluating the effects of network-based attacks.

Distributed Databases

Database System Concepts

Henry F. Korth, Abraham Silberschatz, S. Sudarshan

This book is one of the cornerstones of database education. It presents the key concepts of database management in a straightforward manner so that students can begin using databases right away. The book is written for junior/senior courses on databases.

Applied Cryptography

Handbook of Applied Cryptography

A. Menezes, P. Van Oorschot, S. Vanstone

This book is a great reference for both the novice and the expert who need a broader scope of study in the field of cryptography. It is a vital and current handbook for professionals interested in cryptographic arts. It is intended to provide an overview of the more practical features of both conventional and public-key encryption.

Frequently Asked Questions for PhD Syllabus

Q. What is the scope of a PhD?

A. The purpose of a PhD is to expand knowledge, and abilities, and to exhibit perseverance in researching extensively in a given field. Graduates from PhD in Education programmes often continue to careers as professors in universities or administrative positions in education, such as school principals or superintendents.

Q. Is a Doctor of Science superior to a PhD?

A. Yes, a degree in Doctor of Science is above a PhD. The DSc awards are rare and are awarded only to individuals who have made significant contributions to academic research.

Q. Which PhD programme is the easiest?

A. There is no such thing as an easy PhD programme, although there are some that are comparatively easier than others. It is usually considered easier to pursue a PhD in Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Q. Is a PhD harder than a master's?

A. A PhD is harder than a master’s, as a master's degree is intended to broaden and strengthen career-related knowledge and abilities. A doctoral degree is a research-intensive degree that is intended to improve critical research, analytical, and writing abilities in order to meet industrial knowledge shortages.

Q. What is the duration of a PhD?

A. A full-time PhD typically takes three to five years, whereas a part-time PhD can run up to six or seven years.

Q. What are the different fields in which one can do a PhD?

A. Some common areas of study for a PhD are as follows:
  • Science

  • Humanities

  • Law

  • Business Management

Q. Is it possible for me to do my PhD via distance mode?

A. Those who may not have the time to complete a full-time PhD programme can enrol in a PhD distance learning programme and complete the course online.

 

Q. What is the eligibility for a PhD in Computer Science?

A. For admission to a PhD in Computer Science, you must have a minimum of 55% marks at the postgraduate level in Science.

 

Q. Do I need Maths to pursue my PhD in a field of my choice?

A. You don’t need mathematics to pursue your PhD if it is a non-technical subject.

Q. Do I actually become a 'doctor' upon completing my PhD?

A. No, being a doctor after completing a PhD is not the same as becoming a doctor after completing a medical degree.

Q. Do I need to pass an entrance exam for my PhD?

A. A variety of national entrance examinations are available for admission to PhD programs. Some universities, however, have their own PhD entrance exams, which are followed by interviews.

Q. Can I finish off my PhD in 4 years?

A. Yes, you can complete a PhD in four years, but it tends to depend on the research area you work in and the university you attend.
Table of contents
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Answered Yesterday

Several countries offer fully funded PhD scholarships for international student in various manners like - tuition waivers, research stipends and in Nordic countries - by hiring doctoral students as salaried staff. The major countries that provide fully-funded scholarships for international students

...Read more

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Upasana Khandelwal

Contributor-Level 8

Answered Yesterday

Indian students wondering “how to get 100% scholarship for PhD abroad”  need to plan their PhD a year ahead, it is suggested that they start planning for PhD abroad with a scholarship after completing 1 year into their master's programme (if enrolled in an Indian university). Research online for the

...Read more

A

Aashi Shukla

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 days ago

Yes Ph.D is available in different streams. You can enrol in law, management, pharmacy, english, hindi, zoology, botany, physics, chemistry, physical education, physiotherapy, political science, geography, history, computer applications, maths.

M

Mitali Goyal

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 days ago

Of course, it is. But only when you're into R&D or teaching roles. Otherwise, there's no point in spending your time and effort on a PhD degree. You can get a well-paying job even with a master's degree. 

A PhD degree is time-consuming, requires extensive research work, and has low stipend compared t

...Read more

N

Nikita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

I guess both fields have different career objectives. There's no comparison between these two. Engineering is all about technical areas, and the Social Sciences are inclined toward politics, social issues, human behaviour, etc.

First of all, a PhD is the highest-level of degree, and you need to go th

...Read more

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 days ago

A lot. You see, a PhD is the highest-level of educational degree in the world. It not only gives you high earning potential but also provides research-based opportunities. 

A PhD degree is valued in every country. Based on your subject, you can choose the field to work in. 

Know more about -

PhD Career

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

PhD applicants at Ravenshaw University should have qualified RET or  Qualify one among UGC or CSIR NET/ JRF/ GATE or INSPIRE Fellowship. The applicants aso have to perform well in the Interview in order to get selected for PhD programme.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

IIT Roorkee doesn't offer PhD in Design course through CEED. It only offers a MDes in Industrial Design. Admission to the M.Des programme will be based on CEED 2026 merit rank. The candidate will have to apply directly to the participating college once results are declared.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

All eligible candidates have to appear for an Analytical Ability and Research
Aptitude Test (AARAT) and personal interview. Students who have qualified in the GATE/CSIR-UGCNET/SLET/CAT/GMAT/GPAT/ GRE/JEST/NBHM/JGEEBILS, do not have to appear in AARAT exam. They can apply directly for PhD admission at

...Read more

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates must complete a four-year bachelor's degree with 7.5 CGPA out of 10 or, master's degree or equivalent in any discipline with at least 55% aggregate to apply for PhD programme at XIMB Bhubaneswar. Aspirants must have documents proving their eligibility for verification.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a week ago

Yes, KIET deemed-to-be University does offer PhD courses. The university offers the course to eligible students. Some of the PhD courses include PhD in CSE, PhD in IT, PhD in Electronics & Communication Engineering, and more. To know more, students can check the official site.

V

Virajita Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, PhD students can change their field of research after securing admissions into MDSU Ajmer. However, such a change is only done under special circumstances on the recommendation of the research supervisor.

Thus, candidates need to prove a valid reason for the change in their chosen field of resea

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, the MDSU Ajmer PhD students are eligible for sports scholarships if they successfully secure admissions at the institute. The sports scholarships at MDSU Ajmer is offered by UGC to candidates who have secured achievements in national or international level sports events.

These candidates are req

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The MDSU Ajmer PhD course is availabl in both full-time and part-time modes at MDSU Ajmer. Under part-time mode, candidates can get admission in two categories which include Part/Full-time employment and Project category. Candidates who are applying for these categories must produce a no objection c

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, candidates who hold a master's degree of a one-year course from a recognised institute with a minimum aggregate of 55% are eligible for MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions. However, such candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree of four years to be eligible for MDSU Ajmer PhD courses.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Applying for MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions will require candidates to bring physical copies of the below mentioned documents at the time of the interview round:

  • Class 10th and Class 12th Marksheet as well as certificate
  • Graduation degree
  • Post graduation degree
  • Statement of purpose
  • Research proposal
  • No objecti

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, the MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions are not open for offline mode of applications. PhD admissions at MDSU Ajmer are subject to the UGC norms which require candidates to appear for the UGC NET to qualify for PhD at MDSU Ajmer.

The registrations for UGC NET cannot be done in offline mode.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, the MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions are yet to be opened for the academic year 2026. Candidates must go to the website of MDSU Ajmer to check if the PhD admissions are open.

When the PhD admissions are opened, the admission portal of MDSU Ajmer will reflect the current academic year.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No the registrations for the UGC NET are not open for MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions for the academic year 2026. The December session of UGC NET for 2026 admissions is already over.

However, the registrations for the June session are yet to begin. Candidates interested in MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions need to

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, UGC-NET is a mandatory entrance exam for MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions. All candidates who are eligible for MDSU Ajmer PhD course must appear for the UGC-NET as well as participate in the interview round to gain admissions. The selection of candidates will be based on their UGC-NET score.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, PhD students who are female or recognised under Persons with Disabilities will be offered a two year relaxation for maximum PhD course duration. Unlike the general category which can only have a maximum duration of six years, candidates of the aforementioned categories can have a duration just

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S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, candidates who wish to get admissions into the PhD course at NIT Srinagar are required to appear for one of the accepted entrance exams. After qualifying in the entrance exam, the institute further evaluates candidates through a written test as well as personal interview round.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

For sponsored or full-time working candidates for NIT Srinagar PhD admissions, it is mandatory to have a work experience of two years with their current employer to be eligible for PhD admissions.

However, candidates from other categories do not have such eligibility requirements for NIT Srinagar PhD

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The documents required for NIT Srinagar PhD admission process must be presented by candidates in person during the personal interview round. These documents include the following:

  • Class 10th and Class 12th marksheet as well as passing certificate
  • Graduation degree
  • Post graduation degree
  • GATE/UGC NET sco

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

There is no mention of NIT Srinagar PhD admissions being open for candidates who are yet to receive their final scorecard. Generally, PhD admissions are not open to candidates who cannot produce their final marksheet and degree at the time of admissions.

Hence, candidates should assume that they cann

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Only the caution deposit paid at the time of admissions by a candidates is refundable at NIT Srinagar. The remaining fees is not refunded to the candidates by NIT Srinagar under any circumstances.

To be eligible for the caution deposit refund, candidates need to complete the PhD course curriculum.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

NIT Srinagar is yet to announce the PhD course fees for the academic year 2026. In the previous year, the course fees stood INR 1.54 Lacs for the general category students of NIT Srinagar PhD.

For candidates in the SC, ST, PwD categories, the PhD course fees at NIT Srinagar stoodat INR 94,900.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The national level NIT Srinagar entrance exam for PhD admissions has not been scheduled for the academic year 2026. Usually, the aforementioned entrance exam is scheduled near the end of July each year.

The results for the same are announced in the month of August. 

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, the 2026 admissions for NIT Srinagar PhD are yet to be opened. The institute schedules the application window for NIT Srinagar PhD admissions between the months of June and July.

The results of the NIT Srinagar PhD admission process are revealed during the month of August and September.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, UGC NET is not a mandatory entrance exam for NIT Srinagar PhD admissions. Candidates can also appear in the GATE as well to qualify for admissions to the NIT Srinagar PhD course.

However, candidates who are applying through a ME/MTech score are required to appear for the national level NIT Srinag

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

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