PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Fee, Topics, Colleges, Career Scope, Salary in India

What is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India?

A Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering is a new door for the mechanical engineers who are frustrated by the low salary and more work in their field. This particular PhD course comes with a 2 to 5-year research-based doctoral degree and has a major focused on developing advanced expertise in mechanics, and industrial applications. Moreover, it is necessary for the candidates to carry out independent research, which makes them industry ready.

This program is best for those students who want to pursue a career in the field of academia, and R&D.

PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission 2025

Admission Process and Eligibility

The PhD in Mechanical Engineering admission 2025 is never constant but it varies with the institutions you are opting for. Generally, it includes:

  • Firstly, visit the official website of your university and accordingly fill and submit the application form.

  • Now, universities will shortlist the candidates based on postgraduate marks.

  • Next, depending on your course of interest you will be asked to clear one of the following entrance exam:

    • UGC NET

    • CSIR NET

    • JNUEE

    • GATE.

  • Final selection after a personal interview or research proposal presentation.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • A postgraduate degree in Mechanical or related engineering fields.

  • Candidates with M.Sc. in relevant sciences may also apply with valid GATE/NET scores.

  • Relaxation is available for reserved candidates.

Entrance Exams for PhD Mechanical Engineering

Entrance Exam

Purpose 

UGC NET or CSIR NET

For fellowship and admission into PhD programs.

GATE

IITs and NITs 

JNUEE

Jawaharlal Nehru University.

DTU PhD Entrance

Delhi Technical University-specific test for PhD admissions.


PhD in Mechanical Engineering Eligibility and Fees

 

Criteria

Details

Minimum Qualification

Postgraduate degree in Mechanical or related fields

Percentage Required

60–75% aggregate

Entrance Exams

  • UGC NET

  • CSIR NET

  • JNUEE

  • GATE

Duration

2–5 years 

Average Fees

₹96,000 to ₹3,16,000 per year

Syllabus

Core Subjects

  • Research Methodology

  • Mathematics for Engineering Research

  • Advanced Thermodynamics

  • Robotics and Automation

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics

  • Design Optimization

  • Manufacturing Processes and Automation

PhD Research Areas in Mechanical Engineering

 

  • Thermal Engineering

  • Design Engineering

  • Robotics and Automation

  • Manufacturing Engineering

  • Industrial Engineering

Best PhD Mechanical Engineering Colleges in India

Best Private Universities for PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India

  • Sanskriti University in Mathura

  • Noida International University in Greater Noida

  • NIILM University in Haryana

Affordable Colleges with Research Opportunities

 

  • Mind Power University, Uttarakhand

  • Doon Global University, Uttarakhand

  • HRIT University, Ghaziabad

PhD in Mechanical Engineering with Stipend and Fellowship in India

There are few options available: students can lower their burden with the help of stipends and fellowships to PhD scholars through UGC, or institutional funds.

 

  • Junior Research Fellowship can give you up to ₹31,000 every month 

  • Senior Research Fellowship will give you around₹35,000 for every month

  • IITs and NITs often provide teaching assistantship-based stipends.

  • Private universities also offer scholarships to meritorious candidates.

Career Scope and Salary After PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India

The reason why PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India is getting so popular is because the career opportunities after PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India and abroad are so huge. Graduates can work as:

  • Assistant Professors or Lecturers in engineering colleges.

  • Research Scientists in government and private labs.

  • Mechanical Engineers in R&D departments.

  • It opens your scope to work as a consultant in the industries like power plants, and manufacturing.

Average Salary: ₹8 to 15 LPA

 Top Recruiters: 

 

  • NTPC

  • Bosch

  • Cognizant

  • Amazon

  • Accenture

  • IBM

  • Mu Sigma.

FAQs

Q1. What is the duration of PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India?
The PhD in Mechanical Engineering duration can range from 2 to 5 years, however in some rare universities it may extend up to 7 years.

Q2. What is the average fee for PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India?
The fee range in PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India is not constant and it falls anywhere between ₹96,000 to ₹3,16,000 per year and it depends largely on the type of institution.

Q3. Which are the best private universities for PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India?
India is home to some of the best private options and these includes:

  • Sanskriti University

  • NIU

  • NIILM University

  • Kalinga University

  • Shridhar University.

Q4. Can I get a stipend during my PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India?
Yes, there are few options through which students can lessen their burden while doing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. For example: one can get the UGC/CSIR fellowships or teaching assistantships that usually range from ₹31,000 to ₹35,000 per month.

Q5. What are the career opportunities after PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India?
The major reasons why so many Graduates are opting for PhD options is because it opens new job opportunities as:

  • Lecturers

  • Researchers

  • Consultants

  • Engineers 

and the salaries usually range from ₹8–15 LPA.

Q6. What research areas are available in PhD Mechanical Engineering?
The main PhD research areas in Mechanical Engineering include:

  • Thermal Engineering

  • Design Engineering

  • Robotics and Automation

  • Manufacturing Engineering

  • Industrial Engineering

Conclusion

All in all, if you are a mechanical engineer then a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in India is going to be your gateway into advanced research, and high-paying industrial roles. The  admission opportunities in 2025 in reputed colleges have become so simple that anybody from their home can apply for it. If you are still confused: Which college to select? How to fill the form? Don’t worry, contact Admission theory we will help you.