Doctoral Programme

Programme Details

Research Themes

The PhD programme is offered by 13 Faculties/Schools of the University.

Experienced faculty members with in-depth knowledge of their subject matter are appointed as supervisors.

In multidisciplinary research areas, decisions about the subject area of research related to entry-level qualification can be referred to a select committee of respective Deans and PVCs.

High Priority R&d Domains

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Sciences
• Bio, Nano and Composite Materials
• Biotechnology, Food Technology and Public Health
• Business Analytics and Digital Transformation
• Business and Commercial Law
• Composite Structures
• Computational Mechanics and Sciences
• Drug Design and Discovery Technologies
• Health, Ethics and law
• Higher Education
• Public Sector Reforms
• International Politics and Diplomacy
• Physiotherapy

Ph.D. Structure - July 2021 Batch Onwards

Thrust Areas of Research

Engineering and Basic Sciences

• Computer Science and Electronics Eng: Wireless agro sensor network and Al based management; AI-enabled monitoring system for forest conservation; Artificial neural network for: structural health monitoring through classification of strain patterns, for mapping characteristics of microwave filters
• Aerospace: Cryogenic and nuclear hybrid propulsion systems, Reusable, recoverable, re-startable and reliable space vehicles;
• Polymer Composites for structural and Defense requirements (End-to-End Synthesis - additive manufacturing, Design, Development, Testing and Analysis)
• Computational Mechanics and Material Design (Structural, Thermal, Shock and Vibration Analysis, Computational Design of Materials)
• Energy storage, Sensor and Environmental Remediation (Synthesis of Nanomaterials using various methods such as CVD, PVD, Sol gel, hydrothermal, and auto combustion methods and their applications in the said areas)
• Damage Tolerant Design of Composites (Involves both theoretical studies and additive manufacturing, and Aircraft Structural Dynamics)
• Drug Design and Discovery (Chemistry/Pharmacy - involves theoretical and laboratory level synthesis)
• Hypersonic Aerodynamics and low Reynolds number aerodynamics

Health & Social Sciences

• Non-Communicable Diseases (Cancers, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease) (clinical, basic sciences and public health; rehabilitative and nursing)
• Oral Health (clinical, basic sciences; biomaterials and public health)
• Gastroenteric and Neurological disorders; Mental Health and Wellbeing (clinical, basic sciences and public health)
• Infectious Diseases (clinical, basic sciences and public health)
• Maternal and Child Health; Geriatric Health; Adolescent Health (Nursing; clinical and public health)
• Human Nutrition (clinical and public health; food processing; nutraceuticals and probiotics)
• Rehabilitation care/ Home Care
• Biomedical Waste Management
• Implementation Science/ Implementation Research
• Evidence synthesis; Health Economics; Mixed Methods research; Epidemiology
• Biomedical Engineering Medical devices & Diagnostics
• Integrative Health
• Health Behaviour and Health Promotion
• Drug Design and Development; Pharmacological modelling and simulation;
• Digital Health and Health technologies; AI applications in health including Bio-informatics
• Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Health Care
• Positive Psychology and Applied Social Psychology
• Public Policy
• Health, Ethics and Law
• Intellectual Property RIghts

Research Facilities and Scholar's Care

The University provides research scholars with:

• A Research Supervisory team
• A cubicle with the necessary computing facility
• Access to Internet
• Access to University Libraries as well as Journals, Laboratories, and Workshops
• Space to set up their Experimental Facility
• Access to Reprographic Facilities
• Support to access other Libraries, Professors, Advisors, and Organizations
• Any other facilities that are essential and within the reach of the University
• Accommodation in the University Campus on payment of the requisite fee (if requested and available)

Teaching and Assessment

15 hours of study/research work is equivalent to one credit. At the time of submission of the thesis, a scholar must have secured at least 330 credits as per the credit accumulation sheet and must have passed PRP reviews 1 to 6.

• Getting Started on the Program
• Allotment of Main Supervisor
• Allotment of Co-Supervisor
• Allotment of Advisor
• Formulation and Submission of Problem Statement

Progress Review Panel (PRP)

For each Research Scholar, the PRP is constituted as follows:

• One independent Chair approved by the PVC (Research), knowledgeable in the rules and regulations of the MS (By Research) programme of the University
• Two Examiners approved by the PVC (Research), who are reasonably conversant with the research area of the Scholar
• Supervisor(s) of the Research Scholar (one of the Supervisors will be designated as the Main Supervisor)

Convening the PRP is the responsibility of the Main Supervisor. On completion of the review, the Main Supervisor will forward the PRP report to the Office of the PVC.

Key Skill Development

• Ability to apply knowledge of Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Health, Humanities, and Business to solve complex problems
• Ability to analyse problems, interpret data, and arrive at meaningful conclusions involving critical inferences
• Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs considering public health and safety, and the cultural, societal, and environmental considerations
• Ability to understand the effect of optimal solutions on legal, cultural, social, and public health and safety aspects
• Ability to develop sustainable solutions and understand their effect on society and environment
• Ability to work as a member of a team, to plan and integrate knowledge of various engineering disciplines, and to lead teams in multidisciplinary settings
• Ability to adapt to the changes and advancements in technology and to engage in independent and life-long learning

Selection Process

Entrance Test (RRPET)

• Tests/Questions may be a mixture of multiple choice and fill-in-the-blanks type
• The use of a calculator is permitted.
• The written examination is 1 hour long. It has 60 marks and consists of 60 questions.

Interview Procedure

• Candidates will be asked to make a presentation outlining their interests and abilities for about 15 minutes. The format for the presentation can be downloaded from the website www​.msruas​.ac​.in. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session for a duration of about 10 minutes. In addition, every applicant shall under go basics review where the line of questioning will be on UG and PG specialisation along with peripheral knowledge.
• Each candidate will be evaluated on the basis of their oral presentation skills and basics review, ability to articulate complex ideas, how they respond to hypothetical scenarios that may be posed or other appropriate methods that assess their research and analytical potential.

Merit List

A final merit list will be drawn based on:

• Performance in the written test
• Interview
• Academic Performance (Masters and Undergraduate)

The decision of the RIC will be final in the selection of candidates for all PhD programme.