Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at NIT Surathkal

If you are looking at Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, NIT Surathkal in Mangalore runs it as a 2-year, full-time doctoral course.

At its core, the programme covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, manufacturing processes and CAD.

NIT Surathkal is a public/government institute, founded in 1960. This page brings together what is on record for this course at NIT Surathkal — fees, seats, eligibility, the admission route and placements — so you can judge it before you apply.

Most Ph.D programmes follow a similar pattern: the first year builds the foundations, the middle years go deep into the subject, and the final year is given over to electives, a major project and usually an internship.

Here that means thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, manufacturing processes and CAD. Typical first jobs: mechanical, design, production or maintenance engineer.

The exact syllabus is set by the college or its affiliating university and changes from year to year, so ask NIT Surathkal for the current semester-wise plan.

NIT Surathkal has not published a fee for Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering on our record yet. When you ask, ask for the total across all 2 years — not just the first-year figure — and whether hostel and exam fees are included.

To be considered for Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, you usually need a master's degree in a related subject.

Admission to this kind of course is usually through UGC NET and a university's own test. Reserved-category candidates generally get a relaxation in the minimum marks. Check NIT Surathkal's prospectus for the exact cut-off this year.

Here is the usual route in:

1. Check that you meet the eligibility above and register for the entrance exam in time.
2. Take UGC NET and a university's own test and keep your scorecard.
3. Apply to NIT Surathkal on its website (www.nitk.ac.in) or through the enquiry form on this page, and take part in counselling if a state or central body runs it.
4. Once you are offered a seat, verify your documents (marksheets, ID, category certificate if any) and pay the admission fee to confirm it.

The latest placement figures on record (2023) show a placement rate of 99.11%, an average package of ₹27.68 lakh, a median package of ₹28.19 lakh and a highest package of ₹54.75 lakh at NIT Surathkal. 1,509 students were placed that year. These are college-wide figures, not only for this specialisation.

Placement numbers vary a lot by year and by branch. Ask the placement cell for the branch-wise report of the last two batches.

NIT Surathkal runs 12 Ph.D specialisations in all. Worth comparing before you decide:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering
• Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
• Ph.D. in Mining Engineering
• Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics and Hydraulics
• Ph.D. in Mathematical and Computational Sciences
• Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Ph.D. in Management
• Ph.D. in information Technology
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
• Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Before you decide, it helps to be clear on these:

• Are you genuinely interested in thermodynamics? You will spend 2 years on it.
• What will the full course cost, including hostel and living costs?
• Are the placement figures above good enough for your goals? Ask for the branch-wise numbers.
• How does NIT Surathkal compare with other colleges offering Ph.D in and around Mangalore?