Things to consider before going for a PhD | Part 1 | IIT prof's advice
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- Students need to consider a lot of issues before deciding to go for a PhD. While there are many resources giving advice to students just starting out on their PhD or for those students who wish to go abroad from India, there are not many resources giving guidance to Indian students who are thinking of doing a PhD in India itself. Therefore in this video I cover the issues spanning across job prospects, stipend, and marriage that students should seriously think about before deciding to go for a PhD in India.
This video is part of a TH-cam playlist where I give various general advice to students at different levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD):
• Advice to students
Video by: Dr Jeevanjyoti Chakraborty, Mechanical Engineering Department, IIT Kharagpur
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Disclaimer: I am a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering Department of IIT Kharagpur. However, the views expressed in this video are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my Department or my Institute.
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Interesting questions, comments from the above form may be featured in future TH-cam videos.
Just submitted a form, how realistic is it to get a reply from you sir?
@BrawnStein If it is something very relevant like guidance regarding PhD, career, faculty positions etc and you have provided an email ID, I will get back to you. It may take me some time but I will
@@Prof_JC Yes sir, the doubts are regarding those very things.
Another request i have sir, is to allow the google form to send a copy to the sender so just in case we filled something incorrect we can know and submit another response timely.
Best Regards
@@Prof_JC Sir i found yoye video to be wonderful, i want to get in touch with you i am a mechenical graduate from vit vellore currently working as software engineer i want to pivot to something else i am exploring PHD. Please connect it will be of great help.
Truthbombs after truthbombs. Many of us, the young students discuss these aspects, but I rarely see a prof making such a video. Your channel is a gem.
Thank you!
Hello Sir, Mohan here. I hope you remember me from the applied elasticity class of 2019. I am doing my PhD now in France, and everything you told about the general lifestyle of a PhD seems very accurate to me. Now I feel, I am not the only one who has these thoughts and uncertainties, it is a part of the PhD journey and we need to embrace it. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Hello! Great seeing you here. Which university are you in?
@@Prof_JC I am at the University of Lille, working on Fault Diagnosis of Green Hydrogen Production using Artificial Intelligence.
@@Mohankumardash Great. All the best!
@@Prof_JC Thank you very much
@@Prof_JC SAMBALPUR UNIVERSITY
I have seen that many professors in premier institute have their own ego and even they don't allow young professors to excel and make them like them.
Also In India PhDs must be trained professionally so that they can go to industry not just a paper publishing machine.
Most important financial security is important
Dear Dr. JC. I really clapped when you said, being a Prof. you are never gonna get rich even if you lead an upper middle class life. Thanks for the video. I feel motivated.😄
I liked his smile when he was saying so .... it is a wonderful video for many PhD aspirants.
This is really a fact, when I decided to join phd program at IITB, one of the professors at IITB asked me to choose one thing between phd+professor and money. I choose phd+professor, it feels nice that I don't give much importance to money in my life but at times when I see my friends, who are financially well settled I feel a little bit bad, but still want to continue phd and become professor
@@ankitadargad449 ma'am have u joined phd in IITB..or not.....because im thinking about to do phd from iitb ...I does give much more importance to money too....I want to continue my study ...plzz guide me what should I do according to ur current situation..
General disclaimer **: IF ANYONE IS REALLY WANTS TO PURSUE Ph.D. , THEN DO IT SERIOUSLY !! ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES SHOULD GO FOR Ph.D. WHO ARE ONLY AND ONLY RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC ORIENTED
Very important point. I plan on covering these all important points in the other part of the video.
I really want to pursue Phd as I love research but my family is not financially stable so I'm really on edge about my choices.
I am in class 12th I could really do with some good advice.
@@hasandhila9461 Hey you are still in Class XII, you have a chance to plan and work accordingly. Google about PMRF. This fellowship is quite decent.
The problem is the insane competition and that for General Category, only 35 years of age allowed. The age limit is criminal.
I gently Disagree with you!.. Becaz In many of the PhD Journey, the candidates works as Researcher, writer, Reviewer, Project Manager, Cost optimizer, Risk analyst, Mentor ( to undergrads ) etc...
Moreover, Many PhD is actually Industrial Oriented. So, Instead of Strictly Constrained within Research it would be better to say "If Someone really want to do Something to Mankind/Society" with Very Strong Mindset that you feel PhD is required for that Purpose, then you can Go!..😊
Very insightful! I am currently a PhD student at IISc working in the area of computational mechanics. Currently going through some of the issues you highlighted and sometimes I feel like quitting the Phd program. But it's some relief that I am not the only one. Thanks for covering these points from an Indian student perspective doing phd in India. If you can make some video on what makes a great PhD thesis, that would be extremely helpful.
I have a tremendous respect for people doing Computational Mechanics. And since you are at IISc I can understand how rigorous it must be. Not many people will understand that students in this area need to be simultaneously great at Continuum Mechanics (in itself a huge challenge), in some parts of Applied Mathematics, in understanding algorithms, and in programming. It is very very challenging. All PhDs are challenging, but this is particularly so. And, sometimes it can be very lonely work. But the intellectual return of investment can also be especially sweet. In your mind, you will know that you have created something beautiful but something standing on the bedrock of rigor and fundamentals. Very few people will even understand it. It is a rare joy and privilege to be able to work in this area. Keep at it. I wish you all the best and the strength and stamina that you will need.
My one question related to this topic.. Continuum mechanics.. Can categories into solid mechanics and fluid mechanics..
But unfortunately in India according to Aicte listed m tech in mechanical engineering.. Specilazation fluid mechanics and solid mechanics are not present... Only continuum mechanics are present.. Thank you in advance.. Please make clear for academic job point of views...
Do not quit the Ph.D program at IIsc. Ph.D. students get discouraged by the negativity around them. It happened to me. I was enrolled in a Ph.D. program in a top Indian Institute under a well-known professor. I quit after 18 months and joined the industry. Later I did MBA and started my own business. However, I still regret quitting the Ph.D. program.
@@wolfmangoland7972how much eran now
Above 1 cr
Sir, You have really portrayed all the tiny but very very important aspects of a Ph.D. pursuing student who is balancing personal lifestyle, marriage, children (if any), and monthly income. Even I am a Faculty, at Department of Civil Engineering, and balancing my personal life, monthly income, and obviously Ph.D. (most important) life !!.
I wish I would have known this before joining to PhD. Todays guys are lucky to have such an honest professor speaking up from his life experiences in youtube.
Dear Sir, thank you for your efforts to guide the student community. My father did his PhD in organic chemistry from IIT Kanpur from 94-99. He often tells me that many of them landed up in PhD because they had ‘nothing else to do’. (My father has been pursuing corporate research after his post doc) There was nobody to guide him back then, but thanks to advancements in technology, present day students are able to connect with accomplished faculty like you!
In basic sciences, the story is a little different ... and certainly back in the 90s. Thank you for the kind words. I am sure you will receive excellent mentorship from your dad ... it is a rare privilege to have such an experienced person like him as a dad!
@@Prof_JCSir, could you please elaborate your point " In basic science things are different " Because I was interested in pHd in basic science(physics) .
@@pritam9873 In basic sciences, there is a greater expectation that a student will go on to do a PhD.
@@Prof_JC Thank you Sir!
@@pritam9873 good to know about you man.
I'm about to finish my BSc in Physics and want to do a PhD in future.
Preparing for masters entrances .
It feels good to talk to people like you.
Btw
You're lucky to have such an experienced person as a dad.
As JC sir said .
Thanks
Thanks for providing such a holistic overview of the life of a Ph.D. fellow.
Just to add my point of view, if your research has been on domains of Computer Science or Applied Mathematics or Financial Engineering (Eg, Machine Learning, Stochastic Modelling, Statistics, Quantitative Finance, Computer Vision, etc.) whole new opportunities, apart from the academic setting, open for students to join as a Researcher at Big Companies directly at the senior levels, or work at HFT firms (Jane Street, Citadel, 2 Sigma, etc) building Models as a Quantitative Researcher/Trader. And there is no upper limit to what you can make at these companies.
Thank you for mentioning these!
Although i m not into academics any more but It always feels so great listening to u....your communication has that empathy of true guardian.
Thank you very much for the kind words.
Many will benefit from this video as it will help them adjust their expectations from a PhD accordingly. The topic is quite relevant and I am glad that it is coming from an expert and indeed other online videos on PhD life hardly address this need to strike a balance between our family's expectations, our own ideas about a PhD, and the rewarding yet challenging life of a researcher. This is essential for women candidates who, I think, should clearly state to their parents what a PhD entails before starting one and how their family's unconditional support, in addition to the academic support, is crucial for its successful completion. When I was doing my MPhil, I was in a hostel and it was an everyday affair to hear a PhD candidate in her room crying and desperately pleading her parents to give her more time. They would try to make their parents or relatives understand that they have had a very long and tiring day in the lab and simply can't get into any discussion about marriage. The tiredness and frustration in their tone was simply saddening. Now I am witnessing the same pressure to get married and even though my parents are supportive it is the relatives who don't seem to understand why I would want to delay getting married for a PhD. So the point you have made about them not having the necessary experience to comprehend the challenges or even life of a researcher makes a lot of sense. Thank you for sharing this :)
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I think these kinds of messages are important to be conveyed as they are for the benefit of future PhD students.
Sir I gave up my dream of doing PhD after my father became sick and got hospitalised and I'm only one to continue our family business. Now I'm thinking to restart my journey. I think I've realised 1 thing very clearly after I got into business... that is financial security is the most important thing.
I hope you will be able to pursue your dream.
Thank you sir
Brave of u to keep aside ur dreams for a while to support your family....not everyone is Lucky to pursue what they want in life so freely....we have responsibilities too....but i guess age doesn't matter if u r really intrested in something.....
@@shubhamkumar-nw1ui actually yes. I think I'm lucky to have well established family business which give me freedom to pursue my career at my will. I'll attempt PhD at later stage of my life.
I wish your father recovers very soon. Best of luck with your life
Very practical explaination. Kudos to the Professor. Another important point is that to get a supportive guide for PhD.
Very very important to get a supportive guide!
Thank you sir for your valuable advice.... My all friends have joined PhD but I didn't felt from inside to do PhD still I applied and in many iits bcz everyone was doing but i ended up getting admission no where bcz I didn't prepare as per the requirements that I must possess for the interview...
But your guidance made my though clear as my heart was not accepting to invest for more 5 years and may be bcz I'm not that much passionate in research and also thinking that having no garentee of the career... Might be it will be helpful to some... But it's not mine cup of tea
Thanks prof. Having the prof. Like you is a blessings ☺️
And also i feel girls are not given that much preference in PhD although many are doing or may be I have only felt that..
Hello professor, I am not from engineering background but from Physics background. Before going to my actual question I am giving a little background story. When I was in 11,12 th I was not good at any subject specially not at chemistry. Math and Physics were the subjects ok for me (I was able to solve the excercise and problems by my self without help of teachers). So after 12 I decided to do B.sc in physics where all the real life problems started I was not even enjoying the subject any more and it become difficult for me to even pass the exam and I graduated with very poor marks( not even 55%). But on the other hand I had qualified Jam and two more other admission test for M.SC entrance exam. So I joined a state university for M.Sc. There after all things started working in line. I was enjoying Physics I started to learn all the things which I should have learnt in B.Sc. and eventually I got good marks( >80% not because of online exam.I have worked hard really). Most importantly I learnt all the due things and also completed M.Sc in good manner ( though because of COVID practical was missed by whole batch).
Now the question is should I go for P.hD? I want to go for P.hD but marks in the graduation is low that is why I am worried I may not get into a good institute. All of my teachers said 'marks in graduation does not matter for this case'. But some of my friends said ' you won't get interview call if you don't have >60% in graduation'.
Sir, in the near future, please share your views on the postdoctoral program, it's necessity, merits and demerits, and largely as to what one has to do and can expect.
By the way, the whole video was an eye opener for me just like your other videos. I don't see this as a discouragement but rather a guidance for what's coming up. I'll make sure to make my future decisions wisely.
Thank you for the kind words and for appreciating the spirit of the video. You have mentioned a very important issue regarding postdoctoral program. I will have to seriously think about it. Thank you for the idea!
Thanks sir. I'll not get married till I'm doing PhD and I'm not into a job even as a girl.
That's my answer.
By God's grace, nobody in my family is pressuring me into that for sure.
I'll be doing my PhD, I'm more determined after seeing this video.
@Spoiled Hu dikkat hai???? None of your business. Thanks.
@Spoiled Hu dikkat hai???? it's my personal stuff whether I believe or not. If I don't believe, that's okay if I do that's okay too.
Respecting and accepting should be encouraged rather than just spreading hatred or telling people what to believe in.
I am so thankful youtube recommended this when it did. I am old (36+ now) and after carefully considering my motivations, background and aim in life I decided against. I have been working in the non-profit research sector and being an academic looked like a normal transition but you have opened my eyes. Thank you again for making this video. It was hard enough to explain to my family my decision to leave a high-paying tech job to go work in the non-profit sector and they would never accept something like this.
P.S. I studied at KV IIT KGP
I am happy that the video helped you in taking a firm decision. All the best in your career! Great to know you grew up here!
People who can't find job then decide to go phd. You left high paying job just for some research which supposedly wouldn't make a difference. Why is that so? Even after knowing that phd Or research does not guarantee you a financial stable life
Sir , a very open view in Indian context. Thank you. But the institutions have to have an flexible PHd programs for people in industries, who can continue their quest for knowledge at the same time earning and supporting their family also giving employment to others.
A very pragmatic & well informed advice Sir, I would just add rather clarify to the audience that "fierce & killing competition" also includes the non transparency & corruption by all manners prevailing in the recruitment in the universities & higher learning institutions exceptions excluded , I have been observing this for more than 3 decades as an HR expert also.
I have first-hand experience only at the IITs, and I can guarantee there is no corruption at play. However, there is possibly scope for improvement on the transparency front and making it more structured. But it is still not as bad as it is in the US where in some places, certain deserving candidates sometimes get pushed over on the basis of connections. On top of that a huge number of excellent candidates apply to their institutes both from the US and outside making a global competition.
@@Prof_JC I highly respect your views & experience Sir
@@Prof_JC sir, Is Kalyani Government Engineering College is good for PHD in Mechanical Engineering??
@@Prof_JC
Is there any preference or scholarship one can get if one is a US citizen?
As a young phd student, I understand every point. Even I might take package after doing masters from IIT Guwahati. Many of my friends are dng that. They also call me stupid. But I was firm on my dicision. I took admission in IIT for my PhD knowing I will not earn much in future. This is the thing I wanted and even i waited. One thing you are right abt many people join PhD because of money........still It motivates me. Thanks for such kinda video ♥️
Will non gate PhD students get stipend in IISC?
Hi Sir,
I have recently completed my Ph. D. from IITR. This video is very essential and furthermore I would say, IIT should engage into counselling for selected students about these pros and cons. There are research scholars who face disproportionate levels of anxiety all the time due to many uncertain factors you mentioned.
Please add one more important issue in your video; human behavior and interpersonal interactions. Complex personality traits of supervisors matter. Student must understand that its not any more about exam stuff. Its rather subjective zone to do a research project under supervision of a 'Human being'. The interpersonal chemistry does matter in both ways. Thanks
Hello , sir , my education background is not engineering , but I can also relate to this , Begin a postgraduate student, I was confused whether to do my PhD or start working . I came from a middle class family, so I also need to think financially , thank you for giving your valuable advice on this matter. It was really helpful for me ....🙏
Thank you for the kind words and sll the best in taking the most optimum decision.
@@Prof_JC request you to if you can help us by informing gate committee that we students are facing the problems of centres.Request you to please tell them to consider our request for giving one more chance of centre relocation as covid is on its peak and we filled form in sept at that time we were in college now we are at home.please let them know about our request
Really relevant and helpful for students who are unaware of these points...thnks a lot sir for covering all those points...🙏🙏
It is a very informative and nicely explained video for the PhD aspirants. I would like to share my experience regarding the financial aspect. There is a possibility of discontinuation of stipend if the candidate is not able to present his/her PhD registration seminar after completion of 2nd year. You have to present an enhancement seminar also only after which you will get the enhanced stipend rate (35K/month). You will receive 31K/month until and unless you do not present enhancement seminar. Sometimes your registration and enhancement seminars might be delayed for nearly 1 year. Therefore, candidates who are motivated but do not have a strong financial background might face hard time during this period. Apart from that, stipend may also be discontinued if the candidate is not able to present his/her extension seminar after completion of 3rd, 4th and 4.5 year.
Thank you for mentioning these important points!
Really nice video sir. Awaiting the second part.
absolutely correct sir. You touched all the aspects of it. Keep motivating us with your precious words. 🙏🙏🙏. Thank you for giving us your precious time. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for the kind words.
Sir take my pranam..you are so true! I went through some of it and am going through such phases. Thanks for letting me know l am not the only one or "why me" kind of thoughts
Thank you for sharing. You are certainly not alone in these kinds of struggles. When I was a school student in the 90s I heard of stories of a lady from my mom's village who went on to do a PhD ... the struggles that she had to go through! Things are somewhat better now ... but certainly not good.
Thank you sir for raising those facts. Currently I am doing my PhD from IIT Madras. But, I am going through a tremendous mental pressure of uncertainties, getting a job . I have started applying for jobs but could not prepare myself for those. I feel that my PhD career will be ruined. I am like standing between 2 boats. I am in dire need for a job. Day by day pressure is increasing. Everyday I feel that all the decisions I have taken so far was truly wrong. I have lost all sorts of motivation. Days are passing by without much progress to my research work. I do not know what to do right now. 'From 17:40 mins I am facing this main issues ' Explaining the uncertainties to families.
@jayanta jana which subject you are now pursuing PhD basic science or engineering.
Physics
@@JayantaJanaphd I am bsc chemistry 2 nd year student and I also want to pursue PhD but your experience during PhD give me a lot of fear 😨😨.I also want a job after MSc as my family situation is not so good.now I am thinking whether i purse PhD or not.Have you not got jrf stipend? please give me some advice if i Clear jrf then it is right to take admission for PhD or not.Becasue after MSc in basic science to get a job really difficult ,i think.plese reply to me 🥺🥺🥺
What I want to say do not just join PhD for money
@@JayantaJanaphd okk . thank you 🙏🙏
Thank you so much sir, I'm doing my phd at IIT Bombay. I can relate to many of the things you've said in the video. And it feels nice after seeing that many people are out there going through the same uncertainty levels and still being able to manage it.
Thank you. All the best for your PhD work. You may be interested in the second part of this video too where I discuss some of the academic points (probably more relevant for those who are yet to start their PhD!).
Hello Mam,
I wish to know if it is worth doing Ph.D. from IIT Bombay in Physics
Thank you professor for your insights. I am currently doing Mtech in IIT Delhi. Your video has given me more clarity about Phd.
Thank you so much sir for this valuable content.. Though I am not from engineering background but It cleared most my doubts regarding phd... Waiting for the next part of the video😄
Thank you for the kind words.
Avg length of comments on this video indicates that TH-cam needs more such professors
Sir please make a video on job scenarios for Mechanical Engineers other than professorship after doing their PhD from India as well as from abroad like USA, England, Germany,Switzerland etc.
I am a current PhD student in Singapore, and am a non-indian. Your advice is very applicable to non-indians too! Thank you for your good work. :)
Thank you for checking out the video and for the kind words. All the best in your PhD work!
Dear Dr. JC, Well said and very happy to see you virtually after a long time. I have seen your dedications physically towards your doctoral work during my Ph.D. at the same place where you are now. I hope many students will get benefited from this video. Best wishes always!
Thank you for the kind wordsAtanu! It's been ages since we last talked. I hope you are doing great. And best wishes to you too.
@@Prof_JC sir, Is Kalyani Government Engineering College good for PHD purpose???
Hello Sir,
I am Tanushree Paul and I have completed my Ph.D. from IIT Guwahati. I really want to thank you for sharing this video. I could feel every topic you discussed, particularly the uncertainties associated with this field. Thank You, Sir once again for addressing those issues and I am sure that this video is going to help many Ph.D. aspirants before choosing this career.
Can you please tell me which courses you studied in Btech,mtech and phd
Congratulations! And all the best for the next steps of your career.
Can u pls tell me what are u doing now.Any job or PDF......So that we can think wether to do phd or not.Pls share ur experience.There is no one to tell us.🙏
Thank you sir,you covered a lot of good points and I could relate to most of them as I'm already a PhD scholar in an old iit.This will be really useful for students who are planning to do a PhD in future,they can plan accordingly and make a proper decision now knowing the challenges ahead.
Just a great and perfect video i have been looking for 2-3 years on TH-cam. Infinite thanks sir.
Thank you for the kind words!
Very important advise. Thanks a lot sir...and also, Gogh's painting....love it! One of my favourite painting❤️
Oh finally, after three videos with the same background, someone has finally noticed. Thank you! There is hope after all ... :)
Although I am a PhD holder in Social Science/Humanities and now working as a permanent faculty in a Government college located in Kolkata, I find your video interesting and useful for aspiring PhD students for any discipline 👍
Thank you for the kind words.
Thanks you sir pointing out all the aspect and thought that come in the mind of student wants to pursue PhD. I am very much inspired and motivated from your ideology. By watching your couple of videos. Kindly make some videos on the different type of Phd program in India and other opportunities who are thinking about Phd. Although the abroad Phd come with its challenges and not possible for everyone. Please highlight some of those opportunity for Indian phd or collaborative phd.
PhD really a stressful job man ! Thanks for sharing your own thoughts on it.
Thank you so much sir for your priceless advice. Thank you so much for openly discussing the issue which literally impact our lives.
Dear professor,
Happy to see that you really made a video on this topic. (BUT....😢) You have almost covered all the aspects very nicely and provided comprehensive details. Thank you very much for that. But as a Ph.D. student in an IIT, I think you missed an important aspect of doing a Ph.D. in the Indian system. I was expecting that you shed some light on the DARK SIDE 🥲🥲 of the Indian supervisor's attitudes, how they treat Ph.D. students literally as their SLAVES and how CRUEL this system in India is in general.
The things that I am explaining are very common in the Indian system (particularly IITs ) and not just exceptions. Before entering this cruel world of doing a Ph.D. in India, one should really know about all this. In India, supervisors are lusty for publications, awards, positions, and power, but they literally don't care about the life of their students, who are really the actual workers. They are cold-blooded and don't hesitate to ruin anybody's life for their personal gains. They always try to make students feel that the work is not up to level, and using this strategy, they suck every drop of your blood. Here only the quantity of papers matters, not the quality. They don't care about the personal lives of students. They call you at any time of the day or night and ask for progress (they should also realize that students also have a private life and challenges).
I agree that the nature of research work sometimes requires dedication, and you may occasionally have to work during the night. This is all acceptable, but forcefully irritating someone at any time of the day/night and expecting every weekend to be occupied by just work is illegal. (Even labor works only 8-10hrs a day, officially. Only slaves are made to work all the time)
During the initial phase of your PhD, most students think they are really doing good and have a cool prof. This is just a trap by the supervisors. They showcase their limited knowledge during the initial days and act very cool. But the reality is very complicated. Sometimes you will wonder how the foolish guy became a professor in IIT. They are just hungry for their personal gains (positions, awards, etc...), and they don't hesitate to go to any level of heinous acts for that.
All the things mentioned above are applicable to 90% of the cases. I am not emotional here. I am just sharing the real experiences. I regularly interact with my colleges who are PhD students. It is scarce to see responsible, intelligent, professional supervisors in India. Personally, I feel lucky as my supervisor is not so bad. But the unfortunate thing is that nobody talks about this. Students are often made to stay silent because their entire life is in the supervisor's hands. In the present system, a supervisor is just a dictator for students. And committees such as SRC is just a joke (As they comprise members who are very close to your supervisor).
100% true
Well said truth👍
🤔🤔
You have pointed out that you personally have been fortunate to get a supervisor who is not so bad. In my case also, I had an excellent supervisor (both academically as well as a human being). And, the people that I was close with had more or less similar experiences. But I have heard stories which are really bad. Even if some prof is excellent academically, it does not give him/her any right to treat the students in an unprofessional manner. I really hope that slowly we can bring about more checks and balances in the structure of the system itself such that such kind of behaviour can be prevented.
Truly well said Mayank, I have seen many supervisors who are very much reluctant towards giving time to Postgraduate and Doctoral students (leave alone B.Tech students) !!! I have personally seen my colleagues, my friends, who are suffering from mental trauma due to this unwanted situation !! I can surely say, If we get fantastic supervisors (as I got luckily), then the level of research and the interest towards research gets increased manyfold.
Thank you so much Sir for making this video. Mentioning all the important points which we miss somehow. I'm not from Mechanical Department but I'd really love to meet you in person Sir, once we are called back to Campus.
Thank you for thd kind words. Quite a few other students have expressed their wish for a meet-up. And it would be great to meet with all of you. However, we have to abide by the institute restrictions regarding gatherings because of the COVID situation. Hopefully things will get better soon.
Jeevanjyoti Da. Got your video recommended to my feed today. Khub bhal lagil tumak dekhi - Jisu/Tiklu
Arre Jisu kene asaa? What a surprise to find you here!
Sir, I cannot express it in words, this video is what I was looking for making a very important decision of my life. Thank you and a big thumbs up for such informative and opinion-based videos.
Thank you for the kind words. And all the best with your decisions.
I'm undergraduate student watching this video, I always had academic ambitions and always wanted to go for research field. Such a nice video giving insights. Thanks a lot sir.
All the best for your career!
Hello sir,
I have completed my m.tech from NITK and have recently joined as regular PhD student at IIT Madras. I am from metallurgy department and am carrying out my work on machine learning assisted atomistic modelling tools like DFT for study of different interfaces. At the age of 27, being new to research line, having some industrial experience earlier, many of the points mentioned by you could be easily correlated by me. The decision which I have taken now has been something of the result of study of things around, what I have done and where I can keep interest and get going. I am really thankful that u took the pain to combine all possible aspects about PhD in a single video so as to remove any kind of misconceptions in the mind of students.
All the best for your work! 27 is a safe age to start your PhD. You can complete your PhD, do postdoc, and then try for academia. Or, if you wish you can return to industry also.
@@Prof_JC Thank you sir.
Sir, I am a Post Graduate in Mathematics in 2019 now pursuing B.Ed. At first I thought that after getting job I will complete my research but then I realized that if I want to do research seriously then I also have to quit my job later. Inspite of belonging from lower middle class family and so many obstacles come in my life specially from society I have decided to do PhD. I do not know if my decision is right or wrong. But I will try my best to make the wrong decision to make an appropriate decision in the future.Thank you sir for sharing your valuable advice on it.
All the very best ... and I hope you get all the strength to overcome your obstacles!
@@Prof_JC Thank you sir...😊🙏
Sir please discussed the view from professor what a guide of phd want from a phd student. Video was awesome👍
Let me think about it. But there are lots of resources on that topic!
Thankyou so much sir.
Hearing all the factors from you gave me a clear idea. I was in great dilemma. Thankyou for being so clear it was really helpful 😊
Dear Professor !!
All the videos are quite informative & really helpful in decision making about professional career.
I'm a GATE aspirant & I'm strongly interested in doing M.Tech/MS from OLD IITs,So last year I applied for these programs from 5 old IITs including IIT KGP & I was shortlisted for MS(R) interview only from IIT Guwahati .Unfortunately I couldn't perform well in interview.
Prof. !
If you could suggest some more important factors doing M.Tech/MS(R) from old IITs ,I believe that will be really great aid in deciding proper career.
What's your branch
@@Skyyy1436 EE
Hi Sir, whatever you shared resonates really hard not only PhD many people end up doing Masters because they have nothing better to do..my father a Mechanical Engineer student himself did his part time PhD from IIT Delhi..although he was working and juggling with his job and studies he still managed to complete it while many others left the course in between..PhD is not for people who desire to become rich only people who wish to seek more knowledge and learn more will be able to actually complete it..
Thank you so much Sir for making this excellent video! I really love the way you explain things. If it's possible, could you please explain about how to judge if one is academically fit for a Ph.D? I mean like just because someone is scoring well in courses and getting good grades, it probably does not necessarily mean that he/she would also be very good at research and hence would be fit for a Ph.D. It would be helpful if you could elaborate a bit on this point in some video if it is possible. Once again, thanks a lot for sharing your immense knowledge on different aspects. :)
Hi again! Talking about those things is exactly my plan for the other video I wish to make on the academic side of things to consider before deciding to go for a PhD. However, in your particular case since I know you well, I really think you should go for a PhD if your family situation allows.
@@Prof_JC Okay sir. Thank you very much for the quick reply! :)
Hello sir! Thanks for mentioning the most important aspects for considering and while in the PhD process. I am a newly admitted PhD student at iitkgp and your video has been very helpful for me. All the points you mentioned were quite relevant and i have experienced most of them so could relate well with your words. Thanks again. Keep motivating us because I think that's the major factor that we should have while in this process. 😊
Congratulations on the admission to the PhD programme at IIT Kharagpur! And, thank you for the kind comment. All the best for your work!
Sir currently I am pursuing MTech at IIT Jodhpur in core AI. I have become a big fan of your videos. Just a couple of hours ago, this video came on my recommendations, honestly first time I saw an IIT professor is making such kind of friendly videos (I don't know any such other profs making such videos), that too so frankly. I can't but watch another couple of videos (one of which addresses MTech students) and after that I am writing this comment. Within 2 hours I have become a big fan of yours. Please make more such videos. (I haven't explored your earlier vidoes but) It's a request to make detailed videos on your PhD and Post doc journey, how did you keep yourself motivated enough and also (may be a different video) on how to get started with good research and publish in good conferences/journals, how to get such exposures. ❤️ অনেক অনেক ভালোবাসা ❤️
Many thanks for the kind words!
I think you should also talk about taking care of health during PhD. But very good video professor. Please keep it up.
Thank you. That's an extremely important point.
There are research based jobs in private companies. One friend vof mine did PhD in computer engineering from Texas University and is now working at a research division of AMD in US.
Right.. But I think since Sir's expertise is in Mechanical or applied mechanics field, he said according to that. Also by keeping in mind opportunities within India
Very well explained sir!
Eye opener for a person at 23 planning for phd!!
Sir please can you make a video on part time phd and its related aspects because credible information like your content is very less on TH-cam!
Very helpful, sir!
Really an eye opener that no one else has told about PhD reality.
I'm a BSc graduate from a state University in Tamil Nadu. I completed the degree in 2021 May.
If doing PhD, will it be good to try aboard or clear NET/GATE and try in India itself?
That is a decision that you have to take yourself considering your family situation. Each individual case is unique and there is no correct or wrong answer in this ... do what you believe is the best for you.
Finally ,
After a long wait...
Thank you, sir for sharing your views.
Job Prospects 2:34
Financial Prospects 9:14
Social Life 13:09
Thank you!
@@Prof_JC Welcome sir!. Sir can you make a video regarding how to enter industry, particularly R&D sectors in industry? Is Phd the way or joining company and going in a hierarchy is the solution with respect to Indian Scenario
@@muralik98 I don't have first-hand experience on that. So it would not be right for me to make a video on that. However, for getting into the research divisions of a hard core company you will need to have a PhD. Without a PhD you can rise through the ranks but possibly only in the managerial side not on the hard core technical side.
@@muralik98 drdo
@@muralik98 🥱🥱😁😁👀👀
Hi Professor, no one can explain things better than this. It not only helps the PhD aspirants, but also people like me, who have zero clue about any of these things. Most of ur suggestions, based on the Indian middle class family system, really will help a lot before taking any milestone move in their life. Though, I am commerce graduate , I watch few of ur videos, to learn how things work, so that I may help my kids in future.
Great work Professor. Thank you.
Also, is there any age limit for one to do their PhD?
Thank you for the kind words and the positivity you always bring! As far as I know there is no age limit for starting PhD. However, there are age restrictions for the position of Assistant Professor ... a thing to keep in mind if one is interested in the academic line.
@@Prof_JC oh ok Professor. And thank you for your kind words 🙏🙏
Sir, please discuss what kind of academic pressure a Ph.D scholar have to face.
I am an average student.
Is it a good idea form me............
I am planning on elaborately discussing the academic side of things to consider in another video.
Hi. It is nice to see young and passionate educators like you are creating awareness for Indian students.
Thank you. Not very young though! :)
Dear Sir, kindly make a video about how Professors of various IIT's making Money from projects, consultancies etc. And moreover how these can be beneficial for students..in research aspect!!
Thankyou sir .. i look forward to your video on the academic mentality for starting a PhD program and how to be consistent at it.
This is a gem. I have never had such thoughtful talk about doing PhD or not. Now I think I have found some solid points to ponder about, whether I should take up it or not.
Thanks a lot Sir.
Thank you for the kind words. All the best in taking your decision!
Thank you Sir
Thank you for this video.
I recently received my PhD sandwich scholarship that collaborates Kenya and India and this video is really an answer to the questions I had in my mind. I look forward to the few months that I will spend there. Am nervous and anxious though.
A very warm welcome to India. And, all the best for an academically productive stint here!
I've read on foreign education forums that in rare cases PhD students are allowed to do jobs (specifically in US). I don't know how true is it. Could you please shed some light on this if it is possible to do both simultaneously?
As a student who is about to join PhD program in Germany after finishing his master's here. I would say, the salary 31000 per month is really low from a family planning point of view.
Here the monthly income a student gets is same as industry standard which is around 2500 euros per month, which Is over 2 lakh rupees per month. I am afraid if we need to keep the top scientific talent in India, doing their PhD, post doc and research in India, we need to provide them at least 80,000 to 1 lakh per month. We Desperately need aatmanirbharta in Science & Innovation.
But the cost of living in Germany is higher than of India.
@@pritam9873 but also after your accommodation you can easily save 50000 per month as my senior now doing his PhD in germany.and to save 50000-70000 it is very lucrative.After your PhD you have about 25-30 lakh in your bank.
What should one choose ? A PhD from IIT/IISc and other elite institutes or the Scientist B/C position at BARC/DRDO/ICMR considering I am from life sciences background. What is the exact nature of work of entry level scientist in BARC or DRDO since they are freshly joined after masters or bachelors with not much knowledge of exactly how the research is done.
I recommend not to join Barc , only benefit is secured job.
Dear sir
I am currently doing my PhD from NITK Surathkal and belongs to a middle class family with no family responsibility, I am focused and dedicated to my career in research , but in my personal life I m in a relationship with a girl from past 4 years, but her parents are searching for a groom with stable govt. Job or a lucrative salary in pvt sector, I put all my effort to convince them but things are not getting better, so I think if u are joining PhD be prepared for all possible kind of shocks and do not expect too much respect from society.
I really hope you end up in a situation which is truly best for you. But thanks for pointing out this situation to others.
😊
Thanks for the wonderful video sir.
Whats your opinion on finishing M.tech and then go for Phd.??(M.tech so that I can maintain financial security like incase I drop Phd I would have decent job oppurtunities).
I strongly advise students to go down this time-tested path of first doing M.Tech and then thinking about Ph.D.
@@Prof_JC Thank-you very much for the advice sir ❤️🙏
Thank you so much professor, it’s much needed video for most of us to see!
Thank you sir, great insights.
Sir I've a question. I was always interested in Physics but got into Chemistry UG, for some unavoidable reasons. Now I'm in third year UG. Can I do something now like field changes or working at the junction of these two academic disciplines?
What'd be your advice for such a case? Eager to have a reply from you.
U just explained almost everything what a PHD student goes through.👍
Sir, considering all these darker side , can you please provide three reasons why I should do PhD in India?
First and foremost would be the financial.
I always dreamed of becoming a succesful researcher, but after many years I realised that it might not matter how hard working or smart you are. There is just too much competition and very less positions. Even PhD positions are so hard to get by, so naturally a professor job at a good institution which aligns to your resarch would be harder to get. And then there's another thing that you would earn less your whole life in academia than your friends with a corporate job.
Sir, thanks for video! Isn't the job experience years before/ after PhD counted to extend that 35years age limit eligibility? Because there r some Prof. join in their 40's after working in industry.
If one joins an industry after doing PhD, then that experience is counted.
Very insightful and unbiased video. Everything explained in a very delicate and humble manner. Sir, I am becoming your fan now ❤🙏
Thank you!
Sir, Is it the same case with part time phd? How Part time PhD Will differ from full-time PhD?
Thank you very much for your videos sir. Indeed helpful for guys like me.
Do part time PhD only if you're already Assistant professor or lecturer. Otherwise, no value.
Thank you for talking very directly sir.As you said most of the sources would focus and talk just to get views not to say real facts.Please continue this journey of sharing experiences and giving precious suggestions.There are innumerable students out here ( out if IIT paradise) who are wishing to build the career but lack credible suggestions.🙏🙏
Thank you for the very kind words.
Sir could you please shed some light on the PMRF scheme for PhD in IITs...
Thank you Sir !🙏🙏
You saved me..this video came to me at very good time of my Life.
I'm doing my IPhD (integrated PhD), n now I'm realising that I should've chosen an only Masters degree 😂😂
Hi,
I know i left iphd for masters,thinking that i am not quite sure about it.Turns out i was right and happy with my decision.
@@akshatpandey8571 Well I did the exact opposite, leaving Masters for IPhD. N now I'm a bit skeptical about things. 😶🌫️
Turns out you were genuinely more precise about your wants at earlier stages of life.
@@unconventionalclassroom2107 bhai i am sure you will figure out something.
Between you must be in IISER?
@@akshatpandey8571 Yess
Dada akdom real kotha.. Total education system tae jora tali diye cholche.. Education policy toiri hoche without teacher/professor..state govt gulo to aro ak dhap upore.. Purotae mojak hoche ar kichu noi
Hello sir
I NEED your advice .
I'm a under graduate (mathematics hons) student.
Should I think for PhD to become a professor OR I should go for general competition(as I have enough time for that)
Love you sir
What do you mean by general competition?
@@Prof_JC he means graduate level govt jobs like Bank Po , ssc, state govt aso etc
@@Prof_JC UPSC -Civil service exams, state civil service exam ,ssc etc.
@@happyd6145 yeah
@@googolplex4002 i'm an M. Sc in Mathematics...i would advise you to prepare for competitive exams if you are capable... because unemployment is very high these days...if not, take admission in B. Ed .
Currently I am joined in PhD program as a part time scholer In state University, because of my job. From 3 yrs I am trying, though I scored good marks in interview as I wanted to join as a part time scholer, no one want to take me as scholer, ( even my home university( VISVA-BHARATI).this time I am succeded to get enrolled. And I think whatever the situation arise, I have to do it. I want this from very earlier days of my bachelor's degree.Though it is tough , depressing some time. Your guidance help me to see the actual scenario. Thanks a lot sir. 🙏
Sir if you could highlight the opportunity of completing PhD post 35 years. Is getting a academic position in IIT/NIT very difficult? (General Category)
Following
For the position of Assistant Professor at the IITs, they are quite strict about the age limit of 35 years. I don't know how strict they are in the NITs.
@@Prof_JC Thank you sir for your reply.
I am an aspiring PhD candidate. Thanks for your words sir, a lot doubts got cleared.
You are amazing sir
Those who are going to join Ph.D. after a few years of service are certainly going to face the shock of reduced earnings, be mentally prepared for that.
Arre Amit, you are here! Thanks for the valuable point you have mentioned based on your first-hand experience!
Thank You Sir... You're great...
We need more professors like you (in the academics)...
Sir now a days there is also option of direct PhD after B.tech. can u please highlight what are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so ... mainly focusing on the selection for the faculty post in the state govt and central govt colleges. Because sir I heard from many that preference is given to those who have done the M.tech . Please guide me in this regard sir.
I don't have any knowledge about the details of the recruitment process in the colleges you mentioned. So I cannot comment on it. However, I advise you that if possible first fo a proper M.Tech and then think of going for a PhD.
@@Prof_JC ok sir , Thanks for the valuable information.
Thank you sir for the valuable video and motivating everyone with a reality checking, I am doing my Phd in Flexible Electronics at Tezpur university and my focus is always on doing good academic research, but this is something I have known from my supervisor "don't do phd for money", it will backfire you, I don't know about future what it will be,but I want to be optimistic enough with pros and cons in post phd career
Thank you for the kind words. And, all the best for your PhD!
Sir, all said and done, why are you telling NO to the persons who opt for phd thinking about money? They are helpless and so as the majority of the phd crowd in IITs. Nobody in the arena of mechanical engineering is giving them 35k, trust me! Neither they can afford an MBA nor they can think of opening a start up. They would remain unemployed for ages, if not joining a phd, otherwise.
Please consider a situation where, a sincere student was unable to do good in 10+2 competitive exams instead of having good marks on board. Suppose, the person took admission in a not so good engineering college where, placements in Mechanical are close to nil. Now, suppose the person on his own, studied hard for 4 years in B.Tech & managed to get good CGPA & decent rank in GATE but not good enough to be placed in PSUs or clear ISRO/BARC exam on marginal grounds. Now, even after studying so hard, he is factually unemployed. If he joins 25k unstable jobs, he knows he would have to work like a donkey and all his knowledge and hard work will go in vain. Considering these aspects, he/she might opt for PhD thinking about (1) good stipend & (2) good stipend plus further opportunity to continue preparation for IES/ISRO/BARC/PSUs plus a degree (in the worst case in 7-8 years). Of course, the person is wrong when he is thinking like that👆however, ground reality is how can you expect a person to know about serious research? (especially those who came from not so good colleges and not the least, for him/her, the only reason for studying hard is to earn for living.) There is nothing wrong in that since, they are qualifying your phd entrance test. During interview, is it very difficult for professors to judge who is genuinely interested & who isn’t? If so, then why are we blaming the students for not having the proper objective? Does S.O.P or earlier research or recommendations add any big weightage when you select candidates for phd? I hope, not so much.
To see the brighter side, who knows, perspective of students might get changed if they come in touch with good persons like you! Give them a chance Sir! Trust me, pupil, even from some good colleges don’t have good feel about the pursuit of research (unless they are B.Tech IITians like you) but they would surely have sincerity and tenacity. My sincere request sir, don’t just say NO to them if they are honest in admitting that they didn’t join phd because of ‘passion for research’. It takes times to develop it. Some of them would develop, some wouldn’t. Nothing operates continuously with 100 percent efficiency.
Last but not the least, 2.5 LPM (I don’t know Sir whether you mean basic salary or CTC) in core mechanical/civil/chemical etc. very few students will get this salary at the beginning! Be it from IIT Kharagpur or IIT Bombay. Your salary is not bad Sir in any terms! 😊
Situation is seriously very bad in core branches like civil, mech.i feel you brother. That's the only reason I chose computer science because I didn't want to get stuck in that loop.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts so frankly. The reason I asked students who are thinking of only the stipend to join PhD is that despite the temporary respite it may appear to give to them, down the line it causes immense frustration and grief. PhD at the end of the day is a very lonely journey beset with inevitable struggle and if a student has joined it with fundamentally the wrong reasons it can severely affect their mental health. Even if the student joins some kind of company and has to go through the grind with lower salary (compared to PhD stipend), I would still say that they should stick to it. That counts as experience and especially when backed by a M.Tech degree from a good institute can ultimately lead to a better profile. It may take a few years ... perhaps a bit more ... but it is still, in my opinion, better than putting in those years in a PhD degree joined with the wrong reasons (because the struggle during PhD is really hard).
Furthermore, I don't expect everyone to join a PhD with some hi-fi passion for research ... nobody has that at the beginning (those who think they have "passion for research" don't know what research means in the first place!). However, I do expect everyone who joins a PhD to come to it fully informed and aware of the challenges, the struggles, the hardships, and the uncertainties and still wanting to do it ... so instead of "passion for research", what is expected is a "readiness to fight" ... but fight for the right reasons.
I am going to discuss the academic side of things in a separate video but to complete the discussion here, I'd like to point out that I seriously believe that just because someone has been doing very good academically in his undergraduate does not necessarily make him a suitable candidate for a PhD. Similarly, just because someone has not been an academic star does not make unsuitable for a PhD. What is absolutely necessary however is a certain mentality and commitment to the journey with the right reasons.
I have seen examples of students with non-stellar academic backgrounds doing stellar work during PhD and go on to great heights.