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Ph.D. Programme in Computer Science

New Horizons in Computer Science

Ashoka University is a pioneer in providing world-class liberal education in India. It aims to train students to think critically from a multi-disciplinary perspective to solve real-world problems. The Computer Science Ph.D. programme at Ashoka puts emphasis on novel research themes that cut across several disciplines, and faculty members are actively engaged in research in these disciplines. 

We invite applications for a fully funded Ph.D. program in Computer Science with a generous stipend. We are looking for candidates, who are highly motivated to do cutting-edge research and innovation.

The key features of the Ph.D. program include a research focus on multi-disciplinary areas of computer science, well-established faculty advisors, excellent research facilities and a world-class residential campus. Students may also have opportunities for exchange visits to various prominent Universities as well as prominent industry research labs. Travel funding for quality international conferences will be provided. There could also be opportunities for supplementary industrial fellowships. 

Research Focus: The current focus areas for departmental research are Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Computing for Social Good, Cryptography, Security and Privacy, Cyber Physical / Embedded Systems Security, Explainable AI, Data Analytics, Data Mining, Database Indexing, Spatial Databases. These areas will be the primary focus for hiring PhD students for the 2021-2022 academic year. 

Eligibility Criteria

B.E. / B.Tech

Bachelor’s degree holders in Computer Science/Engineering/Technology, ECE, EE (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc/ Diploma in Engineering /Technology)

Currently in the final year or already completed

M. Sc / MCA or equivalent

Master’s degree in any branch of Computer Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent

Currently in the final year or already completed

Int. M.E./ M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.)

Post-BSc Integrated Master’s degree programs in CSE and related disciplines (4 years program)

Currently in the final year or already completed

Int. M.Sc/ Int. B.S.-M.S.

Integrated M.Sc. or 5 years integrated B.S.-M.S. program in CSE and related disciplines

Currently in the final year or already completed

Candidates will need to have secured 55% (or the GPA equivalent) or more in the degrees.

Note: If you have appeared for the written test and/or the interview in the past 12 months, you are not eligible to apply in the current cycle.

  • Admission Information

    Admissions occur on a rolling basis. You may apply at any time: we will process your application and get back to you within 90 days.

    Candidates satisfying at least one of the following criteria are exempted from taking the written test and will be scheduled to directly appear for the interview.

    1. A valid GATE score of 700 or above.

    Note: If you meet any of the exception criteria listed above, please send an email to phd.cs@ashoka.edu.in, along with a current resume and documentation supporting the criteria that you fulfill.

    Application Portal – https://apply.ashoka.edu.in/

  • Application Process

    Written Test

    The written test may consist of subjective, open-ended and multiple-choice questions. The objective of the written test is to assess the basic computer science concepts of the applicant. The topics for the written test are: (1) Discrete Mathematics (2) Probability and Statistics (3) Design and Analysis of Algorithms (4) Data Structures (4) Database Management Systems (5) Programming Languages (6) Operating Systems (7) Computer Organization and Architecture.

    Interview

    All students who qualify in the written test, will be called for an oral interview. A typical interview will be conducted by the faculty members of the Computer Science department. The objective of the interview is to assess the student’s understanding of proposed area of research, communication skills and commitment to pursue Ph.D.

    Selection Criteria

    Selection will be based on merit taking a combination of factors into consideration. These factors include, but are not limited to performance of the candidate in the written test and interview, academic record and achievements such as scholarships, awards in competitions, paper publications and internship or work experience in a prestigious organization.

    • An in person, written test will be held for selected candidates on 17th August 2023. Venues: Ashoka, Bengaluru, Kolkata.
    • There will be (in person / virtual) interviews soon after the exam for candidates selected from the exam.
    • Offers will be sent out by the 21st of August. (This is one week before classes start.) The Ashoka semester starts on 28th August, and selected students are expected to join by then.

  • Coursework

    A Ph.D. student with an MTech in CS is required to successfully complete 2 to 3 courses (8 credits) within 18 months of admission. However, a student with an MSc in Mathematics or BTech in CS must complete 6 to 7 courses (24 credits) of course-work within 2 years. However, the student’s “Doctoral Research Committee (DRC)” may insist on the student taking one or more additional courses to ensure adequate preparation for undertaking research in his/her proposed area of research.

    The coursework will include at least one course (3 to 4 credits) on Research Methodology.

    Upon completion of his/her coursework, a student is expected to demonstrate that he/she possesses the required depth of knowledge to undertake proposed research, and possesses adequate knowledge in one or more areas that are distinct from his/her proposed area of research.

    By the end of the 2nd year, the student should prepare and orally “defend” a “Research Plan” before “Doctoral Research Committee” specifically constituted for each individual PhD student. Then the student is expected to work towards his/her doctoral dissertation. Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the student will defend his/her dissertation before a specially constituted committee. Upon the completion of successful defence, the student will be awarded the Ph.D. degree.

  • Funding

    Stipend and accommodation: Ph.D. students will receive Rs. 35,000 per month as stipend. After completing the PhD candidacy requirements, PhD Scholars will be eligible for Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). The University will pay a stipend of Rs. 40,000 per month to each Senior Research Fellow. PhD students will also be provided on-campus accommodation depending upon availability. In case on-campus accommodation is not available, students will be provided an additional Rs. 7000 per month as house rent allowance (HRA). There could also be opportunities for supplementary industrial fellowships.

    Tuition Fee: Rs. 12,500 per semester

Applications for Ph.D. Programme in Computer Science are closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Presently, the Department runs two admission cycles. One for admission in the Monsoon semester, the application deadline for which (typically) is in April/May. The other cycle is for the Spring admission – the deadline for this cycle is in November/December.

We have prepared detailed guidelines on what to expect during the admission process, including the written tests and the interviews. This document can be accessed here.

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