An Overview of how to Manage your PhD Journey at IIT: Based on my experience of IIT Kharagpur, India
- Tazyeen Alam
- Aug 16, 2024
- 6 min read
The journey towards obtaining a PhD can be very long, and sometimes, it's normal to experience a sense of confusion or uncertainty. Always keep in mind that progress is made with each and every step, regardless of how small it may seem.
- Dr. Tazyeen Alam
Starting a PhD at an IIT in India is like signing up for a marathon—you need stamina, a good game plan, and the ability to pace yourself. The application process might feel like you're jumping through hoops, but once you've made it past that hurdle, the real journey begins. This isn't just about being book-smart; it’s about navigating the ups and downs, staying organized, and keeping your motivation tank full.
In this blog, I'll walk you through the ins and outs of getting into an IIT for a PhD, sharing the lessons I've learned along the way. Whether you’re just considering applying or already knee-deep in research, I’ll give you tips to help you stay focused, make steady progress, and cross that finish line with your PhD in hand.
How much time do I have to complete this journey?
The Official Timeline
This consists of total 5 years with Institute Assistantship (Rs. 37k for first 2 years and Rs. 42k for the next 3 years - at the time of writing this blog). This amount may vary in the next 5 years so check with the MHRD/MoE guidelines. After the 5 years tenure, you will be given only Rs. 15k to perform duties of a Teaching Assistant for the next 1 year only. Alternatively, if your supervisor has projects, they can also provide you funds as a project Assistant after completion of 5 years and that will get you more financial stability! You can find details about IIT Kharagpur here: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/phd and you can find this session's brochure here: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/assets/pdf/phd_brochure.pdf
You may think for a while that I am talking too much about money :P
Because my friend, if you are into higher education and you re not making enough money or you are unable to find this financial stability, it will get more frustrating for you because who doesn't want that? ;)
The Unofficial Timeline
Well, the maximum time as per the rules of the MoE, you must be able to finish your PhD within 8 years maximum! You may also grab this within a minimum time of 3 years (but this requires a lot of hard work and perseverance!). Mind you, these rules are strictly for full-time researchers on campus and not for part-time or sponsored candidates.
How do I stay motivated through these 4 - 5 years?
This road of motivation can be tough. But your must have short-term and long-term goals including field work, analysis, literature review (this goes parallel to everything), writing grants, peer-reviewed papers, attending conferences (national and international), and socializing for your mental health.
This could be rigorous process but the most important aspect of this journal is your MENTAL and PHYSICAL health! I have suffered from spondylitis, Vitamin D deficiency and calcium fluctuations (which are common) along with endless sleepless tense nights where I kept juggling between balancing my personal and professional life (and that is common to everyone).
You must have your priority list sorted for everything you plan and work wisely. I focused on working extra hours to make sure I achieve y short and long-term goals efficiently.
Talk to your supervisor about your work progress. Sometimes they might be too busy to process your research events but that is okay! Be persistent, keep reminding them patently.
How do I manage my personal and professional life balance?
Instead of sugar-coating things here, I will try to be honest!
There are high chances you will not be able to balance, because we do not have a strict 9-5 schedule to manage work and personal life. I have worked from 9-9 on most days including Saturdays to make sure I achieve my goals.
Your family and loved ones have to bear as much pain and sacrifice as you to ensure you thrive in this sphere of your life and I can assure you this is the most difficult part!
What you can do instead is surround yourself with genuine people! Friends who want to support you and see you grow in life are important. Having at least one friend in your workplace who makes you feel at home is the most soothing companion in this journey. I had a good connection with all my colleagues but had very limited friends with whom I would spend my daily time. Do not overdo things, there needs to be a balance in everything.
Collaborations and exchange programs extend my PhD timeline, is it worth it?
I would grab any collaboration opportunities of international importance even if it delayed my PhD a little bit! I never got any such opportunities. These collaborations and exchange programs can be life-changing and they are definitely worth it in my POV!
What are future scopes after submitting or completing my PhD thesis?
Does submitting my PhD thesis embark completion?
Well, technically, yes!
Once you give your synopsis (last) seminar and submit your PhD, it is over! It is then sent to two external reviewers - one national and one international - outside your own institute to check, review, and give their critics for improvement. In this event, it is in the hands of the reviewers how much time they take. On an average, they take 3 - 5 months. But in some cases you may expect a delay of almost 6 - 9 months!
The review feedback can be of any of the three categories:
No revision (which usually never happens, as we are at a learning stage and there will be more expected from us)
Minor revision and defense
Major revision and rechecking
Rejected
Majority get review in the 2nd category and in worst cases it is 3 and 4. I know a few people from different departments who had to come back t campus and redo experiments and analysis due to the unfortunate turn of events!
Can I join a Job while in PhD?
Officially, you are not allowed to join any other jobs that provides you with a salary while you are enrolled as a full-time research scholar. But you are free to do so after you submit your thesis. However, it is to be noted that your experience as a PhD (or doctorate) is considered only after your defense is conducted.
What other opportunities are good for me as a PhD graduate?
Well, firstly it will depend on your priorities!
If you want to grow professionally and have had some international exposure during your PhD tenure, I would always recommend to use those contacts to grab a PostDoc or Scientist positions in a project or join an industry before you jump into teaching. This is my biased opinion and your life goals might differ from mine. Also, it will totally depend your luck and available opportunities. It is not usually easy o get an international job (especially with an Indian degree, and there is no shame in accepting that!).
This 1 or 2 years of experience will always help you get back to India and secure better positions and salaries. Alternatively, some practical experience is necessary to get respect and guidance for your teaching career. My professional growth has always been a priority because I have spent half my life in building a future for myself and compromising at this stage with opportunities will not only be demeaning but also unfair to all the time and efforts I have given in the past!
Therefore, this is not something that is recommended from my end!
If you are reading this line, Congratulations! You have made it till the end very patiently and you are definitely a Research person!! :P
If there is anything you feel was not answered or covered in this blog, please feel free to drop a comment or write to me personally. I will definitely get back to you and do my best to help you. I wish you luck for your future endeavours.
So,...what is my take on doing a PhD from IITs?
This is a a beautiful yet stressful journey. You are either a very relaxed, chill, and I don't give a shit kind of person, or you are ambitious, considerate, consistently working hard, and have the chances of getting frustrated! I am the second type, and this trait is going to give you some hard time. PhD is a journey, its a process that teaches you affirmation, perseverance, patience, time management, and self discipline!! It is beyond ONLY researching your topic, etc. It is about your passion, you need to be passionate and committed to your work if you plan to reach the next goal in your career. There is no alternate, I always say that,
PhD = [(P)² * Dp]/t
where P is perseverance, D is self-discipline, p is patience, and t is time
The more you stay, the lesser is your patience to do it! So do not lose it, you are almost there! Do not compare your journey with anyone else, every PhD is different and has their own challenges. You can do it!
Well, again if you are looking forward to thank me for this amazing post, you know how to get in touch with me by now! ;)
Beautifully written and summarised. I feel post PhD journey is far more challenging for some people. Although iam yet to experience it but have heard from colleagues that all this years of hard work doesn't guarantee you a smooth ride ahead. Would like to know your take on that.