Objective
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) offers doctoral programme through its Head Office in Delhi. The programme is in recognition of high academic achievements, independent research and application of knowledge in the areas of Design, Management and Technology as applied with reference to textile, fashion, lifestyle, apparel, craft and any other related field. Interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research will also be encouraged.
NIFT recruits outstanding researchers to create a vibrant research culture and strengthen the research focus of NIFT. NIFT research training gives candidates the skills they need to conduct research, which aims to solve critical problems affecting the industry, communities and the environment.
NIFT expects its PhD scholars to demonstrate independent research and thought leadership through publications in academic journals and scholarly presentations of their work. The scholars shall also manifest their passion for knowledge and research, for developing new ideas and paradigms. Creativity and the potential to do outstanding research must be a hallmark of their personality and intellectual skill set.
PhD degree would read the title of the thesis and would not state any area i.e. Design, Management, Technology.
SHORTLISTING, SELECTION, AND PRELIMINARY REGISTRATION
Research Proposal
Step 1 - The completed application form has to be submitted along with an outline of Research Proposal in prescribed word limit as mentioned below. This Research Proposal is the most important part of the Application. It will be expected to clearly set out an appropriate set of issues to be explored through research. It should include an indication of the approach that the candidate intends to undertake during research (e.g. literature-based/empirical/experimental/practice-based research) and identify what is sought to be achieved as an outcome. The proposed research can be related to any previous work/studies carried out by the candidate.
All applications must be accompanied with the research proposal. The research proposal must include
-Statement of topic of research (not more than 100 words)-focus of research, research problem it will address and contribution to knowledge the topic will make.
-Review of Literature (not more than 200 words)
-Overview of key research on the topic and gap in knowledge that the topic will address.
-Objectives of research
-Research Methodology-Explain the research methods that you will employ to achieve the stated objectives and methodology for data collection and analysis.
-Expected Research Contribution to the field/industry
-List of References
-All admission applications must be accompanied with the research proposal and be submitted with the consent of the NIFT PhD supervisor (Research Proposal format 1 and consent of NIFT PhD supervisor-format 2).
Step 2 - Written test & Interview
The students who are shortlisted after step 1- will be called for the written test and personal interview.The written test and interview will examine the candidates’ communication skills, academic disposition, aptitude for research and research co-curricular activities (Subject Areas for written test are placed in the prospectus). The test shall be for two hours with descriptive/objective type questions.
The merit of candidates will be drawn up on the total score of written test.The names of qualifying candidates will be put up on NIFT website, who then have to appear for research proposal presentation and interview (as per the calendar of activities). Admission will be offered to the deserving candidates depending on the number of seats available for the academic year.
(The criteria could be changed by NIFT without prior notice. NIFT may put additional academic performance based short listing criteria. Depending on the number of applications received and considering the constraints of time and other resources for conducting Written Test and Interview).
NIFT will not provide travel and accommodation facilities for applicants appearing for the written test and interview. Candidates must bear all expenses for their travel and accommodation.
Exemptions from Written Test
• Master's Degree holders with minimum 10 years of professional experience (teaching/ working) in the areas of research relevant to NIFT.
• Master's Degree holders who have minimum 10 years of experience and have cleared and hold a valid score UGC NET, CEED, CSIR (JRF) similar tests.
Applicants meeting the above criteria will be exempted from written test.
ADMISSION ELIGIBILITY (Full Time & Part Time)
|
Qualification |
Min Education after class X |
CGPA |
Work Experience |
|
Master’s degree in the relevant area of Design, Management or Technology (or) equivalent qualification from an institute/ university of national/ international repute |
07 |
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 6.0 on a 10 point scale (5.5 for SC/ST candidates) or equivalent OR 55% (50% for SC/ST candidates) marks in aggregate (of all the years/semesters) |
None |
|
Where the Master’s Degree is found to be in a discipline not relevant to the areas identified by NIFT |
07 |
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 6.0 on a 10-point scale (5.5 for SC/ST candidates) or equivalent OR 55% (50% for SC/ST candidates) marks in aggregate (of all the years/semesters) |
10 years of professional experience (teaching / working) in the proposed area of research
|
|
Bachelors degree in the relevant area of Design, Management or Technology (or) equivalent qualification from an institute/ university of national/ international repute |
05 |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 8.0 on a 10-point scale or equivalent as determined by the Institute wherever letter grades are awarded; or 75% (75% for SC/ST candidates) marks in aggregate (of all the years/semesters) where marks are awarded |
10 years of professional experience (teaching / working) in the proposed area of research |
Marksheets of class X, XII, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree (if applicable), Scanned Copies of Degree-Bachelor’s, Master’s (if applicable), work experience certificate(s) on employer letterhead (if applicable), must be uploaded along with application form.
Programme Duration
For Full Time Scholars
The Scholars shall normally submit their thesis within a period of FOUR years, with the option of submitting in three years from the date of their initial registration for the PhD Programme. However, as a special case, this limit may be extended to a maximum of five years by the DG-NIFT after which the registration shall stand automatically cancelled. However, the scholar will not receive any financial assistance in this extended period.
For Part Time Scholars
The Scholars shall normally submit their thesis within a period of SIX years, with the option of submitting in four years from the date of their initial registration for the PhD Programme. However, as a special case, this limit maybe extended to a maximum of seven years by the DG-NIFT after which the registration shall stand automatically cancelled.
Full time PhD Scholar Categories
NIFT Teaching Fellowship (NTF)-The scholars under this category are entitled to financial support of Rs. 31,000/- per month for the first two years and Rs. 35,000/- per month for the next two years. On-campus housing will be provided to NTFs only if it is available. In case on-campus housing is not available, HRA of Rs 7000/- pm. towards off-campus housing will be paid. Other than the Fellowship, a Contingency Amount of Rs 20,000 per year shall be allocated to all NTF scholars on the recommendation of the concerned Supervisor after their yearly review. The NIFT teaching fellows will be present in NIFT campus as per rules and regulations of NIFT, for the duration of the PhD enrolment. The number of vacancies for the academic year 2022-23 PhD admission is 05 (Reservations will apply as per extant orders of Government of India).
The following criteria to be met by the NTF’s Scholars for getting/continuation of Teaching Fellowship:
I. Scholars concerned must assist in teaching or research, as assigned by the respective Academic Unit to the extent of 8 hours of work per week.
II. Satisfactory performance of the Research Scholar in Academic as well as other duties assigned by the Academic Unit.
III. The scholars should not be an employee on the rolls (with or without pay) of any organization.
IV. They will provide proof of being relieved from their employment within 30 days from the date of declaration of final result or the date of commencement of Academic program whichever is earlier.
Teaching Fellowship will be awarded initially for one year and after an annual performance review of the scholar by the supervisor and SIAC-R, it may be renewed annually for a maximum period of 04 years. Under no circumstance the fellowship will be granted after completion of 04 years.
The fellowship to NTF shall stand terminated under the following conditions-
I. on completion of 04 years from date of initial registration,
II. the date of PhD viva-voce
III. from the date of resignation of the NTF
At the time of admission, fellows will be required to give an undertaking that they have applied for admission to PhD in NIFT under the NTF scheme and they are not employee on the rolls (with or without pay) of any organization or they will resign on the declaration of result. (Format-3).
Self-Financed, including those on Study Leave (SF) - This category refers to persons who are admitted through the usual admission PROCEDURE but are not eligible for financial support from the Institute. If admitted, Self-financed candidates have to complete their programme within the prescribed time without any financial support from the Institute. This category also includes candidates who are released from Governmental or educational institutions on study leave for a period of at least two years. If selected then, employer’s letter for study leave should be produced at the time of joining (Format-4). Those who may be sponsored by their employers to undertake PhD in NIFT may submit sponsorship certificate with the application form (Format 5). Such applicants can apply for hostel accommodation on campus, if available, it may be provided on payment basis.
Part Time PhD Scholars Categories
Part Time- External Candidate- Candidates, who are working in reputed research organizations, academic Institutes and industries, are eligible to apply under Part-time PhD degree programme subject to fulfillment of other eligibility criteria of PhD degree programme. “No Objection Certificate” from the employer for a part time candidate will be required along with the application form (Format 6).
Part Time-Internal Candidate- Academic and the Non-academic employees working in NIFT will fall under this category. The study leave conditions of NIFT shall become applicable for the Part-time (internal) candidates. Academic staffs of the Institute require administrative clearance from the concerned Chairperson and Campus Director to seek registration on a part- time basis after satisfactory completion of service period of 3 years.
A member of the non-academic staff of the Institute after completion of three years of service (including probation) at the Institute, who satisfies eligibility criteria may be considered for admission to the PhD programme as a part time Scholar, provided he/she has been given administrative clearance by the Competent Authority at NIFT.
There is no provision for financial assistance/fellowship to Part time PhD candidates.
Location of the PhD Scholar
NIFT currently has 18 campuses all over the country.The Full-time scholars will be based at the NIFT Campus of the assigned PhD supervisor to ensure that the applicant is under the guidance of the supervisor and the research rigor is maintained throughout the programme. This applies only to Full Time Scholars.
The part time Scholar could be based anywhere; however, all the Scholar shall require to travel to the NIFT campus where compulsory coursework classes are held and also travel to meet the supervisor, and for progress seminars, comprehensive examination, Pre PhD-Seminar, Viva Voce etc, on their own expense.
Qualifying Stages of Work
There are primarily two stages of work for scholars after preliminary registration and before the final registration as candidate for PhD.
Stage One: Course Work
In the first stage, the supervisor will guide him/her to select coursework and develop a detailed research plan. A joint supervisor can be added anytime during the next 18 months. The Candidate will be required to take requisite course work with the suggestion of his/her supervisor. The subjects can be selected from either one or multiple of three options. (i) subjects offered by Design, Management and Technology at respective NIFT campuses (ii) subjects from different institute like IIT/NIT/IIM/selected international institutes with whom NIFT has MOU (iii) subjects through mass open online courses (MOOC), For eg.edX, Coursera, SWAYAM, Udacity, etc. A Minimum CGPA of 7.0 on a 10-point scale is required for continued candidacy of PhD Degree. CGPA below 6.5 will cause termination of registration with immediate effect. However, if the CGPA is above 6.5 but less than 7.0, the Scholar would be asked to take more courses in order to enhance their CGPA to 7.0 or above, subject to the condition that this should be achieved within next semester. Attendance of 75% is compulsory.
Stage Two: Comprehensive Examination
After successfully clearing stage one, scholar will reach the second stage of work before qualifying to become a final registered candidate for PhD, the scholars will be required to take a comprehensive examination which will be a combination of (a) an oral examination and (b) evaluation of the Research Proposal. This tests comprehension of the broad field of research and academic preparation and the potential to carry out the proposed research plan. A Scholar is permitted to give a maximum of two attempts to pass the comprehensive examination and should be able to compete it within 18 months for full time and 24 months for part time from date of joining the programme, falling which his/her registration will be cancelled. Scholar shall be formally registered as a candidate for the PhD Degree after he/she has successfully completed stage one and stage two of work. Scholar will be required to renew the registration every semester till the submission of the Pre-PhD seminar/synopsis. The renewal of registration every semester shall be subject to completion of specified number of credits/courses and/or satisfactory progress in research work as recommended by Supervisor.
PERFORMANCE MONITORING Scholar shall be monitored by PhD scholars Progress committee (PSPC). Scholar will submit a progress report at the end of every odd semester to supervisor(s) for monitoring of the progress of work. At the end of every even semester, the candidate will present Research Progress Seminar (RPS). In the event of getting two consecutive unsatisfactory grades by any scholar, the registration will stand terminated.
Pre-PhD Seminar/Synopsis
On completion of the research work, the Scholar shall submit a synopsis including bibliography of research work to his/her Supervisor. It is essential for the Scholar to hold Pre-PhD seminar before his/her Synopsis is considered. The Synopsis will be examined by a panel of experts. The result of the Pre PhD seminar will decide the further course of action for the Scholar.
Thesis Submission
The Scholar will be required to submit the thesis within a minimum of 2 months and maximum of 9 months after declaration of the result of the Pre PhD-Seminar.
Thesis Evaluation
The Submitted thesis will be examined by two examiners, scholar will be recommended for viva-voce examination on the basis of the thesis evaluation. In case the scholar has been advised to submit a revised thesis, the same may be done within a period of one year from the date of communication.
AWARD OF PhD DEGREE
A Scholar, who has been recommended for viva-voce examination on the basis of thesis evaluation, shall be required to defend research undertaken before an Oral Defense Committee. The Committee may recommend the award of the degree or suggest corrections/modifications to be incorporated in the thesis or the degree may not be awarded.
FEE STRUCTURE (for Ph.D students admitted during the year 2023-24)
|
Particulars |
Part Time PhD |
NIFT teaching Fellows (Full Time PhD) |
Self Financed/Sponsored/study leave (Full Time Phd) |
|
TUITION FEE ( NON REFUNDABLE) |
80000 |
0 |
93000 |
|
LIBRARY FEE (PER YEAR) (NON REFUNDABLE) |
9500 |
9500 |
9500 |
|
MEDICLAIM & STUDENT DEVELOPMENT FEE (PER YEAR) (NON REFUNDABLE) |
4700 |
4700 |
4700 |
|
EXAM FEE (PER YEAR) |
4700 |
4700 |
4700 |
|
TOTAL |
98900 |
18900 |
111900 |
|
ONE TIME PAYMENTS |
|||
|
SECURITY DEPOSIT (ONE TIME) (REFUNDABLE) |
12000 |
12000 |
12000 |
|
REGISTRATION FEE (ONE TIME) |
9300 |
9300 |
9300 |
|
TOTAL |
21300 |
21300 |
21300 |
|
TOTAL |
120200 |
40200 |
133200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ph.D Fee for NRI/Foreign Students (Per year - consisting of two semesters) (In Rupees) |
|||
|
Particulars |
Part Time PhD |
NIFT teaching Fellows (Full Time PhD) |
Self Financed/Sponsored/study leave (Full Time PhD) |
|
TUITION FEE ( NON REFUNDABLE) |
437000 |
0 |
509000 |
|
LIBRARY FEE (PER YEAR) (NON REFUNDABLE) |
50000 |
50000 |
50000 |
|
MEDICLAIM & STUDENT DEVELOPMENT FEE (PER YEAR) (NON REFUNDABLE) |
32000 |
32000 |
32000 |
|
EXAM FEE (PER YEAR) |
4700 |
4700 |
4700 |
|
TOTAL |
523700 |
86700 |
595700 |
|
ONE TIME PAYMENTS |
|||
|
SECURITY DEPOSIT (ONE TIME) (REFUNDABLE) |
12000 |
12000 |
12000 |
|
REGISTRATION FEE (ONE TIME) |
9300 |
9300 |
9300 |
|
TOTAL |
21300 |
21300 |
21300 |
|
TOTAL |
545000 |
108000 |
617000 |
Assistance from NIFT
50% tuition fee waiver will be extended to the NIFT employees (regular and contract) pursuing PhD at NIFT. In case the contract of the employee is not renewed during the course of research for any reason, the Scholar would not be eligible for the 50% tuition waiver henceforth.
50% tuition fee waiver will also be extended to scholars admitted to PhD programme from other Government Organizations/ Institutions under MOT.
Additionally, the NIFT employees are also allowed a waiver of Security Deposit, Library Fee and Mediclaim & Scholar Development Fee. Also, financial assistance may be extended for NIFT employees (regular and contract) for product development, experimentation and thesis documentation.
How to Apply : Submission of Application Form
Candidates must apply online at https://nift.ac.in/admission
Applicant should follow the prescribed procedure step by step for online submission of application. Candidates should scan and upload photocopies of required certificates wherever asked for. The Application fee has to be paid through online net banking.
• Non-Refundable Fee for General/OBC (Non-Creamy) Category: Rs. 3000/-
• Non-Refundable Fee for SC/ST/PWD Category: Rs. 1500/-
An alternate payment option, candidate can submit application fee through NEFT/RTGS/IMPS in following bank account:
Account Name: NIFT HO PHD FEE ACCOUNT
Account No.: 340602050000056
IFSC Code: UBIN0534064
Contact for further queries:
Dr. Neha Singh
Associate Professor (TD) & Unit Incharge (Research) NIFT Campus, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016
Mobile : 9953643817
Tel: 011-26542209
Email: ui.research@nift.ac.in
List of PhD Supervisors https://www.cmsnift.com/pages/cms_reports/html_research_supervisior_list.aspx
PLEASE NOTE
1) Application forms incomplete in any way or not having required educational/ experience certificates or the latest photographs are liable to be rejected without intimation.
2) Candidates are advised to keep a printout/photocopy of Application Form for further reference along with proof of payment.
3) Prior to making the payment candidate can edit/amend the information in the online application. Once the payment has been made by the candidate, he/she will not be allowed to change/modify any information by the system.
4) Application fee already paid will not be refunded in case the application is found not eligible for admissions to NIFT after editing /updating of the application form.
5) It is the sole responsibility of the candidate to provide correct information during the application process. At any stage if it is found that the information provided by the candidate is not true, NIFT has the right to cancel his/her candidature. Any direct or indirect attempt to influence the management and employees of the institute will lead to automatic disqualification of the candidate.
6) After closing the window to edit the application form/registration category filled up in the application form will not be changed at any stage. Therefore, candidates are advised to fill-up the application form with due diligence.
Calendar of Activities
|
Particulars |
Timeline |
|
Admission Guidelines on NIFT Website |
November, 2022 |
|
Submission of Online Application starts from |
First week of November, 2022 |
|
Submission of Application forms on or before |
Third week of February, 2023 |
|
Updating of Application status for eligibility |
Second week of April, 2023 |
|
Issuance of admit cards |
Last week of April, 2023 |
|
Written test* |
First week of May, 2023 |
|
Announcement of result of Written test on NIFT website |
Last week of May, 2023 |
|
Research Proposal Presentation and Interview* |
Third week of June, 2023 |
|
Announcement of Results |
Second week of July, 2023 |
|
Registration and payment of fees on or before |
Last week of July, 2023 |
|
Semester starts |
August, 2023 (As per NIFT Academic Calendar) |
Note:- *Written test and Research Proposal presentation & Interview will be held at New Delhi.
Documents to be attached/uploaded with application form
|
Document |
Required to be submitted by |
|
Self attested copies of the following: |
All Applicants |
|
Format 1 Research proposal |
All Applicants |
|
Format 2 consent of NIFT PhD supervisor |
All Applicants |
|
Format 3 Undertaking – |
Those applying to Full Time PhD- NIFT Teaching Fellow category |
|
Format 4 Employer’s consent for Study Leave |
Those applying to Full Time PhD-Study Leave/Self-Financed category |
|
Format 5 Sponsorship certificate |
Those applying to Full Time PhD-Study Leave but being sponsored by the employer they are working for |
|
Format 6 - No Objection certificate from employer |
Those applying for Part Time PhD programme Full Time PhD-Study Leave/ Sponsored candidates |
|
Format 7 - Request letter for exemption from written test |
PG Applicants (qualifying in CGPA criteria) with minimum 10 years of professional experience (teaching/working) in the areas of research relevant to NIFT&Master’s degree holders who have minimum 10 years of experience and have cleared UGC NET, CEED, CSIR(JRF) similar tests and hold a valid score will be exempted from written test |
|
Work experience Certificate(s) |
Master’s Degree holders in a discipline not relevant to the areas identified by NIFT & Bachelor’s degree holders in the relevant area of Design, Management or Technology (or) equivalent qualification from an institute/university of national/ international repute |
NIFT PhD Admission 2023 Subject Areas of Written test
|
Research Aptitude |
|
|
Communication Skills |
Grammar correction, re-ordering of sentences, reading comprehension, vocabulary, word replacements |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Understanding the structure of arguments; Evaluating and distinguishing deductive and inductive reasoning; Verbal analogies: Word Analogy-Applied analogy; Verbal classification; Reasoning Logical Diagrams: Simple diagrammatic relationship, multi-diagrammatic relationship; Venn diagram; Analytical Reasoning. |
|
Research Disposition |
Contemporary areas of research and issues in textile, fashion, lifestyle, apparel, craft and any other related field |
