The PhD degree is conferred primarily in recognition of breadth of scholarship, depth of research, and power to investigate problems independently and efficiently. In fulfilling the degree requirements, the student is expected to undertake the required course work, attend and present seminars, and conduct thesis research.

During the first two semesters, a full-time PhD  student is expected to register in a combined total of 12 credits or more of graduate courses (see physics PG courses offered by the Physics Department).  Students are required to complete at least 12 credits of approved Physics postgraduate courses. Full-time students are expected to complete the coursework requirements during the first two regular terms. Students with a first degree in an area other than Physics may be required to take additional courses.

In addition, a PhD student is required to register in PHYS 6771 Professional Development in Physics. A student in the PhD program is required to pass the qualifying exam within the first two year of study. Student with a satisfactory academic record will then be admitted to PhD candidacy. The student can then register in PHYS 7990 Doctoral Thesis Research.

In the final stage of research, a PhD student is required to submit a thesis to the Department and subsequently present and defend it. Any student who has performed unsatisfactorily will be asked to re-submit and/or re-defend the thesis. A student is allowed a total of two attempts at passing the thesis examination. According to the UGC guideline, the PhD study period is four years for students who had a BSc degree or three years for students who had a MPhil degree.