PhD Candidacy Exam Format

Source: https://wsai.iitm.ac.in/quicklinks/candidacy-exam-format/ Parent: https://wsai.iitm.ac.in/

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PhD Candidacy Exam Format

The candidacy exam for PhD scholars adheres to the timelines specified in the Institute’s PhD ordinances (R.12). The primary goal is to ensure that candidates demonstrate sufficient competence in their proposed research area, as well as broader areas of data science and AI, particularly those relevant to their research.

Following recommendations from the 305th Senate, the Candidacy Exam must include a research component. Candidacy exams in the Department of Data Science and AI, Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, will follow a format approved by the 17th DCC of the department on November 18, 2024.

Research Component

• Presentation: 45 minutes
• Literature Review: Present a comprehensive review of the literature
• Critical Analysis: Critical analysis of one key paper
• Written Report: Written report covering both components

Subject Component

• The passing score in each component is 50%
• The overall pass mark is 60%
• While this is not mandated by the ordinances, we have the flexibility to include this and ensure students are “above par”
• The subject component may be waived by the DC if performance in coursework is good (B or higher); this coursework can include UG/PG coursework also, and is not restricted to IITM coursework
• If not waived, the student must give an examination covering key areas; the DC chair will set the question paper (in consultation with other DC members)

Broad Guidelines

1. Subjects should be decided by the DC in the Zero DC meeting
2. Critical review papers should be approved by the Candidacy Panel members 30 days before the date of the candidacy exam
3. The scholar must turn in a written report 7 days before the date of the candidacy exam, with a plagiarism check and declaration on the use of GenAI tools
4. Timeline as per PhD Ordinances: R.12