Postgraduate Programs: Master's & Ph.D. Requirements at PAU
Introduction
Pursuing a Master's degree or Ph.D. at PAU is a rigorous yet rewarding academic journey. This guide covers everything postgraduate students need to know: admission procedures, advisory committees, course requirements, attendance standards, examinations, thesis/dissertation requirements, and graduation criteria. Whether you're considering a Master's or Ph.D., this guide will prepare you for the requirements ahead. It also provides practical tips for balancing research, coursework, and personal commitments, ensuring you stay productive and focused throughout your program. By following these strategies, you can maximize your learning experience and make the most of the academic opportunities offered at PAU.
Master's Programs
Admission to Master's Programs
When: Master's admission is in the beginning of the 1st semester only. Rule 2.3
Eligibility:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
- Minimum CGPA/percentage as specified by the program
- Entrance test and/or counseling/interview (varies by department)
Application Timeline:
- Announced usually in April-May
- Applications accepted May-June
- Selection/merit list declared June-July
- Admission and registration in late July for August start
Master's Advisory System
Each Master's student is assigned an Advisory Committee to guide their studies and research. Rule 5.2
Committee members:
- Major Advisor (Chairman): Faculty member in student's major subject
- One additional member from major subject
- One member from minor subject (if applicable)
- Dean may add additional members if needed
Advisor assignment: Within 2 months of admission Rule 5.2
Responsibilities:
- Guide course selection (major, supporting, minor subjects)
- Supervise research and thesis work
- Provide academic mentoring
- Approve programme of study (synopsis)
Master's Course Requirements
Program Duration: 4 semesters (2 years) normal; minimum 4, maximum 10 semesters Rule 7.2
Credit Load: Rule 7.5.2
- Normal: 18 credit hours per semester
- Maximum: 22 credit hours
- Minimum: 9 credit hours
- Final semester: Can add 2 extra credits (if not on probation)
Attendance Requirement: 80% minimum in all courses and research Rule 7.2.2
Course components:
- Major subject courses (specialized in your field)
- Supporting subject courses (related disciplines)
- Minor subject courses (complementary field)
- Seminar (591): 1 credit hour (compulsory)
- Special Problems/Projects: As determined by Advisory Committee
- Thesis/Dissertation: Research work
Master's Thesis Requirements
When to submit topic: By end of 1st semester Rule 7.8.1
Topic should:
- Relate to research needs of the state
- Fit within major advisor's area of specialization
- Be original and contribute to knowledge
Approval committee: Rule 7.8.1
- Student's Advisory Committee
- Head of Department
- Dean of College
- Dean, Postgraduate Studies
- Director of Research
- Director of Extension Education
Draft submission: At least 10 days before final submission Rule 7.8.2
Thesis submission: Can be submitted any date during semester Rule 7.8.2
Evaluation process: Rule 6.3
- Thesis sent to External Examiner (specialist in field)
- External Examiner evaluates and recommends acceptance/rejection
- If accepted: Oral examination (viva voce) conducted
- If rejected: Advisory Committee and Head decide on re-examination
Oral examination:
- Conducted by External Examiner, Advisory Committee, and Head of Department
- Tests understanding of research and field
- May request modifications to thesis
- Final approval given after viva
If not accepted: Can resubmit after 3 months minimum Rule 6.3(vii)
Master's Grading & Academic Standing
Minimum OCPA for graduation: 6.50 (out of 10.00) Rule 7.6.1
Pass marks: 60% in both theory and practical Rule 6.1.2
If below minimum:
- Placed on scholastic probation Rule 7.6.2
- One semester to improve
- If still below minimum: Dropped from university Rule 7.6.4(a)
Critical: If CPA below 5.00 in 1st or 2nd semester, permanently dropped Rule 7.6.4(c)
Ph.D. Programs
Admission to Ph.D. Programs
When: Ph.D. admission begins from 2nd semester (not 1st semester). No admission in subsequent semesters. Rule 2.3
Eligibility:
- Master's degree in relevant field
- OR Bachelor's degree with 4-year study period and high CGPA
- Entrance test and interview (varies by department)
- Research interest and aptitude
Application Timeline: Usually January-February for March-April admission
Ph.D. Advisory System
Each Ph.D. student has comprehensive advisory support. Rule 5.2
Major Advisor:
- Assigned within 2 months of admission
- Approved by Dean, Postgraduate Studies
- Based on recommendations of departmental academic committee
Advisory Committee composition: Rule 5.2
- Two members from major subject (one is major advisor who is Chairman)
- At least two members from outside major discipline (at least one from minor field)
- One nominee of the Dean, Postgraduate Studies
Committee responsibilities:
- Guide course selection in major, supporting, and minor subjects
- Finalize research problem (with Head of Department)
- Approve programme of study (synopsis)
- Supervise thesis and research
- Evaluate progress regularly
Ph.D. Course & Research Requirements
Program Duration: 6 semesters (3 years) normal; minimum 5, maximum 14 semesters Rule 7.2
Credit Load & Attendance: Rule 7.5.2, Rule 7.2.2
- Normal credit load: 18 hours per semester
- 80% minimum attendance required in all courses and research
- Below 80%: Marked 'US' (Unsatisfactory) or barred from exams
Coursework requirements:
- Specialized courses in major subject
- Supporting subject courses
- Minor subject courses (if required)
- Seminars: Two seminars of 1 credit hour each (compulsory) Rule 6.4.1
- Research work and thesis
Ph.D. Preliminary Examination
Required before thesis submission. Rule 6.2, Rule 7.7
When: After completing at least 75% of course work Rule 6.2
Components:
- Written examination: Two papers (major and minor fields)
- Oral examination: By Advisory Committee, Head of Department, and external member
Written exam:
- Major field: Conducted by major advisor with related course teachers
- Minor field: Conducted by advisory committee member representing minor
- Tests overall comprehension, not just course material
- To be completed within one month
Oral exam:
- Conducted after written exam results
- External member chosen by Dean from recommended panel
- Tests depth of knowledge in field
If fail: Can re-appear not earlier than 3 months Rule 6.2
Passing preliminary exam is graduation requirement: Rule 7.7
Ph.D. Thesis & Dissertation
Timeline: By end of 1st semester Rule 7.8.1
Research priorities: Rule 5.2
- Department sets research priorities in advance
- Individual research topics must align with departmental priorities
- Finalized by committee including major advisor, head, and research committee chair
Synopsis requirements: Rule 5.2
- Details of programme of study prepared by Advisory Committee
- Normally submitted before start of mid-semester exams, 2nd semester
- Includes research problem, methodology, and expected outcomes
External examiners: Rule 6.3
- Two external examiners appointed by Dean
- Specialists in student's major field
- Chosen from panel recommended by Head of Department
Evaluation process:
- Thesis sent to both external examiners
- Both submit evaluation reports
- If both recommend acceptance: Proceed to oral
- If one or both reject: Advisory Committee decides on re-examination
Oral examination (viva voce): Rule 6.3
- Conducted by one external examiner and Advisory Committee
- With Head of Department
- Tests understanding of research and contribution to field
- May request modifications or revisions
If not accepted: Can resubmit after 3 months minimum Rule 6.3(vii)
Research paper publication: Must publish 2 research papers in reputable journals before final viva Rule 7.8.5
Language Requirements for Ph.D.
Every Ph.D. candidate must obtain a certificate of satisfactory reading knowledge of one foreign language. Rule 7.7
Languages available:
- German
- French
- Russian
Certification: Obtained from Department of Agricultural Journalism, Languages and Culture
Requirement: Must be satisfied before graduation
Ph.D. Grading & Academic Standing
Minimum OCPA for graduation: 6.50 (out of 10.00) Rule 7.6.1
Research evaluation: Rule 6.1.3.4(a)
- Graded as 'S' (Satisfactory) or 'US' (Unsatisfactory)
- If 'US' for two consecutive semesters: Dropped from programme Rule 7.6.4(d)
- Can petition for continuation within 7 days
Critical: If CPA below 5.00 in 1st or 2nd semester, permanently dropped Rule 7.6.4(c)
Common Requirements for Master's & Ph.D.
Attendance Requirements
Both Master's and Ph.D. students must maintain 80% attendance. Rule 7.2.2
- Applies to all courses, seminars, practicals, and research
- Below 80%: Cannot appear in exams or receives 'US' grade for research
- Medical certificates and university-approved absences are exceptions Rule 6.1.1
Time Limits for Completion
| Program | Normal Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | 4 semesters (2 years) | 4 semesters | 10 semesters |
| Ph.D. | 6 semesters (3 years) | 5 semesters | 14 semesters |
Rule 7.2
Important: If you exceed the maximum time limit, you can no longer be a student of the university.
Registration & Fees
First semester: Rule 2.3
- Register within prescribed date before coursework begins
- Pay admission and semester fees
- Get registration confirmation
Subsequent semesters: Rule 3.1
- Register on date announced by Registrar
- Attend advisement with major advisor
- Late registration: Up to 3 working days with late fee
- Dean may waive late fee in exceptional cases
Fees:
- Semester fees based on credit hours registered
- Hostel fees (if applicable)
- Other fees as prescribed by university
Scholastic Probation for Postgraduates
If OCPA falls below 6.50: Rule 7.6.2
- Placed on scholastic probation
- One semester to improve
- If still below minimum: Dropped from university Rule 7.6.4(a)
- Can petition for re-admission
Repeating courses: Rule 7.6.3(i)
- Can repeat courses with 6.00-6.49 credit points
- Only after completing all coursework
- To meet minimum OCPA requirement (not for merit improvement)
- New grade replaces old for GPA calculation
Dropping & Discontinuation
Eligibility to discontinue: Rule 7.6.7(b)
- Must have completed all coursework
- Must have completed minimum 75% of research credits
- For Ph.D.: Must have cleared comprehensive examination
- Reason: Have secured job and want to join post
Re-admission: Rule 7.6.7(b)
- Can be re-admitted if rejoining after 2 discontinued semesters
- Re-admission against additional seats
- If discontinuation exceeds 2 semesters: Academic Council approval needed
- For Ph.D.: Must clear comprehensive exam again if gap exceeds 2 semesters
Request timeline: Submit request at least 2 months before desired semester start Rule 7.6.7(b)
Without permission: If you discontinue without Dean approval, you're not eligible for re-admission
Key Timeline: Master's Student
| Semester | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 (Year 1) | Admission, registration, coursework, identify thesis topic by end |
| Semester 2 | Coursework, thesis topic approval, begin research |
| Semester 3 (Year 2) | Coursework completion, ongoing research |
| Semester 4 | Complete coursework, finalize thesis, submit draft |
| After Sem 4 | Thesis submission, external evaluation, oral exam, graduation |
Key Timeline: Ph.D. Student
| Semester | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 (Year 1) | Admission mid-semester, registration, coursework, identify research area |
| Semester 2 | Coursework, research topic finalization, synopsis by end |
| Semester 3-4 | Continue coursework, begin intensive research |
| Semester 5 | Complete coursework (75% by end), prepare for preliminary exam |
| After Sem 5/Early Sem 6 | Preliminary exam (written and oral) |
| Semester 6 onwards | Focus on research and thesis, publish papers, prepare for final viva |
| After completion | Thesis submission, external evaluation, final viva, graduation |
Important Contacts & Support
- Your Major Advisor: First point of contact for academic and research matters
- Head of Department: For departmental issues and policies
- Dean, Postgraduate Studies: For postgraduate-specific policies and approvals
- Registrar's Office: registrar@pau.edu
- Phone: +91-161-2400945, +91-161-2401960-79
- Director of Research: For research-related guidance
- University Library: For thesis formatting and submission
Key Takeaways
- Admission: Master's in 1st semester; Ph.D. from 2nd semester Rule 2.3
- Advisory System: Major advisor assigned within 2 months; Advisory Committee guides research Rule 5.2
- Attendance: 80% minimum mandatory; below = US grade or exam bar Rule 7.2.2
- Duration: Master's 4-10 semesters; Ph.D. 5-14 semesters Rule 7.2
- Minimum OCPA: 6.50 required for graduation Rule 7.6.1
- Thesis: Approved by committee; evaluated by external examiner; oral exam required Rule 6.3, Rule 7.8
- Ph.D. Preliminary: Required after 75% coursework completion Rule 6.2
- Ph.D. Language: Must obtain certificate in German, French, or Russian Rule 7.7
- Ph.D. Papers: Must publish 2 research papers in reputable journals before final viva Rule 7.8.5
- First semester CPA: If below 5.00, permanently dropped; no second chance Rule 7.6.4(c)