Doctoral Research Programmes
For Women and Men
Duration: 6 Years
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at SSSIHL is intellectually demanding and students must have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research. Admissions to the SSSIHL Doctoral Research programme is currently available across nine of the University’s departments. First, see the Eligibility tab on this page for detailed information on admissions eligibility criteria. Then, visit the Research Areas tab to see the topics and areas of research available per department.
After you have decided on the Research Areas you want to apply for, go to the SSSIHL Admissions Application Guide. This page will give you step-by-step guidance on how to successfully apply for the Doctoral Research programme at SSSIHL, including a full overview of what it is like to do research at SSSIHL.
Once you submit your online application, you cannot change it. Therefore, it is very important that you go through the Application Guide and read the important information it provides on various aspects of the application, such as Registering for Online applications, what documents to upload, and what happens at each stage of the application process.
SSSIHL has a rolling admissions policy for its Doctoral Research Programme. This means that admissions to a Ph.D. programme is open throughout the academic year. Applicants can apply at any point of time without a set application deadline.
However, this strictly applies only to those applicants who are eligible for a direct interview (see below). For all other applicants – who must appear for the Admissions Test – the Admissions cycle will take place twice a year (each semester). Kindly visit our Admissions Dates & Deadlines page for these dates.
SSSIHL IS UNIQUE
As detailed in the About Us section of our website, SSSIHL is unique in several ways.
In addition to the Sri Sathya Sai Values-based Integral Education practiced at SSSIHL, one of the salient features is that, aligned with the vision of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, education at SSSIHL is provided FREE to all students for all programmes of study.
This commitment aims to eliminate financial barriers and promote access to quality education for all deserving candidates, fostering an inclusive learning environment. SSSIHL does not levy any of the following fees:
- Tuition fees
- Admissions fees
- Infrastructure & Development fees
- Library fees
- Examination fees
- Basic amenities fees
- Sports fees
- Medical fees*
*students have access to free medical treatment at Sri Sathya Sai General and Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospitals located at Prasanthi Nilayam and Whitefield, Bangalore
Hostel fees: Boarding and lodging charges will be communicated to selected candidates
All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for admissions to the Ph.D. programme and appear for the SSSIHL Admissions Interview.
GENERAL
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed to be University) has a merit-based Admissions Policy open for all.
The following criteria apply to all applicants of the SSSIHL Doctoral Research Programme:
- Age: Below 30 years of age on the date of application to the programme.
- Compulsory Hostel stay: Given the unique modern Gurukula system of Values-based Integral Education at SSSIHL, it is mandatory that all students study and reside at gender-specific campuses during their entire period of study.
Candidates who do not meet all the admissions criteria listed for the programme they apply to will not be eligible for admissions.
Relaxation of Age
A relaxation of up to 5 years is provided to Women applicants and candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD (Divyangjan)/EWS.
ACADEMIC
To qualify for an SSSIHL Doctoral Research Programme, applicants must meet at least one of the following three criteria:
NATIONAL-LEVEL EXAMINATION
Candidates who have qualified in either one of the following:
- UGC-NET (Category 1, 2 or 3)
- Joint CSIR-UGC NET (Category 1, 2 or 3)
- GATE
- JEST
POSTGRADUATE DEGREE
Candidates who hold either one of the following:
- A 2-year/4-semester Master’s degree (following a 3-year undergraduate programme)
- A 1-year/2-semester Master’s degree (following a 4-year NEP [Hons. with Research] undergraduate programme)
The Master’s degree can be from SSSIHL or any other recognized university, in a relevant discipline within the faculties of Science, Engineering, Management & Commerce, Humanities & Social Sciences (including subjects like Economics, Education, Languages & Literature) etc., with a minimum of 55% marks (aggregate) or its grade equivalent.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
Candidates who hold a 4-year/8-semester NEP Bachelor’s degree (Hons with Research) from SSSIHL or any other recognized university in the respective discipline, with a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10 or its equivalent percentage of marks.
Candidates submitting their GATE / JEST scores will be assessed by the respective Department of the Institute, and those found eligible need not take the admission test of the institute and they will be considered for the Interview based on their performance in the evaluation test in English and a Subject Viva.
Relaxation of Marks
Candidates belonging to the following categories shall be provided a relaxation of 5% marks as per prevalent UGC guidelines:
- Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC) – Non-Creamy Layer (NCL)
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD) / Divyangjan
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
ADMISSIONS TEST
Candidates Eligible for a Direct Interview
Candidates who have qualified in either of the National-level Examinations – UGC-NET (Category 1, 2 or 3) | Joint CSIR-UGC NET (Category 1, 2 or 3) | GATE | JEST – need not take the SSSIHL Research Aptitude Assessment Test and will be considered directly for the Interview.
Candidates who must appear for the Admissions Test
All other candidates who have not qualified in one or more of the above National Examinations but meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Doctoral Research programme, will be required to take the SSSIHL Research Aptitude Assessment Test, and, if shortlisted, the interview to the Ph.D. programme.
Kindly see the Research Areas tab to view detailed information on the departments that offer a Ph.D., and the current areas of research available for admissions.
Each department at SSSIHL has a unique set of research areas for both women and men campuses.
Note: Given the unique modern Gurukula system of Values-based Integral Education at SSSIHL, it is mandatory that all students study and reside at gender-specific campuses during their entire period of study. Accordingly, admissions (to all programmes) are campus-specific.
The Ph.D. programme is open for the following departments at SSSIHL:
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
MATHEMATICS
Graph Theory
Domination parameters in Graphs
Fluid Dynamics
Fluid flow, heat and mass transfer
MEN'S CAMPUS
MATHEMATICS
Graph Theory
Hash algorithms and labelled graphs, Multistep authentication and labelled graphs, Soft sets and labelled graph, AI techniques for clinical coding
Infectious Disease Modelling
With-In Host, Vector to Host, Multi-Scale Modelling, Data Analytics Studies
Fractal Interpolation, Approximation and Applications
Graph Directed Fractal Interpolation Functions, Scattered Data Interpolation, and Fractal Interpolation Functions based on Polar IFS
Fractal Image Compression, Solutions of Boundary Value Problems, Fractals and Wavelets, Other Applications in Various Science and Engineering Fields
Hyperbolic Equations and Pseudodifferential Operators with Applications
Study of Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations, Study the Phase of Rocket Launching Ignition Overpressure
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Deep Learning
Deep Learning in the Long Tail: Where the Rare Matters
Computer Vision and Deep Learning
AI in paediatric Healthcare for early detection of autism spectrum disorder and preventive intervention, Affective Behaviour Analysis using multimodal cues like facial emotions and textual descriptions captured from videos in a real-life scenario
Sustainable AI for Healthcare
AI and Social Security Mining
Graph Neural Networks
Simulating Patient-Specific Cardiac Dynamics through Graph Neural Networks
Motion Estimation from Satellite Data
Use of Artificial Intelligence-based techniques for the retrieval of Atmospheric Motion Winds
Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning
Machine Learning on Encrypted Data
Distributed Databases
Query Processing and Optimization in Distributed Databases hosted on Cloud
Cyber Security
AI in Cyber Security
ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
Impact of Climate Change on Insurance Pricing and Reserving
Climate change significantly affects the insurance industry, necessitating a reevaluation of risk management and actuarial analysis. This research aims to measure climate risk impacts using advanced methodologies, examining correlations between weather extremes, greenhouse gas effects, economic losses, and insured losses. Leveraging the Actuaries Climate Index and other indices, climate risks' direct impact on insurance pricing and reserving will be quantified. Additionally, models will be developed to predict catastrophic events and assess regulatory frameworks to ensure insurance affordability. Understanding these dynamics will help the insurance industry manage climate risks and maintain economic stability.
Motor Third Party Insurance – Pricing and Reserving
Motor third party insurance indemnifies policyholders against liability for accidental damage to third parties. Premiums are regulated, making accurate risk coverage essential for underwriting profit. Claims are highly uncertain due to late reporting and court delays, significantly impacting reserve estimation. This compulsory insurance forms a substantial part of the insurance portfolio, affecting solvency.
Enhancing traditional actuarial models with data science techniques can improve IBNR calculations and risk segmentation. Vehicle features, usage purpose, and safety enhancements influence third-party claims. Legal factors, such as landmark judgments and court locations, also affect claim severity, necessitating sophisticated modeling approaches.
Application of Gen AI in Cyber and Property Insurance: Risk Assessment and Claims Management
AI-powered security solutions are transforming risk assessment and claims management in property and cyber insurance. These technologies offer advanced capabilities like smart access control, facial recognition, and AI-driven threat detection, enhancing security against threats such as trespassing, vandalism, liability, and theft. By identifying suspicious activities and potential breaches in real-time, AI solutions enable prompt response and intervention. This not only creates safer environments for policyholders but also helps insurance managers protect valuable assets more effectively, improving overall risk management and operational efficiency.
Application of Gen AI in Managing Enterprise Risks for Insurance Companies
Generative AI is revolutionizing risk management in the insurance industry by enhancing underwriting and claims processes. It analyzes vast data to identify risk patterns and anomalies, allowing insurers to tailor policy pricing and improve decision-making. Key research areas include evaluating AI’s benefits, such as accurate risk assessment and fraud detection, and addressing risks like data privacy and regulatory challenges. Use cases span various insurance segments, including Property and Casualty, and technological advancements enable precise risk evaluation and automation. The study will also explore market trends, ethical considerations, and regulatory implications to understand generative AI’s impact on enterprise risk management.
Center of Excellence in Actuarial Data Science (CADS) broad Research Areas
Metaverse Risk Management Products - Pricing, Reserving & Supervision
Electric Vehicle - Loss Curves and Residual Value
Cyber Risk - Affirmative and Non-affirmative - Product Design and Pricing
ESG Climate Change Impact & Risk Quantification Modelling
Data Driven Fraud Detection in Insurance
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Insurance - Use cases
IFRS 17 Implementation for Insurance Companies
Building models for Crop - Revenue protection
Models using AI & ML for Hybrid Educational System
Models for Mortality, Morbidity, Longevity etc.
Enterprise Risk Management Modelling
Risk Based Capital Requirements Modelling
Generative AI applications in Insurance
Models for measuring efficiency of Insurance Organizations using KPIs
Quantitative Models for Risk Management in Micro Finance Institutions
PHYSICS
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
Novel Materials for Solar Cell and Biomedical Applications
Domination parameters in Graphs
Biomaterials
Development of implant biomaterials
MEN'S CAMPUS
Hybrid Materials for Biomedical Applications
Hydrogel-bioglass-based hybrid materials for biomedical applications
Understanding the complex flow behaviour of soft condensed matter systems through rheological and dielectric studies
Computational Biophysics
Single Molecule Detection (DNA / Protein Sequencing) using Synthetic / Biological Nanopores
AI based Medical Imaging Devices
Artificial Intelligence-based Intraoperative Medical Imaging Devices for Cancer Surgeries
Biomedical Imaging & Spectroscopy (Raman & Fluorescence Tools)
Designing and developing low-cost imaging & Spectroscopy solutions for Biomedical applications
Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy
Developing novel Nonlinear optical materials for Photonics applications
Functional Optical Materials
Developing Functional Ceramics for Electro-optic and Ferroelectric applications
Nuclear Spectroscopy
Nuclear Structure studies in some of the odd-A nuclei
Radiation Shielding Materials
Development of a Novel Pb- free, Gamma-ray Shielding materials
Functional Materials
Design Novel materials for capacitor - varistor applications
CHEMISTRY
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
Computational Chemistry
Computational studies on novel bio-inspired molecules for adsorption desalination, greenhouse gas removal and as potential hydrogen storage materials.
Materials Science, Environmental Chemistry
Design of water filters for simultaneous removal of arsenate, chromate and fluoride for domestic applications using novel mesoporous PVA-metal ion based hydrogel beads which have high kinetics of adsorption and have very good regenerability.
Design of fixed bed column filters of GO-PVA-PEI hydrogel beads for removal of both cationic and anionic contaminants from water.
Materials Science, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
Design and development of advanced novel functional materials for theranostics, environmental remediation, and toxin detection.
MEN'S CAMPUS
Spectroscopy, Materials Science, Computational Chemistry, Health
Designing Novel Materials for Applications in Solar Cells - A Computational and Spectroscopic study.
Design of Novel Molecules with Anti-Kasha Behaviour for OLED and Bioimaging Applications.
Understanding Polymer-Plasticizer Interactions Through Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Using it in the Design of Materials for Next Generation Biomedical Devices.
Understanding the Causes for the Onset of Diabetes in Youthful and Fit Individuals.
Environmental Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry
Investigation of organics and metals bound to PM 2.5 and their potential role in causing inflammation and aggregation in in-vitro models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Products
Design, synthesis, semi-synthesis of natural products and their analogs with potent biological activity like anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, anti-NAFLD.
Analytical Chemistry and Plasmonics
Development of Novel omics platform based on plasmonics.
Energy materials and Electrochemistry
Design and development of defect engineered novel porous structured materials for electrocatalytic applications.
Nanomaterials for Environment, Health and Analytical Applications
Synthesis of novel inorganic nanosponges for environmental remediation and sustainability.
Metal complexes functionalized nanomaterials for drug delivery.
Novel functionalized nanomaterials for analytical sensing and quantification of toxic metal ions.
Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry
Design and synthesis of small molecules or natural products for biological activities. Also explore fields of drug repurposing and alternate drug discovery methods.
Bioinorganic Materials
Synthesis, characterization of Bio-Glass material that mimics human bone. To perform in vitro experiments to understand in vivo viability.
BIOSCIENCES
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
Mushroom nutraceuticals and their bioactivities
Medicinal plant and secondary metabolites
Phosphodiesterases, retinal degeneration and visual transduction
Investigating the Impact of Pesticide Exposure on Neuronal Models and Its Implications on Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Diabetes vascular complications: understanding pathophysiology and Identifying therapeutic biomarkers
MEN'S CAMPUS
ALS Genomics, lymphoblastoid cell development assays, Zebrafish model, AVNFH and Perthes Disease Biomarker discovery, clinical trials.
Understanding the Genetic Architecture of Fosfomycin Resistance in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.
Characterization of mechanisms involved in the emergence of heteroresistance among Enterobacteriaceae
Bioactive peptides-its isolation, Characterization and bioactivity as potential anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory agents.
Understanding biological mechanisms that are associated with Diabetic Retinopathy. Employ patient samples, multi-omic techniques and model systems to understand diseases
Anti-diabetic, Anti-cancer, Anti-bacterial studies and Metabolite profiling of endophytic fungi isolated from Medicinal plants
Host-Pathogen Interaction
Study of Genetic Signatures, AMR Patterns, and Behaviour of Bacterial Pathogens in Tissue-Specific and Polymicrobial Infections
FOOD & NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
Food Processing Technologies
Investigating the impact of thermal/nonthermal food processing technologies on the quality and safety of organic fresh produce through a life cycle analysis assessment approach.
Dairy Science and Technology
Assessment of environmental sustainability in plant-based milk analogue production: Conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the environmental impact of different production methods and ingredients used in plant-based milk analogue manufacturing.
Nutritional Epidemiology
Study the linkage between nutrients and liver disease and recognise the importance of nutritional aspects in the pathogenesis of liver disease.
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
Studies on the therapeutic potential of wild edible mushrooms from North-East and Southern regions of India.
Food Material Science
Utilising novel fungal biomaterials for eco-friendly food applications.
Food Processing Waste Management
Extracting functional components from food processing waste and developing biodegradable packaging material.
Food Safety and Quality
Application of advanced analytical techniques and artificial intelligence in food safety and quality monitoring.
MANAGEMENT & COMMERCE
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
Exploring Holistic Paradigm in Quality Education
Applying Sathya Sai Philosophy to Leadership and Organizational Behaviour
Pro-Environmental Behaviour
Financial Inclusion / ESG Reporting and its impact on Financial statement Analysis/ Impact Investing
Sustainable Rural Development.
Behavioural Economics
Investment Behaviours
Rural Entrepreneurship/ Frugal Innovation
Human Resources (HR) Analytics and People Analytics
Sustainable Human Resources Management (HRM)
HR and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Sustainability Innovation
MEN'S CAMPUS
Sustainability in Branding: A Green Marketing Perspective
Social Enterprise Startups: Challenges and Strategies for Scalability
Using Neuromarketing to Predict and Influence Customers
Developing AI-driven solutions tailored for sustainable agriculture, such as crop monitoring using drones and satellite imagery, precision irrigation systems, and predictive analytics for pest and disease management.
Investigate the impact of sustainable investing on financial performance and environmental outcomes, focusing on integrating Environmental, social and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment portfolios and its influence on corporate sustainability practices.
Exploring the dynamics of Leader Charisma/Character and its effect on follower and organizational excellence - Insights from Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
Effect of Organizational Culture on high performance organizations in India - Development of Organizational Culture Assessment Scale
Development and validation of social intelligence assessment instrument through a phenomenological study
Innovation & Sustainability
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
Women Empowerment
Women Empowerment for Sustainable Economic Development.
MEN'S CAMPUS
Health Economics
Rural Health Care Delivery system
Behavioural Economics
Role of Behavioural Economics in Government Policy Framework
Public Finance and Fiscal Policy
Role of Fiscal policy in growth
Economics of Education
Role of Education: A study on Sri Sathya Sai Integral System of Education.
Macroeconometric Modelling of the Indian Economy
Econometric Modelling of various aggregates of the Indian economy under the New Economic Policy Regime
Financial Economics
Nexus between Financial sector and Growth in Middle Income Countries in presence of Institutional Structure
Development Economics
Household Economic Wellbeing, Child health and Poverty in India: Findings from NFHS data
EDUCATION
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
Technology Integration in Instruction
Innovative Instructional Approaches
Holistic Education for Human Transformation: Sri Sathya Sai Integral Education and NEP 2020
Integration of IKS in the Digital Classroom
NEP-Aligned Assessment Strategies
Sustainable Education for a Sustainable Future
Digital Media and Psychological Perspectives
LANGUAGES & LITERATURE
WOMEN'S CAMPUS
ENGLISH
European Drama
Indian Mythological Fiction
Postcolonial Literature
Media Linguistics
ELT Action Research
Ecocritical & Cli-Fi
Popular Culture Studies
Modern/Post Modern Poetry
Applied Linguistics and Stylistics
Cognitive Poetics
Comparative Poetics
Indian Poetry in English
Literary Theory and Criticism
Myths and Mythologies
Nation in Literature and Popular Culture
Art History and Criticism
Visual Culture Studies
Indigenous Ecocriticism
Translation Studies
Gender studies
Feminist Studies
Children's literature
Indian writings in English (Fiction)
Literature and Values
Shakespeare
Romantics
American Literature (Poetry & Fiction)
SANSKRIT
Sahithyam (Puranas, Kaavyam, Ithihasa)
Sahityam
Kavyas
Itihasas
MEN'S CAMPUS
ENGLISH
Postcolonial Literature
Media Linguistics
ELT Action Research
Ecocritical & Cli-Fi
Popular Culture Studies
Modern/Post Modern Poetry
Applied Linguistics and Stylistics
Cognitive Poetics
Comparative Poetics
Indian Poetry in English
Literary Theory and Criticism
Myths and Mythologies
Nation in Literature and Popular Culture
Art History and Criticism
Visual Culture Studies
Indigenous Ecocriticism
Translation Studies
Gender studies
Feminist Studies
Children's literature
Indian writings in English (Fiction)
Literature and Values
Shakespeare
Romantics
American Literature (Poetry & Fiction)
SANSKRIT
Sahithyam (Puranas, Kaavyam, Ithihasa)
Sahityam
Kavyas
Itihasas
