Overview
Embark on a transformative PhD journey at NICMAR University of Hyderabad. With expert mentorship, rigorous training, and a supportive environment, scholars pursue original research in the Built Environment. NUCS offers Full-Time and Part-Time options, with stipends for Full-Time scholars. Programmes span diverse areas, fostering impactful, time-bound research aligned with individual goals.
From the desk of
Interim Dean PhD Cell
Welcome to the PhD Programmes at NICMAR University of Construction Studies (NUCS), Hyderabad.
At NUCS, we believe that research is not merely an academic pursuit, but a powerful means to create meaningful impact in the Built Environment sector. Our doctoral programmes are designed to nurture scholars who are intellectually curious, ethically grounded, and committed to addressing real-world challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary research.
The PhD ecosystem at NUCS provides a vibrant platform for scholars to engage in rigorous inquiry across diverse domains such as Construction Management, Sustainability, Infrastructure Development, Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence in Construction, Project Management, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and emerging areas shaping the future of the industry.
With experienced faculty mentors, research-driven pedagogy, industry integration, and access to contemporary research resources, we strive to create an environment that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and academic excellence. We encourage scholars to undertake research that contributes not only to academic literature but also to industry practices, policy development, and societal advancement.
Our endeavour is to develop researchers, academicians, consultants, and thought leaders who can contribute significantly to the transformation of the construction, real estate, infrastructure, and project management sectors.
I warmly invite aspiring researchers to join us in this journey of knowledge creation, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Dr. P Ammani
Interim Dean PhD Cell
Take your pick
Our Specializations
Pursue your doctoral degree by selecting from a wide array of academic disciplines offered by NICMAR's esteemed schools. A supervisor, aligned with your chosen topic and area of interest, will guide you in achieving your research goals and advancing your career aspirations.
- Sustainable and Green Construction
Focus: Minimizing environmental impact, resource efficiency, and creating healthy built environments.
- Sustainable construction materials (including waste utilization)
- Reducing carbon footprint
- Energy-efficient building materials
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Lean Six Sigma in Construction
- Buildings as a Product
- Green Finance & Sustainability
- Quality aspects in construction (with sustainability focus)
- Sustainable construction practices (including waste reduction and resource optimization) - Construction Management & Technology
Focus: Improving project efficiency, productivity, and quality through innovative management techniques and technological advancements.
- Project management techniques (traditional & agile)
- Lean construction
- Digital Construction Management
- Construction 5.0
- AI-based models for construction (delay prediction, safety, etc.)
- Semantic AI for urban built environment
- Human Resources Management in Construction
- Technology empowerment in the AEC industry - Infrastructure & Transportation
Focus: Planning, designing, and managing infrastructure systems for efficient and sustainable movement of people and goods.
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
- Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
- Transportation System Management (TSM)
- Integrated Transport Strategy
- Congestion Pricing
- Transportation Economics
- Highway and their Maintenance
- Infrastructure for Smart Villages
- Infrastructure Finance & Economic Development
- Environmental & Water Resources
Focus: Addressing environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable water management.
- Hydrology & Water Resource Engineering
- Adsorption studies in waste management
- Energy and Environmental Management
- Waste management (including agro-waste)
- Air quality prediction and mitigation
- Delivery of Energy and Recycling Reforms - Social & Economic Dimensions of Construction
Focus: Understanding the social, economic, and human factors impacting the built environment.
- Human capital management in construction
- Social and economic impacts of infrastructure projects
- Role of infrastructure financing in economic development
- Business development strategies in the AEC industry
- Human resources management in construction industry
PhD
Eligibility
Candidates for admission to the PhD programme shall have successfully completed any of the following:-
A candidate must have completed either a 1-year (2-semester) master’s degree programme
after a 4-year (8-semester) bachelor’s degree, or a 2-year (4-semester) master’s degree
programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree, or possess a qualification declared
equivalent to the master’s degree by the relevant statutory regulatory authority. The
candidate must have secured at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade,
wherever a grading system is followed. Candidates with foreign qualifications must hold
a degree from an educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation
agency that is approved, recognized, or authorized by an authority established or
incorporated under a law in its home country, or any other statutory authority in that
country, to assess, accredit, or assure the quality and standards of educational
institutions.
- A candidate seeking admission after completing a four-year (eight-semester) bachelor's degree programme must have secured a minimum of 75% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade on a point scale, wherever applicable.
- Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. (prior to 26th December 2023 with at least 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade (if a grading system is followed), or those with an equivalent qualification from a foreign institution accredited by a recognised quality assurance agency in that country.
- A relaxation of 5% marks or an equivalent grade may be granted to candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and other categories, as per the guidelines and decisions issued by the Commission from time to time.
Get started
Admission Process & Assistance
- NICMAR PhD Admission Test (NPAT)
Eligible applicants are required to appear for NUCS PhD Admission Test (NPAT). NPAT has no negative markings and the question paper consists of two parts with a total of 120 marks:
Part I (General Aptitude): This part carries 60 marks and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Part II (Specialization Specific): This part carries 60 marks and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from chosen specialization.
- Exemption from NICMAR PhD Admission Test
Those holding NET, SET, GATE, or other eligible fellowships are exempted from the entrance exam. Applicants who wish to receive the NUCS Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) must appear in the NPAT. - Personal Interview
Personal Interviews are conducted by a panel of experts on assigned dates and time slots. Marks are awarded based on criteria such as research problem articulation, subject understanding, and the potential contribution of the proposed research. It is expected from each appearing candidate that they present a short research proposal highlighting the research area of interest, its importance, and its uniqueness in the field.
Fellowship
- The NUCS Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) is designed to attract high-quality research scholars to the full-time PhD programme. Under the NDF scheme, selected scholars will receive a monthly stipend of Rs35,000/- for a duration of three years.
- In addition to the monthly stipend, the fellowship includes an annual contingency grant of Rs 40,000/- to support expenses such as conference participation, purchase of stationery, books, software, equipment, and other research-related items.
- The award and continuation of the NDF fellowship will be governed by university norms, which may be revised from time to time.
- As part of the fellowship conditions, each full-time scholar is required to undertake 4 to 6 hours of academic or research-related work per week, as assigned by the university.
Program Fees
| Program | Tuition Fees (per semester) |
|---|---|
| Full-time PhD Program with NUCS Doctoral Fellowship | ₹25,000 |
| Part-time PhD Program | ₹50,000 |
| Full-time registration with UGC/CSIR/PMRF/NET/JRF Fellowship, etc. | ₹25,000 |
| Full Time sponsored by Govt and PSUs | ₹50,000 |
| Full time (foreign students) | $2000 |
Additional Charges (at the time of Admission)
Hostel and Mess charges applicable for scholars are availing hostel facilities
- Security Deposit: Rs 10,000/- for Indian nationals and $500/- for foreign scholars
How to Apply?
1. Click on
apply.nicmar.ac.in
2. Fill in your basic details.
3. Select Campus as Hyderabad.
4. Select Enrollment Type as PhD.
5. Select Programme Preference as Full Time or Part Time, as per your
interest.
6. Submit the form, and you’ll receive the details on your email to
complete the application form.
