Which is more important for PhD: Research Topic or Supervisor? | IIT prof discusses

Just before students go for PhD, a number of confusing questions come to their mind:
Whether to give precedence to the institute or to the research topic or to the supervisor?
There is no one correct answer. Each student has unique needs and has a career situation individual to him. And so answers to such questions need to be understood in the context of various nuances and subtle questions.
In an earlier video I had addressed the question: Should they go for a new professor or a senior professor as their PhD guide?
In this video, I focus on the very important question: For PhD, which is more important: the choice of the research topic or the choice of the Supervisor?
The short answer is: ALWAYS, ALWAYS the Supervisor!
I justify this answer through this video through a number of reasons, the foremost among which is that a great supervisor can actually teach how to do research irrespective of the research topic!
This video is part of a KZbin playlist where I give various general advice to students at different levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD):
• Advice to students
Video by: Dr Jeevanjyoti Chakraborty, Mechanical Engineering Department, IIT Kharagpur
Website: www.facweb.iitk...
GitHub: github.com/jee...
Twitter: / jeevanjyoti
Blog: jchakraborty.w...
Disclaimer: I am a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering Department of IIT Kharagpur. However, the views expressed in this video are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my Department or my Institute.
#jc #PhD #PhDAdmission

[@sundernarayan2643]

Your last point is on the spot. If you enjoy working with current supervisor in your masters, then there is nothing better than to extend that relationship to PhD, irrespective of the university. Both you and your supervisor know what to expect from each other and it makes things easier. It is working for me!!

[@manai2011]

I completely agree with you. I have switched my research topic completely in my PhD. On a long run it all depends on the thesis advisor. Many thanks for stating out the facts clearly.

[@amankumarjaiswal7689]

Respected Sir- आप काफ़ी ज्ञानवर्धक वीडियो बनाते हैं, ऐसा वाला वीडियो जो एकदम जरूरी हैं और youngester जानना चाहते तो हैं लेकिन ऐसे एकदम, clear cut और प्वाइंट to प्वाइंट वीडियो हर जगह उपलब्ध भी नही होते। So, thank you very much for guiding us & young generation through such information videos. Plz keep making such type of videos.

[@Prof_JC]

Thank you very much, Aman, for the kind and motivating words!

[@maitreyo137]

Thanks a lot Sir for the amazing video. I indeed agree, that the role played by Supervisors is tremendous, like apart from the Academic part(Recos etc.), they need to provide mental support to their students in the very crucial times. And there is never a dearth of interesting topics in any field :) it's all about exploring

[@Prof_JC]

You have mentioned a very important point regarding the mental support. I should have mentioned it myself in the video!

[@maitreyo137]

@@Prof_JC Yes Sir, unfortunately now a days it is becoming a prime issue, not only in PhD level but among the Undergrads as well

[@priti9326]

Thanks Prof. JC for this informative video. It would be great if you can include suggestions on doing a direct PhD vs masters and then PhD in your future videos... Kudos for continuing to inspire students across the world!

[@Prof_JC]

It is always better to first do a proper Masters and then PhD. Students who go for direct PhD miss out on a number of important course works spread out over a year. Plus the preliminary training that they get through the Masters project is very important. However, I mean a M.Sc or M.Tech and not the MS by research.

[@priti9326]

@@Prof_JC Thank you so much for clarifying my doubt.. These days most top US universities don't offer a terminal masters degree and there has been a trend to opt for a PhD directly after bachelors.

[@Prof_JC]

@@priti9326 I was talking about India. In the US the system has always been different. Students can, and indeed every year, directly go for direct PhD there. The course work structure for the first year or so is very rigorous there and very useful for the PhD work later.

[@priti9326]

@@Prof_JC Thank you Prof. JC, for the information!

[@debjithore.8387]

​@@Prof_JC Why is it that you refer to MS by research as not a proper Master's degree?

[@anandmukhopadhyay7125]

A very informative video. Thanks for sharing the insights. Totally agree, having a good supervisor will make the journey smooth irrespective of the topic. Also, learning a new topic will train one in exploring newer topics in the future independently.

[@inquiringhuman2582]

Thankyou sir, I was asking the same question to many researchers, and they all told me to look for best supervisor.

[@anuragsadhukhan4777]

THANK YOU so much Sir for the detailed clarification regarding it. It was great meeting you personally and it is one of my best interview expriences till now. IIT Kharagpur has alawys been a memorable place to visit for me.

[@dipa429]

Thank you so much sir. I was also having the same concerns that whether to change my msc institute or not because I am master's Institute Topper and I have 1 conf. Paper and 2 under review journal paper. I was also thinking not to change my supervisor because my interest in this subject and knowledge is genuine. Thank you so much sir for clearing that doubt

[@Prof_JC]

I am glad you are able to decide now more firmly. All the best on the start of your PhD!

[@dipa429]

@@Prof_JC thank you so much sir. Your reply means a lot.

[@Aurora-yo7xm]

Hey so it means your supervisor is supportive and can you tell me if your supervisor is from the same domain or area of interest or field??

[@AkashDeep-st6ms]

Thank you very much for this talk. Highly relevant while applying PhD in India only.

[@JINTIHAZARIKAIITR]

Had I seen this video before my PhD, I wouldn't have changed my institute after my mtech. I have suffered very much because of it. I haven't learnt anything from my phd supervisor. He is even unable to assess my work or suggest me how i can improve my design. He is not even able to answer my simple doubts. Although he has a good name among the btech and mtech students. I am studying in one of the best institutes in India. Hence proved. Everything that glitters is not gold. I am able to get two journal publications and 3 conferences with a best paper award somehow. Sometimes I feel was it worth investing 6 years in my PhD

[@manishh_kumaar]

What is future scope after interdisciplinary phd program ?? Please make a separate video. Thank you!!

[@ajitsahu3957]

Now institute vs supervisor

[@Supratim-Biswas]

Thanks JC from JU with Love

[@shaileshkundalwal8195]

So useful and informative video for PhD aspirants! Great OS!! In fact, I know such example/s.

[@ChidambaramKadangodeVenkatKris]

I am keen to phd and have written couple ofbooks

[@prasenjitsanyal3755]

Sir Please make a video on faculty recruitment seminar

[@Prof_JC]

I have been seriously thinking about making such a video.

[@debdutsengupta6836]

Please Sie please keep on making these videos.

[@KS-wt6yg]

Thank you and much needed

[@jdjadav]

Thank you so much sir for this video.

[@aryanmandal4109]

Namaste Sir, I hope you are doing fine. According to me, my precedence would be as follows- 1. Institute brand name. 2. Research Supervisor. 3. Research Topic. No judgments please 😅

[@Prof_JC]

I can understand your preference order. However, I'd still advice you to consider very seriously that if you know for sure that a particular research supervisor is really great, then he may be a better choice than an unknown supervisor in another institute with a bigger brand name.

[@sayanbhattacharya2845]

Sir, please make a video on how phd students can fight against his/her guide if the guide is harrasing the student meantally and or sexually. And is it possible to change phd guide in IIT system?

[@abhijitmandal1144]

Sir please share your view on why people prefer to go abroad to do his phd. I mean what are the advantages and disadvantages to do so on his future career(Let's say he want to do academic job either in India or abroad) . Or is it completely depend on supervisor? 2.Another question as a master student how to become more aware to do good work in his phd. Thank you in advance.

[@llbodlearning8591]

I came accross one problem. Presently I trying to develop a python tkinter based software. However I feel there is no pioneer in this field. Since there is absence of any significant work in this field.

[@rahuldhyani8714]

Thank you sir for posting such a wonderful video ....these are question which goes through every students mind.....but i want to add few more conditions and know your view......suppose that i am interested in industry after my p.hD as it has more opportunities unlike academia....now the research topic at the ends gives me skills which are giving me more opportunities in future as compared to research topic of a senior prof where the skills i develop end of day are giving me very less opportunities in the industry ....is it still a good choice to go with a senior prof instead of going with research topic that gives you industry required skill like for example a project on Electric vehicle compared to some power system topic related to distribution and transmission of power.......Further sir one more scenario if the research topic that senior prof is working on....has not been your strong point since your B.tech if you have found it difficult .....what i mean to say is ....in Ph.D we get limited time stipend which is very essential for some of us .....if we waste more time in learning those basics then time clock of stipend will put pressure on us and it might take a lot of time to even get our first journal published

[@sourav.santra]

Thank you Professor..

[@sureshswain9937]

Most valuable video....

[@pritishabarik1143]

Thank you sir.

[@koustavdas9598]

The main issue with my university is it is a private university although lab facilities are quite good I am not sure whether it is a good decision to stay in that lab. I had a very good experience in the lab and share a pretty good relationship with my supervisor I know the norms of the lab and how that lab works. My supervisor also has a very decent academic record and he always encourages students to go for research but my main concern is that doing Ph.D. from a private university will my academics record

[@Prof_JC]

I guess you are talking about a private university in India. If so, yes, please go to a proper government institute for your PhD if you get the opportunity.

[@iiTian_kumar]

Sir your videos are very helpful no one doing such a work on this platform ,authentic information... Sir I am going to do masters from MNIT ALLAHABAD so what the basics I will do in this journey that helps in future aspects such as PhD/ jobs & research (Best utilization of time) Ur kindness..sir

[@durgeshkumarbhagat8314]

Thanks sir 🙏

[@themrk3628]

Sir, Could you please tell us, What would your suggestions be for current ongoing PhD students who have fallen prey to the above-mentioned scenarios? How to navigate to complete their degree from their current individual scenarios? It would be really helpful for all the current PhD, MS(R) and other research scholars

[@bandekarameya]

Thank you sir for the video, I have been pondering about this question since your video came out and decided to it ask you today. How do we know if a professor is great on the aspects that you mentioned, i.e. beyond the research topic, and as a career mentor as you mentioned, in case of an institute switch after masters. On websites information about only publications, research interests is available which is short to help know on the point you mentioned.

[@Prof_JC]

There is no sure shot way of knowing if a professor is actually a good mentor and genuinely helpful. However, you can email the students in the group to get some idea. You will still not be able to get the absolute truth because these students may not be that forthcoming in criticizing their own supervisor (if indeed there is something bad). But you can still get some sense of the work culture that prevails and the kinds of expectations that these students have to fulfill.

[@bandekarameya]

@@Prof_JC Thank you sir

[@satish918]

@@Prof_JC Point well taken sir... However, as you will agree this is easier said than done, especially in the Indian context where power distance and obiesance to seniority is culturally deep rooted!! So many PhD students in Indian universities join with good intentions and enthusiasm every year, but soon end up deeply frustrated every year 😞... 3 broad categories of reasons for dissonance between PhD students and their research supervisor can be discerned. --> Academically mediocre PhD supervisors who want to use their PhD students as cheap labor for getting their own publications, with very little inclination for genuine academic engagement. --> PhD supervisors who care two hoots about following "good academic research practices" ... And have developed ways and means to cover up their ethical transgressions!! --> PhD supervisors who have a personality quirk which adversely affects their PhD students well being !! If a PhD student unfortunately gets paired with a supervisor who has more than one of these types of 'deviance' the entire PhD experience is doomed, and the consequence can be long lasting !! ----- In the context of India's NEP Implementation it would be valuable if the Union Minister of Education or India's apex higher education regulator (UGC) could devise some mechanism to safeguard gullible PhD students... Perhaps it could publish "Guidelines for students on planning for and joining a PhD program, including selecting a PhD supervisor". ___ It would be a valuable service to the community of PhD students in Indian universities if some reputable and proactive academicians like your good self could kindly take the initiative to develop a set of such "model guidelines" Please consider. Thanks.

[@Prof_JC]

@@satish918 Excellently written points. The only problem is that it almost impossible to lay down official guidelines to ensure quality. One can always lay down official objective criteria, which too can be abused.Quality is something which can only be ensured through one's own (on the part of the profs) conscientious behaviour.

[@adityasahoo5406]

Sir namaste. Is it possible to send some money to your home while doing phd in USA or UK? Please give some practical tips based on your experience.

[@RNJ001]

sir, Can those who have studied Diploma 3 years after +2 write the iit exam?

[@Prof_JC]

Sorry, I am not sure of the rules regarding this. You will have to check the JEE Mains website for the eligibility.

[@RNJ001]

@@Prof_JC ok sir

[@piot99]

Thank you for making this video sir. Appreciate it. Would you say that your advice is applicable for other branches of STEM? say Mathematics?

[@Prof_JC]

Yes, definitely.

[@pt267]

I have a research experience but due to personal reason I wasn't able to get goos grades in dissertation. I do have interest in PhD but I am having question back in the mind like will it be a hurdle in my PhD.

[@pradeepvishnoi5512]

Sir please guide how one can apply for post doc in IITs...and what prerequisites are required to get selected as a pdf.

[@Padhaikarbhai]

Sir i need your help, I am really interested in Physics, but i am also Interested in Electronics Engineering, now i have given my 12th examinations, and now preparing for JEE Mains, i have equal amount of interest in both the fields yet i am confused to which i should choose as full time, i wish to Combine the knowledge of both the fields and do something inovative (research) which can benifit the mankind, I really wish to pursue Phd in Physics (specifically Quantum Mechanics and Particle Physics), but i also want the knowledge of electronics. thankyou

[@Prof_JC]

(I have replied in the other similar comment, but replying again here). If you go for Physics in your undergraduate it leaves many doors open for higher studies ... you can specialize in a Electronics-related area starting from your Masters. But do note that the placement statistics for Electronics graduates would be better than Physics graduates just after Bachelors. However, if you are confident that you wish to go for higher studies, you can seriously consider taking up Physics.

[@Padhaikarbhai]

@@Prof_JC thank you sir. And extremely sorry for making you write it again. I apologise

[@Prof_JC]

@@Padhaikarbhai No problem! :)

[@rupachowdhury6164]

Thank u sir for your valuable information... Sir. Kindly can u help me to inform when the iitkgp release the phd selected candidate. I was appered for interviews. But can't get the results.. I am egarly waiting for the results as it's one month already passed... Thanks and regards..

[@silpakrishnanvs6463]

Can you do one on part-time and full-time PhD position please

[@Prof_JC]

No, that is not realistic.

[@harigopalyadav5841]

Sir i love my research topic but i am not satisfied with my supervisor. I always regret why i have choosed him as my supervisor. Now i have completed 2 years of my phd but i dont have good relation with him. He is very rude and un necessarily scolds us. For every thing he will scold. He never appreciates me but always demotivates me for everything .. For eg.My timing is different. I love working and studying during evening and night. But he scolds me to come at 8am in the lab and better to go from lab early .. Sir i am not at all satisfied with my supervisor and now i am so much depressed that i think of leaving phd and joinong phd in some other college because i am mentally tortured by him.. please suggest me something sir what to do. I am very tensed with my life. He made my life a hell..

[@KakarotM99]

(Off topic) Sir I'm a mechanical engineering graduate (2021) and I'll be joining iisc for M.Tech (research) Instrumentation and Applied physics, please suggest me some industry oriented skills as I have no plans for a PhD after masters and i wish to work after post grad (both domestic or abroad).

[@Padhaikarbhai]

is it possible to change streams after bachelors ? currently i am in 12th and i wanna pursue physics or electronics engineering, i have equal amount of interest in both the fields but i know that i can't pursue both at the same time, i need guidance to which field should i choose

[@Prof_JC]

I do not have first hand experience in that area. And, so it will not be right for me to give you "expert" advice on that. I strongly advise you to start your studies in IISc, and once you get to know a few professors, discuss your career plans with them and seek out their advice. They are extremely knowledgeable and will be able to help you in a pin-pointed manner.

[@Prof_JC]

If you study Physics in your undergraduate a lot of doors will remain open for you. You can specialize in a Electronics-related area during your Masters.

[@KakarotM99]

@@Prof_JC ok sir, thankyou for replying

[@RamizZamanJEEPhysics]

Sir is it a good thing to do a part time job along with a regular PhD ? As I'll be joining IIT kgp for my PhD, I've also decided to work on some other projects after working hours. Please sir tell me whether it'll be a good option or not or should I focus completely on PhD

[@Prof_JC]

It is not a good idea to do another job side by side with PhD. There are no "working hours" during a PhD. If you have the stamina to put in extra effort, put that effort into your PhD, and try to complete in a shorter time.