SHEC indigenous scholarship for MPhil/MS/Ph.D for University of Sindh -

The SHEC indigenous scholarship for MPhil/MS/Ph.D. research students has been announced by the Sindh Higher Education Commission for the students pursuing their research at the University of Sindh.

The last date to apply for the SHEC indigenous scholarship is December 6, 2021. The students of the University of Sindh Jamshoro can avail opportunities who are involved in the full-time research in MPhil/MS/Ph.D. Programs. The students can download the application form by visiting the official web site.

Eligibility Criteria for applicants

The students must be involved in full time research in MPhil/MS/PhD Program at university of Sindh in any discipline
Having MPhil/MS/PhD Coursework with Minimum CGPA 3.0
Not getting any sort of scholarship from any Institution/Donor
Not a full time employed

Scholarship details

Total number of Scholarships are Twenty-Seven (27)
Online application submission form and further guidelines are available on www.drgs.usindh.edu.pk
The deadline for scholarship applications will be on 6th December 2021
Interviews will be conducted from the short-listed candidates
Scholarship will be awarded from January 2022.

M.S/M.Phil Rules and Regulations

Admission

HEC Rules and Regulations will be followed in letter and spirit approved by the Statutory Bodies of this University.
Graduates with holding degree of BS/BE may eligible to apply for MS program and graduates holding M.A/ MSc/MCS/Pharm-D or other 16-year degree may be eligible to apply for M.Phil. program.
Foreign degrees equivalent to BS / BE / M.A / M.Sc. / MCS / Pharm-D are also accepted for admission to M.Phil. /MS.
A prerequisite for admission to M.S. / M.Phil. programme is130-136 credit hours in the respective subject from HEC recognized institutions.
A minimum CGPA of 2.40 on a scale of 4.00 in BS / BE / M.Sc. / MCS / Pharm-D on semester system, or 50% marks in
M.A./M.Sc. in Annual System is required for admission to M.S. / M.Phil.
All faculty Deans and Departmental Chairmen / Chairpersons / Directors will be responsible for the development of entry tests in their respective Department/Center/Institute for applicants.
Selection shall be made based on cumulative merit determined from previous academic degree(s) / certificate(s) CGPA/average (semester system/annual system), and marks obtained in the written entry test and Interview with following weights:
- Written Entry test: 50%
- Academic Qualifications: 30%
- Interview: 20%
The entry tests for admission to M.S. / M.Phil. programs will be organized and conducted by the Sindh University Testing
Service. The test will be on based on GRE (Subject) pattern and all questions will be in the form of MCQs. The test covers English (25%), Simple Mathematics (15%), and Subject (60%).
The students having NTS GRE test with a minimum 50% valid score will be exempted from appearing in pre-admission written entry test.
Interviews for admission to M.S. / M.Phil. programs of studies will be conducted through Departmental Admission Committee (DAC). The Department offering M.S. / M.Phil. is responsible for sorting and verifying documents, and suitability of the applicants.
If an applicant is a government servant, he/she needs to produce N.O.C. from the department concerned along with the study leave.

Duration Of Program

The duration of the M.S. / M.Phil. program will be a minimum of two years (four semesters) and a maximum of three years.

Course Work

The course work of 24 credit hours needs to be completed by each student during the first year of study, spread over two semesters, while 06 credit hours of research work/thesis is to be completed during the second/last year of the studies, spread over one or two semesters.
Every concerned Institute/Department/Centre is responsible for the design core and elective courses, and for obtaining approval for the same through the proper channel.
A credit hour of a theory/lecture is of one-hour duration (including10-minute break) per week during a Semester. However, in the case of project/laboratory/research/ project work, one credit hour may require two to three contact hours per week during a semester.
The distribution of marks in a course are given in the table below:
- Mid Semester Exam 20% (Course with Lab) 30% (Course without Lab)
- Assignment/Reports 10% (Course with Lab)10% (Course without Lab)
- Practical 10% (Course with Lab)
- Terminal Examination 60% (Course with Lab) 60% (Course without Lab)
Faculty members having M.S. /M.Phil. degrees will be also eligible to teach the M.Phil. coursework.
75% attendance is mandatory for appearing in semesters’ examinations for coursework.
The result of course work should be sent to the controller of examination (semester) for announcement and issuance of transcript.

M.S. / M.Phil. RESEARCH PROPOSAL

M.Phil. candidates will, on completion of 1st semester coursework with GPA 3.0 or above, submit their research proposal, using the prescribed template, consisting of not more than 700 words, with the topic approval application form, to the Director of Graduate Studies through the research supervisor, Director/Chairperson of the Institute/Department/Centre and concerned Dean, for processing and submission to Advanced Studies and Research Board through Scrutiny Committee concerned.
The scrutiny committee shall examine the viability of the topic of research, its scope and the facilities available. It shall also scrutinize applications for appointment/change of guide and co-guide, revision of topic, as well as M.Phil. leading to Ph.D. cases.
The scrutiny committee meeting shall be held during every last week of the calendar month.
The Scrutiny Committee may consist of:
- The Dean of the Faculty
- Director/Chairperson of the Institutes / Departments / Centers concerned (wherever available).
- One Professor other than Chairperson from the concerned Institute/ Department /Centre.
- One Professor of any relevant field from outside the Institute /Department/Center, to be appointed by the Dean.
- Supervisor
- Director of Graduate Studies.

M.S. / M.Phil. RESEARCH SUPERVISION

The Advanced Studies and Research Board shall appoint a Supervisor (and Co-supervisor if deemed necessary) for research.
Lecturers/Assistant professors of the University of Sindh with Ph.D. degree, but without having any prior M.Phil. supervision experience may supervise M.S. / M.Phil. research OR he/she may be recognized as a HEC approved supervisor.
The number of M.S. / M.Phil. students under the supervision of a single supervisor will not exceed 10 at any one time. However, the supervisor may be allowed to supervise extra scholars, if circumstances require.

Proposal Defense

Candidates for M.S. /M.Phil. will prepare a research proposal defense for the scrutiny Committee once their research topic is approved.
The proposal defense will be arranged at the Department / Institute / Centre where the candidate is registered for research, and shall be conducted publically.
Requests for the conduct of the proposal defense may be sent to the Dean of Faculty concerned.
The Dean of Faculty will nominate the person to preside over the proposal defense.

Modification/Change Of Research Topic

A candidate may modify/change the topic of his/her research within one calendar year of the research topic approval, upon submitting an application duly supported by the Supervisor, the Chairperson /Director, the concerned Dean, and recommended by the Scrutiny Committee, for the approval of the Advanced Studies and Research Board.
The Advanced Studies and Research Board shall approve the final title of the thesis by not less than six months before the submission of thesis.

Change Of Research Supervisor/Co-Supervisor

In the case of a candidate wishing to change his/her supervisor/guide, he/she shall apply through the Director/Chairperson of the Department/Institute/Centre and the Dean concerned. Written consent from the previous and the new supervisor must be attached with the application.

Final Defense

The candidate shall be eligible to submit his/her thesis at the end of the fourth semester/within two years.
The candidate shall be eligible for final defense after submission of thesis.
The date of final defense will be issued from the concerned Dean of faculty and shall be conducted publically
M.S. / M.Phil. final defense committee may comprise of:
- The Supervisor/Co-supervisor(s)
- Dean

Thesis Evaluation And Examination

All the requirements of M.S. /M.Phil. including course work and thesis, should be complete within two years or a maximum of three years.
Four copies of the thesis with spiral binding, along with a softcopy on CD, shall be submitted to the Controller of Examinations (Annual) through the Office of the Director of Graduate Research Studies.
A plagiarism test report of the thesis is necessary and must be submitted along with the submission of thesis.
The thesis shall be referred for evaluation to one (01) External Examiner (from within Country) to be appointed by the Vice Chancellor, from the duly approved list of examiners approved by the concerned board of studies through Controller of Examinations(Annual) and Internal Examiner (Supervisor).
In the case of adverse remarks by the External Examiner, the thesis will be sent (after making necessary corrections and
suggestions) to another Examiner whose evaluation will be considered as final.
If both evaluation reports (Internal and External) of the thesis are positive, then the candidate proceeds for viva voce.
The Controller of Examinations shall write to the supervisor and co-supervisor(s) to set the date for the viva voce.
The viva voce committee may comprise of:
- The Supervisor/ Co-supervisor/s (Internal)
- External examiner/expert

Award Of Degree

The Controller of Examinations shall submit the evaluation reports of the examiners, and the report of the viva-voce examination (to be conducted after the receipt of external and internal examiner’s report) to the Advanced Studies and Research Board.
In order to obtain approval of award of M.S. /M.Phil. Degree both evaluation reports of the thesis must be positive.
On the basis of the submitted reports the Advanced Studies and Research Board will decide whether to award the M.S. /M.Phil. Degree to the candidate.
Four hard bound copies of the final thesis, after incorporating all changes, along with the softcopy on CD, shall be submitted to the Controller of Examinations (Annual) through the Office of the Director of Graduate Research Studies.

M.S. /M.Phil. Thesis Preparation Guideline

The language of the thesis in the case of disciplines within the Faculties of Natural Sciences, Arts, Education, Commerce and Business Administration, Social Sciences and Law shall be English language only. In the case of Islamic Studies and Languages, the thesis may however be written in a language approved by the Advanced Studies and Research Board.
The final M.S. / M.Phil. thesis should not exceed 30,000 words (including Appendix) in the case of Natural Sciences disciplines, and 80,000 in the case of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Languages.
Any thesis submitted in a language other than English, e.g. in Islamic Culture and Religion etc., must have a summary of the thesis written in English as well.
Structure of M.S. /M.Phil. Thesis:
- Title page
- Second Page (Intellectual Property and Publication Statements)
- Acknowledgement page
- Abstract
- Table of Contents
- Lists of Tables
- List of Figures
- Abbreviations
- Chapters
- References
- Appendices
Referencing styles:
- APA (American Psychologists Association): For social science andBusiness.
- IEEE (Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers): For Engineering, Science and IT.
Formatting:
- Page Margins: The page with 1.5″ margin on the left and 1″ margin on the other three sides
- Page Numbers: Page numbers must appear at the bottom of each page preferably in the centre.
- Maximum three heading levels: Main Heading 1 should be 16 in size and Bold, Main Heading 2 should be 14 in size and bold and Main Heading 3 should be 12 in size and bold.
- Paragraphs: Times New Roman, size 12 with 1.5-line spacing.
- Figures: Should be aligned in the centre with caption below the figure in Times New Roman, size 12.Example: Figure 1. Map of Indus valley
- Tables: Should be aligned in the centre and labeled on or above the table in Times New Roman, size 12.Example: Table 1. Comparison of technologies

Ph.D. Rules and Regulations

Ph.D. Program

Ph.D. Degree program of the University comprises of course work and research
At least three (03) relevant full-time Ph.D. Faculty members required in a department/Institute/Center to launch the Ph.D. program

Admission

HEC Rules and Regulations will be followed in letter and spirit approved by the Statutory Bodies of this University. For pursuing a Ph.D. degree, a 30-credit hour M.S. / M.Phil. degree(18-Year Education) with first division or CGPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00 or overall 60% marks in annual system or equivalent in the relevant subject is a prerequisite from any HEC recognized University. In case of foreign degree, it will be ascertained that it is equivalent to Pakistani M.Phil. / MS degree from any recognized University/Institution.
Ph.D. degree program will be open for all candidates/incumbents meeting the admission criteria. However, serving candidates will have to submit an N.O.C from their respective departments with the application form. A study leave document from their respective employer for a period of three years has to be submitted at the time of registration. The candidate will be a full time regular student for three years to cover the course work and the research.
Selection shall be made based on cumulative merit determined from previous academic degree(s) / certificate(s) CGPA/average (semester system/annual system), and marks obtained in the written entry test and Interview with following weights.
- Academic Qualifications: 60%
- Interview: 40%
  - M.S. / M.Phil. (18-year academic qualification) 40%
  - BS/BE/BBA/B.Sc.(Hons.)/M.A., M.Sc.
  - (16-years academic qualification)
  - 20%
  - Interview 40%
  - TOTAL 100%
Interviews for admission to Ph.D. programs will be conducted through Departmental Interview Committee. The respective departments are required to sort and verify documents, and determine suitability of the applicants.

Duration of Program

Full-time Ph.D.
Minimum requirement: 3 years
Maximum requirement: 5 years
Part-time Ph.D.
Minimum requirement: 5 years
Maximum requirement: 7 years
However, the Advanced Studies Research Board may extend the period up to two years on account of any special circumstances on the recommendation of the supervisor

Course Work

Every concerned Department/Center/Institute is responsible for designing Ph.D. course including core and elective courses on semester system and get approval through proper channel.
Courses of 18 credit hours shall be completed during the first year (two semesters) of Ph.D. degree program
In case a Ph.D. candidate wants to switch university (HEC recognized) s/he will be required to get his course work credit hours transferred to the new one. To achieve this aim, the candidate will submit an application to the relevant department through Director Graduate Studies and Research studies.
Transfer of credits earned in other Institutions may be approved in individual case determined by the chairperson/director of the department/Institute/Centre which offers Ph.D. program.
Course work of 18 credit hours includes core and electives and a semester shall not be more than 12 CH.
A credit hour of a theory/lecture is of one-hour duration (including 10 minutes break) per week during a Semester.
Faculty members having Ph.D. degrees will be eligible to teach the Ph.D. courses.
75% attendance is mandatory for appearing in semesters’ examinations for Ph.D. course work
The result of course work should be sent to controller of examination (semester) for announcement and issuance of transcript through concerned Dean of the Faculty and Director Graduate and Research Studies.

Ph.D. Research Proposal

Ph.D. candidates can submit research proposal after completion of 18 CH coursework with Minimum 3.0 CGPA
The Ph.D. research proposal should not be more than 1000 words. It must be on prescribed application form and submitted to the Director Graduate Studies through the research supervisor, Director/ Chairperson of the Institute / Department / Centre and concerned Dean, for processing and submission to Advanced Studies and Research Board.
The scrutiny committee shall examine the viability of the topic of research, its scope and the facilities available. It shall also scrutinize application for appointment/change of guide and co-guide, revision of topic as well as M.Phil. leading to Ph.D. cases
The Scrutiny Committee may consist of:
- The Dean of the Faculty
- Director / Chairperson of the institutes /departments / centers concerned (wherever available).
- One Professor other than Chairperson from the concerned Institute / Department / Centre.
- One Professor of any relevant field from outside the institute / department / center to be appointed by the Dean.
- Supervisor
- Director Graduate Studies
The scrutiny committee meeting shall be held at every last week of the calendar month

Ph.D. Research Supervision

The Advanced Studies and Research Board shall appoint a Supervisor (and co-supervisor wherever deemed necessary) for research
Lecturer/Assistant professors in university of Sindh with Ph.D. degree can supervise Ph.D. scholar if s/he is HEC approved supervisor.
A Ph.D. Supervisor can register maximum 08 research scholars at a time.
The supervisor shall submit progress report of the research scholar through the director/chairperson to the concerned Dean and Director Graduate and Research Studies after every six months.

Proposal Defense

After approval of research topic from scrutiny committee the Ph.D. candidate shall prepare research proposal for defense
The proposal defense will be arranged for open discussion at the department/institute/Centre where candidate is registered
Request for the conduct of Proposal defense may be sent to the concerned Dean of Faculty
Dean of the faculty will nominate the person to preside the proposal defense

Modification/Change of Research Topic

A candidate may within one calendar year can modify/change the topic of his / her research with the approval of the Advanced Studies and Research Board by submitting an application duly supported by the Supervisor, the Chairperson / Director, the concerned Dean and recommended by the Scrutiny Committee.
The final title of the thesis shall be approved by the Advanced Studies and Research Board not less than six months before the submission of thesis.

Change of Research Supervisor/Co-supervisor

In case the candidate desires to change his/her supervisor/guide, s/he shall have to apply through Director/Chairperson of department/institute/Centre and the Dean concerned. The written consent from the previous and new supervisor/s is essential to be attached with the application.

Final Defense

After completion of research, the Ph.D. scholar will submit thesis and conduct final defense.
The vice Chancellor shall appoint one Local Expert (within from Pakistan) for final defense
Date of the final public defense will be issued from the concerned Dean of faculty
Ph.D. final defense committee may comprise of:
- The Supervisor/ Co-supervisor/s
- Dean
- Local Expert

Thesis Evaluation and Examination

All the requirements of Ph.D. including course work and thesis should be completed within stipulated time i.e. minimum 3 years and maximum five years
Ph.D. candidate will submit thesis along with ONE research papers published in any HEC recognized journals (Category W,X,Y) from thesis. Candidate must be the first author of the research paper with names of supervisor/s as co-author.
Eight copies of thesis with spiral binding along with softcopy on CD shall be submitted to the Controller of examination (Annual) through the office of director graduate research studies
A plagiarism test report of thesis is necessary and must be submitted along with the submission of thesis.
A panel of examiners consisting of 12 names (6 names from the technologically advanced countries and six from inland) in the relevant field.
The names will be selected from the list approved by the Board of Advanced Studies and Research.
- The Vice Chancellor will approve four names of examiners (two from abroad and two from inland) to examine the thesis
- The thesis shall be sent for evaluation to 02 External Examiner and 02 Internal Examiners by the controller of examination (annual).
In case of the adverse remarks by the External Examiners, the thesis will be sent (after making necessary corrections and suggestions) to other Examiners whose evaluation will be considered as final.
Viva will be arranged only when all reports from the external and internal examiners are positive
Controller of Examination shall write to supervisor and co-supervisor/s for fixation of the date for the Ph.D. viva voce
Viva voce committee may comprise of:
- The Supervisor/ Co-supervisor/s
- External examiner/expert

Award of Degree

The Controller of Examinations shall submit the evaluation reports of the examiners and the viva-voce to the Advanced Studies and Research Board.
For approval of award of Ph.D. Degree both evaluation reports (external and internal) of the thesis must be Positive
Subject test score is required to be submitted with the thesis evaluation reports for further process in Advanced Studies and Research Board
Subject Test conducted by any one of the following
- International GRE (Graduate Record Examination) subject test. Qualifying score for International GRE subject test will be minimum 50% cumulative score – OR
- NTS (National Testing Service) subject test GAT. Qualifying score for NTS subject test will be minimum 60% cumulative score – OR
- University Committee consisting of at least 3 Ph.D. faculty members in the subject area and approved by the HEC will conduct the Test at par with GRE Subject Test and qualifying score for this will be 70% score.
On the basis of submitted reports and confirmation of score obtained by Ph.D. candidate in subject test, the Advanced Studies and Research Board will decide whether or not the Ph.D. Degree be awarded to the candidate.
Four hard bound copies of final thesis (after incorporating all changes), along with the softcopy on CD shall be submitted to the controller of examination (Annual) through the office of director graduate and research studies

Ph.D. Thesis Guideline

The language of the thesis in case of disciplines under the Faculties of Natural Sciences, Arts, Education, Commerce and Business Administration, Social Sciences and Law shall be English language only. In case of Islamic Studies and Languages, the thesis may however be written in a language approved by the Advanced Studies and Research Board.
In case of Natural Sciences, the final Ph.D. thesis should not be more than 80,000 words (excluding Appendix) whereas, in case of Social Sciences and Humanities, the thesis should not be more than 100,000 words
The thesis which is submitted in a language other than English, e.g. in Islamic Culture and Religion etc., must have a summary of the thesis written in English also.

Structure of Ph.D. Thesis

Title page
Second Page (Intellectual Property and Publication Statements)
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
Abbreviations
Chapters
References
Appendices
Referencing styles:
- APA (American Psychologists Association): For social science and business
- IEEE (Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers): For Engineering, Science and IT.
Formatting:
- Page Margins:
  - The page with 1.5″ margin on the left and 1″ margin on the other three sides
- Page Numbers
  - Page numbers must appear on each page preferably at the center of the bottom of the page
- Maximum three heading levels:
  - Main Heading 1 should be 16 in size and Bold, Main Heading 2 should be 14 in size and bold and Main Heading 3 should be 12 in size and bold
Paragraphs:
- Time new roman, size 12 with 1.5-line spacing
Figures:
- Should be aligned in the center with caption below the figure of Time new roman, size 12. Example: Figure 1. Map of Indus valley
Tables:
- Should be aligned in the center with label on above the table with Time new roman, size 12. Example: Table 1. Comparison of Technologies