PhD Entrance Examination2015 Written Test Syllabus

Written test willbe of 2 hour duration. The question paper consists of two parts:

PART-

I(to

be

attempted

by

all

except

HASS

and

ICT-ARD

applicants)

Mathematical Aptitude and Reasoning

Elementary multiple choice questions from the following topics: Mathematical Logic, Set Theory and
Algebra, Combinatorics, Basic Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Reasoning ability. The level of difficulty
would be at 10+2 standard.

PART- II
This part consists of eight sections: Electronics, Communication and Signal Processing, Computer
Science, Physics, Mathematics, Economics and English Studies (EES), and ICT in Agri and Rural
Development (ICT-ARD).You may attempt as many questions from as many sections; however, it is likely
that you attempt most of the questions from a section that matches your core area of expertise. We
expect that you will have enough time to answer at least four questions. EES and ICT-ARD applicants
however, should attempt only their respective section.
Syllabus and suggested books for each of the sections are given below. Questions will be of a difficulty
level
similar
to
a
BTech
or
equivalentlevel
course.

Electronics
Basic Electronics:
Time and frequency domain analysis of simple RLC circuits; Thevenins and Nortonstheorems;
Maximum Power Transfer; Simple Diode Circuits, Clipping, Clamping, Rectifiers
Basic Transistor Circuits:
Amplifiers: Single-and Multi-stage, Differential and Operational; Amplifier Building Blocks; Frequency
response of amplifiers
Field Effect Transistors:
JFET and MOSFET Characteristics; Biasing and Bias Stability of Transistor and FET amplifiers
Feedback and Operational Amplifiers:
Simple Op-amp circuits; Simple filters and Active Filters; Sinusoidal oscillators and Criterion for
Oscillation; Single-transistor Op-amp configurations
Digital Electronics:
Basic Logic Concepts; TTL and CMOS; Combinational Logic; Sequential Logic and Finite State Machine
Design; Monostable Multivibrators
Recommended books :
1. Engineering Circuit Analysis by Hayt, Kemmerly& Durbin
2. Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering by M.S. Sukhija, T.K. Nagsarkar Oxford Press
3. Microelectronic Circuits by Adel S. Sedra and Kenneth C. Smith, Oxford University Press
4. Digital design by M. Morris Mano and Michael Ciletti
5. Low Power Design Essentials Jan Rabaey, Springer

Communication Systems
Analog Modulation and Digital Communication
AM, FM and PM, Sampling, quantization, PCM, companding and delta modulation, Basics of Digital
Modulation Schemes like ASK, FSK, PSK, QAM.
Signals and Systems
Introduction of signals and systems (ranging from their types, properties and different examples). Linear
time-invariant (LTI) systems and their representation with the help of convolution sum or integral (which
can used to model many real physical systems). Fourier analysis ranging from Fourier series, Fourier
transform, time and frequency characterization of signals and systems (e.g. Fourier transform phase and
concept of group delay), Shannons sampling theory, Laplace and Z-transform.
Digital Signal Processing
Discrete-time LTI systems, convolution sum, Discrete-Time Fourier Transform (DTFT) and its properties,
Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Z-transform, Sampling and
Quantization, Design of FIR filters (concept of linear phase, zero locations of FIR filters, etc) and design of
IIR Filters (impulse invariant vs. bilinear transformation, Butterworth and Chebyshevfilters), Digital Filter
Structures.
Electromagnetic Theory
Electrostatic Fields, Electric Fields in Material Space, Electrostatic Boundary Value Problems,
Magnetostatic Fields, Magnetic Forces, Time Varying Field & Maxwell's Equations, Propagation of EM
Waves, Plane Waves, Wave Impedance, EM Wave Equation, EM Energy and Power Flow,
PoyntingTheorem, Waveguides, Coaxial cable, Antennas and Radiating Systems. Single and Multi-port
Networks, S-Parameters and Scattering Matrix, Transmission Line, Reflection coefficient, Standing Wave
Ratio, Impedance matching
Suggested Books:
1. An Introduction to signals and noise in electrical communication by A. Bruce Carlson and Paul B
Crilly, Fifthedition, McGraw Hill
2. Modern Analog and Digital Communication Systems by B. P. Lathi and Zhi Ding, Fourth edition,
Oxford University Press.
3. Alan V. Oppenheim and R. W. Schafer, Discrete-time Signal Processing. Third Edition. Prentice
Hall, 2009.
4. Jordan, Edward C. & Balmain, Keith G., Electromagnetic Waves and Radiating Systems,
Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi, 2003.
5. Hayt, William H. & Buck, John A., Engineering Electromagnetics, Sixth Edition, TataMcGrawHill, New Delhi, 2001.
6. Alan V. Oppenheim, Alan S. Wilsky, and D. Hamid, Signals and Systems. Second Edition,
Prentice Hall, 1996.

Computer Science
Algorithms
Basic Data Structures such as Stacks, Queues, Priority Queues, Heaps, Trees, Hash Tables, and
Dictionaries; sorting and searching; data structures for graphs; shortest path algorithms; basic algorithm
design paradigms such as Greedy, Divide and Conquer Method.
Theory of Computation
Regular languages, finite state automaton, regular expressions, pumping lemma, and properties of
regularlanguages; context free languages, pushdown automaton, pumping lemma, and properties of
context free languages.
Database Management System
Basic Concepts of Database and DBMS, Data Abstraction, Data Independence, Database Modeling, E-R
Model, Relational Model, Integrity Constraints, SQL Queries, Database Design, Functional Dependencies
and Normalization, Data Storage and Indexing, Database Application Development
Computer Networks
ISO/OSI protocolstack. LAN technologies, Basic concepts of hubs, switches, gateways, and routers.
Flow and error control techniques. MAC protocols. Routing algorithms. Congestion control. IP, TCP/UDP
and ICMP protocols. Application layer protocols (dns, smtp, pop, ftp, http).
Operating systems
Process concept and management, scheduling, process synchronization, concurrency control, critical
section problems, deadlocks, memory management, file systems.
Suggested Books:
1. Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest
2. Introduction to Theory of Computation by Michael Sipser
3. Silberschatz, Korth&Sudarshan, Database System Concepts, McGraw-Hill
4. Kurose and Ross, Computer Networking, A Top Down Approach, Pearson
A. Silberschatz, P. B. Galvin, G. Gagne, Operating System Concepts John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Mathematics
Calculus--Functions of single and two variables: limit, continuity, differentiability, mean value theorems,
Theorems of integral calculus, improper integrals, partial derivatives, total derivatives, maxima and
minima, double and triple integrals. Sequences and series of real numbers: tests for convergence, power
series, Linear and non-linear 1st order ordinary differential equation, higher order linear differential
equation with constant coefficients, system of linear differential equations, initial and boundary value
problems.
Complex Variables--Analytic functions, Cauchy-Riemann equations, line integral, Cauchys integral
theorem and integral formula, Taylors and Laurents series, residue theorem and its applications.
Discrete Mathematics--Propositional logic, first order logic, relations, permutations, combinations,
pigeonhole principle, principle of inclusion-exclusion, generating functions, graph isomorphism, spanning
trees, graph connectivity, graph colouring.
Abstract Algebra and Linear Algebra--Groups: basic definitions and rules, subgroups, cyclic groups,
Lagranges theorem and its applications.
System of linear equations, Determinants, inverse, rank, Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalisation of
matrices, Cayley-Hamilton theorem.
Probability and Statistics--Probability space, conditional probability, random variables, binomial,
Poisson, geometric, uniform, exponential and normal probability distributions, estimation, correlation and
linear regression.
Suggested Books:
1. M.D. Weir, J. Hass, and F.R. Giordano: G.B. Thomas Calculus, 11th Edition, Pearson, 2011.
2. R. Kreyszig: Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 8th Edition, John Wiley, 1999.
3. Michel D. Greenberg, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Pearson Education, 2002.
4. K.H. Rosen, Discrete Mathematics and its Applications with Combinatorics and Graph Theory,
Edition, Tata Mcgraw Hill Education, 2011.
5. I.N. Herstein, Topics in Algebra, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1975.
6. S. Ross: A First Course in Probability, 8th Edition, Pearson, 2010.

Physics
Classical Mechanics:
Newtons laws of motion and applications, Simple Harmonic Oscillator, Keplers laws, Gravitational Law
and field, Conservative and non-conservative forces.System of particles, Centre of mass, equation of
motion of the CM, conservation of linear and angular momentum, conservation of energy.Elastic and
inelastic collisions. Rigid body motion, fixed axis rotations, moments of Inertia. Lagranges and Hamiltons
formalisms.
Electromagnetic Theory:
Coulomb's law, Gauss's law, Field and Boundary Conditions, Laplace equation, Conductors, capacitors,
dielectrics, dielectric polarization, volume and surface charges, electrostatic energy. Biot-Savart law,
Ampere's law, Lenz's law, Faradays law of electromagnetic induction, Displacement current, Maxwell's
equations and plane electromagnetic waves.Lorentz Force and motion of charged particles in electric and
magnetic fields.
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Laws of thermodynamics; Thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations; Chemical potential, phase
equilibria; macrostates and microstates; Microcanonical Canonical and grand Canonical ensembles;
phase space; probability ensembles; partition function, free energy, calculation of thermodynamic
quantities; classical and quantum statistics; degenerate Fermi gas; black body radiation and Plancks
distribution law.
Quantum Mechanics:
Mass energy equivalence, Blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton effect, Bohr's atomic model,
X-rays. Wave-particle duality, Uncertainty principle, Schrodinger equation and application to simple
examples like particle in a box, potential barrier, square potential, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom.
Nuclear Physics
Structure of atomic nucleus, mass and binding energy.Radioactivity and its applications. Laws of
radioactive decay. Nuclear fission, Nuclear Fusion, Nuclear Fusion in stars.
Mathematical Physics:
Cartesian system of base vectors: orthogonal basis, position vector. Vector differentiation: derivative of a
vector, del operator, Gradient and its concept, Divergence, Curl.
Integration of Vectors: line integral, conservative forces, Gauss' divergence theorem, Expression in plane
polar coordinate, cylindrical coordinates, spherical polar coordinates.
Suggested reading:
1. An Introduction to Mechanics by Daniel Kleppner, Robert Kolenkow.
2. Introduction to Electrodynamics by D. J. Griffiths.
3. Concepts of Modern Physics by Arthur Beiser.
4. SchaumsOutlines.
5. Daniel Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics
6. Classical Dynamics, Thornton and Marion
Other than books recommended above, candidates can refer to their own study materials to prepare for
the entrance exam.

Economics and English Studies

ECONOMICS
Basic understanding of development issues of Indian Economy
SuggestedReading:
1. Dutt and Sundaram, "IndianEconomy". S. Chand Publisher, 2011 edition (Chapters to be referred:
Chapter 3, 6, 14, 16, 22, 24, 29, 31.)
ENGLISH STUDIES
Understanding of the themes and trends in any of the following areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

British Literature
European Literature
Literature written in English
South Asian Textual Cultures
Literary & Cultural Theories
Hermeneutics & Critical Theory
Classical, Western & Indian Aesthetic Theories
Theatre & Performance Studies
Gender studies
Translation studies
Modernity & Secularization (with reference to South Asia)
Political Theory

Pattern: Essay type questions that examine the student's ability to interpret the text and critically analyze
it.

ICT-ARD Ph.D. entrance exam will be of 2 hours duration. The question paper will have 3
sections:
Part A- Analytical Reasoning, Basic Data Analysis and Interpretation (35% Weightage)
Syllabus:
Analytical Reasoning: 10th Standard Level
Basic Data Analysis and Interpretation: Introduction to data (types of data, data
visualization, descriptive statistics), Graphs and distribution shapes, Measures of Central
tendencies and dispersion, scatterplot, Correlation
Readings: Any graduate or undergraduate textbook that covers the content above will
contain sufficient coverage to prepare for the exam.
Part B: General awareness (15% Weightage)
Syllabus: Basic understanding/awareness of current affairs in India with respect to rural
development, for example- advantages/disadvantages of MNREGA scheme.
Part C: Specific research areas (50% Weightage)
The research areas, syllabus and suggested readings can be seen below.
Topics for Research:
1. Sustainable Livelihoods
Syllabus:Basic understanding of sustainable livelihoods
Suggested Readings:
Ian Scoones (1998) Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: A Framework For Analysis IDS
Working Paper 72; https://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/david.harvey/AEF806/Sconnes1998.pdf
Ian Scoones (2009) Livelihoods perspectives and rural development
http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/pdf/papers/FJPS_36_1_2009.pdf
IFAD: An IFAD Sustainable Livelihoods Framework
http://ifad.org/sla/framework/index.htm
Diana Carney with Michael Drinkwater and Tamara Rusinow (CARE), KoosNeefjes
(Oxfam) and Samir Wanmali and Naresh Singh (UNDP) Livelihoods Approaches
Compared http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/x9371e/x9371e11.htm

2. Rural Development and Sustainable Development

Syllabus:Basic understanding of rural development and sustainable development
Suggested Readings:
Unit One: What is Rural Development? http://www.soas.ac.uk/cedepdemos/000_P530_RD_K3736-Demo/module/pdfs/p530_unit_01.pdf
Katar Singh (2009) Rural Development: Principles, Policies and Management, Third
Edition, SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd
Jennifer A Elliott (2012) An Introduction to Sustainable Development, Third edition.
Routledge.
http://190.11.224.74:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/1061/2/An_Introduction_to_Sustai
nable_Development__3rd_edition__Routledge_Perspectives_on_Development_.pdf
Tatyana P. Soubbotina (2004). Beyond Economic Growth: An Introduction to Sustainable
Development, Second Edition. The International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development /THE WORLD BANK
3. Participatory Development
Syllabus:Basic understanding of participatory development
Suggested Reading: Notes on Participatory Development,
http://www.barefootresearch.org.uk/docs/ParticipatoryDevelopmentNotes.pdf
FransGeilfus (2008). 80 Tools for Participatory Development: Appraisal, Planning,
Follow-up and Evaluation Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
(IICA). 2008. http://www.iica.int/Esp/regiones/central/cr/Publicaciones%20Oficina
%20Costa%20Rica/80tools.pdf
4. E-governance and development
Syllabus:Governance, good governance, Concepts related to e-governance/egovernment, e-governance project case studies, e-governance maturity and delivery
models, e-governance IT infrastructure, e-governance and IT-Act (2000), business models
for e-governance implementation, policy issues in e-government, legislation and security,
National e-governance plan (NEGP)
Suggested Readings:
Abbasi S (2005) Capacity Building and Institutional Framework for e-Governance, egov,

August 2005, Vol 1, Issue 5, Centre for Science, Development and Media Studies, New
Delhi, India.
Backus M, updated April 2001, E-Governance and Developing Countries; Introduction
and examples,http://www.ftpiicd.org/files/research/reports/report3.pdf
Bhatnagar, Subhash, Unlocking E-Government Potential: Concepts, Cases and
PracticalInsights, Sage Publications India Ltd, New Delhi, 2009
Bedi K, Singh P. J., Srivastava S (2001)
Government@net- new governance opportunities for India, Sage Publications India Pvt
Ltd, New Delhi, India
Gupta M.P (2004) Promise of E-Governance: operational challenges, Tata McGraw- Hill
Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, India.
5. Geographic Information System (GIS)
Syllabus:Nature of geographic data, Geographic information and spatial data types,
Measuring Earth, Datum and Map Projections, GIS context of GIS usage, GIS
software, querying, maintenance and spatial analysis, Geographic database management
system, Data entry and preparation, Spatial data analysis, Data visualization, Data quality
and error propagation
Suggested Reading:Principles of Geographic Information system by Rolf A De Edited,
ITC education textbook series 1
6. Satellite Remote Sensing
Syllabus:Electromagnetic radiation properties of EM radiation, coherent radiation,
propagation of EM waves, attenuation, thermal radiation, source of EM radiation for
remote sensing, Fundamentals of radiometry, Concept of signature signature in OIR,
TIR regions of major earth features like vegetation, water bodies, urban area, snow etc.,
Remote sensor classification of remote sensor, spatial, spectral, radiometric and
temporal resolutions, optical-infrared sensors, Selection of platform principles of
satellite motion, locating satellite in space, types of orbits, Data reception and data
products data format, data product generation, Data processing geometric and
radiometric corrections, Spatial data analysis visual analysis, digital classification,
classification accuracy
Suggested Reading:Fundamentals of remote sensing by George Joseph