PhD [Doctor of Philosophy]: Admission, Degree, Online, Duration, Jobs

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Sounak Banerjee

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PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest degree or a doctorate awarded for research in a particular subject. PhD course duration is 3 – 5 years. PhD degree requirements is to have a master’s degree or an MPhil with a minimum aggregate score of 55%. 

PhD admission is based on PhD entrance exams. CSIR UGC NET, UGC NET, IIT JAM, NPAT are the top PhD entrance exams. If a candidate wishes to pursue PhD in Engineering and Technology then they must possess a valid GATE score. CSIR UGC NET is the national level PhD entrance exam conducted twice a year. The registration process for CSIR UGC NET exam 2023 will begin soon and the exam is scheduled for the month of September.

There are various PhD Scholarships available in India which help students to pursue Ph.D. After completing their Ph.D. degrees, students can choose from a plethora of PhD Jobs and can earn an average salary of INR 6 – 9 lakhs per annum. Check: How to Become a Professor

Table of Contents
  1. Doctor of Philosophy: Course Details

1.1 Why study PhD?

  1. What is PhD?

2.1 PhD Full form

2.2 PhD Duration

2.3 PhD vs Doctorate

2.4 PhD Degree Requirements 

2.5 Who should study for a PhD?

  1. PhD Admission Process

3.1 Eligibility

3.2 UGC NET

3.3 CSIR-UGC NET Exam

3.4 Important Dates

  1. PhD Programs

4.1 Full Time PhD

4.2 Part Time PhD

4.3 Online PhD

  1. PhD Courses

5.1 Science

5.2 Arts

5.3 Medical

5.4 Engineering

5.5 Management

5.6 Pharmacy

5.7 Commerce

5.8 Agriculture

5.9 Law

  1. PhD Colleges in India

6.1 Government Colleges

6.2 Private Colleges

6.3 Chennai

6.4 Bangalore

6.5 Mumbai 

6.6 Delhi

6.7 Kolkata

  1.  PhD in India

7.1 IIT Bombay PhD

7.2 IIT Madras PhD

7.3 IIT Indore PhD

7.4 IIT Bhubaneswar PhD

7.5 IISC Bangalore PhD

7.6 IIT Hyderabad PhD

7.7 VTU PhD

7.8 Bangalore University PhD

7.9 Amity University PhD

7.10 JNU PhD

7.11 DU PhD

7.12 Mumbai University PhD

  1. PhD Abroad

8.1 Top Colleges

8.2 Harvard PhD 

8.3 MIT PhD

8.4 Oxford PhD

8.5 Stanford PhD

8.6 Cambridge PhD

  1. PhD: FAQs

Doctor of Philosophy: Course Details

PhD Full Form Doctor of Philosophy
PhD Duration 4-6 Years
PhD Degree Requirements Coursework, Presentation, Submission of Progress Reports, Thesis
PhD Admission Entrance Exams/Direct Admission
PhD Specializations PhD Physics, PhD Computer Science, Phd Psychology, PhD History, PhD in Business Administration, PhD Engineering, Phd Economics, PhD Nursing 
Online PhD Program IGNOU, IISc Bangalore, Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University
Fully Funded PhD Programs Students need to clear UGC NET exam to get funded by the government
Top PhD Colleges IITs, IISc, Jadavpur University, Delhi University, JNU

Why study PhD?

  • Ph.D. help the students to start or continue their research in a field they are passionate about. 
  • It helps in improving employment prospects. It can unlock many career opportunities. If someone wants to become a lecturer or University researcher then a Ph.D. degree is usually the main requirement.
  • The Indian government has reduced the tax incentive for firms conducting R&D, which is consistent with the finding of the previous UNESCO Science Report (2015).
  • The Gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) in the country has been consistently increasing over the years and has nearly tripled from INR. 39,437.77 crore in 2007- 08 to INR. 1,13,825.03 crore in 2017-18. It is estimated to be INR 1,23,847.70 crore in 2018-19.
  • Academic researchers contribute the bulk of all scientific and technical articles published in India.
  •  Higher Education Institutions and Research and Development organizations play an important role in nation building.
  • Investment in R&D by foreign multinationals is on the rise, accounting for as much as 16% of private-sector investment in R&D in 2019.
  • There is an encouraging increase in scientific publications by Indian researchers on cutting-edge technologies.

What is PhD?

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy deals with advanced research regarding a specific subject. PhD courses are available in 3 formats which are Full Time, Part Time PhD and Online PhD. PhD Duration is three years which can increase to five to six years depending on the subject. 

PhD Full Form

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy. PhD abbreviation is from a Latin term which is Philosophiae Doctor. The term philosophy has little relation to the philosophy subject. In PhD the term philosophy comes from the Greek word which means ‘lover of wisdom’.

PhD Full Form – Doctor of Philosophy

PhD Duration

  • PhD duration is 3 years which can be extended. On an average a student completes his/her PhD in 5-7 years. 
  • There are many factors that determine the duration of the PhD such as knowledge of the research area, research experience, knowledge of the supervisor, relevance of the research, communication skills, availability of resources and the amount of course work. 
  • The minimum PhD duration is 3 years. In NIIT the average PhD duration is 3-5 years and in IITs the average PhD duration is 5-7 years.

PhD vs Doctorate

Particulars PhD Doctorate
Objective The main goal is to make advancements in the field while constructing new knowledge and theories. The main goal is to advance the field by applying an existing body of knowledge, research and theory.
Result Students focus on securing a high academic position and conducting theoretical research. The focus is to practice in the field and advance to leadership positions or teaching in higher education institutions
Degree Requirements Masters Degree Master’s Degree
Student Focus Students seek theoretical Research Experience Students seek to solve practical problems in a particular field.

PhD Degree Requirements

PhD Degree requirements is the process or the prerequisites of getting the PhD Degree. This is different in different countries. PhD in India follows rules described by the UGC. 

PhD Degree requirements include completion of coursework, presentation of research proposal or synopsis, submission of progress reports, give pre-submission presentation and then defend the thesis in an oral debating atmosphere.

Also See: PhD Jobs

Who should study for a PhD?

  • Students who want to make a career out of academics or research should definitely pursue a Doctor of Philosophy. 
  • This is a unique opportunity to broaden the horizon of the subject that an individual loves. It brings immense pride and respect to the individual who wants to do Doctor of Philosophy.
  • To understand if you are capable of doing Doctor of Philosophy, the individual must have a serious conversation with lecturers and former Doctor of Philosophy students who guide better.
  • Students should research different Doctor of Philosophy programs to get a general sense about what PhD Degrees are like. After understanding the whole structure then only students must decide to do a Doctor of Philosophy.

Also See:

PhD Admission Process

Ph.D. admission is based on enrollment to several universities. Universities accept the results of either national level or university level entrance exams. Top Ph.D. entrance exams are CSIR UGC NET, UGC NET, IIT JAM, and NPAT. If a candidate wishes to pursue PhD in Engineering and Technology then they must possess a valid GATE score. As per the recent directives of the UGC, students who complete a four-year UG degree would be able to directly apply for pursuing a PhD degree in their desired choice of course.

PhD Eligibility

  • Master's degree holders are eligible for admission to doctoral programs. For some subjects, Masters in Philosophy is needed for pursuing PhD.
  • The students should have at least 50-55% of marks post graduation.
  • In some universities admission is offered on the basis of interviews. It may be supplemented with a written exam.
  • More preference is given to candidates who have work experience in the field of research.

UGC NET

The National Educational Testing Bureau of UGC conducts the National Eligibility Test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship and Research Professor in Indian Universities and colleges.

CSIR-UGC NET Exam

CSIR UGC NET is a test being conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship and for Lectureship /Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria laid down by UGC.

Important Dates

Entrance Exam Registration Date Exam Date
CSIR UGC NET 2nd week of March – 2nd week of April 2023 3rd week of June 2023
UGC NET December 29, 2022 – January 23, 2023 February 21, 2023 – March 10, 2023
IIT JAM September 7, 2022 – October 14, 2022 February 12, 2023
GPAT February 13, 2023 – March 13, 2023 (5:00 PM) Last week of April 2023
VITMEE January 25, 2023 – March 31, 2023 April 16 & 23, 2023

PhD Programs

There are 3 basic types of PhD Programmes in India. They include full time PhD, Part time PhD and Online PhD. 

Full-Time PhD

  • Full-Time PhD is a normal Doctor of Philosophy program. The duration of these programs ranges between 4 – 6 years.
  • The cost of a full time Doctor of Philosophy program is the highest compared to other modes of PhD degrees.
  • Government/ Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients, Institute Research Scholars with Teaching Assistance and Self-financed Candidates generally prefer to pursue full-time PhD program. 

Part Time PhD

  • PhD Programs can sometimes be done on a part-time basis. Candidates, who are working in reputed research organizations, academic Institutes and industries, situated preferably in the close vicinity to the campus are majorly granted Part-Time PhD
  • Part-time PhD takes 7-8 years to complete since Part-time doctoral students must complete the same number of academic credits and other requirements as full-time students.
  • Students doing part-time PhD will have to attend a limited number of classes.
  • Doctor of Philosophy students doing part-time PhD must have at least 1 year of work experience and must have NOC from the employer.
  • Part-time PhD is mainly focused on research for the development of the company rather than individual research work.

Online PhD

A Doctor of Philosophy is an academic degree that requires about four years of extensive study and research to earn. The completion of an Online PhD results in significantly improved career prospects. For students or professionals interested in leadership, academia, consulting, research and entrepreneurship, a PhD degree can offer a required qualification. 

Learn More: Online PhD Programmes

College Name Course Name Duration Fees
Manipal GlobalNXT University Ph.D. in Education 36 Months USD 4000/Year
UNICAF - Cours en français Ph.D. Business Administration - -
University of Stirling, UK Ph.D. in Applied Social Research 36-96 Months -
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai Ph.D. in Education 3 Years USD 6150
Liberty University, USA Ph.D Strategic Leadership 30 Months USD 595
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Ph.D in Management  3-4 Years USD 11,250
Institute of Lutheran Theology, USA Ph.D. 4-6 Years USD 700
IGNOU, New Delhi Ph.D.  4-5 Years INR 16,800
Indian Institute of Science Bangalore  Integrated Ph.D. 7 Years INR 16,000
Dr. B. R Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad Ph.D.  3 Years INR 16,000

Fully Funded PhD Programs

Students who wish to be funded during their Doctor of Philosophy must clear the NET exam. Passing the NET Exam guarantees stipend from the Government of India irrespective of the University. The student gets INR 31,000 from the Central Government after passing NEET. Check: PhD Scholarships 

Some of the top PhD scholarships in India that help students complete their Doctor of Philosophy courses are mentioned below:

Scholarship Name Institution
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) MHRD, Government of India
CSIR-UGC JRF Fellowship Government of India
DBT-JRF Fellowship Government of India
FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) and Ministry of Ayush
SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarships SAAR Agricultural Centre
Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science UGC
ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship ESSO- National Centre for Earth Science Studies
Vision India Foundation (VIF) Fellowship Vision India Foundation (VIF)
Burning Questions Fellowship Awards Tiny Beam Fund
Google PhD Scholarships Google
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund
ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)

PhD Courses

Students have the option of doing Doctor of Philosophy according to their choice. Doctor of Philosophy is available in various streams and subjects. The various subjects available for Doctor of Philosophy according to different streams are mentioned below. See: List of PhD Courses

PhD Courses: Science Stream

There are several PhD courses in the Science stream such as PhD in Chemistry, PhD in Clinical Research, PhD in Science, PhD in Bioscience, PhD in Bioinformatics, PhD Biotechnology, PhD in Mathematical and Computational Sciences, PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering, etc.

PhD Courses: Arts stream

It is a research-based course that allows students to research in their field. This course involves the study of the complete Arts stream and all its specializations like History, English Literature, Political Science, etc

PhD Courses: Medical stream

Ph. D. courses in Medical stream covers all the major areas of medicine including Neurology, epidemiology, genetics as well as various clinical and non-clinical streams. The PhD courses under medical streams are MD Biochemistry, MD Forensic Medicine, MD anesthesiology, MD Pulmonary Medicine, PhD Physiology, MD Skin and VD, etc.

PhD Courses: Engineering Stream

Candiates can apply for PhD courses related to engineering after B.tech. After completion of PhD course in engineering stream, a candidate can start working as a project manager, electrical engineer, application engineer, research engineer, etc in companies such as Dell, Wipro, ABB, DRDO

PhD Courses: Management Stream

Areas of specialization for the PhD in management often include Accounting, Decision sciences (decision theory and decision analysis), Economics, Entrepreneurship, Ethics and legal studies, Finance and Health care management.

PhD Courses: Pharmacy Stream

PhD courses of Pharmacy stream includes Pharm.D, PhD in Pharmacy, PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, PhD in Pharmacology, PhD in Pharmaceutics, PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, etc. There are diverse roles available after completion of PhD Pharmacy, including those in clinical research, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, drug safety, business development and medical affairs

PhD Courses: Commerce Stream

Course related to PhD commerce streams are PhD in Commerce, PhD in Statistics, PhD in Commerce and Management, PhD in Accountancy, PhD in Business Economics, PhD in Banking and Finance and M.Phil in Commerce. Job opportunities include working as E-Commerce Executive, Accounts Executive, Consultant, etc in government finance sectors such as Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India

PhD Courses: Agriculture stream

Ph D courses agriculture stream includes curses such as PhD in Agriculture, PhD in Agronomy, PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding, PhD in Horticulture, and PhD in Agricultural Economics. PhD in Plant Pathology. In the PhD Agriculture duration, the candidates get to learn how to produce food, fiber and fuel.

PhD Courses: Law

PhD courses related to Law are PhD in Law, Doctor of Law (LL.D.), PhD in Legal Studies M.Phil in Law. The PhD in Law course brings ample opportunities for students to choose from. Interesting job profiles that attract PhD in Law graduates are Attorney, Deputy Program Manager, Administrative Coordinator, Legal Manager, Legal Counsel, Legal Consultant, and Legal Affairs Manager.

Top PhD Colleges in India

Top PhD Government Colleges

Top PhD Private Colleges

College Name Fees (INR)
VIT 53,000
Bombay College of Pharmacy 1,50,850
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education 25,000
IFHE Hyderabad 1,20,000
IIIT-B 1,07,000
Manipal Academy of Higher Education 59,000
PRIST University 30,000
DA-IICT 65,000
JRNRVU 30,000
BVIMSR 75,000

Top PhD Colleges in Mumbai 

College Name Fees (INR)
Bombay College of Pharmacy 1,50,850
VJTI 81,500
Jai Hind College 23,377
RICS SBE 2,50,000
Marine Engineering and Research Institute 40,000
Dr Ambedkar College of Commerce and Economics 14,920
JRNRVU 30,000
PRIST University 30,000
DA-IICT 65,000
BVIMSR 75,000

Top PhD Colleges in Chennai

Top PhD Colleges in Bangalore

Top PhD Colleges in Delhi

College Name Fees (INR)
IIT-Delhi 1,91,000
National Law University 1,18,000
Faculty of Management Studies 52,400
IIFT 4,00,000
DIPSAR 20,500
NSIT 1,71,000
NIT Delhi 1,10,000
Jamia Hamdard 1,28,000
USICT 3,00,000
JIMS 80,000

Top PhD Colleges in Kolkata

PhD in India

Top Universities in India provide the best doctor of philosophy courses in India. IITs offer good scope for research in the field of science and engineering. 

IIT Bombay PhD

The minimum eligibility required for applying is 60% aggregate marks in Master's degree and the selection of the candidate is done on the basis of GATE/ CEED/ UGC-NET exams scores. A valid GATE score of at least 660 is required. The total fee of PhD is INR 1.83 lakh.

To be eligible for these programs, at IIT Bombay, candidates need to get a master's degree and crack either of these exams - UGC-NET, or GATE, or CEED. Check out the specializations, and the fees for PhD courses at the IIT Bombay, in the tabulation form below.

Specializations Average Fees
Financial Studies INR 58,200
Economics
Intellectual Property Rights Law
Computer Science and Engineering
Design
Biotechnology
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Civil Engineering
Technology and Development
Technology Management
Strategy
Climate Studies
Educational Technology
Operations Management
Energy Science and Engineering
International Business
Industrial Engineering
Regulatory and Policy Studies
HR Management
Nano Science and Technology
Aerospace Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Material Science
Earth Science
Quantitative Techniques
Marketing
Information Technology
Instrumentation and Control
Electrical Engineering
Urban Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Natural Resources

IIT Madras PhD

The eligibility criteria for admission to IITM PhD is the candidate must have a Master's degree by Research in Engineering/Technology with a good academic record or a 5 Year Dual Degree in Engineering or 5 Year BS+MS Dual degree from Centrally Funded Technical Institute with a good academic record. For candidates with UG from a CFTI, GATE score is not mandatory.

See: IIT Madras PhD

Specializations Average Fees
Computer Science INR 19,670
Biotechnology
Science and Humanities
Mathematics
Management Studies
Physics
Chemical Engineering
Biomedical Sciences
Engineering Design
Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering
Management
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Climate and Ocean Science
Applied Mathematics
Fluid Mechanics
Aerospace Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science

IIT Indore PhD

Applicants must apply online through their official website Applicants are selected for admission to PhD programs through an evaluation process that includes an interview by a selection committee and the mere application does not imply admission into the Ph.D. program. The minimum education qualification required is master’s degree in the relevant Department of Engineering/ Technology and a GATE qualification.

Specializations Annual Average Fees
Psychology INR 78,800
Economics
Physics
Chemistry
English
Computer Science and Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mathematics
Electrical Engineering
Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering
Philosophy
Astronomy
Mechanical Engineering
Sociology
Material Science 

IIT Bhubaneswar PhD

The eligibility criteria for admission to the IIT Bhubaneswar Ph.D. program is a Minimum of 55% marks or 6.0 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) in the Master's degree in an appropriate discipline. A provisional certificate is acceptable or a minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA (in a 10-point scale) is required in all other examinations with a valid GATE score. The candidate must be UGC-NET(JRF and LS) qualified.

See: IIT Bhubaneswar PhD 

Specializations Annual Average Fees
Psychology INR 43,568
English
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics
Bio-Sciences
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Physics
Chemistry
Geological Sciences
Earth Science
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Climate and Ocean Science

IISC Bangalore PhD

The basic qualification required for IISC Bangalore PhD Science program is M Sc or equivalent degree in Physical Sciences/ Mathematical Sciences/ Chemical Sciences or BE / B Tech or equivalent degree in any discipline or Graduates of 4-year Bachelor of Science programs. Graduates of any course with a minimum duration of 4 years with a minimum CGPA of 8.0 are eligible to apply to the regular Ph. D. program without requiring any other National Entrance Tests.

See: PhD in IISc Bangalore

Specializations Average Fees
Ecological Sciences INR 31,000 to INR 35,000
Biochemistry
Molecular Reproduction; Development and Genetics
Microbiology and Cell Biology
Neuroscience
Molecular Biophysics
Materials Research
Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Mathematics
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Solid State and Structural Chemistry
Physics
High Energy Physics
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science and Automation
Electronic Systems Engineering
Electrical Communication Engineering
Computational Data Sciences
Aerospace Engineering
Nanoscience and Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Civil Engineering
Earth Sciences
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing
Sustainable Technology
Instrumentation and Applied Physics
Management Studies
Energy
Biosystems Science and Engineering
Mathematical Sciences
Water Research
Nanoscience and Engineering
Climate Change
Cyber Physical Systems
Brain and Artificial Intelligence

IIT Hyderabad PhD

The eligibility criteria for Ph.D. admission in the engineering departments is a Masters's degree. Candidates can apply for a direct PhD after B. Tech./B.E. with a valid GATE score. IITH admits students to the PhD program twice a year. Institute provides a monthly stipend of INR 31,000 for the first two years and INR 35,000 for the next three years.

Specializations Annual Average Fees
Biotechnology INR 25,095
Civil Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Mathematics
Liberal Arts
Biomedical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Physics
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Design
Entrepreneurship
Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science

VTU PhD

Candidates can apply either online or offline for the VTU Ph.D. program. The minimum eligibility criteria required is 6.5 CGPA. Selection will be based on work experience and previous performance. Admission to the program is merit- based. The annual fee for the program is INR 7,970 for Karnataka state candidates and INR 19,470 for other state candidates. See: PhD in VTU

Specialization Annual Average Fees
Civil Engineering INR 74,100
Biotechnology
Architecture
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Nano-technology
Mechanical Engineering
Research Methodology
Physics
Chemistry
Physical Education
Mathematics
Chemical Engineering
Library and Information Science
Textile Technology
Polymer Science and Technology

Bangalore University PhD

Admission is based on the score obtained on University Conducted-Entrance Test and performance in the interview. In order to qualify for the test, candidates need to score at least 50% out of 100.Candidates who have qualified CSIR NET/ UGC NET/ SLET/ KSET/ GATE/ JRF or hold an accredited M. Phil. Degree are exempt from the Ph. D Entrance Test.

Specializations Total Course Fees
Commerce INR 44,000
English
Sericulture
Computer Science and Engineering
Management Studies
Foreign Language
Geology
Electronic Science
Applied Genetics
Rural Development
Botany
Law
Kannada
Home Science
Life Science
Sociology
Speech and Hearing
Microbiology
Geography
Sanskrit
Physical Education
Communication System
Electrical Engineering
History
Chemistry
Education
Biological Sciences
Economics
Biochemistry
Environmental Science
Computer Science
Hindi

Amity University PhD

Applications for admission to a Ph. D. program at Amity University are accepted twice a year, for January and July sessions. The admission form is to be filled and submitted online only. The required minimum qualification for admission to a Ph.D Program is a Master’s or M.Phil Degree from any accredited Indian or Foreign University in the relevant field with 55% marks. Eligible candidates will be required to appear in the Selection Process consisting of PET (Ph.D. Entrance Test) and an Interview round as per UGC’s PhD Guidelines.

Specializations Specializations Specializations
Hospital Administration Finance Renewable Energy
Hospitality Anthropology Architecture and Planning
Psychology Forensic Science International Relation
Law Chemistry Cellular and Molecular Oncology
Commerce English Virology
Mass Communication Pharmaceutical Sciences Radiation Biology
Ecological Sciences Computer Science and Engineering Immunology
Bioinformatics Materials and Devices Rural Management 
Natural Resources Special Education Fashion Management
Polymer Science and Technology Biosensors Defence and Strategic Studies
Remote Sensing Physical Education Horticulture
Travel and Tourism Management Physiotherapy Physiology
Economics Mechanical and Automation Engineering Microbial Technology
History Neuroscience Nuclear Science and Technology
Education Environmental Science Statistics
Fine Arts Food Technology Stem Cell
Clinical Psychology Mathematics Renewable Energy
Public Health Electrical Engineering Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing
Food and Nutrition Sociology Climate Change and Ecological Studies
Management Studies Political Science Aerospace Engineering
Competitive Intelligence Physical and Molecular Science Physics
Wildlife Sciences Agriculture Solar Energy
Microbial Biotechnology Natural Product Studies Information Technology

JNU PhD

Then applicants need to download the application form from Jawaharlal Nehru University's official website to apply for the course. Degree holders are eligible for admission, provided they have scored a minimum of 55 percent marks or equivalent grades. Admission is based on a national-level entrance examination followed by an interview. JNU Ph.D. research students receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 28,000 from the Govt.

Specialization Specialization
English Environmental Science
Economics History (Medieval and Modern)
Geography Molecular Medicine
Philosophy International Politics
Life Science Persian
Law and Governance Kannada
International Trade and Development Canadian Studies
Hindi Tamil
Physical Science Science Policy
Arts Political Science
Ancient History Latin American Studies
Computer Systems Cinema Studies
Sanskrit Women Studies
Diplomacy and Disarmament Comparative Politics
Korean Media Studies
Japanese Chemical Sciences
Spanish Mathematical Studies
Social System French
West Asian Studies North East India Studies
German South Asian Studies
Russian Social Sciences
Management of Informal Sector Chinese Studies
Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy African Studies
Biotechnology International Legal Studies
Urdu Political Geography
Linguistics Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Population Studies International Organisation
Nano Science and Technology Arabic
Discrimination and Ecxclusion Studies -

DU PhD

For admission to Delhi University Ph.D. program candidates must have completed Master's degree or M. Phil in the respective fields with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks at Delhi University or any other recognized University. The admission to the Program is through an entrance test DUET conducted by the university itself, which results in the shortlisting of the candidates for the interview.

Streams Streams
Commerce German
Business Administration Dermatology
Pharmacology Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing
History Electronics and Communication
Political Science Anaesthesiology
Resource Management and Design Application Pediatrics
Fabric and Apparel Science Business Economics
English Urdu
Physical Education Russian
Education Sanskrit
Philosophy Punjabi
Anthropology Manufacturing Process and Automation Engineering
Economics Persian
Physical Education Electronics
Library and Information Science African Studies
Psychology Radiology
Home Science French/ Italian/ German/ Hispanic studies
Surgery Human Development and Childhood Studies
Botany Buddhist Studies
Social Work Pulmonary Medicine
Geology Biophysics
Microbiology Pathology
Chemistry Instrumentation and Control
Hindi Music
Operational Research Plant Molecular Biology
Medicine Adult Continuing Education and Extension
Sociology Environment Studies
Linguistics Arabic
Genetics Biochemistry
Community Medicine Computer Science
Pulmonary Medicine Financial Studies
Statistics Physiology
Biomedical Sciences Medicinal Microbiology
Applied Science and Humanities -

Mumbai University PhD

Candidates can also pursue their PhD degree from Mumbai University. It is a renowned government university, offering the PhD program lasting for 3 years. Candidates need to have a masters or M.Phil degree with a minimum 55% aggregate marks from a recognised educational institute. Also, the candidates should have the valid scores of either GATE, UGC, SET, JRF ICAR, and CSIR.

Specializations Annual Average Fees
Life Science INR 21,720
Commerce
English
Education
African Studies
Marathi
Sociology
Library and Information Science
Linguistics
Philosophy
Sanskrit
Urdu
Music
Physics
Persian
Kannada
French
Arabic
Biotechnology
History
Politics
Chemistry
Statistics
Geography
Sindhi
Russian
Computer Science
Pali and Prakrit
German

IIT Kharagpur PhD

IIT Kharagpur is one of the best IITs in India, and also belongs among the best colleges all over the nation. It achieved the 5th rank both in 2020, and 2019, by the NIRF. IIT Kharagpur offers a total of 17 PhD courses. The minimum eligibility to pursue a doctorate degree at IIT Kharagpur, needs a minimum CGPA mark of 6.5 or aggregate marks of 60%, at postgraduate level.

Specializations Average Annual Fees
Science INR 50,000
Humanities and Social Science
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering and Technology
Management Studies
Working Professionals
Quality Improvement Programme
Social Sciences
Architecture and Planning
Rubber Technology
Rural Development
Mechanical Engineering
Earth Science
Structural Engineering
Architecture
Chemical Sciences
Electrical Communication Engineering

PhD Abroad

Top Universities around the world that offer the best Phd courses are ranked according to QS World University Rankings. The rankings of both 2021 and 2020 are provided so as to make comparative analysis of the Universities.

Harvard PhD 

Harvard University is one of the best educational institutes all over the world. Millions of candidates set their focus to get admission to this university, to pursue their respective courses. It offers numerous programs, along with Doctorate courses, having 8 different specializations. PhD courses in this institute, bear an average course fee around INR 38 lakhs. 

Also, the university offers the research programs on both full-time and part-time basis. Every candidate must crack the GRE or GMAT exam for admission to this college. The subjects on which aspirants can research in this college are - 

  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Neuroscience
  • Business Administration
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Statistics
  • Data Science
  • Computational Science and Engineering.

MIT PhD 

MIT or Massachusetts Institute of Technology also comes among the top universities in the world. It is a private university, with an employment rate of 82%. It gained 3rd position among the National Universities as per the US news, in 2020. MIT is a very much renowned institute for pursuing PhD courses. It offers a total of 29 different research programs. The average course fee for doctorate programs at MIT is around 21 lakhs. All the students have to submit their GRE entrance exam scores to be eligible.

The PhD specializations offered in MIT are - 

Physics Mathematics
Computational Science and Engineering Doctor of Medicine
Brain and Cognitive Sciences Nuclear Science and Engineering
Economics Political Science
Finance Marketing
Information Technology Biological Engineering
Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship And Strategic Management Operations Research
Accounting Social and Engineering Systems
Transportation Work And Employment Research
Economic Sociology Medical Engineering and Medical Physics
Science, Technology and Society Organization Studies
Anthropology Biomedical Engineering
Linguistics Civil and Environmental Engineering
Polymers and Soft Matter Statistics
History

Oxford PhD 

Oxford University, also belongs among the best universities in the world as per the QS World ranking and many agencies It is also regarded as the best university all over the world by many experts. It is a public research university having an acceptance rate of 15%. Oxford University has an international students percentage of 45%, and it is worth-pursuing PhD here. It offers a total of 17 research program, that are listed below - 

Computer Science Law
Molecular and Cellular Medicine Modern Statistics and Statistical Machine Learning
Medical Sciences Finance
Surgical Sciences Management
Health Data Science Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics
Condensed Matter Physics Social Data Science
Geography and the Environment Mathematics of Random Systems - Analysis, Modelling and Algorithms
Statistics Engineering Science
Economics

Stanford PhD 

Stanford University in the USA, California is one of the most distinguished research institutes all over the world. It is among the top 5 colleges of the world, and has a terrific rating when it comes to pursuing research programs at this university. It is significantly renowned for offering research programs. Candidates can access approx. 60 PhD courses, at the Stanford University. The specializations offered here, are - 

Materials Science and Engineering Applied Physics
Immunology Organizational Behavior
Operations Information and Technology Cancer Biology
Aeronautics and Astronautics Management Science and Engineering
Chemical and Systems Biology Economic Analysis and Policy
Bioengineering Microbiology and Immunology
Computer Science Finance
Marketing Neurosciences
Mathematics Biology
Biochemistry Genetics
Religious Studies International Comparative Education
Health Policy Geological Sciences
Communication Biomedical Informatics
Political Science History
Physics Earth System Science
Mechanical Engineering Psychology
Political Economics Doctor of Medicine
Economics Theater and Performance Studies
Molecular and Cellular Physiology Electrical Engineering
Chemistry Chemical Engineering
Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS) Developmental Biology
Epidemiology and Clinical Research Civil and Environmental Engineering
Sociology Philosophy
Art History Linguistics
Geophysics Accounting
Statistics Music
English Anthropology
Biophysics French
Classics Comparative Literature
German Studies Computational and Mathematical Engineering
East Asian Languages and Cultures Energy Resources Engineering
Iberian and Latin American Cultures Italian
Modern Thought and Literature Slavic Languages and Literature
Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Structural Biology

Cambridge PhD 

Brilliants of students all over the world, come to Cambridge University, to pursue their PhD degree here. It is a private university, with a good acceptance rate of 16%. The number of international students at this institute per year is 9,000. 

Candidates have to either crack GMAT or GRE entrance exam, to be eligible for the research programs at Cambridge University. It is arguably the best university to pursue PhD courses. Candidates can access a total of 66 doctorate programs here. Check out the specializations offered here, below.

Engineering Computer Science
Law Surgery
Biotechnology Business
Physics Pharmacology
Chemistry Genetics
Biological Science - EBI Architecture
Biostatistics Plant Sciences
Medicine Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
Chemical Engineering Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
Sociology Criminology
Astronomy Oncology
Medical Science (CIMR) Veterinary Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Biological Anthropology
Earth Sciences Materials Science and Metallurgy
Radiology Automated Chemical Synthesis Enabled by Digital Molecular Technologies
Economics Nuclear Energy Futures
Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Development Studies
History Land Economy
Film and Screen Studies Politics and International Studies
Theology and Religious Studies Haematology
Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Antarctic Studies
Archaeology Public Health and Primary Care
Paediatrics Computation, Cognition and Language
Geography Pathology
Clinical Biochemistry Philosophy
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Psychiatry
Psychology History and Philosophy of Science
History of Art Education
American Literature Music
Classics Linguistics - Theoretical and Applied Linguistics
Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies French
Latin American Studies Slavonic Studies
Polar Studies Mathematics of Information (CDT)

PhD Jobs

After pursuing a PhD, students can choose from a number of PhD Jobs. Some of the most popular job opportunities after completing a PhD Degree are mentioned below.

Job Profile Job Description Average Salary 
University Professor A professor helps the students and guides them with their studies, researches etc. Their main role is to teach academic and vocational subjects INR 6-10 LPA
Market Research Analyst A Market Research Analyst will have the competence of gathering and analysing large amounts of data and comprehending the findings in a comprehensive way. INR 9-12 LPA
Start-Up Mentors They provide their perspective on the direction that a startup may take and they also advise on new ideas INR 6 LPA
Authors Authors holding a PhD degree write about the subject that interests readers and which they have done their specializations and researches INR 9 LPA

PhD: FAQs

Ques. What does a PhD degree stand for?

Ans. A PhD degree stands for Doctor of Philosophy, which is regarded as the highest academic course level.

Ques. How many years is a PhD?

Ans. A doctorate or PhD degree generally lasts for 3 years. Candidates pursuing the program are given a maximum time of 5 to 6 years to complete their research. However, the duration of the PhD courses varies institute wise.

Ques. What can you get a PhD degree in?

Ans. There are multiple fields on which you can specialize in a PhD program. Some of the popular doctorate level courses are - 
  • Chemistry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Education
  • Physics
  • Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, etc,

Ques. Is a PhD after a Masters?

Ans. Yes. Candidates aspiring to pursue a PhD program, need to complete their masters, and then apply for it.

Ques. What is the salary of a PhD?

Ans. PhD is the highest educational qualification one can acquire. A candidate having a PhD degree can earn a minimum of INR 6 to INR 12 lakhs per annum.

Ques. What is the easiest PhD to get?

Ans. Among numerous PhD courses, some of the easiest PhD courses are humanities, social sciences, education, etc.

Ques. Can I skip my Masters and do a PhD?

Ans. Yes. Sometimes it is possible to skip your masters program, and go for the doctorate courses.By finishing your bachelor's degree, you can opt to bypass your PG degree by enrolling in a research program. 

Ques. Is a PhD a Dr?

Ans. Yes. Anyone who completes a PhD degree holds a Doctorate (Dr) degree. 

Ques. Can I complete my PhD in 2 years?

Ans. A definite group of students can complete their PhD in two years. However, nothing can be specified as such. 

Ques. Which PhD has the highest salary?

Ans. Recent study reveals, a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering is noted to be the most recognized. A candidate holding this degree can earn upto INR 8 to 12 lakhs per annum.

Ques. Is it free to get a PhD?

Ans. Pursuing a completely funded PhD program is a good method to get the degree for free. Within the program, the candidate’s tuition and a percentage of their living costs are paid for without using the student loans.

Ques. What qualities characterize a great PhD student?

Ans. An ideal PhD candidate has excellent communication skills, supreme academic ability, brilliant time management expertise and staunch passion towards the subject. 

Ques. Is it OK to start a PhD at age 40?

Ans. Yes. Pursuing a PhD degree doesn’t have any age boundaries. 

Ques. What are the right reasons for anyone to pursue a PhD?

Ans. Pursuing a PhD comes with long-term career goals and helps the aspirant make a significant contribution towards his selected field. 

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

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Ques. What is the minimum GATE score to do a PhD in the IIT, Madras?

● Top Answer By Madhav Aneja on 17 Jul 23

Ans. First of all, there is no fixed GATE score that makes you eligible to do a Ph.D. at IIT Madras as the selection process comprises a number is criteria with the GATE score being just one of them. The students applying for a PhD program at IIT Madras, go through a rigorous admission process. To become eligible one needs to fulfill the following criteria Master's or a dual degree in the relevant disciplines with a CGPA of 6.5 or above. Candidates with BE/BTech degrees can apply directly for a Ph.D. (MS+PhD) in Engineering or Sciences after their Bachelor’s degree.  M.S scholars with CGPA>8.0 are eligible to upgrade to the Ph.D. program in the same department and receive a dual degree i.e. (MS+PhD)  I hope I made it clear!Read more
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Ques. Are master's degrees from IGNOU acceptable for admission into Ph.D courses in top universities?

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ans. Yes, IGNOU is UGC approved, so masters degrees from IGNOU are acceptable for Ph.D. courses in top universities.  But to get admission you will have to meet the other eligibility criteria as well. The university will check your marks, rank, average, and age. As IGNOU is an open university, there is no age bar for learning any degree. Read more
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Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ans. If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT-M, you might be interested in knowing about the similarities and differences between a regular Ph.D. and a direct Ph.D. Here's what you need to know: Selection Procedure: All Ph.D. candidates, whether applying for a regular or direct Ph.D., have to clear a written exam followed by an interview at the institute. Coursework: A regular Ph.D. scholar has to complete four courses, while a direct Ph.D. candidate has to complete eight courses. If you are interested in a dual degree (i.e., MS by research and Ph.D.), you will need to complete two extra courses. Comprehensive Exam: After completing the coursework (usually taking two semesters), every candidate has to undergo a comprehensive exam consisting of a written test and an interview. You will have two chances to clear the comprehensive exam. If you fail to clear the comprehensive exam, you can still obtain an MS degree and get placed or join the Ph.D. program later. The amount and quality of research work by both kinds of Ph.D. candidates are the same. Financial Assistance: A regular Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance once to attend any international conference outside India. A direct Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance twice to attend an international conference outside India. Both regular and direct Ph.D. candidates can attend any national/international conference within India once every semester with full financial assistance. Stipend: The stipend for regular Ph.D. candidates is up to five years. The stipend for direct Ph.D. candidates is up to six years. Pre-Post Doc Fellowship: If you submit your degree within 4.5 years for a regular Ph.D. or 5 years for a direct Ph.D., you are eligible for a pre-postdoc fellowship.Read more
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Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ans. Recently, UGC stated that only  Full-time Phd courses will be Valid and distance PhD is no more valid. The new full-time Ph.D. course will be delivered through the New Delhi main Campus of IGNOU. This change in itself has raised the worth and credibility of a Ph.D. from IGNOU. Here are a few Ph.D. programs offered in regular mode by IGNOU Ph.D. in Dairy Science and Technology Ph.D. in Gender and Development Studies Ph.D. in Women's Studies Ph.D. in Arabic Ph.D. in French Ph.D. in Distance Education Ph.D. in Translation Studies Moreover, IGNOU is the largest open university in the world, so the credibility of any degree from here cannot be doubted. What actually matters is the level of effort you put into research in the concerned field. Try to earn your degree and not just get one.Read more
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Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ans. If you want to achieve self-satisfaction by gaining maximum knowledge about your research area, a Ph.D. could be a great way to do so. Consider coming to IIT Bombay if you are always enthusiastic about learning something new and doing something innovative. Your work will depend on your area and how far you can reach in the industry. For example, if your area is controlled, you can reach many consulting firms or industries that deal with automation problems. In fact, my lab deals with many industrial problems related to such issues. Your work will be recognized as an asset for IITB, and research is the foremost thing that every professor looks forward to. Apart from that, you can enjoy a good life as a Ph.D. student here, with the freedom to think in many directions and develop your research skills at your own pace. A Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay is well-recognized. Many of the students, who are doing their Ph. D.s here in controls, are well settled abroad or in India, which proves the worth of this degree.Read more
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Ques. What are all the advantages of doing Ph.d in IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Aditi Sengupta on 29 Mar 23

Ans. When considering pursuing a Ph.D., it is important to understand the challenges that come with it. However, if you have a passion for research and contributing to the world through your technical knowledge, you can bring about a change. Additionally, pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Madras can offer many financial advantages and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are some of the financial advantages of joining the Ph.D. program at IIT Madras: Stipend: As a Ph.D. student at IIT Madras, you will receive a stipend of 31,000 INR per month. This stipend is provided to help you cover your living expenses while you focus on your research. PMRF Scheme: You can also try for the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) scheme. If you perform well in your first semester, you can apply for lateral entry (or direct entry) and receive a stipend of 70,000 INR per month.  Financial Benefits for Research Conferences and Publications: You can receive financial benefits of 1.5 to 2 lakhs per annum to attend research conferences and publish your work. This can help you expand your research network and showcase your work to a wider audience. Semester Exchange: Semester exchange to top universities across the globe is also possible, subject to your guide's approval. This can provide you with an opportunity to gain exposure to different research environments and cultures. Quarters for Married Ph.D. Students: If you are a married Ph.D. student, quarters are provided in the residential area of IIT Madras. This can help you and your spouse live comfortably while pursuing your studies. High-Paying Job Opportunities: After completing your Ph.D., any top band industry is ready to pay you thousands of dollars. This is because you would have acquired a specialized set of skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the industry. Scientist D Level in Government Organizations: You can also become eligible for entry to the Scientist D level in government research organizations such as ISRO, DRDO, and BARC, provided you have the minimum required experience. Teaching Opportunities: Pursuing a Ph.D. can also help you improve your teaching skills. As a Ph.D. student at IIT Madras, you will have the opportunity to teach B.Tech, Dual Degree, M.Tech, and MS students. This can help you gain valuable teaching experience and learn from your students as well. In conclusion, pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Madras can provide you with many financial advantages and opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you have a passion for research and technical knowledge, a Ph.D. can help you make a positive impact on the world.  Read more
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Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ans. It’s highly illogical to question why some students in IIT leave high-paying jobs and join graduate schools for Ph.D. This is because some people tend to do whatever makes them happy rather than following the sheep mentality. They don’t consider money as the only source of happiness. And they know that a high-paying job will rob them of mental peace due to a lot of responsibilities they might not even enjoy. So they choose a happier and simpler part which is pursuing a Ph.D. Another major reason why people may pursue a Ph.D. rather than working at a top company is their strong inclination to words academics, and they may not be satisfied with a bachelor's degree and crave higher studies in the form of PhD. Basically, the reason behind such a decision is subjective and depends solely On the particular individual, and cannot be objectified.  The common reason why people make such a decision is that they have more interest in studies and doing a job would hinder that passion. Doing a Ph.D. gives you opportunities to travel and enjoy life generally. That being said, it's not necessary that a Ph.D. is easy for everyone. It strictly depends upon one’s preferences and capabilities.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ans. The placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay is generally poor, according to student feedback and departmental elections. Ph.D. students typically have very specific knowledge that may not be useful to companies, so they may not be recruited by BTech companies. There is no specific body that helps bring companies for Ph.D. students, resulting in a lack of job opportunities for graduates. Ph.D. graduates pursue two directions: Professor in a University or a specified job, but finding a job can be difficult without faculty contacts. The average salary for a Ph.D. student at IIT Bombay ranges from INR 3.4 Lakhs to INR 4.2 Lakhs per year .Read more
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Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ans. PhD from IGNOU is as valuable as from any other university. The UGC has recently ruled that PhD from distance education is no longer valid. This is applicable to every university. PhD is valid only in regular mode. This can be both part-time or full-time. IGNOU offers both so yes PhD from IGNOU is valuable. In fact, it is more valuable than the same degree from Manipal or Lovely Professional University.  PhD from IGNOU is valuable because of the following reasons: Affordable fees  Both part-time and full-time available ( both approved by UGC) Easy distance education Can be pursued alongside a business or profession. What really matters is what you learn during your course and how you apply it.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ans. The table below shows the key placement highlights of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay. Particulars  Statistics  Median Salary INR 55.4 LPA Average Salary INR 17.9 LPA Placement Percentage 66.67% International Offers 58 Top Recruiters  Accenture | Analog Devices | Apple | CITI Bank | Google | Hindustan Unilever | HONEYWELL | IBM | ISRORead more
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