PhD admissions are available for research programs in a variety of fields, including engineering, management, law, science, humanities, commerce, mass communication, and pharmacy.
PhD admission are currently open through an online application for top Indian universities and colleges. For Ph.D. admission 2024, students have to appear for national-level entrance exams like, UGC NET, JEST, CSIR NET, GATE etc.
Admissions are based on the university-level Ph.D. entrance exam for some autonomous universities followed by a personal interview is next, during which the candidates must present their study idea.
A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification. In recent years, there has been a manifold increase in the number of Ph.D. admission in India. According to the AISHE, the number of PhD admission increased by 55% in 2022-23.
PhD Admission 2024 Important Dates
The important dates related to the top colleges offering PhD admission in 2024 are mentioned below:
| Institute Name | Admission Process | Entrance Dates |
| University of Calcutta | Entrance | Apr 2024 |
| Mumbai University | Entrance | Jan - Mar 2024 |
| XIM Bhubaneswar | Entrance | Nov 2023 - Feb 28, 2024 |
| University of Lucknow | CET & Interview | Apr 2024 |
| PGIMER, Chandigarh | Entrance | To Be Announced |
| BIT, Mesra | Entrance | To Be Announced |
| IISc Bangalore | Entrance | Mar 2024 |
| IIIT Bangalore | Entrance | To be announced |
| NIT Patna | Entrance | May 2024 |
| JNU, New Delhi | Entrance | To be announced |
| IIST Thiruvananthapuram | Entrance | To be announced |
| IIIT Delhi | Written Test & Interview | Jul 2024 |
| IISER Trivandrum | Entrance | To be announced |
| NIT Trichy | Entrance | To be announced |
| NLSIU, Bangalore | Written Test (NLSAT-PhD | To be announced |
| IIT Mandi | Entrance | Nov 10, 2023 |
| IIIT, Kottayam | Written Test & Interview | To be announced |
| VIT Vellore | Entrance | To be announced |
Also Read: Ph.D After MBA
PhD Admission 2024 Application Deadlines
The application deadline for the top colleges for PhD admission in 2024 is as follows:
| College | Deadline |
| IIT Delhi | Oct 31, 2023 |
| IIT Guwahati | Feb - Mar 2024 |
| IISc Bangalore | Feb 2024- Apr 2024 |
| IIT Kanpur | To be announced |
| IIT Bombay | Sep – Oct 20, 2023 (Spring Session) |
| IIT Kharagpur | Apr 2024 |
| IIT Madras | To be announced |
| Delhi University | Jun 2024 – Jul 2024 |
| IIT Jammu | Sep 26 – Oct 20, 2024 |
| IIT Dhanbad | Oct 30, 2024 |
Also Read: Ph.D After PGDM
PhD Admission Process 2024
Admission to the doctorate program is open to holders of a master's degree. Although M.Phil is required for some areas, a PhD is not always needed. Aspirants should be aware that at some Indian colleges, Aspirants must achieve a certain percentage (or comparable CGPA) to be eligible to apply for a PhD program.
Admission is granted based on an interview. If necessary, the personal interview may be complemented with a written test.
PhD Admission 2024: Eligibility Criteria
Students who want to study for a PhD in India must fulfil certain requirements. The following are the exact qualifying requirements for obtaining a PhD admission in India:
- PhD Admission is open to master's degree holders who have secured a minimum of 45-50% in their exams.
- A candidate must pass an all-India test, such as the NET, conducted by the NTA, to be admitted to several prestigious colleges.
- Students in their last year of study taking their qualifying degree exams can also apply; however, they must present attested copies of their qualifying degree certificates.
- There are several additional PhD entrance examinations in India that one may take to qualify for a PhD.
Also Read: Ph.D After MCA
Merit-Based Admission
The merit-based admission process of top colleges offering PhD admission in 2024 is as follows:
- Admission will be provided based on the 12th grade, graduation, and post-graduation score solely. Various colleges are following different criteria for selection.
- Applicants are expected to pursue PhD in the same specialization as their post-graduation degree.
- The counselling list will be rolled out for final admission based on the scores of the students and the seats available.
- After provisional admission, applicants will be expected to submit the research paper for final admission.
Also Read: PhD After M.Pharm
Entrance Based Admission
The entrance-based admission process of top colleges offering PhD admission 2024 is as follows:
- Some colleges and universities have entrance exams before further admission to the college.
- So, applicants are expected to appear for entrance exams and the interview process before further application.
- After which, the final admission list will be rolled out.
Also Read: PhD After MDS
PhD Entrance Exams 2024
As PhD courses are given in several PhD Specializations such as Education, Engineering, Mathematics, Engineering, Planning, and so on, many types of admission tests are held. Some of the Entrance exams are as follows:
Also Read: PhD after B.Tech
PhD Entrance Exam Schedule
Different entrance exams are conducted as PhD courses are available in various fields of study. Below are the exam schedules for some of India's top PhD admission 2024 tests:
| Entrance Exam | Registration Date | Exam Date |
| GPAT | Feb 2022 - Mar 2024 | May 2024 |
| CUCET | Mar 2024 | May 15- 31 2024 |
| VITMEE | Jan 22- Apr 28, 2024 | May 5, 2024 |
National Level PhD Entrance Exams
Below listed are several PhD entrance exams at the national level:
CUCET 2024
The details of CUCET 2024 are as follows:
- The Central Institutions Common Entrance Test (CUCET) is a nationwide entrance test that 10 central universities jointly control.
- This test admits students to central institutions for various programmes, including UG, PG, and others.
- The test is given in a paper-and-pencil format.
- The test is two hours long and consists of multiple-choice questions.
Read More: CUCET
GPAT 2024
The details of GPAT 2024 are as follows:
- The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a national entrance test held every year for admission to postgraduate pharmacy programmes and other related programmes, such as integrated PhD programmes.
- The National Testing Agency administers the GPAT (NTA).
- The test is given in an online format.
Read More: GPAT
Institution-Level PhD Entrance Exams
Below listed are several PhD entrance exams at the institution level:
VITMEE 2024
The details of VITMEE 2024 are as follows:
- The Vellore Institute of Technology Master's Entrance Examination (VITMEE) is an institution-level entrance test for admission to postgraduate programs such as M.Tech and MCA and integrated PhD programs.
- The Vellore Institute of Science and Technology is held once a year for admission to various courses.
- The test is given in an online format.
- The exam will take two hours to complete.
Read More: VITMEE
Specialization Wise PhD Admission 2024
There will be a large selection of PhD specialities available in 2024. Based on their interests and willingness to pursue a career, a person can select any specialisation. The greatest and most sought-after PhD programmes for 2024 are those in entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, and operations.
The emphasis on business analytics, digital marketing, and other fields will rise in the upcoming years. For most PhD specialisations, the following criteria can be utilised for admission:
- Entrance Exam: One must take and pass entrance tests like the UGC NET and other pertinent national or state-wide exams.
- Registration: Candidates will have to create their login credentials on the official website of the respective university by providing their email ID and mobile phone number.
- Application Form: The next step will require candidates to fill out the application form with their personal details, academic details and contact information.
- Course Selection: Next, candidates will have to select their preferred course.
- Document Upload: Candidates will have to upload scanned images of their documents as per the specifications of the conducting authority.
- Application Fees: Candidates will have to pay the application fee according to the specification under the category via online payment modes.
- Form Submission: Once the application fees are paid, candidates must check their details and submit the application form.
Specializations that a candidate can choose based on the area of interest are as follows:
PhD Entrance Exam Pattern
Generally, the PhD entrance exam pattern will depend on which entrance exam the candidates are appearing for. Below are the exam patterns for the various PhD entrance exams:
UGC NET
The table below contains the UGC NET entrance exam pattern for PhD admission 2024:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Paper | UGC NET Paper 1 | UGC NET Paper 2 |
| Exam Mode | Online | Online |
| Duration | 180 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Type of Exam | General | Subject-specific |
| No. of Questions | 50 | 100 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice Questions (MCQ) | Multiple-choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Marks | 50 | 100 |
| Marking Scheme | 2 marks for the correct answer, no negative marking for wrong answers | 2 marks for the correct answer, no negative marking for wrong answers |
Also Read: UGC NET Application Form
IIT JAM
The table below contains the IIT JAM entrance exam pattern for PhD admission 2024:
| Particulars | Details |
| Paper | IIT JAM |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Type of Exam | Questions covering Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geology (GG), Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Economics, and Physics |
| No. of Questions | 60 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks for correct answers, ⅓ deduction for incorrect 1 mark answers, ⅔ deduction for incorrect 2 mark answers |
Also Read: IIT JAM Application Form 2024
GATE
The table below contains the GATE entrance exam pattern for PhD admission 2024:
| Particulars | Details |
| Paper | GATE |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Type of Exam | 2 sections: General and Subject-specific sections |
| No. of Questions | 65 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks for correct answers, ⅓ deduction for incorrect 1 mark answers, ⅔ deduction for incorrect 2 mark answers, no negative marlins for MSQ and NAT |
Also Read: GATE 2024 Application Form
PhD Entrance Exams Syllabus 2024
The syllabus for PhD admission 2024 entrance exams largely remains the same, with the exception of a few topics, and the subject/ specializations opted for by the candidates. Below is a list of subjects that fall under the syllabus of the entrance exams for PhD admission 2024:
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Aptitude
- Comprehension (Based on research aptitude)
- Communication
- Aptitude and Mathematical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- People Development and Environment
- Higher Education System
Read More: PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus
Preparation Tips for Entrance Exams
Preparation Tips will help the aspirant stay well-versed with the schedule they should follow. One should know how to start with the entrance exams preparation to clear the exams. Here are a few of the suggestions for the preparation for entrance exams:
- Well-versed with Syllabus: Collect question papers from previous year's entrance examinations available on the internet. Refer to the PhD entrance test syllabus for your specific expertise. At least one month before the exam's start date, review all of the exam's subjects.
- Regular Practise: To relieve exam stress, practice the many mock examinations accessible. Keep up with current events since they play an important part in obtaining good grades.
- Last Minute Work: Visit the exam centre a day before the exam to minimize last-minute uncertainty when looking for the exam location. Before the exam, have a good night's sleep. To prevent traffic congestion, arrive at the exam centre 1 hour sooner.
Read More: Top Ph.D Entrance Exams
PhD Admission Fee Structure
Candidates have to make sure that they pay the application form fees for PhD admission 2024. The PhD admission 2024 application fees will vary depending on the institution that the candidate is applying to. The PhD admission fee will range from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 depending on the institution offering the course. Candidates must also note that there will be a separate fee for late applications.
Top PhD Universities in India
Many colleges in India offer PhD degrees in various subjects. The finest schools are chosen based on several factors, including placement scenario, pricing structure, instructor evaluations, and infrastructure. Here are the top colleges in India:
BHU PhD Admission 2024
Banaras Hindu University or BHU offers a myriad of PhD Programmes. BHU PhD Admission 2024 are based on a RET or Research Entrance Test for some subjects.
For PhD admission 2024 without RET, candidates need to make sure that they secure a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in their master’s degree, and get qualifying scores in the entrance exam appropriate to the stream that they pursue their PhD in.
Below are the steps for PhD Admission 2024:
- Registration: Candidates will have to create their login credentials on the official BHU website by providing their email ID and mobile phone number.
- Application Form: The next step will require candidates to fill out the application form with their personal details, academic details and contact information.
- Course Selection: Next, candidates will have to select their preferred course.
- Document Upload: Candidates will have to upload scanned images of their photograph and signature as per the specifications of the conducting authority.
- Application Fees: Candidates will have to pay the application fee of INR 600 for the general category, and INR 300 for the reserved category via online payment modes.
- Form Submission: Once the application fees are paid, candidates will have to check their details and submit the application form.
Also Read: BHU Admission 2024
JNU PhD Admission 2024
For admissions to the JNU PhD programmes, candidates need to have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent on the UGC-7 grade point scale in their Master’s or M.Phil degrees. Below are the steps for the JNU PhD Admission 2024:
- Registration: Candidates will have to create their login credentials on the official BHU website by providing their email ID and mobile phone number.
- Application Form: The next step will require candidates to fill out the application form with their personal details, academic details and contact information.
- Course Selection: Next, candidates will have to select their preferred course.
- Document Upload: Candidates will have to upload scanned images of their photograph and signature as per the specifications of the conducting authority.
- Application Fees: Candidates will have to pay the application fees via online payment modes.
- Form Submission: Once the application fees are paid, candidates will have to check their details and submit the application form.
Also Read: JNU Admission 2024
IGNOU PhD Admission 2024
IGNOU or Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a plethora of PhD courses in Journalism, Geology, Statistics, Women's Studies, Physics, Chemistry and Mass Communication to name a few. The IGNOU PhD entrance exam is known to be quite tough so students must prepare well for the same.
Below is the application process for IGNOU PhD Admission 2024:
- Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU website
- Step 2: Register using your email ID and mobile number to create a login ID
- Step 3: Use your login ID to sign into the portal
- Step 4: Select the course and make a note of the course ID
- Step 5: Next, click on the ‘Application’ button
- Step 6: Fill up the application form carefully, with all the required details
- Step 7: Pay the application fee of INR 1,000 for the general category and INR 800 for the reserved category
- Step 8: Upload all the required documents before clicking on ‘submit’
Also Read: IGNOU Admission 2024
IIT PhD Admission 2024
For IIT PhD Admission 2024, candidates need to fill out their application forms on the official websites of the respective IITs. If candidates meet the eligibility criteria, they’ll have to give the written test and appear for a personal interview for admissions. Candidates with valid GATE scores can apply for PhD courses at the various IITs that offer said programmes.
Benefits of Pursuing a PhD Degree
A PhD is regarded as one of the most prestigious degrees in India and internationally. Therefore, a PhD degree may be a suitable qualification for the job path. Many schools and institutions offer PhD programs for interested students. The following are some of the advantages of taking the course:
- A PhD is a higher degree that indicates a candidate's specialization in a certain field. It assists the candidate in narrowing their emphasis and moving on with academic research.
- PhD is one of the most renowned degrees, both in the United States and overseas. Having a PhD degree will help Aspirants advance in the job.
- It also provides a diverse selection of job options.
Read More: Benefits of a Ph.D
Job Opportunities and Salary
PhD graduates have several options for a satisfying and successful profession. Because of the education that students receive, they are more employability-focused, making it simpler to find work after completing a PhD Some of the job profiles for PhD holders are as follows:
- Senior Professor
- Chief Research Manager
- Research Associate
- Senior Consultant
- Scientist
- Research Consultant
- Associate Professor
- Scientific Writer
- Senior Professor
- Chief Research Manager
Average Salary of PhD Holders
In India, PhD salaries vary depending on various characteristics like experience, area of expertise, and location. However, a PhD graduate's average pay is roughly INR 5 LPA.
| Designation | Average Salary (INR) |
| Research Scientist | 7LPA |
| Assistant Professor | 3.3LPA |
| Principal Scientist | 7LPA |
Read More: PhD Salary
Future Scope of Pursuing PhD
As a PhD graduate, one has multiple employment opportunities to choose from and pursue the career. Aspirants can choose a suitable job profile based on their specialization and area of interest.
- Increased Job Opportunities: There are many job opportunities for specialized domain knowledge students in the industry. The course is designed so that an aspirant can have the industrial experience to grow in their career.
- Higher Payscale: The sort of industry one chooses to work in, and the job title impacts compensation. Internships and job placements can help graduates earn more money by broadening their experience.
Ultimately it is the choice of an individual to pursue the program or not based on the area of interest and requirements to achieve their career goals.
Read More: PhD Scope in India
