Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy): Course Details, Eligibility, Duration, Fees
PhD is a doctoral program that deals with a variety of research methods and specializations including English, Microbiology, Psychology, and more. PhD duration in India is 3-5 years which depends on the coursework completion by the student. Ph.D. graduates primarily work as Consultants, Researchers, Professors, and R&D Industry Experts.
Table of Contents
- About PhD Course
- Why Choose PhD Course?
- Who Should Pursue PhD Course?
- PhD Eligibility Criteria
- PhD Admission Process?
- PhD Entrance Exam
- PhD Fees Structure
- Integrated PhD
- PhD Courses
- Categories of PhD Candidates
- Top PhD Colleges in India
- PhD in India
- Syllabus and Subjects for PhD
- PhD Course Comparison
- Salary of a PhD Graduate
- Career Options After Doctor of Philosophy Course
- PhD Scholarships
- Skills That Make You The Best PhD Graduate
PhD Course Details
| Degree | Doctorate |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosphy |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | No age limit |
| Minimum Percentage | 50-55% in Post Graduation |
| Average Fees | ₹30K - 3 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 6 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Professor, Principal Scientist, Research Associate etc. |
About PhD Course
PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy, which is a high-level academic program that involves in-depth study and research in a specific field of study. The average PhD fee is in the range of INR 30,000–3 LPA.
PhD course duration is 3-5 years. The PhD syllabus includes core subjects such as research methodology, understanding of literature review, and other related topics.
PhD Admission requires students to have a 50-55% aggregate in postgraduation and qualifying entrance exams such as CSIR NET, GATE, UGC NET, etc. The PhD job scope is vast, where graduates are involved in developing new technologies or products, working on research projects with universities or organizations, etc.
Why Choose PhD Course?
PhD is one of the most prestigious degrees that a student can pursue. With the recent focus by the government to encourage research education in the country, a PhD degree is considered the most viable option.
To gain a deeper insight into "Why to choose a PhD," below are a few points listed:
- A PhD degree offers various career opportunities in research, academia, or other specialized areas of work.
- There has been an increase of 13.7% in enrollment in PhD from the previous year.
- The advancement of technology has made it easier for students to access research resources and collaborate with researchers from other countries.
- The Indian government has taken several initiatives to support and promote PhD courses in India such as MERU, IMPRINT, Prime Minister Research Fellowship, Global Initiative of Academic Networks, etc.
Read More: PhD Jobs and scope
Who Should Pursue PhD Course?
Before deciding whether to pursue a PhD course, it is important to understand the alignment between individual expectations and course offerings. Below is a general overview of aspirants that can pursue the PhD course:
- A PhD qualification is for those who have a strong academic background and an interest in a career in academia or research, pursuing a PhD program is a wise choice.
- Individuals who enjoy the process of exploring new ideas, theories, and concepts in their field of study are well-suited for a PhD degree.
- Those who are interested in a career in teaching, research, or consulting in their field of study should consider pursuing a doctor of philosophy course.
PhD Eligibility Criteria
The basic PhD eligibility criteria is common for most of the colleges. Given below are the PhD requirements enlisted as common criteria by various colleges for admission to PhD program:
- Candidates who have completed their postgraduation from an accredited university with a minimum of 50-55% aggregate marks are eligible to apply for PhD course.
- A candidate is required to clear cutoffs for entrance exams such as UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, BHU RET, etc as per the college requirement.
- Some universities may also require relevant work experience in the field of research to which the candidate is applying.
- There is no upper age limit to enroll in the course.
PhD Admission Process?
The admissions to the PhD course can be done through both online and offline methods. PhD admission in India is also available from the website or by directly visiting the college's admissions office.
Listed below is the PhD admission process in general:
- PhD registration can be carried out through online and offline methods.
- Students need to visit the website college to check for entrance exams.
- If any entrance exam is conducted, the candidate needs to qualify.
- Once the merit list is published, candidates need to sit for a counseling session.
- Upload the necessary documents and pay the PhD admission fees.
Read More: PhD Admission
PhD Entrance Exam
PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy and it is one of the prestigious courses to pursue to enhance skills and develop expertise. PhD admission is based on entrance exams held at the national, state, or institute level. Below mentioned is the list of PhD entrance exam:
- CSIR NET
- UGC NET
- GATE
- BARC PhD Admission Test
- ICMR Junior Research Fellowships
- DBT Biotechnology Eligibility Test
- BINC Examination
- BITS PhD Entrance Examination
- BHU RET
State-level PhD Entrance Exams
Some entrance exams are conducted at state levels which can grant a candidate wishing to pursue PhD degree at the university of their choice. Here is a list regarding the information on PhD entrance exam state-wise:
| Sl.No. | State | Entrance Exam |
| 1 | Karnataka | KSET |
| 2 | Madhya Pradesh | MPSET |
| 3 | Maharashtra | MHSET |
| 4 | Jammu | JKSET |
A Quick Glance at the PhD Entrance Exams
The PhD eligibility criteria of the above-mentioned entrance exams are entirely dependent on the conduction body; hence it varies. While the format of the entrance exams varies on the specialization, as each college or subject has its own governing body.
Below listed are some of the general guidelines for the PhD entrance exam:
- The exam pattern includes logical, reasoning, and knowledge-based questions. The mode of the test will be both online and offline.
- The paper is MCQ based.
- The exam is divided into common and subject-specific sections.
- The syllabus, mode of examination, and question pattern may change according to a university/conduction body.
- There is no negative marketing.
PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus
PhD exam syllabus helps the candidates to prepare for the exam by delivering the necessary knowledge and information about the exam pattern. The syllabus varies according to the PhD specialisation chosen by the student such as Management, Commerce, Education, etc.
Below given is the common syllabus for the common paper:
- Research Methodology
- Indian Logic
- Logical Reasoning
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- People Development & Environment
Read More on PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus
PhD Fees Structure
The average PhD fees ranges from INR 30,000 - 3 LPA. The PhD course fees, however, vary as per the institute concerned according to its prestige, infrastructure, faculty, etc. Below is a list of colleges with respective fee structures:
| Sl.No. | College | Admission Fees | Tuition Fees | Miscellaneous Fees |
| 1 | Amity University | INR 10,000 | INR 3 LPA | INR 50,000 PA |
| 2 | IIT Bombay | INR 2,000 | INR 30,000 PA | INR 24,000 PA |
| 3 | Banaras Hindu University | INR 1,000 | INR 4,200 PA | - |
| 4 | BITS Pilani | INR 8,000 | INR 1.9 LPA | INR 38,000 PA |
| 5 | University of Calcutta | INR 500 | INR 18,000 PA | INR 3,000 PA |
Integrated PhD
Traditional academic study and professional practice are both combined as part of a form of a doctoral program known as an integrated PhD.
Integrated PhD programs frequently combine coursework, research, and professional experience to allow students the opportunity to get a thorough understanding of their topic. Below mentioned are details of the Integrated PhD course:
| Eligibility | 55% total aggregate in Bachelor's degree + Qualifying entrance exams such as IIT JAM |
| Integrated PhD Duration | 5 years |
| Average Fees | INR 60,000-2.3 LPA |
| Top Colleges | IISC Bangalore, JNU Delhi |
PhD Courses
PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy and the course duration is between 3 - 5 years, depending on the specialization students decide to pursue. In India, the PhD course provides excellent exposure to multiple opportunities and qualifies them to work in their respective research areas either in India or abroad.
Listed below are some of the top PhD specialization:
Other popular PhD course specializations are listed below:
| PhD Courses List | |
| PhD in Pharmacy | PhD in Biotechnology |
| PhD in Finance | PhD in English Literature |
| PhD in Maths | PhD in Hindi |
| PhD in Sociology | PhD in History |
| PhD in Commerce | PhD in Chemistry |
| PhD in Microbiology | PhD in Management Studies |
| PhD in Media Studies | PhD in Computer Science and Engineering |
Doctor of Philosophy courses are highly valued by employers and are essential for careers in academia and research. A student can pursue a PhD degree in various streams according to their experience, interest and, future scope.
Below is a list of the various streams in which PhD degree is available:
PhD Courses in Science
PhD course in the Science stream aims to prepare students for careers in academia or industry, where they can apply their scientific knowledge and research skills to solve real-world problems with specialization in chemistry, botany, bioscience, etc.
Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Science:
- PhD in Mathematics
- PhD in Chemistry
- PhD in Physics
- PhD in Biotechnology
- PhD in Zoology
- PhD in Clinical Research
- PhD in Bioinformatics
- PhD in Applied Sciences
- PhD in Clinical Research
- PhD in Mathematical and Computational Sciences
- PhD in Bioscience
- PhD in Basic and Applied Science
- PhD in Environmental Science and Technology
- PhD in Botany
- PhD in Applied Chemistry and Polymer Technology
PhD Courses in Humanities and Social Science
Doctor of Philosophy course in Humanities and Social Science aims to develop the student's ability to conduct original research and to produce new insights into the social and cultural aspects of life. Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Humanities and Social Science:
- PhD in Political Science
- PhD in English
- PhD in Psychology
- PhD in Economics
- PhD in Sociology
- PhD in History
- PhD in Geography
- PhD in Social Work
- PhD in Public Policy
- PhD in International Relations and Policies
- PhD in Arts
- PhD in Humanities and Social Science
- PhD in Public and Economic Policy
- PhD in Life Science
- PhD in Public and Economic Policy
PhD Courses in Engineering
The PhD course in Engineering aims to develop the student's ability to create innovative solutions to complex engineering problems with specializations such as civil engineering, genetic engineering, etc.
Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Engineering:
- PhD in Engineering
- PhD in Production Engineering
- PhD in Information Technology
- PhD in Chemical Engineering
- PhD in Quantitative Techniques
- PhD in Ceramic Engineering
- PhD in Computer Science Engineering
- PhD in Civil Engineering
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- PhD in Genetic Engineering
- PhD in Aeronautical and Automobile Engineering
- PhD in Marine Biotechnology
PhD Courses in Commerce
PhD programs in commerce are designed to equip students for careers in academia or research, where they can use their knowledge of research, analysis, and innovation to solve challenging problems in the fields of business and commerce.
Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Commerce:
- PhD in Commerce
- PhD in Finance
- PhD in Statistics
- PhD in Accountancy
- PhD in Commerce Management
- PhD in Business Economics
- PhD in Commerce and Management
- PhD in Accounting and Financial Management
PhD Courses in Business Management
The PhD programs in Business Management seek to develop highly qualified researchers who can contribute significantly to the business community, academia, and society by tackling the complex problems and difficulties that face organizations and economies around the globe.
Below is a list of subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD course in Business Management:
- PhD in HR Management
- PhD in Marketing
- PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- PhD in Management
- PhD in Operations Management
- PhD in Organisational Behaviour
- PhD in Business Administration
- PhD in Renewable Energy
- PhD in Aviation Management
- PhD in Disaster Management
PhD Courses in Law
The goal of the PhD in law programme is to give students advanced training in legal analysis and study techniques. Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD course in Law:
- PhD in Law
- PhD in Legal Studies
- PhD in Law and Governance
- PhD in Constitutional Law
- Doctor of Law
PhD Courses in Medicine
The Doctor of Philosophy course in medicine is designed to challenge students to think critically about medical issues and to develop the ability to analyze complex medical problems. The subject areas include radiology, pathology, neuroscience, and among others.
Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Medicine:
- PhD in Physiotherapy
- PhD in Medicine
- PhD in Physiology
- PhD in Radiology
- PhD in Hospital Administration
- PhD in Medical Physics
- PhD in Radiology
- PhD in Immunology
- PhD in Pathology
- PhD in Neurosciences
- PhD in Paramedical
- Doctor of Medicine in Homoeopathy
- Doctor of Medicine in Forensic Medicine
- Doctor of Medicine in Cardiology
- Doctor of Medicine in Biochemistry
PhD Courses in Pharmacy
The PhD courses in Pharmacy's objective is to create highly qualified and knowledgeable individuals who can apply their knowledge in the workplace and make significant contributions to the field of pharmacy through study and teaching.
Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Pharmacy:
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Science
- PhD in Pharmacology
- PhD in Pharmaceutics
- PhD in Medical Chemistry
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
PhD Courses in Agriculture
The PhD courses in Agriculture seek to create creative answers to the current problems in agriculture, such as food security, climate change, and resource sustainability.
Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD course in Agriculture:
- PhD in Horticulture
- PhD in Agronomy
- PhD in Agricultural Economics
- PhD in Plant Pathology
Categories of PhD Candidates
There are various categories of students who pursue PhD. Below is a list of PhD Candidates:
- Full-Time Research Scholars: A full-time search A scholar is someone who is enrolled in a PhD programme and is devoting their full time to completing the degree requirements.
- Part-Time Research Scholars: Applicants interested in working as part-time science staff at the institute can apply in one of the following categories:
- External Sponsored Candidates
- Self-Financed: Candidates in this category go through the normal admissions process but do not receive any financial assistance from universities.
- Sponsored: The candidates are awarded based on their merit and offered full sponsorship by Research & Development organizations to conduct research.
- Govt. /Semi Govt. Fellowship Scheme: The candidates are granted a fellowship by the government and hence get financial assistance through the government.
- Study Leave Candidates: The candidates are granted three years of leave by the government/research institutes/companies to conduct research at specific institutes.
- ICCR Awardees: Indian Council of Cultural Relations awardees, are sponsored by their respective state governments.
Top PhD Colleges in India
Below is the list of the 10 best PhD Colleges in India:
| NIRF Ranking | Top colleges for PhD | Average Fees |
| 1 | University of Calcutta | INR 18,000 PA |
| 2 | Amity University | INR 3 LPA |
| 3 | Amrita University, Coimbatore | INR 20,000 PA |
| 4 | Delhi University | INR 24,000 PA |
| 5 | Jai Hind College | INR 23,000 PA |
| 7 | Andhra University | INR 22,000 PA |
| 25 | IIT, Delhi | INR 32,000 PA |
| 26 | Aligarh Muslim University | INR 30,000 PA |
| 30 | BITS Pilani | INR 1.9 LPA |
| 35 | Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal | INR 1.5 LPA |
Top PhD Colleges in Chennai
The following are the top PhD colleges in Chennai:
| Sl.No. | College Name |
| 1 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education |
| 2 | Anna University |
| 3 | Sri Ramachandra Medical College |
| 4 | IRS |
| 5 | JRNRVU |
Top PhD Colleges in Mumbai
The following are the top PhD colleges in Mumbai:
| Sl.No. | College Name |
| 1 | University of Mumbai |
| 2 | IIT Bombay |
| 3 | NMIMS |
| 4 | NITIE |
| 5 | Amity University |
Top PhD Colleges in Hyderabad
The following are the top PhD colleges in Hyderabad:
| Sl.No. | College Name |
| 1 | Osmania University |
| 2 | University of Hyderabad |
| 3 | IIIT Hyderabad |
| 4 | Maulana Azad National Urdu University |
Top PhD Colleges in Bangalore
The top PhD colleges in Bangalore are as follows:
Top PhD Colleges in Delhi
The following are the best PhD colleges in Delhi:
| Sl.No. | College Name |
| 1 | IIT Delhi |
| 2 | National Law University |
| 3 | Faculty of Management Studies |
| 4 | IIFT |
| 5 | DIPSAR |
Top PhD Colleges in Kolkata
The best PhD colleges in Kolkata are listed below:
| Sl.No. | College Name |
| 1 | University of Calcutta |
| 2 | Jadavpur University |
| 3 | Techno India University |
| 4 | Adamas University |
| 5 | Presidency University |
Top PhD Government Colleges
Several government-funded colleges offer PhD in various courses across various streams. The PhD fees in India in government colleges range between INR 10,000-72,000 PA. Here is a tabular list of the top PhD government colleges in India:
| Sl.No. | College Name |
| 1 | JNU, Delhi |
| 2 | DIPSAR, Delhi |
| 3 | NIT, Durgapur |
| 4 | Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur |
| 5 | BHU, Banaras |
Top PhD Private Colleges
Prestigious private institutes are spread all across India offering PhD courses. Below is a table of the top private colleges offering PhD in India:
| Sl.No. | College Name |
| 1 | VIT, Vellore |
| 2 | Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai |
| 3 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education, Chennai |
| 4 | IFHE, Hyderabad |
| 5 | IIIT Bangalore |
PhD in India
The number of PhD applicants and students in India has been steadily increasing, indicating a positive growth trend for pursuing a PhD. Below mentioned are PhD course details of top colleges in India:
IIT Bombay PhD
IIT Bombay is one of India's best institutions to pursue a PhD. There are 35 programs in total, and applicants can specialize in any of them. Admission to the PhD programs is through a rigorous selection process that includes clearing the required cut-off for the entrance exam and clearing an interview.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as GATE, UGC NET. |
| PhD Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 58,500 PA |
IIT Bombay PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| SI.No. | Specializations |
| 1 | Financial Studies |
| 2 | Economics |
| 3 | Intellectual Property Rights Law |
| 4 | Computer Science and Engineering |
| 5 | Design |
| 6 | Biotechnology |
| 7 | Physics |
| 8 | Chemistry |
| 9 | Mathematics |
| 10 | Civil Engineering |
| 11 | Technology and Development |
| 12 | Technology Management |
| 13 | Strategy |
| 14 | Climate Studies |
| 15 | Educational Technology |
| 16 | Operations Management |
| 17 | Energy Science and Engineering |
| 18 | International Business |
| 19 | Industrial Engineering |
| 20 | Regulatory and Policy Studies |
| 21 | HR Management |
| 22 | Nano Science and Technology |
| 23 | Aerospace Engineering |
| 24 | Chemical Engineering |
| 25 | Material Science |
| 26 | Earth Science |
| 27 | Quantitative Techniques |
| 28 | Marketing |
| 29 | Information Technology |
| 30 | Instrumentation and Control |
| 31 | Electrical Engineering |
| 32 | Urban Engineering |
| 33 | Mechanical Engineering |
| 34 | Environmental Science and Engineering |
| 35 | Natural Resources |
Read More: IIT Bombay PhD
IIT Delhi PhD
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is one of the twenty-three IITs created to be centers of excellence for research, training, and development in science, engineering, and technology in India. IIT Delhi offers over 25 specialization options for PhD degree.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 60% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as GATE, UGC NET, DBT |
| PhD Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 32,500 PA |
IIT Delhi PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| SI.No. | Specializations |
| 1 | Instrument Design and Development |
| 2 | Textile Technology |
| 3 | Applied Mathematics |
| 4 | Applied Mechanics |
| 5 | Atmospheric Sciences |
| 6 | Automotive Research and Tribology |
| 7 | Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology |
| 8 | Biological Sciences |
| 9 | Biomedical Engineering |
| 10 | Chemistry |
| 11 | Chemical Engineering |
| 12 | Computer Science and Engineering |
| 13 | Electrical Engineering |
| 14 | Energy Studies |
| 15 | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| 16 | Industrial Tribology and Maintenance Engineering |
| 17 | Information Technology |
| 18 | Management Studies |
| 19 | Material Science and Engineering |
| 20 | Mathematics |
| 21 | Physics |
| 22 | Mechanical Engineering |
| 23 | Polymer Science and Technology |
| 24 | Rural Development |
| 25 | Telecommunication Technology and Management |
Read More: IIT Delhi PhD
IIT Madras PhD
IIT Madras is considered one of the premier institutes for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in India. The admission process is highly competitive, and candidates need to have an excellent academic record and research experience to be considered for admission.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as UGC NET, GATE, or CEED |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 24,000 PA |
IIT Madras PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| SI.No. | Specializations |
| 1 | Computer Science |
| 2 | Biotechnology |
| 3 | Science and Humanities |
| 4 | Mathematics |
| 5 | Management Studies |
| 6 | Physics |
| 7 | Chemical Engineering |
| 8 | Biomedical Sciences |
| 9 | Engineering Design |
| 10 | Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering |
| 11 | Management |
| 12 | Chemistry |
| 13 | Civil Engineering |
| 14 | Mechanical Engineering |
| 15 | Electrical Engineering |
| 16 | Climate and Ocean Science |
| 17 | Applied Mathematics |
| 18 | Fluid Mechanics |
| 19 | Aerospace Engineering |
| 20 | Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science |
Read More: IIT Madras PhD
IIT Indore PhD
The highly regarded PhD course at IIT Indore offers students a great platform to explore their research interests and grow as successful researchers in their discipline. Additionally, the institute offers few PhD candidates financial aid in the form of research assistantships and other fellowships.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as GATE, UGC NET-JRF |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 78,000 PA |
IIT Indore PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| SI.No. | Specializations |
| 1 | Psychology |
| 2 | Economics |
| 3 | Physics |
| 4 | Chemistry |
| 5 | English |
| 6 | Computer Science and Engineering |
| 7 | Materials Engineering |
| 8 | Mathematics |
| 9 | Electrical Engineering |
| 10 | Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering |
| 11 | Philosophy |
| 12 | Astronomy |
| 13 | Mechanical Engineering |
| 14 | Sociology |
| 15 | Material Science |
Read More: IIT Indore PhD
IISC Bangalore PhD
One of India's top research universities, IISc Bangalore, offers a highly regarded PhD program in a variety of subjects, including engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences.
The PhD programs at IISc Bangalore are created to give students the chance to cooperate with business partners and some of the top researchers in their respective domains. Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as GATE, UGC NET-JRF |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 32,000 PA |
IISc Bangalore PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| SI.No. | Specializations |
| 1 | Ecological Sciences |
| 2 | Biochemistry |
| 3 | Molecular Reproduction; Development and Genetics |
| 4 | Microbiology and Cell Biology |
| 5 | Neuroscience |
| 6 | Molecular Biophysics |
| 7 | Materials Research |
| 8 | Inorganic and Physical Chemistry |
| 9 | Organic Chemistry |
| 10 | Mathematics |
| 11 | Astronomy and Astrophysics |
| 12 | Solid-State and Structural Chemistry |
| 13 | Physics |
| 14 | High Energy Physics |
| 15 | Electrical Engineering |
| 16 | Computer Science and Automation |
| 17 | Electronic Systems Engineering |
| 18 | Electrical Communication Engineering |
| 19 | Computational Data Sciences |
| 20 | Aerospace Engineering |
| 21 | Nanoscience and Engineering |
| 22 | Chemical Engineering |
| 23 | Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences |
| 24 | Civil Engineering |
| 25 | Earth Sciences |
| 26 | Materials Engineering |
| 27 | Mechanical Engineering |
| 28 | Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing |
| 29 | Sustainable Technology |
| 30 | Instrumentation and Applied Physics |
| 31 | Management Studies |
| 32 | Energy |
| 33 | Biosystems Science and Engineering |
| 34 | Mathematical Sciences |
| 35 | Water Research |
| 36 | Nanoscience and Engineering |
| 37 | Climate Change |
| 38 | Cyber-Physical Systems |
| 39 | Brain and Artificial Intelligence |
Read More: IISC Bangalore PhD
IGNOU PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy courses offered by IGNOU are well-organized, and adaptable, and give students the assistance and resources they need to thrive in their chosen academic or research fields. A variety of online and offline delivery methods are used to provide the courses.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing PhD entrance exam such as UGC NET-JRF |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 22,000 PA |
IGNOU PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| Sl.No. | Specialization |
| 1 | Management |
| 2 | Biotechnology |
| 3 | Architecture |
| 4 | Computer Science and Engineering |
| 5 | Electrical Engineering |
| 6 | Nano-technology |
| 7 | Mechanical Engineering |
| 8 | Research Methodology |
| 9 | Physics |
| 10 | Chemistry |
| 11 | Physical Education |
| 12 | Mathematics |
| 13 | Chemical Engineering |
| 14 | Library and Information Science |
| 15 | Textile Technology |
| 16 | Polymer Science and Technology |
Read More: IGNOU PhD
BAMU PhD
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University provides a range of PhD programs in fields like law, business, engineering, and the humanities. The college also offers students to apply for PhD scholarships such as the Earn and Learn Scheme, EBC, Maulana Azad National Fellowship, and Merit Scholarship of the University.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as GATE, UGC NET-JRF, or PET |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 24,000 PA |
Read More: BAMU PhD
Amity University PhD
Amity University, Noida is a well-known institute with campuses throughout India. Without a doubt, pursuing a doctoral program here is something to think about. The university offers over 70 different doctoral programs.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR, ICAR (ASRP), GATE, DST, etc. |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 1.2 LPA |
Amity University PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| 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 | Defense 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 |
Read More: Amity University PhD
JNU PhD
JNU, or Nehru University, is one of India's best universities, particularly for studies where students have the chance to work with experts from different countries and conduct interdisciplinary research. A variety of integrated courses are also available through JNU, including MPhil-PhD, MTech-PhD, and MSc-PhD.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR, JNUEE, etc. |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 5,000 PA |
JNU PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| English | Environmental Science |
| Economics | History (Mediaeval 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 Exclusion Studies | - |
Read More: JNU PhD
DU PhD
Delhi University or DU is one of the best colleges in Delhi, as well as in overall India. The university is renowned for its research and teaching excellence, and its faculty members are highly qualified and experienced
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as UGC NET- JRF, CSIR NEET, SLET, etc. |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 20,000 PA |
DU PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| Commerce | German |
| Business Administration | Dermatology |
| Pharmacology | Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing |
| History | Electronics and Communication |
| Political Science | Anaesthesiology |
| Resource Management and Design Application | Paediatrics |
| 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 | - |
Read More: DU PhD
GTU PhD
Gujarat Technical University or GTU offers various range of PG and Doctoral Programs to students with research and teaching opportunities, such as seminars and workshops, which can help students gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field.
Below is the table for PhD admission process:
| PhD Eligibility | 50-55% total aggregate in Master's degree + Passing entrance exams such as UGC NET- JRF, GATE, etc. |
| PhD Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| PhD Fees |
INR 40,000 PA |
GTU PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:
| Sl.No. | Specializations |
| 1 | Science |
| 2 | Social Science |
| 3 | Mechanical Engineering |
| 4 | Engineering and Technology |
| 5 | Computer Application |
| 6 | Pharmacy |
| 7 | Management |
| 8 | Humanities |
| 9 | Architecture and Planning |
Read More: GTU PhD
Syllabus and Subjects for PhD
The course and subjects for a PhD degree depend on the specialization aspirants decide to pursue. Listed below are some common PhD subjects that students, regardless of their chosen stream, will get a chance to study:
- Research Methodology
- Ethics of Interviewing for a Research Course
- How to Write a Research Proposal
- Introduction to Social Media as a Research Tool
Read More: PhD Syllabus and Subjects
PhD Course Comparison
PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy, it is one of the highest degrees a student can pursue. PhD duration is 3-5 years and throughout the tenure, the aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of students related to theories, research techniques, and most recent developments in their field of study. There are also other courses for students that offer similar career opportunities to students.
MPhil vs PhD
The table below shows the difference between MPhil and PhD:
| Course | MPhil | PhD |
| Full-Form | Master of Philosophy | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 3-5 Years |
| Eligibility | 50% in masters with relevant entrance exam. | Minimum of 55-60% in post-graduation. |
| Average Fees | INR 2,000-1 LPA | INR 72,000-4 LPA |
| Entrance Exam | BHU RET, GATE, JNUEE, etc. | UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, etc. |
| Top Colleges | Banaras Hindu University, JNU, Delhi University | IIT Bombay, Calcutta University, JNU |
MBA vs PhD
The table below shows the difference between MBA and PhD:
| Course | MBA | PhD |
| Full-Form | Master of Business Administration | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 3-5 Years |
| Eligibility | Minimum of 50% in undergraduate | Minimum of 55-60% in post-graduation |
| Average Fees | INR 2-10 LPA | INR 72,000-4 LPA |
| Entrance Exam | CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, etc. | UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, etc. |
| Top Colleges | IIM Ahmedabad, NMIMS, FMS Delhi | IIT Bombay, Calcutta University, JNU |
PhD vs MD
The table below shows the difference PhD and MD:
| Course | PhD | MD |
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctor of Medicine |
| Course Duration | 3-5 Years | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | Minimum of 55-60% in post-graduation | Minimum of 55% in MBBA |
| Average Fees | INR 72,000-4 LPA | INR 42,000 - 5 LPA |
| Entrance Exam | UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, etc. | MU OET, NEET PG, IPU CET, etc. |
| Top Colleges | IIT Bombay, Calcutta University, JNU | Christian Medical College, Madras Medical College, SRM University |
Salary of a PhD Graduate
PhD graduate salary is influenced by various factors such as experience, skills, industry outlook, etc. According to Glassdoor, a PhD graduate's average salary is INR 6 LPA in India. The individual can increase their compensation by working on the above factors and keep on learning as per the job dynamics.
Read More: PhD Salary
Career Options After Doctor of Philosophy Course
A Doctor of Philosophy graduate has a broad spectrum of lucrative employability opportunities in a wide variety of industries and areas of employment, such as:
- Consultant
- Professor
- Learning Counsel
- Analysts
- Research Scientist
PhD Scholarships
PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy and the aim of the course is to enhance the research in the country for which the government has taken various initiatives in the field of education and research to provide scholarships to students.
Below is a list of some of the PhD Scholarship:
- National Fellowship for ST students
- National Fellowship (NF) for OBC students
- UGC NET Fellowship
- Maulana Azad National Fellowship
- ICSSR Research Fellowship
- Two fellowships instituted by Research Center on Rural Problem
- Two fellowships instituted by VasantraoNaik Research Centre
- Earn and Learn Scheme
- University Scholar Fellowship, Shetkari & Shetmajur Palya Scholar Fellowship
Read More: PhD Scholarships
Skills That Make You The Best PhD Graduate
PhD graduates need to have skills to help them succeed in their professional lives. After they have completed their research, aspirants will need these skills to ensure that they succeed in their workplace. Some of these skills include:
- Quantitative Analysis Skills
- Research Skills
- Analytical Skills
- The Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Interpersonal Skills
Top PhD [Doctor of Philosophy] Colleges
PhD Fee Structure
FAQs on PhD
Q: Is PhD a good career choice?
A: Yes PhD is a good choice for candiates who wants to work in research, academia, or other specialized areas of work.
Q: What are the jobs after PhD in India?
A: After completing PhD graduates can work as consultants, researchers, professors, and R&D industry experts in India.
Q: What are the PhD benefits in India?
A: A PhD program is a great opportunity to advance your education and job opportunities in India with increasing government focus to encourage researches in India in coming time. Having a PhD can have a variety of advantages, including expanding your access to higher-level research opportunities and raising your income potential.
Q: What is a PhD Fellowship?
A: A PhD Fellowship is a type of grant awarded to individuals who are pursuing a doctoral degree. The fellowship often pays for tuition, fees, and a living allowance, freeing up students to concentrate on their research and studies without having to worry about money.
Q: What is the full form of PhD?
A: PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy.
Q: What is PhD age limit in India?
A: There is no upper age limit to enrol in PhD in India.
Q: Is GATE mandatory for PhD after MTech?
A: After obtaining an MTech, GATE scores are practically necessary for admission to doctoral programs, notably at IITs and NITs. Also some of the Indian universities and institutions conduct their own PhD entrance exam for admission.
Q: Can I do PhD after graduation?
A: For direct admission to a PhD degree, students must have finished a four-year undergraduate programme, as recently notified by UGC.
