PhD Mathematics is a postgraduate research degree course that enables the student to explore more on higher level mathematical concepts and ideas. The duration of the degree is generally 3 – 6 years and includes a set curriculum, examinations and writing of a dissertation based on the candidate’s research work.
The candidates seeking admission to a PhD in Mathematics must have passed a master’s degree in Mathematics or a relevant subject and must have obtained at least 55% – 60% marks. A few of the best colleges that offer the PhD Mathematics course in India are the Indian Statistical Institute of Kolkata, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research of Mumbai, and the University of Delhi.
Graduates with a PhD in Mathematics can become university teachers, researchers in different governmental and private organisations, research scientists and can work in different fields such as data scientists, cryptologists, financial analysts. The salary for a PhD Mathematics graduate varies between INR 600,000 and INR 2,000,000 based on specialisation and experience.
What is PhD Mathematics?
A PhD in Mathematics is the most advanced degree you can earn, usually needing 3 – 6 years of extra study and research after getting a master\’s degree. It needs intense investigation into one particular area of mathematics like algebra, analysis, geometry or topology. The final step to complete this degree is completing an original dissertation that adds importantly to mathematical understanding.
PhD Mathematics Highlights
Here are the important highlights of the PhD in Mathematics course that will help in your better understanding about the course:
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | Doctorate Degree |
| Duration | Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years |
| Eligibility | Master\’s degree in Mathematics or related field with 60% aggregate marks. Shortlisted candidates appear for written tests and/or interviews. NET/ GATE/ JRF holders exempted from written test |
| Fees | Ranges from Rs. 2,480 to Rs 3.97 lakhs |
| Entrance Exams | UGC NET, GATE, etc. |
| Top Colleges | Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi), Aligarh Muslim University (Coimbatore), Birla Institute of Technology (Ranchi), Amity University (Noida) |
| Syllabus | Algebra, Differential Equations, Analysis, Calculus, Computational Techniques, Number Theory, Probability Theory |
| Specialisations | Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Mathematical Education, Mathematical Statistics, Computational Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Statistics |
| Scholarships | Rs. 28,000 per month for M.Sc, increases to Rs. 31,000 after qualifying coursework. Rs. 31,000 per month for M.Tech/ JRF |
| Career Options | Mathematician, Statistician, Demographer, Lecturer, Scientist, Research Associate. Top recruiters include Ernst & Young, Tiger Analytics, TCS Innovation Lab, Weizmann Institute |
Why Study PhD Mathematics?
An academic study into a PhD in Mathematics brings career progression, skills enhancement and an opportunity to contribute through research. It grows a love for exploring, giving abundant job chances in education, research or finance among others. The course encourages working together across different fields of study, improves general abilities like logical thinking and communication while offering chances to create important advancements in several industries. A PhD in Mathematics does not just progress subject understanding, it also improves possibilities for employment and unlocks a variety of professional trajectories.
PhD Mathematics Admission Process
The way of accepting students into PhD Mathematics in India differs among universities, but usually there are two main paths:
Merit-Based Admission
- There are a few universities that give direct admission on the basis of merit, not needing an entrance exam. The conditions for eligibility usually consist of:
- Master\’s degree in Mathematics or any equivalent subject with a minimum of 55% scores (50% for SC/ ST/ OBC/ PWD)
- Minimum 55% marks in 12th standard and Bachelor\’s degree
Entrance Exam Based Admission
PhD Mathematics in universities usually follow a process of entrance exams and interviews to admit students. Some of the commonly accepted entrance exams are:
- UGC NET (including JRF)
- GATE
- NBHM
- CSIR-UGC NET
Candidates who qualify these national level exams, such as NET, GATE, NBHM etc., can directly appear for the interview round. The entrance test is a qualifying exam with 50% cutoff marks.
The interview could require the candidate to give a brief 5 minute talk about their preferred research area. They will be chosen finally by how they perform in the interview. It is a method through which certain universities accept candidates who are pursuing or have completed M.Phil, hold JRF/ equivalent research positions or work as professionals in R&D institutes, provided they meet eligibility requirements.
The procedure for admission commences in January every year. People who are seeking to be accepted must submit their applications online through the university\’s admission portal. The availability of seats differs from one college to another.
How to get admission in top PhD Mathematics colleges?
To get admission in top PhD Mathematics colleges in India, you should:
- Take part in national level entrance exams such as CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE or NBHM Screening Test. Numerous colleges use these scores to make a merit list of potential candidates.
- Get ready for the entrance exam by studying the major subjects such as Algebra, Analysis, Calculus, Differential Equations and Discrete Mathematics.
- You must apply early because admissions begin from January each year.
- Do well in the interview round, as it is a crucial part of the admission process together with the entrance exam.
- You must aim for joining reputed colleges such as IISc Bangalore, ISI Kolkata, CMI Chennai, IITs and IISERs that provide excellent PhD Mathematics courses.
PhD Mathematics Eligibility Criteria
The minimum requirements for applying for a PhD in Mathematics in India in general would call for one to have a Master of Philosophy degree in Mathematics or any related field with an average of 55% (50% for SC/ ST/ OBC). Moreover, aspirants have to clear the university level entrance tests like UGC NET for their admission into the university. Some universities may also accept prior work experience in teaching or in research. The admission requirements may slightly differ, therefore, the candidates should consider individual university’s criteria.
PhD Mathematics Entrance Exams
The most common entrance exams for PhD Mathematics in India are:
UGC NET (including JRF) – Conducted by National Testing Agency for admission to top PhD programs. Qualifiers are offered junior fellowships and assistant professorships.
GATE – Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering accepted by many universities.
NBHM – National Board for Higher Mathematics exam.
CSIR-UGC NET – Jointly conducted by CSIR and UGC.
Candidates who clear these national level exams can directly appear for the interview round. Some universities also accept M.Phil, JRF holders, and working professionals in R&D institutes directly through interview.
PhD Mathematics Syllabus & Subjects
Here’s a brief summarisation of PhD Mathematics syllabus with all the crucial common subjects:
| Subject Area | Specific Subjects |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | – Algebra – Analysis – Geometry and topology – Combinatorics and graph theory – Probability and statistics |
| Electives | – Value Distribution Theory – Formal power series, graded rings, homogeneous ideal – Dimension theory in finite integral domain – Method of associated graded rings – Fuzzy Inventory models – Differential evolution, Ant Colony optimization, Bee colony optimization |
| Compulsory Courses | – Research Methodology – Research and Publication Ethics |
| Dissertation | – Original research in a specialised field of mathematics under faculty supervision |
PhD Mathematics Top Colleges
Here are some top colleges in India that offer PhD Mathematics course:
| College Name | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore | Rs. 35,200 (1st year) Rs. 20,200 (2nd and 3rd year) |
| Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai | – |
| Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai | Rs. 4200 |
| Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) | Rs. 37,745 |
| National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar | Rs. 17,950 |
PhD Mathematics Jobs & Salary
Here are some of the top jobs after PhD Mathematics along with projected salaries:
| Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Mathematics Instructor | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Mathematics Tutor | INR 2.8 LPA |
| Assistant Professor | INR 3.9 LPA |
| Researcher | INR 4.8 LPA |
PhD Mathematics Course Comparison
Here’s the comparison of PhD Mathematics course with PhD Economics for your reference:
| Metric | PhD Mathematics | PhD Economics |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Very difficult – requires proving new theorems, can take a decade after coursework. Only the smartest students succeed. | Easier than a Maths PhD, you can get through without doing hard work. Spouting falsehoods is acceptable, unlike in Math. |
| Course Fees (per year) | INR 20,000 – INR 3,00,000 | Rs. 45,800 to Rs 3,00,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 3,00,000 – INR 10,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 – INR 8,00,000 |
| Job Prospects | Maths PhDs are never devalued in the job market, but you need to prove practical skills too. | Econ PhDs are slowly being devalued in the job market. A dual history & maths PhD is more valuable for most econ jobs. |
| Prestige | Very prestigious, only the top students make it through. | Prestigious, but not as much as a Maths PhD. Easier to get into and complete. |