PhD course, or Doctor of Philosophy course, is a doctorate-level course that can take 3–6 years to complete, but can be completed in 5–6 years. The course can cover a variety of subjects, including law, engineering, migration studies, medicine, anthropology, and physics. To get admission to a PhD course candidates must hold a master\’s degree. Further, PhD entrance exams like the CSIR UGC NET, UGC-NET, JNUEE, and others are used in India to grant admission to PhD courses. Among the top PhD colleges that offer admission to the course are IIT Kanpur, Jadavpur University, Chandigarh University, IIT BHU, Jawaharlal Nehru University, IIT Gandhinagar, and others.
PhD syllabuses vary depending on the subject chosen by the candidate for research; however, the every PhD syllabus is designed to encourage students to conduct research. PhD subjects include the Formulation and Investigation of multiple theses, including Western Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, Indian Philosophical Studies, etc. as well as guaranteeing the safe and well-resourced completion of projects and the development of theses from research.
Candidates could previously pursue PhD courses through distance education; however, a UGC circular issued in 2017 stated that a PhD course pursued through distance education would no longer be recognised. PhD fellowships are usually granted to candidates who have passed entrance exams such as GATE, JEST, UGC NET, and others while pursuing their PhD. Furthermore, academic institutions such as IGNOU and Delhi University (DU) provide fellowships to PhD students who are enrolled full-time. Candidates may pursue a PhD course in any field of interest. PhD candidates must choose one or more topics, conduct extensive research on them, and respond to any questions that arise.
PhD candidates conduct original research and write original theses on a given topic. In addition to their research, students participate in extracurricular activities, attend seminars, and give presentations. Candidates with a PhD have more career options in fields such as Research, Education, Literature, Civil Service, Politics, Communications, Human Resources, Advertising, and so on.
PhD graduates in the academic sector, can pursue PhD jobs such as Research Assistants, Assistant Professors, and Scientific Writers/Editors. PhD candidates are employed by a variety of industries, including Academic Institutions/Universities, both privately funded and government institutions. They can also work in government offices as Policy Analysts or Data Scientists. Lastly, candidates can expect to earn a PhD salary ranging between INR 8 – 10 LPA.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Course Details: Highlights
The major highlights of the PhD course are listed in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Full-form | Doctor of Philosophy |
| PhD Course Duration | 3 – 5 years (maximum up to 6 years) |
| Examination Type | Semester wise |
| PhD Eligibility Criteria | · Post graduation with minimum 55% marks · Through Fellowship: Masters in relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks and cleared National level fellowship examination. · Research Entrance Test: Masters in relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks and cleared RET conducted by the university. |
| PhD Admission process | Entrance Exam followed by Personal Interview |
| PhD Top Universities | Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, etc. |
| PhD Course Fee | INR 50K – INR 6 LPA |
| PhD Employment Area | Government Departments, Research Institutes, Academic Institutions, Colleges and Universities, etc. |
| PhD Job Positions | Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Research Advisor, Research Consultant, etc. |
| Average PhD Salary | INR 5 – INR 10 LPA |
| Top PhD Recruiters | KPMG, Google, Apple, IBM, CITI bank, BP, Black rock, Aecom, AMEC, Atkins, EDF Energy, NHS, GSK, Barclays, etc. |
Why Choose a PhD Degree?
Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) offers numerous advantages for students interested in a specific field.
- It allows them to explore their subject in-depth and expand their knowledge.
- PhD students have the freedom to dedicate ample time to their research projects without feeling rushed or pressured for immediate results.
- One of the main motivations for pursuing a PhD is to enhance employment prospects, as it opens up career opportunities that may not be accessible with just a bachelor\’s or master\’s degree. These opportunities often require specialized research skills and extensive experience.
- Furthermore, a PhD is often a prerequisite for those aspiring to work in academia as lecturers or university researchers.
- If you have a genuine passion for research, a PhD can be a highly rewarding pursuit, providing a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment. However, it\’s important to have a clear vision of your post-PhD plans.
- If you seek a new challenge that fosters personal growth, a PhD offers a unique and highly committed educational experience with significant rewards.
PhD Admission Process in India
PhD admissions are mostly chosen through entrance exams. There are a few universities, however, where admission is also based on merit. A candidate must be eligible for the course in order to apply for PhD admissions. PhD admission requires a Master\’s degree or an MPhil with an aggregate of at least 55% from any recognised university in the country or a foreign university. Candidates with an MTech or ME degree are also eligible to apply.
To be able to apply for PhD admission 2024, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are only eligible to pursue a PhD if they have completed a master\’s degree in a related course/field/stream to which they are interested in getting a PhD. Some colleges seek candidates to have completed an MPhil before enrolling in a PhD course.
Other than that, many colleges state that candidates who have passed the UGC NET are eligible for PhD programmes offered by them. Candidates wishing to pursue a PhD in Engineering must have a valid GATE score.
Types of PhD Programs
In India, there are three basic types of PhD programmes. They are full-time PhDs, part-time PhDs, and online PhDs.
| Full Time PhD | Part Time PhD | Online PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time PhD program, which is a traditional Doctor of Philosophy program, typically spans four to six years. Among various modes of pursuing a PhD, full-time programs tend to be the most expensive. They are commonly favored by recipients of government or semi-government fellowships, institute research scholars who receive teaching assistance, as well as self-financed candidates. | PhD programs also offer the option of part-time study, primarily intended for individuals employed in esteemed research organizations, academic institutions, or industries near the campus. Part-time PhD students are held to the same academic credit and requirement standards as their full-time counterparts, resulting in a completion timeframe of approximately 7-8 years. These students are expected to attend a limited number of classes. Additionally, they must possess a minimum of one year of work experience and provide a letter of recommendation from their employer. Part-time PhD programs prioritize research that contributes to company development rather than individual research projects. | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an advanced degree that typically spans four years and involves rigorous study and research. Undertaking an Online PhD program can greatly enhance one\’s career opportunities. This degree is often a prerequisite for individuals aspiring to leadership positions, academia, consulting, research roles, or entrepreneurship. Whether it\’s students seeking to deepen their knowledge or professionals looking to advance in their fields, completing an Online PhD offers valuable credentials and opens doors to diverse professional paths. |
PhD Fee in India
In India, the average PhD course fee varies from INR 50 and 6LPA, with candidates typically able to pay the fees annually. However, the PhD course fee is set by the college to which students wish to apply. PhD fees vary depending on factors such as college location, facilities, faculty, and infrastructure. PhD programmes allow students to apply for scholarships from private companies, colleges, and non-governmental organisations. These scholarships benefit students by reducing their financial burdens and encouraging them to pursue their research.
Career Options After PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Degree
PhD Philosophy graduates have a wide range of career options and higher-paying jobs as a result of the knowledge and experience they gained during their studies. Graduates of the PhD Philosophy programme can find work in a variety of fields, including research, education, literature, law, civil service, science analytics, and politics. Communications, publishing, and so on.
The most common PhD Philosophy job profiles pursued by graduates are research scientist and philosophy professor. PhD Philosophy graduates have job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Top recruiters include IIT Patna, Mathworks, Archaeological Survey of India, Nalanda University, Election Commission of India, CNN, BBC, Dr. Reddy\’s Laboratories, and others. These top companies hire such professionals and pay them an average salary of INR 10-20 LPA.
Some of the major job profiles associated with the course, along with the average salary, are as follows:
| Job Role | Job Responsibilities | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | They create curriculum plans for student learning, facilitate class discussions to ensure student engagement, offer academic counselling, keep student records, and grade student work. | INR 10 LPA |
| Critic | To evaluate and rate work based on the work in front of them. It could be movies, books, magazines, or anything else. | INR 7 LPA |
| Literature Researcher | Conducting literature reviews, collecting and analysing data, and preparing materials for submission are among their primary responsibilities. | INR 8 LPA |
| Novelist/Writer | The main task is to generate ideas and write them in a fresh and engaging manner, making philosophical content more readable and engaging to the audience. | INR 9 LPA |
| Journalist/Editor | Journalists conduct research, write, edit, proofread, and file news stories, features, and articles for broadcast on television, radio, and the internet, as well as for publication in magazines, journals, and newspapers. | INR 10 LPA |
| Human Service Worker | Client services, including family support, are provided by social and human service assistants/workers in a variety of fields, including psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They help other social workers and clients find benefits or services. | INR 6 LPA |
PhD Top Recruiters
Some of the top recruiters of PhDs in India are listed below.
- Research Institutions: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- IT Industry: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and Wipro
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr. Reddy\’s Laboratories, and Cipla
- Financial Institutions: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and National Stock Exchange (NSE)
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs working in areas like education, healthcare, environment, and social development may employ PhDs for research, program management, and advocacy positions
PhD Salary
In India, the average salary for a PhD graduate is between INR 5 and 10 LPA. This figure, however, may differ depending on a number of parameters, including a job description, years of experience, and the city of employment. A PhD graduate\’s pay is determined by a number of factors, some of which are within the student\’s control. Participating in internships and accumulating work experience may increase the probability of being paid more.
Below is an approximate PhD salary range for various job profiles after completing a PhD degree:
| Job Profiles | Average Salary (per annum) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | INR 7.50 LPA |
| Professor | INR 10 LPA |
| Associate Professor | INR 10 LPA |
| Consultant | INR 9 LPA |
| Research Assistant | INR 7.50 LPA |