PhD: Course, Full Form, Duration, Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Scope
PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic degree programme, mostly in every field of study. PhD curriculum covers extensive research and expertise, and research papers within a specific subject or even in an interdisciplinary subject. PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is requires at least a postgraduate degree programme, such as M.A, MSc, MTech or the students must have a great research paper with a recommendation. PhD course details vary depending on the discipline, university and guide. The guide in PhD plays a major role in suggestions and recommending the study material as well as helping them with new ideas.
Latest: Top Ph.d Colleges in India
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- What is a PhD Full Form?
- PhD Course Details - Key Highlights
- PhD Fees Structure
- Why Choose PhD?
- PhD Eligibility Criteria
- PhD Admission Process
- PhD Entrance Exams
- PhD Syllabus and Subjects
- PhD SpecialiSations
- What After PhD?
- Career Opportunities After PhD
- Salary after PhD Degree
- Top Private PhD Colleges in India
- Top Government PhD Colleges in India
PhD course requires a high level of dedication, intellectual rigour, and perseverance. Graduates with a PhD or Doctor of Philosophy are recognised as experts in their preferred field, and it opens doors to multiple fields, such as academia, research institutions, and government-funded research programmes. Students who have completed PhD degree programmes are called “Doctors” and can use Dr. as a prefix before their name. In this article, we will discuss, PhD course details, such as PhD course duration, PhD course eligibility, PhD subjects, PhD course duration, PhD eligibility criteria, PhD admission process.
What is a PhD Full Form?
PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy is a doctoral degree programme with a duration of three to six years. PhD degree can be pursued in almost any field such as English, Maths, Physics Linguistics, and Comparative Literature. Students can also pursue Ph.D. in interdisciplinary subjects, and they need to make a good research paper to apply directly to various universities.
PhD Course Details - Key Highlights
Particular | Value |
|---|---|
Name of Degree | Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) |
Level | Doctoral |
PhD Course Duration | 3 to 6 years |
Admission Process | Entrance test, research paper |
PhD Eligibility Criteria | Should have completed a master's degree from a recognised university |
PhD Top Colleges | AIIMS Delhi, AMU Aligarh, Ahmedabad University, Allahabad University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jadavpur University |
Top Recruiters | Research Institutes, Government Departments, Academic Institutions, Colleges and Universities |
Types of Careers | Professor, Lecturer, Research Advisor |
PhD Fees Structure
PhD course fees differ from one university to another and generally depend on the institute, and specialisation. Before enrolling in any particular university, candidates should check the PhD admission process, PhD eligibility criteria and PhD course fees. Students who get the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) will not pay the fees whereas they will get the scholarship for pursuing PhD degree. JRF for the Humanities, Social Science and Science subjects is Rs. 25,000 for the initial two years and Rs. 28,000 for the remaining tenure which is SRF (Senior Research Fellowship).
Why Choose PhD?
A PhD degree offers a wide range of career opportunities for strengthening knowledge and expertise. PhD degree provides knowledge in a chosen field of study. Ph.D allows students to become experts in their niche, by providing various skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. PhD can open doors for various careers and employment options in multiple fields, such as academia, research, and government agencies, with good salary packages. Choosing a PhD can provide students with a lot of scope and also lifelong learning, intellectual growth, and a unique avenue for personal and professional growth.
PhD Eligibility Criteria
Students who want to pursue a PhD programme should have the required eligibility criteria. The detailed eligibility criteria for pursuing a PhD are given below.
- Students who have a master's degree are eligible for admission into the Ph.D. programmes.
- Students have to qualify for the national level examinations like UGC NET for Lectureship conducted by NTA.
- Final admission is offered based on the interview and research proposal.
- If candidates want to pursue PhD in the field of Engineering and Technology, he/she has to qualify for GATE, GATE, UGC-NET, and CSIR-UGC-NET with good marks. Also, for admission to Ph.D. Engineering, candidates should complete their degree in M.Tech/M.E in any branch of engineering.
PhD Admission Process
Admissions in some universities are offered on the basis of students' merit in the entrance examination although few universities provide admission based on the research proposal and the interview process.
- PhD admission process is available both online and offline.
- If a candidate is applying to a university, he/she should download the application form online from the official website of the university.
- Applicants need to fill out the UGC NET or other entrance examination forms and appear for it.
- They should have a research proposal based on which universities can shortlist the candidates.
- After qualifying the examinations, candidates can appear for the interview round and pursue the PhD degree programme.
PhD Entrance Exams
UGC NET: University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test or UGC NET is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). UGC NET is conducted by NTA, twice a year for admission in doctoral programmes.
CSIR UGC NET: CSIR UGC Test for JRF and Eligibility for Lectureship or CSIR UGC NET is a national-level entrance examination conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to Ph.D. degree programmes.
PhD Syllabus and Subjects
PhD subjects and syllabus can vary from one university to another along with the specialisation. PhD subjects will be different based on the area of the study, as it depends on the research proposal, the guide and the students. Based on the mentioned factors, further study will be done although the first two semesters will be similar for the main subject. In the table below, we have mentioned the PhD English syllabus of Presidency University.
Semester I | |
Research Methodology | Advanced Theory |
Semester II | |
Research and Publication Ethics | Theory of Fiction/ Drama/ Poetry/ New Genres |
Synopsis of research project, Literature Review, Bibliography | |
In the table below, we have mentioned the syllabus for PhD Mathematics of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.
Commutative Algebra | Advanced Calculus |
Advanced Analysis | Algebraic Graph Theory |
Banach Algebra and Spectral Theory | Combinatorial theory |
Advanced Graph Theory | Advanced Domination Theory in Graphs |
Stochastic Modeling | Graph Reconstruction Theory |
Wavelets | Algebraic Topology |
Theory of Near-Rings | - |
PhD SpecialiSations
There are various specialisations an individual can opt for PhD course programme. Some of the PhD specialisations are popular among those who are interested in entering higher education. Naming few of them are:
- PhD in Management
- PhD in Physics
- PhD in Computer Science
- PhD in Economics
- PhD in Mathematics
- PhD Microbiology
- PhD Law
What After PhD?
After completing a PhD degree programme students have a wide range of career options. Many graduates choose academia and become professors or research associates at universities and colleges. Professor teach, write research papers, and journals, and mentor students. Some graduates enter various industries such as technology, healthcare, or finance, contributing to innovation and problem-solving. Government agencies and non-profit organisations also seek PhD holders for policy analysis, consulting, and advocacy roles.
Career Opportunities After PhD
In this section, we have mentioned the careers that can be pursued after completing PhD degree programme.
University Professor/ Lecturer: After pursuing PhD, graduates can become university professors or lecturers. They teach and conduct research in their respective fields and are responsible for mentoring students, curriculum development, and publishing research papers.
Research Scientist: Research scientists are professionals who work in various sectors, including academia, technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and government research institutions. They research, write the thesis and publish the findings in the journals.
Consultant/Advisor: Consultants or advisors conduct market research and solve complex problems and provide solutions to clients. They provide expert advice to their clients and join major financial companies such as McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Deloitte.
Top Recruiters
- Research Institutes
- Government Departments
- Academic Institutions
- Colleges and Universities
Salary after PhD Degree
PhD salary depends on various factors such as the specialisations and college reputation, work experience, experience in the particular field, location of work, and skill sets. Below, we have mentioned the PhD salary.
Job Profiles | Average Salary |
|---|---|
University Professor/ Lecturer | Rs. 10.9 LPA |
Research Scientist | Rs. 6.8 LPA |
Consultant/Advisor | Rs. 14.6 LPA |
Top Private PhD Colleges in India
In India, there are a number of private colleges that offer PhD degrees. Private universities are significantly more expensive than public universities. Some of the top private PhD colleges and the PhD fees are mentioned in the table below:
| Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 1.50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 2.25 Lakhs | |
Rs. 7.20 Lakhs | |
Rs. 3.15 Lakhs | |
Rs. 25,000 | |
Rs. 3.82 Lakhs | |
Rs. 91,000 | |
Rs. 3 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1.96 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1.36 Lakhs |
Top Government PhD Colleges in India
Government-run colleges are less expensive than private colleges and are well known for their high academic standards throughout India. The following are some of the best government PhD colleges and also PhD fees:
Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 1.23 Lakhs | |
Rs. 48,000 | |
Rs. 2.07 Lakhs | |
Rs. 25,000 | |
Rs. 59,380 | |
Rs. 36,000 | |
Rs. 2.58 Lakhs | |
Rs. 3.84 Lakhs | |
Rs. 3.48 Lakhs | |
Rs. 5.50 Lakhs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Candidates should have a master’s degree in any discipline to get an admission to Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy).
Yes, candidates have to appear for the national level examination or the entrance examination conducted by the particular university/college.
Ph.D. holder has the opportunity to become researcher, scientist, professor, journalist, independent consultant, human services worker, editor, critic, lecturer etc. A Ph.D. holder can also apply for a job in the finance sector, public sector etc.
There is a chance for Ph.D. graduates to work in other countries. If you are a Ph.D. graduate, any company will take you as right now Ph.D.is the highest level of academic degree anyone can earn so for the companies, you are the expert in the subject.
The duration of Ph.D. is usually between 2 to 7 years depending on the field you are researching.
The prominent universities which offer a degree in Ph.D. are Amity University, Noida, Tata institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, KCG college of Technology, Chennai, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, Chennai Mathematical Institute, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).
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List of Ph.D colleges
Questions related to Ph.D
Transferring PhD program is a complex process but not impossible. Here is the process that you need to go through:
Challenges and Considerations:
-
University Policies:
- PhD transfer policies vary significantly between universities. Some may have strict rules against transfers, while others may be more flexible.
- The receiving university must be willing to accept your previous work and progress.
-
Supervisor Compatibility:
- Finding a new supervisor with research interests that align with your ongoing work is essential.
- The new supervisor must be willing to take you on as a student.
-
Funding Transfer:
- Transferring your UGC-NET JRF scholarship can be complex. You'll need to ensure the new university is eligible to receive UGC funding and that the scholarship can be transferred.
- It is very important to contact the UGC regarding the transfer of your funding.
-
Credit Transfer:
- The receiving university will need to evaluate your previous coursework and research progress to determine how much credit can be transferred.
- There may be requirements to complete additional coursework or research to meet the new university's standards.
-
Research Alignment:
- Your research topic must fit within the research areas of the new department.
- You may need to adapt your research to align with the new university's resources and expertise.
· Identify Potential Universities:
- Research universities in Dehradun, Delhi, and Noida that offer PhD programs in your field of study.
- Look for universities with strong research programs and supervisors whose interests align with yours.
· Contact Potential Supervisors:
- Reach out to potential supervisors via email or phone.
- Explain your situation, including your research progress, funding, and reasons for transferring.
- Send your research proposal, CV, and any relevant publications.
· Contact University Admissions/PhD Offices:
- Inquire about the university's PhD transfer policies and procedures.
- Ask about the required documentation and deadlines.
· UGC Consultation:
- Contact the UGC directly to inquire about the transfer of your JRF scholarship. Obtain official guidance on the procedure and any necessary documentation.
Universities you can consider:
· Delhi:
-
- University of Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
- Jamia Millia Islamia
-
Noida:
- Amity University
- Shiv Nadar University
-
Dehradun:
- Forest Research Institute (FRI)
- Graphic Era University
- Doon University.
Hope it is helpful !
Hi aspirant,
Admission to JNU is possible even if you don’t have NET/JRF. Here's how to apply.
- JNU conducts its entrance exam, where you have to do a written test and then an interview.
- If you have an MPhil degree, you can apply for a PhD
- If you have qualified for UGC NET but didn’t secure JRF, you can still apply.
JNU provide fellowships to meritorious students .
For step-by-step admission processes at JNU, visit here.
Hope this answer helps you.
Hello Pallavi,
Yes, pursuing a
Ph.D. without NET/JRF
is possible in
JNV (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya)
-related or other central universities, but with certain conditions.
How to Pursue Ph.D. Without NET/JRF:
-
Eligibility
-
Master’s degree in a relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
-
Some universities conduct their own entrance tests for Ph.D. admission.
-
-
Universities Offering Ph.D. Without NET/JRF
-
Central Universities (like DU, BHU, AMU, etc.)
-
State Universities
-
Private Universities
-
Institutes like JNU, IGNOU, etc., may also have non-NET options.
-
-
Fellowship Without NET/JRF
-
Some universities offer institutional fellowships after clearing their entrance and interview.
-
You can also apply for fellowships like Maulana Azad Fellowship, MANF, ICSSR, CSIR (non-NET), Inspire , etc.
-
-
Admission Process (General Steps)
-
Apply through university's Ph.D. portal when applications are open.
-
Appear for the entrance test conducted by the university.
-
If shortlisted, attend the interview/research proposal presentation .
-
On selection, complete the registration and coursework.
-
-
Alternative Path
-
If you're working (especially in educational institutes like JNV), you can also apply for a part-time Ph.D. , subject to approval from your organization and the university.
-
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to ask. We will be happy to assist you.
Thank You and wishing you a bright future ahead.
Hii,
PhD in Hotel Management is a high-level degree you can earn after finishing a master’s degree. It’s for people who want to become experts in the hotel and hospitality industry, often to teach at universities or do advanced research.
In simple words, it’s like becoming a super-specialist in how hotels and tourism work. You study things like managing hotels, understanding customers, and improving the business. It takes a few years (usually 3-5).
After you’re done, you can become a college teacher , work in big hotel companies, or even help hotels grow by giving expert advice.
Hi aspirant,
Mumbai's Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is one option. This is a very esteemed university with an affordable tuition fee, top-notch instructors, and impressive placement rates. TISS's social work programs are well regarded.
You can also refer to this link for more colleges offering a PhD in Social Work.
All the best!