IIHS University Admissions 2026
Master's programs in Sustainability Science and Practice; Climate Change Science and Practice; Urban Economic and Infrastructure Development; Human Development Policy and Practice
The MA PhD programme, or the Master of Arts - Doctor of Philosophy integrated course, is a four to six-year educational programme. Those who have completed their BA or similar level of degree are eligible for admission to MA PhD dual degree. History, geography, philosophy, sociology, and other humanities-related disciplines are available for MA PhD specialisation.
This Story also Contains
This MA + Ph.D dual degree programme lets students progress from their master’s studies directly into doctoral research without the need for a separate application process. The MA PhD integrated course emphasises research skills and prepares students for careers in academia, research institutions, or specialised industries.
MA Ph.D. stands for Master of Arts- Doctor of Philosophy. It is a combined programme with a postgraduate MA and doctoral integrated Ph.D. It is offered in the humanities and social sciences discipline and admits students who have a bachelor's degree in humanities or other related fields.
In a tabular form for you to understand the basics, here is what you need to know about the course, in brief:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Name of Course | Master of Arts - Doctorate in Philosophy (Integrated) |
Course Type | Dual Degree |
Course Duration | 4-6 years |
Eligibility Criteria | Completion of 10+2+3 or equivalent level of education |
Admission Process | Entrance Test/Merit-based |
Course Fees | Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 3.0 lakhs |
Job Profiles | Professor, Researcher, Author |
The fees for the MA PhD integrated course depend on the college type, facilities provided, the duration of the programme, and several other factors. The fee structure includes admission fees, registration fees, admission fees, and security deposits. The average MA PhD fees range from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 3.0 lakhs, depending on the choice of college and candidate’s category.
Students with good academic records are also provided with scholarships mostly in public colleges. In public institutions, reserved category candidates are also provided relaxation on the fees.
Pursuing an MA Ph.D. dual degree has a lot of advantages for students. If students are still doubtful about the degree, here are certain advantages of pursuing this integrated programme.
Dual Degree: After successful completion of Master’s, students have the opportunity to complete their doctoral degree. This will save time and the hassles of applying for a dual degree separately.
Rich Field of Opportunity: The course provides students with interesting opportunities in literary fields. This will also help them get better job opportunities as the number of students with dual degrees in MA+Ph.D. is less.
Better Qualification Graph: As a Ph.D. is one of the most honoured degree programmes in India, it will improve your qualification graph and help you have a stable career ahead.
Candidates can find the eligibility criteria of a particular college on their official website. The eligibility criteria required for an MA Ph.D. integrated course are as follows:
Master's programs in Sustainability Science and Practice; Climate Change Science and Practice; Urban Economic and Infrastructure Development; Human Development Policy and Practice
Ranked #45 Among Universities in India by NIRF | 1950+ Students Placed, 91% Placement, 800+ Recruiters
The admission process for enrollment in an MA Ph.D dual degree may vary from institution to institution. We have provided below the MA Ph.D admission process of top colleges in India.
The entrance exams for MA Ph.D. integrated degree programme work according to the admission process of the respective institution. In most cases, the provider college conducts its own written examinations and personal interviews to select eligible candidates for the MA Ph.D integrated course.
A cut-off varies from institution to institution depending on various factors such as the total number of candidates appearing in the entrance examinations, the difficulty level of the examination, and the total availability of seats. Candidates can check the MA PhD cutoff published by the college on the official website.
A minimum score, percentage, or rank is announced by college authorities to select eligible candidates to provide admissions. Those who secure higher rank or scores than the cut-off or equivalent to it are eligible to enrol in the MA PhD.
Since the MA Ph.D integrated degree combines two-degree programmes, it means double the work that either of the standalone courses would have to offer. Aside from this, it is a course where the world of social sciences and humanities completely takes you over. Some helpful skills for the MA PhD course are:
NAAC A++ Grade | MBA program graded A** (National) by CRISIL | AACSB, ACBSP and BGA Member
Highly qualified faculty from diverse academic backgrounds. An interdisciplinary curriculum blending humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts.
The syllabus of MA Ph.D. courses differs according to the institution offering it. We have mentioned below the M.A. Ph.D. programme in Philosophy subjects taught at the IIT, Bombay.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Core I: Vedanta Philosophy in the Vedic Tradition | Core IV: Madhyamika Philosophy in the Buddhist Tradition |
Core II: Philosophy in the Age of the Greeks | Core V: Western Philosophy in the Time of Crisis |
Core III: Western Philosophy and the Advent of Modern Science | Core VI: Writing and Research in Philosophy |
HSS UG Core | Philosophy Elective |
Philosophy Elective | Institute Elective |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Philosophy Elective A | Elective C |
Philosophy Elective B | Elective D |
Institute Elective | Philosophy Course |
Project Stage I | Project Stage II |
Communication Skills I | - |
Communication Skills II | - |
Semester 5 | - |
Project Stage III | - |
Note: If students decide to exit after completing four semesters, they will be provided with an MA degree.
Since all MA, as well as PhD courses, require students to take up one or more internships, MA PhD Integrated courses also require the same. Experiential learning through internships is just as important as learning within the institution, and thus the importance of internships.
Internships with archivists, research and development companies, policy research analysis companies, and development internships are excellent choices for MA PhD internships.
Career options available for graduates depend on their specialisation in MA PhD dual degrees. The following are some common career options that one can pursue after receiving an MA PhD integrated degree:
Researcher - With an in-depth knowledge of all things humanities following the completion of an MA PhD programme, individuals will be well-equipped to contribute to the philosophical, historical, political, and sociological research and development processes in the country.
Teacher - Teachers and educators play one of the most important roles in developing societies. With an integrated MA PhD qualification, individuals are eligible to become teachers and educate the young and bright.
Social Worker - Social workers are the need of the hour, especially when governments fail to meet the needs and necessities of their people. Social workers work towards reformation, providing the underprivileged with what they can, and myriad other vital services.
The expected salaries after an MA PhD vary according to the job that the degree holder avails of. Of course, the demand for high degree-holders is quite high, thus, for MA PhD degree-holders, the market is usually always open.
Here is the breakup of salaries according to the previously mentioned career options. Please note that because of varying levels of experience at the job, salaries also vary accordingly. Also, note that the mentioned salaries below are the average salaries of all the jobs mentioned.
Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Researcher | Rs. 7.7 LPA |
Academician | Rs. 15.6 LPA |
Rs. 4.9 LPA |
Source: Ambition Box
Very limited colleges in India offer academic programmes in humanities. We have listed below the top MA PhD colleges.
Instead of pursuing a separate MA degree and then applying for PhD programme, the MA PhD integrated course saves time as it is completed within four to six years. Whereas, separate degrees cost students a minimum of five to seven years.
Students also do not have to appear for the application process again. These benefits should be considered by students while enrolling in the MA PhD integrated course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, many colleges admit students regardless of their discipline at the bachelor's level.
IIT Bombay, Manipal Centre for Philosophy & Humanities, and Techno India University are the institutions where MA PhD integrated courses are available.
Several jobs consider granting positions to MA PhD integrated degree-holders, such as researcher, policy maker, educator/teacher, and social worker. The salaries vary from job to job, but the range lies between Rs.5 LPA to Rs. 15 LPA.
Yes, it is possible to leave the institution with only an MA degree after meeting all the same requirements if you wish not to pursue the PhD after you finish your MA studies. In this way, you do not lose your Master’s degree if you wish not to continue further after.
On Question asked by student community
The CUET PG 2026 exam date for MA in Industrial Psychology for Mithibai College is not out yet, as per the latest news of CUET PG 2026, the last date to application correction was January 30, 2026.
Hi Arya,
If you are planning to appear for CUET PG exam , here is Development and Labour Studies (HUQP06):
Hi Kartikay,
You can apply for MA economics at JNU and DSE using your CUET PG scores. If you want to go with MA Economics (with specialization in World Economy) at JNU, you need a Bachelor's degree in Economics (Honours) with at least 50% marks; OR any other Bachelor's degree
MNS College courses are offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Admission to the MA Geography at MNS College is offered to students who have passed a 10+2+3 pattern or equivalent from a recognised board.
If you are applying for MA Geography and intend to appear for only one paper, the exam fee is generally charged per paper rather than for the entire course. So, while the total fee for all papers may be Rs1400, you would usually pay a reduced amount for a single
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
NAAC A+ Accredited | Among top 2% Universities Globally (QS World University Rankings 2026)
Recognized as Category-1 Deemed to be University by UGC | 41,000 + Alumni Imprints Globally | Students from over 20+ countries
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Asia’s only university to be awarded the highest accreditation by WASC, USA and by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), UK
Education World: Ranked 2nd in Jharkhand by Education World India Private Universities Ranking-2021