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
Hello,
To get PhD admission in Pharmacology , you generally need to fulfill eligibility criteria, clear an entrance exam, and complete the admission process at a university offering a PhD in Pharmacology.
1. Eligibility Criteria
-
A Master’s degree (M.Pharm, M.Sc in Pharmacology, MBBS, or equivalent) with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
-
Some universities may require research experience or publications.
2. Entrance Exams for PhD in Pharmacology
Many universities require candidates to clear an entrance exam. Some common ones are:
-
UGC-NET / CSIR-NET (Life Sciences / Pharmacy) – Required for fellowship programs like JRF.
-
GATE (Pharmaceutical Sciences / Life Sciences) – Some institutes accept GATE scores.
-
GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) – Used for PhD admissions in Pharmacy.
-
University-Specific Exams – Institutes like NIPER, IITs, JIPMER, AIIMS, BHU, Manipal, and private universities conduct their own PhD entrance exams.
-
DST-Inspire Fellowship – For candidates with outstanding academic records in science-related fields.
Some universities also admit candidates without an entrance exam if they have a valid fellowship (UGC/CSIR-NET, GPAT, etc.).
3. Admission Process
-
Check university requirements – Visit the official website of the university.
-
Apply for the entrance exam – If required, register for NET/GPAT/GATE or university-specific exams.
-
Appear for the exam & interview – Most universities conduct a research proposal presentation or personal interview.
-
Selection & Enrollment – Based on merit, entrance scores, and availability of research guides.
4. Fee Structure
The PhD fee structure varies based on the university:
-
Government Institutes (IITs, AIIMS, NIPER, Central Universities, etc.) – Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per year
-
Private Universities (Amity, Manipal, SRM, etc.) – Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for the full program
-
Fellowship Holders (UGC/CSIR-JRF, GPAT, GATE, etc.) – Receive a stipend of Rs 31,000–Rs 35,000 per month instead of paying tuition fees
5. Top Institutes for PhD in Pharmacology
-
NIPER (Mohali, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, etc.)
-
IITs (Delhi, Bombay, Kharagpur, etc.)
-
AIIMS (Delhi, Jodhpur, etc.)
-
JIPMER, Puducherry
-
BHU, Varanasi
-
Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dear
For direct admission to a Ph.D. in Hindi, the eligibility criteria and admission process may vary depending on the university or institution. Here's an overview:
Eligibility and Admission Process:
-
National Eligibility Test (NET):
- Generally, for Ph.D. admissions, candidates are required to clear the UGC-NET exam or an equivalent national eligibility test. This exam is conducted twice a year and is a common requirement for those seeking a Ph.D. in Hindi.
- UGC NET information (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UGC%E2%80%93NET)
-
M.Phil. or Equivalent Degree:
- Some universities may allow direct admission to the Ph.D. program for candidates who have completed an M.Phil. or an equivalent degree, provided they meet certain research and publication criteria.
- For example, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) provides direct Ph.D. admission to M.Phil. degree holders who have the required research experience and publications.
- JNU Ph.D. Admission (https://www.jnu.ac.in/hindi-scss-phd-eligi)
-
Direct Admission:
- Some institutions may offer direct admission based on research experience and prior publications. For instance, candidates with an M.A. in Hindi and significant research work may be considered for direct admission to a Ph.D. program in certain universities.
- Institutions like JNU have provisions for direct admission based on the candidate's academic and research background.
Recommendation:
- Check University Websites: Always verify the latest admission requirements on the official websites of the universities you are interested in.
- Contact Admissions Office: If you're unsure about eligibility or process, directly contacting the admissions office can provide clarity.
- Prepare for Entrance Exams: If an entrance exam is required, prepare using appropriate study materials.
Note: Admission criteria and processes may change over time, so it's essential to stay updated through official announcements from the respective universities.
Hello,
Yes, direct admission to a Ph.D. in Hindi is possible in some universities through management quota or without an entrance exam, especially in private universities. However, most reputed institutions require candidates to qualify for entrance exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET, or university-specific tests. Eligibility generally includes a Master’s degree in Hindi with a minimum of 55% marks. Always check specific university guidelines for direct admission options.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
https://www.careers360.com/courses/ph-d-doctor-of-philosophy
Hello,
As of now, specific information about universities in Bihar offering a Ph.D. in Disaster Management is limited. However, several institutions in the state are actively involved in disaster management education and research:
1. Development Management Institute (DMI), Patna: DMI hosts the Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management (CoEDM), dedicated to capacity building, research, and education in disaster management, primarily serving Bihar.
2. Nalanda University, Rajgir: While specific details about a Ph.D. program are not available, Nalanda University has shown interest in disaster management education.
3. Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), Gaya: CUSB has organized training programs on disaster management topics, indicating an academic focus in this area.
Additionally, the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) has advocated for the introduction of disaster management courses across all universities in Bihar from the academic session 2023-24.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to contact these institutions directly to inquire about the availability of Ph.D. programs in Disaster Management.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
Hello Rishav,
yes you can pursue a PhD in pharmacology after completing your Doctor of pharmacy(PharmD). your PharmD degree serves as a strong foundation for advanced research in pharmacology.
Check individual university admission criteria for specific eligibiliity requirments.
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