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PhD: Course, Full Form, Duration, Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Scope

PhD: Course, Full Form, Duration, Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Scope

Edited By Ankita Sinha | Updated on Sep 19, 2024 04:49 PM IST | #Ph.D

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.

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.

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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 National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET) conducted by NTA.
  • Final admission is offered on the basis of 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.

Skill Required for PhD Degree

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy degree in India requires students to develop a lot of skills to succeed academically. Skills might vary depending on the chosen specialisation. In the table below, we have mentioned some of the essential skills required for a Ph.D. degree.

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Visualisation

Presentation skills

Reseach

Time management

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 Specializations

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:

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:

Top Government PhD Colleges in India

Government-run college is less expensive than private college 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

Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga

Rs. 1.23 Lakhs

BRAOU Hyderabad

Rs. 48,000

BAOU Ahmedabad

Rs. 2.07 Lakhs

GGSIPU Delhi

Rs. 25,000

Gauhati University, Guwahati

Rs. 59,380

HNBGU Garhwal

Rs. 36,000

IIIT Bhubaneswar

Rs. 2.58 Lakhs

IIIT NAYA RAIPUR

Rs. 3.84 Lakhs

IIITDM Jabalpur

Rs. 3.48 Lakhs

IIM Sambalpur

Rs. 5.50 Lakhs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the eligibility criteria for a Ph.D. degree?

Candidates should have a master’s degree in any discipline to get an admission to Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy).

2. Is there any entrance exam for the Ph.D.?

Yes, candidates have to appear for the national level examination or the entrance examination conducted by the particular university/college.

3. What are the professional opportunities after a Ph.D. degree?

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.

4. What is the scope of Ph.D.?

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.

5. What is the duration of Ph.D.?

The duration of Ph.D. is usually between 2 to 7 years depending on the field you are researching.

6. Which are the top universities, which offer a degree in the Ph.D.?

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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Questions related to Ph.D

Have a question related to Ph.D ?

Hello aspirant,

One of the highest academic degrees granted in the field of management science is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in management. The degree was created for people who wanted to work as professors or faculty in management studies in business schools across the world, conducting academic research.

For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:

https://www.careers360.com/courses/phd-in-management

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

Hello and thank you for reaching out!

Let me help clarify your question about pursuing a Ph.D. after MBA Agriculture at IGKV Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Yes, you can generally pursue a Ph.D. after completing your MBA in Agriculture, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. Here's what you typically need to know:

Requirements usually include:

1. A master's degree (MBA Agriculture in your case) with minimum required percentage (usually 55-60%)

2. Valid entrance test scores (like UGC NET/JRF or university-specific entrance tests)

3. Research proposal submission

4. Personal interview performance


The admission process typically involves:

- Submitting your application during the announced admission period

- Qualifying the entrance examination

- Attending document verification

- Clearing the interview round

- Research proposal evaluation

However, for the most accurate and up-to-date information about Ph.D. admissions, I strongly recommend:

1. Checking the official university website

2. Contacting the university's admission office directly

3. Reviewing the detailed Ph.D. prospectus when it's released

4. Monitoring admission announcements regularly

Would you like to know more about Ph.D. preparation or research areas in agricultural management? Feel free to ask any specific questions, and I'll be happy to help!

For comprehensive information about agricultural education and research opportunities, you can also visit our website.

Hello,

The following are the universities of Odisha that deal with integrated MA+PhD courses in Political Science:

Government Universities:

  • Utkal University, Bhubaneswar: Utkal University is one of those many universities offering several integrated courses like Political Science because of its high quality research courses.
  • Sambalpur University, Sambalpur: Deals with a number of integrated programs with the department of Political Science conducting research and advanced studies.
  • Berhampur University, Berhampur: Integrate programs in different disciplines, and it puts specific emphasis on research in Political Science.

Private Universities:

  • Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar : KIIT integrates programs and focuses significantly on School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
  • Xavier University, Bhubaneswar: Provides a host of social sciences programs and especially Political Science, focusing on research and more practical experience.
  • Sri Sri University, Cuttack: It has a program in political science that offers options for integrated MA+PhD.


Do check the specific eligibility criteria and admission processes for each of the above universities!

Hello there,

To pursue a PhD in Hindi in 2025, you will need to follow these steps for studying and admission:

1. Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A Master's degree in Hindi or a related field (like literature, linguistics, or Indian languages) with at least 55% marks from a recognized university.

  • Relaxation for Reserved Categories: Candidates from SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories may get 5% relaxation in minimum marks.

  • NET/SET Qualification (Optional): While many universities require UGC NET or SET qualification in Hindi, some may conduct their own entrance exam for PhD admissions.

    2. Identify Universities:

Look for universities that offer a PhD in Hindi . Some top institutions include:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) – New Delhi
  • University of Delhi – New Delhi
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Varanasi
  • Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) – New Delhi
  • Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) – Aligarh
  • Calcutta University – Kolkata

    3. Admission Process:

  • Entrance Exam : Most universities conduct their own entrance exam for PhD admissions. If you qualify UGC NET (Hindi), you might be exempt from the entrance test and eligible for direct admission.

  • Research Proposal : Prepare a research proposal in Hindi on your area of interest, as this is usually a key requirement during admission.

  • Personal Interview : Shortlisted candidates typically attend a personal interview where they discuss their research interests.

    4. Important Dates (2025 Admissions):

  • Application Form : Universities release their PhD application forms around March-June .

  • Entrance Exam : Entrance exams are generally held in June-August .
  • Interviews and Final Selection : These may take place around September-October .

    5. Preparation:

  • Focus on Hindi literature, language, history , and your proposed research area.

  • Review past entrance exam papers from various universities and read relevant books to strengthen your knowledge.

Following this path will guide you toward a successful PhD admission in Hindi for the 2025 academic year.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant,

Please specify that about which particular college you want to know about. However,

Duration of PhD: The duration of a PhD program in India typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the nature of the research and the progress made by the candidate.

Fees Structure: The fees for PhD programs can vary significantly among different colleges. It's advisable to check the specific fees structure of the colleges you're considering.

Entrance Exam: The entrance exam required for admission to a PhD program can vary depending on the college.

Additional Tips:

  • Research the faculty members and their research interests to find a potential supervisor who aligns with your research goals.
  • Attend information sessions or open days organized by the colleges to learn more about the programs and the admission process.
  • Prepare well for the entrance exam and interview to increase your chances of admission.
  • Explore funding opportunities, such as fellowships or scholarships, to help cover the cost of your PhD studies.

    I hope you got this.
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