PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic degree awarded to exceptional students who have showcased original research work and ideas in their field of study. Candidates who have completed their 4-year bachelor’s degree or master’s degree and have valid entrance exam scores (UGC NET, CSIR NET, etc) can apply for the PhD program. There are numerous government and private colleges offering admission to PhD courses in various specialisations. In this article, we have compiled complete details about PhD courses such as meaning, entrance exam, syllabus, pattern, admission process, top colleges, career scope, salary, and so on.
What is PhD?
The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. PhD course is the highest postgraduate degree awarded to students with advanced research skills and who contribute original ideas and findings to their respective study fields. Upon clearing the UGC NET, CSIR NET, or other prescribed entrance exam, all the qualified candidates can apply for admission to PhD in Indian universities and colleges. The PhD course duration typically ranges between 3 to 6 years.
Who can Pursue PhD?
The PhD course eligibility criteria vary as per the course and entrance exam. However, any qualified candidates with a relevant academic background, typically a master’s/bachelor’s degree in a required field can pursue a PhD. However, they need to clear certain entrance exams conducted at the national or institute level. The key course requirements include a strong academic background, research interest, and the ability to contribute new insights to the field.
PhD Entrance Exam 2025
Candidates willing to secure admission to PhD programs must be successful in entrance tests like UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, JEST and other state-level/institutional-level exams. Here we have discussed key highlights of PhD Entrance Exam 2025 for the reference of the candidates.
- UGC NET: The National Testing Agency conducts the UGC NET exam to determine the eligibility of candidates for the ‘award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor’, ‘appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to PhD’ and ‘admission to PhD only’ in Indian universities and colleges. The UGC NET is a computer-based test comprising two papers i.e. Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 comprises 50 questions for 100 marks whereas Paper 2 comprises 100 questions for 200 marks. The exam duration shall be 3 hours (180 minutes).
- CSIR NET: The National Testing Agency conducts the CSIR NET exam to determine the eligibility of candidates for the ‘award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor’, ‘appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to PhD’ and ‘admission to PhD only. The CSIR NET exam is divided into three parts with objective type and multiple choice questions for a total of 200 marks. Questions will be asked about subjects like chemical science, earth science, life science, mathematical science, and physical science.
- GATE: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level exam for admission to Master in Technology (MTech) programs and direct PhD programs at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other institutions in India. The GATE exam comprises 30 test papers. It is divided into two sections i.e. general aptitude and candidate’s opted subject with a total of 65 questions. The exam duration shall be 3 hours.
- JEST: Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is conducted by reputed institutes like IISERs, NISER, IISc, etc for students seeking admission to the PhD and Int. PhD programme. The JEST exam is divided into three sections, comprising 50 questions for 100 marks. The exam duration shall be 180 minutes.
PhD Admission Process 2025
PhD admissions will follow institutional guidelines, which must comply with the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other relevant regulatory body guidelines and norms. The Central/State Government’s reservation policy will also be observed. Here is the step-by-step guide for the PhD Admission Process 2025 shared below for the reference of the candidates:
- Go to the official website of the respective higher education institution.
- In the next step, fill out the PhD course application form with the valid details.
- Attach all the required documents with the application form.
- Pay the prescribed application fees within the deadline.
- Some institutions require a research proposal with the application. Both are submitted to the institution’s Research Unit for review.
- After reviewing applications, institutions release a list of aspirants shortlisted for entrance exams and other selection rounds.
- Successful candidates are then allocated supervisors/guides for their PhD research.
PhD Course Eligibility & Qualification
Aspirants must check PhD course eligibility and qualification before applying for admission. They must ensure they fulfil all the PhD eligibility requirements to avoid cancellation of the application form. The PhD age limit and educational qualification are specified below for reference purposes:
Age Limit
There shall be no upper age limit for the candidates applying for admission to PhD courses as per CSIR NET and UGC NET guidelines.
Educational Qualification
According to the UGC guidelines., the minimum educational qualification for admission to the PhD programmes as pe is discussed below:
- Master’s Degree or equivalent exam from recognised universities/ institutions with at least 55% marks (50% marks for OBC (NCL)/ SC/ ST/ Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS), etc.
- Candidates who passed a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree course with a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade can also apply. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade will be applicable for SC/ ST/ OBC (NCL)/ Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories.
- Aspirants who have passed the M.Phil. course with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever the grading system is adhered to or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade will be applicable for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS), etc.
Entrance Exam Scores
Aspirants must have valid scores in national or institute-level entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, JEST, etc.
PhD Entrance Exam Pattern
Aspirants must thoroughly check the PhD entrance exam pattern before commencing the preparation. It will help them determine the exact exam requirements and allow them to build a robust strategy to excel in the test. Check the PhD entrance exam pattern for UGC NET and CSIR NET shared below for the reference purpose:
PhD Entrance Exam Pattern for UGC NET
- The UGC NET exam shall be in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
- The exam comprises two sections each comprising objective type and multiple choice questions.
- The medium of the exam shall be in English & Hindi only, except the language paper.
- The exam duration shall be 3 hours (180 minutes)
- As per the marking scheme, each question carries two marks with no negative marking for incorrect responses.
| Paper | Marks | Number of Questions |
| Paper I (teaching/ research aptitude) | 100 | 50 |
| Paper II (Domain Specific) | 200 | 100 |
PhD Entrance Exam Pattern for CSIR NET
- CSIR NET exam pattern is an online test, comprising three sections i.e. Part A, Part B, and Part C.
- Part A questions are asked in all the subjects. Part A comprises General Aptitude questions. Parts B and C cover subjects like life science, chemical science, earth science, mathematical science, and physical science.
- The exam duration shall be 3 hours.
- A negative marking of 25%/33% for each incorrect answer in the exam.
- The total marks shall be 200.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Sciences
Check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Sciences shared below for reference purposes.
| Chemical Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences
Check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences shared below for reference purposes.
| Earth Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 80 | 150 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.32 | – |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Life Sciences
Check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Life Sciences shared below for reference purposes.
| Life Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 75 | 145 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematical Sciences
Check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematical Sciences shared below for reference purposes.
| Mathematical Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 25 | 20 | 60 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 3 | 4.75 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.75 | 0 | – |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Physical Sciences
Check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Physical Sciences shared below for reference purposes.
| Physical Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 25 | 30 | 75 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 20 | 20 | 55 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 3.5 | 5 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.875 | 1.25 | – |
Ph.D Entrance Exam Syllabus
Along with the knowledge of exam patterns, aspirants must also check PhD entrance exam syllabus for focused preparation. It will help them to find a difference between important and unimportant topics. They will be able to focus only on the topics that can be asked in the entrance exam. Check the PhD entrance exam syllabus for UGC NET and CSIR NET shared below for reference purposes:
PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus for UGC NET
The UGC NET syllabus is divided into two subjects i.e. General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude (Paper -I) and Domain Specific Subject. You must learn the fundamentals for all the topics allocated in each subject to clear the PhD entrance exam. Get the direct link to access PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus for UGC NET shared below:
| UGC NET Syllabus | Click Here |
PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus for CSIR NET
The CSIR NET syllabus is divided into various subjects like chemical science, earth science, life science, mathematical science, and physical science. Grasp the basic concepts for the chapters of all the subjects to succeed in this PhD entrance exam. Get the direct link to access PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus for CSIR NET shared below:
| Subject | Syllabus PDF | Important Topics |
| Life Science | Click Here | Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology, Cellular Organization, Fundamental Processes, Cell Communication and Cell Signaling, Developmental Biology, System Physiology-Plant & Animal, Inheritance Biology, etc |
| Physical Science | Click Here | Mathematical Methods of Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics, and Electronics and Experimental Methods |
| Mathematical Science | Click Here | Analysis, Linear Algebra, Complex Analysis, Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), Numerical Analysis, Calculus of Variations, Linear Integral Equations, Classical Mechanics, etc. |
| Earth Science | Click Here | The Earth and the Solar System, Earth Materials, Surface Features and Processes, Interior of the Earth, Deformation and Tectonic, Geology |
| Chemical Science | Click Here | Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry in nanoscience and technology, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, etc. |
| Reasoning | – | Analytical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Classification, Alphabet Series, Analogies, Directions, Coding-Decoding, Symbols and Notations, Similarities and Differences, etc |
| Quantitative Aptitude | – | Simplifications, Number System, Average, Time & Speed, HCF, LCM Problems, Algebra, Percentage, Time & Work, Simple & Compound Interest, etc. |
| Data Interpretation & Graphical Analysis | – | Mean, Median, Mode, Measures of Dispersion, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie-Chart and Tabulation |
Best PhD Colleges in India
There are a wide range of government colleges, central universities, state universities, and private universities out there for admission to the PhD programs in India. Thus, aspirants must research various institutions/universities before applying. While exploring the colleges, they must check the reputation/ranking of the institute, availability of programs, fee structure, research facilities, and much more. The duration for the PhD program typically ranges from 3-6 years. The average fees of private PhD colleges range between Rs 1 lakh-3 lakh per annum whereas government PhD colleges are between Rs 45,000-Rs 3 lakh per annum approximately.
Best Government PhD Colleges in India
Some of the best government PhD colleges in India include Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, NIT Trichy, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi, NIT Rourkela with the average fees ranging between Rs 45000 and Rs 3 lakh per annum. This top government PhD college in India offers education at affordable prices with advanced facilities and infrastructure.
| Institute Name | PhD Course Fees |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | INR 75,000 – 9.43 lakh |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | INR 48,550 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi | INR 88,440 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati | INR 1.68 lakh |
| Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi | INR 31,810 |
| NIT Rourkela | INR 1.29 lakh |
| VNIT Nagpur | INR 1.33 lakh |
Top Central University for PhD
Some of the Central Universities for PhD include Aligarh Muslim University, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, etc with the average fees ranging between INR 20k-INR 60K. This top Central PhD college in India offers less costly education with advanced facilities and infrastructure.
| Institute Name | PhD Course Fees |
| Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh | INR 35k |
| Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Bihar | Rs 15200 per semester |
| Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Gujarat | INR 63,500 |
| Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh | INR 7000-INR 10,000 |
| Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Chhattisgarh | Rs 20550-Rs 24550 |
Top State University for PhD
Here is the list of top State Universities for PhD shared below for the reference of the candidates:
| Institute Name | PhD Course Fees |
| Assam University | INR 27k |
| Gujarat University | INR 54k |
| Karnataka University | INR 4000-INR 8000 (Tuition Fees) |
| Delhi University | INR 4000 |
| Himachal Pradesh University | INR 5000 (Admission / Registration fee) |
Best Private PhD Colleges in India
Some of the best private PhD colleges in India include VIT Vellore, ICFAI University, Hyderabad, Amity University, Noida, Symbiosis University, Pune, etc with the average fees ranging between INR 1 Lakh-INR 3 Lakh per annum. This top private PhD college in India gives quality education with advanced facilities and experienced faculty.
| Institute Name | PhD Course Fees |
| VIT Vellore | INR 1 lakh-1.16 lakh |
| ICFAI University, Hyderabad | INR 5 lakh |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 3 lakh-3.02 lakh |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar | INR 3 lakh |
| Symbiosis University, Pune | INR 1 lakh |
| Galgotias University, Greater Noida | INR 3 lakh |
PhD Abroad for Indian Students
A PhD offers a unique opportunity for international experience and interaction with leading researchers. There are a wide range of countries that invite applications from international students into their PhD courses. Here is the list of top countries offering PhD degrees for Indian students shared below:
| Country | PhD College Abroad |
| USA | Harvard University University of California Massachusetts Institute of Technology Canada University of British Columbia University of Waterloo Western University |
| UK | University of Oxford University of Glasgow University of Bath |
| Australia | University of Sydney Queensland University of Technology Charles Darwin University |
| Germany | Technical University of Munich Heidelberg University Braunschweig University of Technology |
PhD Benefits
There are a plethora of benefits available for the students pursuing a PhD course. Some of them are listed below:
- It allows you to gain in-depth knowledge of your field and become an expert in your respective research area.
- You are equipped with solid research, problem-solving and analytical skills that are required to excel in several professions.
- You will also get the chance to collaborate with leaders, experts, and professors across various industries.
- Mentorship is available to PhD students to support their career and research development.
- During the PhD program, students may also apply for paid teaching assistantships, research, and internship opportunities.
- Various PhD programs offer financial assistance for research and living expenses through stipends or scholarships.
PhD Course Duration and PhD Course Syllabus
The syllabus for PhD course is based on the specialisation selected by the candidates. There is a wide range of specialisations for PhD programs such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Applied Sciences, Economics, Bio-Sciences, Clinical Research, Zoology, Arts, Psychology, Social Work, Literature, and Social Sciences. The PhD course duration typically ranges between 3 to 6 years.
Also, PhD students must produce an original research thesis on a specific topic to successfully complete their course. We have compiled below the general PhD course syllabus for a few subjects just for reference purposes. It is highly recommended to check the official website for the detailed syllabus of PhD program:
| Subject | PhD Course Syllabus |
| Biochemistry | Advanced Cancer Biology Molecular Parasitology Nanobiotechnology Bacterial Infection and Therapeutics Protein Science and Engineering, etc |
| Mathematics | Advanced Commutative Algebra Topology and Mixing Advanced Functional Analysis Convex and Non-Smooth Analysis, etc |
| Physics | Theoretical and Experimental Physics Research and Technical Communication Numerical Methods and Simulation Laser and Nonlinear Optics, etc |
| Environmental Science | Data Collection and Data Preparation Concept of Ecosystem Statistics Biodiversity and Wildlife Computer Science Advanced Computer Architecture Database Management Systems Operating Systems Computational Algebra Data Mining Network Security, etc |
| Science | Science Component Object Model (COM) & interfaces in COM Pipeline Architecture Multiprocessor Architecture Computer Architecture Vector and Array Processor CORBA, JAVA, and object web Advanced Computer Algorithms, etc |
| Management Studies | General Management Information Technology Management Operations Management Human Resource Management Financial Management Quantitative Analysis, etc |
| Economics | Data Collection and Organization Introduction to Research Methodology Advanced Econometric Methods Advanced Microeconomics Theory Advanced Economic Theory Poverty and Inequality Rural Development, etc |
| Philosophy | Data Collection and Organization Literature Survey Research Tools and Studies Advanced course in Formal Methods Advanced course in Philosophy of Science Theory of Knowledge, etc |
| English and Literature | Research Methodology I Research Methodology II Communication Theory Elective Subjects, etc |
Why PhD course?
A PhD course in India is more than just a higher education degree. It makes you an expert in your field, provides lucrative career options, and allows you to contribute to the world. It equips you with problem-solving abilities, and analytical & logical thinking skills, and helps you manage time effectively to excel in this field. Here are the reasons why you should pursue PhD course:
- It prepares you to become an expert in a certain field of study.
- You will be able to contribute your original ideas and knowledge and solve challenging tasks.
- As a PhD, you can explore various academic or research roles and even leadership positions in industry.
- Candidates with PhD are also eligible to apply for teaching opportunities at various universities.
- It provides you with the chance to contribute to innovation and build new technologies, theories or processes.
Most Popular PhD Subjects
Here is the list of popular PhD subjects across various academic streams tabulated below for the reference of the candidates:
| Subject | Specializations |
| PhD courses in Humanities | Humanities Geography Social Work Indian Literature Humanities & Social Sciences Humanities and Life Sciences English Literature Economics Social Sciences Public and Economic Policy Physiology Public Policy Psychology Arts International Relations and Politics |
| PhD Courses in Commerce | Commerce Management Accounting and Financial Management |
| PhD Courses in Science | Chemistry Clinical Research Mathematical and Computational Sciences Environmental Science and Engineering Science Bioscience Applied Sciences Zoology Bioinformatics Biotechnology Mathematics Applied Chemistry & Polymer Technology Zoology Physics Basic and Applied Sciences |
| PhD Courses in Business & Management | Business Administration Commerce Logistics and Supply Chain Management Accounting and Financial Management Management Aviation Management Marketing/ Brand Management Commerce and Management |
| PhD Course in Engineering | Engineering Construction Engineering and Management Petroleum Engineering Aeronautical and Automobile Engineering Information Technology Computer Science Engineering Genetic Engineering Production Engineering Marine Biotechnology Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering Electronics & Communication Engineering Electronics and Communication Engineering Ceramic Engineering |
| PhD Courses in Teaching & Education | Education Teaching |
| PhD Courses in Law | Law Law and Governance Constitutional Law Legal Studies |
Career Option After PhD Course
There are various career growth opportunities available for students pursuing PhD courses. Some popular job roles in PhD recruiting industries include Product manager, Assistant Director, Development writer, Research Associate, Financial manager, Economist, teaching jobs, etc. Here is the breakdown of the PhD recruiters in terms of private, government, and MNC industry.
| Type of Recruiter | Post Name |
| Government Jobs | Professors Researchers Associate Professors Assistant Professors |
| Private Educational Institutes | Professors Counsellors Researchers Administrators |
| MNCs | Corporate Lawyers Researchers Engineers |
PhD Job Profiles and Salaries
Here is the list of job requirements and salary details for relevant posts available to candidates who have completed a PhD program:
| PhD Post Name | Job Profile | Average Salary |
| Research Scientist | To perform research in the field of their expertise. To publish research in journals and contribute to scientific advancements. To coordinate with engineers and scientists. | INR 6 LPA-8 LPA |
| Science Writer/Editor | To develop content related to research, reports, and education. | INR 5 LPA- INR 6 LPA |
| Postdoctoral Researcher | To collaborate with senior scientists to perform high-level research work. To perform all the assigned tasks for the advancement of the academic career. | INR 4 LPA-INR 5 LPA |
| Science/Research Consultant | To offer expert consulting services to government agencies, NGOs, or private companies on matters within their field of expertise. | INR 4 LPA-INR 8 LPA |
| Product Manager | To build and handle new products associated with their study field. To analyse market requirements and coordinate with multiple teams. | INR 9 LPA- INR 17 LPA |
| University Professor/Lecturer | To teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in their field. To provide guidance to students. To perform research work and provide ideas and knowledge to the academic field. | INR 7 LPA- INR 15 LPA |
| Data Scientist | To review large datasets and drive solutions to address complex industry challenges using their research expertise and analytical skills. | INR 7 LPA- INR 11 LPA |
Top Recruiters for PhD Professionals
Aspirants with a PhD can apply for research posts in government institutions, central universities, laboratories, public sector organisations, etc. Here is the list of top government research bodies hiring PhD professionals listed below:
- Central Forest Research Institute
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
- National Dairy Research Institute
- Indian Meteorological Observatory
- Central Mining Research Institute
- Archaeological Survey of India
Can I Pursue a PhD through a Distance Education Program?
The UGC Draft regulations have specified that no University/College can conduct PhD programmes through distance education mode/online mode. It implies that you cannot pursue a PhD through a distance education program in India. Thus, interested aspirants can pursue PhD programs in full-time or part-time mode.
FAQs
What is the full form of PhD?
The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy.
What is meant by a PhD?
PhD course is the highest postgraduate degree awarded to students with advanced research skills.
Who is eligible for PhD?
Any candidate who has completed their master’s/bachelor’s degree in a required field and has a valid entrance exam score can pursue a PhD program.
What is the salary of PhD graduate?
The average salary of PhD graduate will be somewhere between INR 6 Lakh-INR 17 Lakh per annum.
What is the duration of PhD program?
The duration of PhD program ranges between 3-6 years.