Top PhD in Music Universities in India: Eligibility, Exams, Tuition Fees

For someone who is planning to pursue a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Music then this article is for you. The doctoral degree time duration is five to six years which can vary based on the institute or university. Check out the list of best PhD in Music Universities and colleges in India.

The art of music is the only way to meet the god, however, such theories seem impractical in today's age, in ancient times music was beyond entertainment. Music was used for meditation, to chant mantras and to heal mental and overall well-being. One of the most ancient art forms is Music which can be learned through both traditional and modern ways. There is a traditional way where the students can learn music mainly classical music from a teacher in a Gharana (a traditional form of music school where a student learns directly from the guru (teacher), which involves years of training, dedication and riaaz). On the other side, candidates who want to pursue a degree, diploma, or certificate to professionally pursue music as a career or for personal interest can go for a doctorate, master's or PhD in music. 

Students who want to study a PhD in music course should know that various renowned universities and colleges in India offer such courses and the interested candidates can complete their degree within five to six years. Those who want to study PhD in Music should go through the entire Shiksha article to learn about the Music courses. Although the listed universities are not in any particular rank and top PhD in Music Universities in India 2024-2025 the list is based on the popularity of these universities and colleges. Besides, there are other details related to the courses such as total tuition fee, seats available in these colleges and universities, and type of exams.

PhD in Music Course: Highlights

Candidates ready to pursue PhD in Music in India can go through the table below to learn about the PhD in Music course details such as course types, duration, course fee entrance exams and more.

Particulars	Details
Course Name	PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Music
Course Level	Doctorate
Eligibility	Should have Master's in relevant discipline with a of minimum 55% marks and should have passed National level fellowship examination. Research Entrance Test: Candidates must have a master's in a relevant stream with a minimum of 55% marks and a qualified RET conducted by the university.
Duration	3 years and a maximum up to 6 years
Course Fee	Up to INR 6 lakh
Top Colleges	Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University , Banaras Hindu University
Average Salary	INR 5 to 10 lakh
Top Recruiters	Government Departments, Academic Institutions, Research Institutes, Colleges and Universities
Entrance Exam	JEST, GATE, UGC NET, CSIR NET
Job Positions	Assistant Professor, Research Advisor, Associate Professor, Research Consultant

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Music

Aspirants interested in pursuing PhD in Music course should have done their master’s degree in music. However, some colleges also mention that candidates must have completed an MPhil degree to pursue a PhD course. Some colleges specify that candidates can pursue PhD courses offered by the universities if they have qualified UGC NET.

Top PhD in Music Universities in India

There is a list of some of the top universities that offer excellent programs for those who want to pursue PhD in Music in India. Those who are looking for institutes that provide a good academic environment along with comprehensive research facilities to provide advanced education in different music disciplines are listed in the below list. Candidates who want to pursue PhD in Music from some of the best universities should know that they will be contributing to preserving and advancing India's rich musical heritage. This will also help them carry forward the cultural heritage further to the next generation, and find amazing career opportunities in music. 

LPU - Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar

Lovely Professional University (LPU), which was established in 2005 is a private university. Situated in Jalandhar, Punjab, Lovely Professional University is approved by UGC. The university is accredited by ICAR, ACBSP and with A ++ Grade by NAAC. 

Ownership: Private

Courses Offered: 2 Courses

Exams Accepted: LPU NEST, +4

Total Tuition Fees: INR 3 L

Course & Duration	Exams Accepted	Total Tuition Fees
Ph.D. in Performing Arts (Music) - 3 years	LPU NEST, +4	INR 3 L
Ph.D. in Performing Arts (Music) (Part Time) -3 years	LPU NEST, +4	INR 3 L

Lovely Professional University, Admission Office, Delhi

Lovely Professional University (LPU) admission office is also situated in Delhi. However, the main campus of Lovely Professional University is situated in Jalandhar, Punjab. 

Ownership: Private

Courses Offered: 2 Courses

Exams Accepted: LPU NEST, +4

Total Tuition Fees: INR 3 L

Course & Duration	Exams Accepted	Total Tuition Fees
Ph.D. in Performing Arts (Music) (Part Time)- 3 years	LPU NEST, +4	INR 3 L
Ph.D. in Performing Arts (Music) - 3 years	LPU NEST, +4	INR 3 L

Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

Guru Nanak Dev University was established in 1969. Located in Amritsar, Guru Nanak Dev University is recognised by the UGC. GNDU is also accredited by NAAC with ‘A++’ grade. 

Ownership: Government

Courses Offered: 1 Course

Total Tuition Fees: INR 1 L

Median Salary: INR 3.5 LPA

Course & Duration	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
Discontinued (Sep -2022) Ph.D. in Music	3 years	INR 1 L

Bengal Music College, Kolkata

Bengal Music College is located in West Bengal. Incepted in 2010, Bengal Music College is one of the prominent institutes. It offers 3 UG, 1 PG and also Doctorate courses in Full Time mode.

Ownership: Government

Courses Offered: 1 Course

Course	Duration	Seats Offered
D.Phil. in Music - Degree by Calcutta University	4 years	12

A.N.D.N.N.M. Mahavidyalaya, Kanpur

A.N.D.N.N.M. Mahavidyalaya is one of the popular institution of higher learning. It has its roots in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. A.N.D.N.N.M. Mahavidyalaya It offers as many as 35 courses including Degree courses in full time mode. 

Courses Offered: 1 Course

Course	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
Ph.D. in Music - Degree by CSJM - Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University	5 years	-

Eternal University, Himachal Pradesh

Established in 2009, Eternal University is North India's first all girls university. Eternal University offers various programs such as BSc, BA, MSc, MBA, BTech, MCom, MA, and PhD.

Ownership: Private

Courses Offered: 1 Course

Total Tuition Fees: INR 1.65 L

Course & Duration	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	3 years	1.65 L

Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts, Tiruchirappalli

Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts was established in 2009. Located in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts is a popular institution of higher education. The college offers as many as 10 UG courses.

Ownership: PPP

Courses Offered: 1 Course

Course	Duration	Seats Offered
Ph.D. in Music- Degree by Bharathidasan University, Khajamalai Campus	2 years	16

Dayanand Vedic College, Orai

Dayanand Vedic College was established in 1951. Located in Orai, Dayanand Vedic College is a popular institution of higher education. The college offers as many as 50 courses as Degree in full time mode. The college has been accredited with Grade B+ by NAAC.

Ownership: PPP

Courses Offered: 1 Course

Course	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
Ph.D. in Music - Degree by Bundelkhand University, Jhansi	2 years	-

V.M.L.G. College, Ghaziabad

V.M.L.G. College was established in 1961. Located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, V.M.L.G. College is one of the popular institutes of higher education. It offers as many as 22 courses as Degree in full time mode.

Ownership: PPP

Courses Offered: 1 Course

Course	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
Ph.D. in Music - Degree by CCSU - Chaudhary Charan Singh University	3 years	-

M B Government Post Graduate College, Haldwani

M B Government Post Graduate College was established in 1960. Located in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, M B Government Post Graduate College is a popular institute of higher education. It offers as many as 43 degree and diploma courses in full time mode. 

Ownership: Government

Courses Offered: 1 Course

Course	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
Ph.D. in Music - Degree by Kumaun University	4 years	-

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