PhD: Full Form, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope & Salary

PhD is the short form of Doctor of Philosophy and to be eligible, the students are required to have completed their Master’s degree. Aspirants need to possess a valid master’s degree to be eligible to pursue a PhD course. Candidates can pursue a PhD programme in any stream. In a PhD course, aspirants need to select a topic or a subject and do in-depth research on it and answer any queries related to the topic/ subject. 

The PhD duration in India is between 3 years and 6 years that depends on your research area and institute requirements (if any).

The technology institute offer PhD in six specialisations or areas of study. The table given below mentioned the IIIT Delhi PhD courses:

Hi, To pursue PhD courses you need to pass Masters / M.Phil. with minimum 55%. You need to sit for an entrance exam. Below is the list of some of the PhD entrance exams: -UGC NET exam -Symbiosis PhD Entrance Examination -AIMA PhD Entrance Exam -JNU PhD Entrance Exam -Alagappa University PhD Entrance Exam -Kurukshetra University PhD Entrance Exam -University of Hyderabad PhD Entrance Exam -BR Ambedkar Open University PhD Entrance Exam -BITS Pilani PhD Entrance Examination -ICT Mumbai PhD Entrance Exam * Some of the institutes offering PhD are: -International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) -Christ University -Pune Institute -Brindavan College -Manav Rachna International University -Delhi Technological University (DTU) -Goa University -Anna University -Acharya Nagarjuna University -Banaras Hindu University -Jain University -Birla College of Arts Science and Commerce -Coimbatore Institute of Technology -Government Arts College -Government M.H. College of Home Science -Indian Institute of Science -Jadavpur University -Odisha School of Business Management.

While selecting the best institute, you need to check some of the important parameters such as recognition, year of establishment, syllabus, faculty, fees etc. I hope it helps. Kindly, feel free to revert. Click on the thumbs up or mark it as the best, if you found this useful. Wish you luck!

As per the details collated from various sources on the internet, the average salary of an IIT Kharagpur PhD research scholar in India ranges between INR 3.9 Lacs for someone with an experience between one and six years. However, some of the verified students' reviews on Shiksha tell an entirely different story which is that the 'The highest salary packages offered for PhD at IIT KGP range from about INR 18 LPA to INR 25 LPA'. To know more from the verified PhD students' reviews of IIT Kharagpur on Shiksha, click on this link. 

The duration of PhD in Finance is the same as other PhD courses, i.e. three years and an extension of up to two years is given to candidates by most of the universities. Candidates can complete the course within five years. The course can either be pursued in full-time or part-time mode but by no means can be pursued in distance mode. PhD is a professional degree that requires investment of time for primary and secondary research activities.

The minimum duration for PhD in Psychology course is three years. In some universities, it is completed in four years. Those who have had an interest in psychology since a young age should take the course to fulfill their desire. It is advantageous for a candidate obtaining a PhD in Psychology to have someone in their family who is an expert in a particular subject.

A doctorate degree requires a lot of hard work and patience. One must be very curious to learn new things and come up with new findings to successfully complete the PhD program.

Click to learn:  Psychology courses

The UGC NET exam is not compulsory for pursuing a Ph.D. in India. However, it is important to note that many universities and research institutions in India consider UGC NET or similar exams such as CSIR NET as a qualifying criteria for admission to their Ph.D. programs. In addition, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has made it mandatory for Ph.D. candidates to have qualified in the UGC NET or similar exam to be eligible for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) during their Ph.D. programme. Therefore, while qualifying the UGC NET exam is not mandatory for pursuing a Ph.D. it can be beneficial for candidates who wish to pursue research as a career, as it can increase their chances of getting admission to top universities and research institutions. Additionally, qualifying the UGC NET exam can also make candidates eligible for various fellowship programs offered by the government of India to support their research.

Candidates must have a two-year master's degree or a professional degree equivalent to Masters with at least 55% aggregate (50% aggregate for SC/ST/OBC) or grade 'B' on the UGC 7-point scale. Candidates who have cleared the MPhil with at least 55% aggregate (50% aggregate for SC/ST/OBC) or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale can also apply.

In most cases, there is no maximum age for PhD programs in management. However, some organizations could have certain policies or preferences regarding the age of candidates. Checking the precise criteria of the school and programme you are interested in applying to is therefore recommended. In addition, while considering PhD applications, variables like age are frequently taken into account in addition to professional experience, research background, and career objectives.

Like any other PhD program, if you want to get admission to PhD in Bioinformatics, you'll need to fulfil the basic requirements. It will include obtaining a master's degree in a relevant discipline from a UGC-approved university with a minimum of 55% aggregate score.

Yes, you can pursue a PhD after an MBA. Many individuals choose to pursue a PhD in business or management after completing an MBA to deepen their knowledge in a particular field, conduct research and potentially pursue a career in academia or advanced positions in industry.
It's crucial to remember, that getting into a PhD programme usually involves more than just having an MBA. PhD programs frequently have prerequisites including records of excellent academic standing, research experience, letters of recommendation and occasionally results on standardized tests.

Yes, GATE exam score is valid for admissions to M.Tech courses at Vellore Institute of Technology. Applicants can also apply through VITMEE exam score 2025. Candidates appearing through GATE score must upload their scorecard at the time of filling application form.   

Hello, if you are planning to appear in the JEST exam, you can check the list of subjects from JEST 2025 syllabus given below that will help you get good marks in the exam:  

• Classical Mechanics
• Mechanical Methods
• Electromagnetism and Optics
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
• Electronics
• Quantum Mechanics

JEST exam is conducted across India to take admission in top colleges for PhD course. There are certain factors which needs to be kept in mind while preparing for JEST 2025 exam.

a) Complete your JEST syllabus within two months of the exam. 

b) Solve previous year question paper of JEST exam.

c) Dedicate last two months for revision and solving question paper in time bound manner.

d) Try to solve questions in the same time as you will get in exam to feel the pressure.

If one follows the above mentioned strategy then the chances of their securing in exam are great. 

Candidates who have cleared entrance exams like UGC NET,  GATE,  JEST,  and the like are usually offered fellowships while pursuing a PhD course. Apart from this, universities such as IGNOU and Delhi University (DU) also offer fellowships to students pursuing full-time PhD courses with them.

GATE Syllabus have 3 major sections namely General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Chosen subject.

GATE General aptitude syllabus is based on intermediate level general understanding to test aptitude of candidates. However, Engineering mathematics and chosen subject's syllabus will be of graduation level. A candidates must expect good undergraduate level question from the syllabus in the GATE exam.

The distribution of questions in all papers except AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XL, the marking distribution is as follows - General Aptitude (15), Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), and Subject-specific (72).

The distribution of questions in AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XL is as follows - General Aptitude (15) and Subject-specific (85). 

Few universities such as the IITs, IISc Bangalore, JNU, BHU, etc.. provides direct admissions for the PhDs in certain departments or for students with high academic background. Such programs may in fact have their own pre-qualifications, particularly interviews and a detailed research proposal if not an actual research study.

No, there will be seperate counselling schedule is to be released for UG, PG & PhD courses by exam conducting authorities in online mode after declaration of the results. The authorities will release seperate counselling schedule for all the courses in online mode only. 

Since the counselling will be held in online mode only hence applicants need to prepare the important documents ready while appearing in the counselling. 

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) had a standardized format. Here's the general format of the JEST exam:

1. Examination Type: The JEST exam is a written test, typically conducted in a pen-and-paper format.

2. Duration: The exam usually spans over a duration of three hours.

3. Question Types: JEST primarily consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exact number of questions and distribution across subjects (physics, theoretical computer science, neuroscience) may vary from year to year.

4. Negative Marking: JEST typically employs negative marking for incorrect answers. This means that for each incorrect answer, a fraction of marks is deducted.

5. Sections: The exam may be divided into different sections, with each section focusing on specific topics related to the field of study (physics, theoretical computer science, or neuroscience).

Preparing for the UGC NET exam requires a well-planned and structured study approach. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the UGC NET exam:

a) Understand the syllabus: The first step in preparing for the UGC NET exam is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern. Go through the syllabus thoroughly and make a study plan accordingly.

B) Follow a structured study plan: Make a study plan that covers all the topics and subtopics in the syllabus. Allocate sufficient time for each topic and subtopic, and ensure that you cover all the important concepts.

C) Use standard study materials: Use standard study materials and books recommended by experts and previous-year toppers. This will help you get a better understanding of the concepts and topics covered in the exam.

D) Solve previous year's papers: Solving previous year's question papers and mock tests will help you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked in the exam. It will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.

E) Practice time management: Time management is crucial in the UGC NET exam, as you have to complete both papers in a limited time. Practice time management by solving mock tests and previous year's papers within the given time frame.

F) Stay updated with Current Affairs: Stay updated with Current Affairs and developments in your field of study, as questions related to Current Affairs and recent developments are often asked in the exam.

G) Take breaks and stay healthy: Taking regular breaks and staying healthy is important for effective preparation. Ensure that you take regular breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. In summary, preparing for the UGC NET exam requires a well-planned and structured study approach. By following these tips, you can prepare effectively for the exam and increase your chances of qualifying.

A score above 140 is considered to be a good score in GPAT according to the GPAT cutoff score for General category candidates. However, this score varies depending upon the GPAT cutoff for the current year. In case the cutoff touches the mark of 180 then the score of 140 is irrelevant to seek admission in top M.Pharma colleges. Candidates who will be shortlisted in the merit list will be called for further counselling procedure at the participating institutes. Therefore, the cutoff score is the most important deciding factor to get a call for counselling from preferred institute.

After admissions, the students will have to work on their research proposal along with their allotted supervisor/guide. Students will have to participate in seminars and research papers while preparing their thesis. The final thesis will have to be submitted as a hard copy as well as a soft copy. A viva-voce will be conducted where the students will have to defend their thesis.

Yes, you can do PhD in the relevant subject after completing an MA course from Indira Gandhi Open University. The open university provides PhD programmes in different areas of specialisation. IGNOU PhD course admission is done based on accepted exam scores followed by an interview round. Aspirants can check out more details about PhD at the open university, here. Interested candidates should go through the eligibility and selection requirements before proceeding with application formalities.

Yes, it is worth doing a PhD in Management. While deciding whether a PhD in Management is worth pursuing, you should consider various factors, which includes your career goals, personal interests and the opportunities a doctoral degree can offer you. Following is the list of some important points you need to consider:

• Expertise and Specialization: A PhD degree in Management will allow you to delve deeply into a specific area of management which helps you to become an expert in that domain.
• Research Skills: It equips you with advanced research skills, critical analysis and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the field.
• Career Opportunities: This course opens doors to academia, research institutions, leadership roles in corporations, consulting and specialised positions in various sectors.
• Intellectual Growth: It offers a rigorous intellectual challenge, fostering personal growth and satisfaction.
• Contributions to Knowledge: Opportunity to contribute original insights and advancements to the field of management.

Well, the answer to this question would differ from person to person. The people who have the fire in the belly to dig deep and dive into the ocean of research knowledge about oil and gas resources would love going for a PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering. The duration of the doctorate degree course is between 3 and 6 years. On the other hand, some people might prefer looking for a stable job after a bachelor's or master's degree depending on their interests and future plans.

So, it completely depends on your interests, the amount of time you can devote to this discipline, and career goals. If you wish to enter into the professional academic environment and go into the research and innovation field, you can consider this option. You will get to know about advanced drilling, extraction, and production technology that could be further used in the oil and gas industry.

Look, if you are very passionate about research and innovation in the field of construction and infrastructure building, you should definitely consider going for a PhD degree in this field, as it will give you an opportunity to delve deeper into the subject area and come up with some fresh ideas focusing on environmental safety and sustainability.

Looking at the other side of the coin, you can obviously consider going for a job after pursuing M.Tech because the degree course will prepare you for the job market and instill a sense of practical approach and a business-oriented mindset in you owing to the coursework structure. You can start earning right after your master's degree with really good salary packages being offered by recruiters.

All of it depends on your interest areas, dedication, and future career goals. You must analyze your strengths and passions and then choose the right path for yourself.

Teaching methods and techniques for a PhD in Bioinformatics comprise research and lecture-based training. The course's teaching methodologies and techniques ensure students can access all available infrastructure and facilities. The following are general teaching methodologies and strategies:

• Research Sessions
• Group Projects
• Emphasis on off-the-shelf research
• Lab experiments
• Research writing and presentation skills

The PhD (Full Form: Doctor of Philosophy) course in Civil Engineering teaches you about the advanced techniques needed for designing, building, and maintaining large building projects and other infrastructure. The PhD course duration is between 3 years and 6 years. You will have to choose a specific area of interest within Civil Engineering like Construction Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, etc. and conduct thorough research on some topic within that field.

The overall coursework includes research sessions, fieldwork and experiments, surveys, research thesis, and presentations to give you practical and skill-based training about the technologies and techniques involved in the construction processes.

PhD in Engineering is a research-based course and it basically involves individual research in engineering. Here are some of the key points that shows what this course entails:

Coursework (1-2 years): This will involve further studies in the engineering specialty of your choice combined with courses that build up advanced research capabilities.

Research Proposal & Selection (1 year): It entails identifying a research question, method of data collection, and expected results within consultation with an advisor.

Thesis Research (2-4 years): This is the core of the program. You will conduct research experiments, simulations, or analyses that are original to your proposed project.

Dissertation Writing & Defense (1 year): You will also write a dissertation in which you will summarize your findings, The dissertation is a lengthy document that outlines the whole research process and impact. After that, you will have to defend your dissertation to a panel of professors and other professionals in the field.

There are various top colleges in India that provide PhD in Engineering courses, such as:

IIT Bombay

IIT Delhi

DTU

NIT Trichy

VIT Vellore

BITS Pilani and etc. 

Apart from the famous IITs and NITs there other reputed governemnt colleges also that are providing PhD courses, such as:

Indian Institutes of Engineering Science and Technology (IIESTs)

Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)

Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bangalore) 

Aspirants with a Master’s degree in Law or equivalent with a minimum of 55% aggregate are eligible to apply for the PhD programme provided they qualify AILET.

GATE is one of the entrance exams for PhD admission. However, aspirants can also get admission in PhD based on CSIR NET/ CEED/ UGC NET or written test conducted by the institute. The shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview round for final selection. Along with GATE score, candidates also need to fulfil the eligibiltiy requirements. Aspirants must complete Bachelor or Masters or equivalent degree in Engineering/ Technology or master's or equivalent degree in Science or Arts/ Commerce with a minimum of 60% aggregate (55% aggregate for SC/ ST/ PwD category) for PhD admission.

The admission of a candidate to the PhD programme of IIT Kharagpur is conducted by the Departmental Academic Committee (Post-Graduate and Research), abbreviated as DAC (PG&R), of the Department/Centre concerned, on the basis of

• Overall Academic Performance
• Written Test (Through offline mode)
• Personal Interview (PI) (Through offline mode)

The academic units shortlist the students for final interview based only on the overall academic performance or based on both overall academic performance and written test/ PI. However, final selection will be based on overall academic performance and performance in written test and final interview only.

However, to be eligible to get into this course, candidates must possess a valid GATE score that is above the cut-off level of students admitted for M.Tech or MCP admission or NET qualification with Assistant Professorship. 

LPU PhD fee structure includes multiple components, such as tuition fee, caution deposit, and more. The course fee varies based on the chosen programme by the candidate. LPU PhD tuition fee ranges between INR 3 lakh and INR 7.2 lakh. Students have to pay the admission fee amount after selection for seat confirmation. 

VIT University has been ranked as the 11th best Engineering Institution by NIRF 2024. Therefore, all four campuses provide the best engineering education to students. All campuses are well-equipped and have a good faculty. While choosing their campus, the students are advised to check the courses offered since it varies. Every campus has a different set of courses that are offered to the students.

PhD at LPU is available in full-time as well as part-time mode. Below are some of the PhD specialisations:

No. While a PhD can be helpful, it's not required to become a data scientist. A Master's degree or strong experience with data analysis and relevant skills can be sufficient.

Students can get fellowships by attempting and qualifying for entrance exams such as UGC-NET, GATE and more. Fellowships are provided through UGC or CSIR or through institutions which provide financial support to research scholars. 

After pursuing PhD, there are various options that one can do:

• Pursue research in universities, guiding future generations.
• Lead research teams in R&D labs, shaping new technologies.
• Depending on your interests, choose a path that aligns with your passion for research or practical application. Some PhD holders move into consulting or found startups.

IIT Bombay is one of the most prestigious institutes in India. The institute invites top companies, such as Microsoft, Google, TCS, Infosys, Apple, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, etc. for campus placements. The key highlights of IIT Bombay PhD placements 2024 are presented below:

Hi,

There is a possibility that a student can finish his/her PhD in four years, but that completely depends on the chosen degree and institute.Some fields, like engineering,  may have a more defined path and resources, making it easier to finish in four years. Others, like humanities, can be more flexible and research-driven, potentially taking longer.

Hope this clears your doubt !

Hi,

For PhD admissions, the students will have to apply at the official website of the institute they prefer. Some educational institutes also specify that candidates need to submit a research proposal along with their application form. The application form along with the research proposal is submitted at the Research Unit of the educational institute where scrutiny of the application is conducted. After scrutiny of the PhD course application form is complete then most of the educational institutes shortlist the names of the candidates who need to appear for the entrance exam and other admission rounds that are conducted for shortlisting aspirants for admission in PhD programmes offered by them.

Hope it resolves your query !

Hi,

No. A person with a PhD has completed his/her Doctorate of Philosophy while a doctor has completed his education in Medicine and works to help other people with their medical conditions.In a PhD course, aspirants need to select a topic or a subject and do in-depth research on it and answer any queries related to the topic/ subject. This is very different from a doctor who pursues MBBS or Medicine and caters to medical issues. 

Hope it clears your question !

Hi,

A new PhD student can follow these tips:

Passion is key: Be truly passionate about your research area.

Manage expectations: Expect challenges,  setbacks,  and long hours.

Build strong relationships: Connect with your supervisor,  peers,  and research community.

Develop good habits: Organize your time,  prioritize tasks,  and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Embrace failures: Learn from mistakes,  be persistent,  and don't give up easily.

Seek support: Utilize resources like writing centres,  mental health services,  and career guidance.

Hope it suites your question well !

Candidates can refer the table below to know about the seat intake in MA and PhD courses through CUCAT. 

The total tuition fee for PhD ranges between INR 75,000 - INR 3.55 lakh. The given fee range includes fee of different PhD courses. This fee is taken from unofficial sources and hence is subject to changes. Candidates can visit IIT Bombay's official website (iitb.ac.in) for more information.

IIT Kharagpur presents a substantial academic opportunity with a comprehensive offering of 2992 seats across various specializations for Joint MTech/MCP PhD courses. This extensive seat availability reflects the institute's commitment to accommodating a diverse range of students pursuing advanced degrees. Aspiring scholars can explore a multitude of disciplines within the Joint MTech/MCP PhD programmes at IIT Kharagpur.