A PhD, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy, It is a research degree individuals pursue to further their academic and research interests. Students can choose in which mode they want to complete their degree. Full-time or part-time are the options for this course, but it cannot be followed through distance learning. Students who wish to pursue a PhD must be focused and dedicated to their studies because this course demands significant time and effort on a serious note for conducting primary and secondary research. Therefore, it is important to understand the demands of the course before enrolling in it. Upon completing a PhD, individuals can expect access to better-paying career options like academics or research.
The duration for a PhD course generally ranges from five to six years, although this may differ based on the institution where the student has applied. To be eligible for a PhD program, candidates must have completed a master's degree in a field or stream similar to the one in which they wish to pursue their PhD. Specific colleges may also require candidates to have completed an MPhil program before pursuing a PhD course offered by their institution.
A person with a PhD degree has completed their Doctorate of Philosophy, a highly specialized academic qualification that requires extensive research on a particular topic or subject. On the other hand, a doctor has completed their education in Medicine and is trained to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. Pursuing a PhD involves:
This differs from a doctor who typically pursues an MBBS or Medical degree and focuses on providing medical care and treatment to patients.
Details of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
The highlights table provides complete information regarding PhD:
This information can be beneficial in understanding the different options available for pursuing a PhD.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Name | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Course level | Doctorate |
| Eligibility | Through Fellowship: To be eligible for a National level fellowship, a candidate must have a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks. Research Entrance Test: To join the program, students need a Master's degree in a related field with a minimum of 55% marks and must have cleared the university's RET exam. |
| Duration | 3 years and 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, research Institutes, Academic Institution, College and Universities |
| Entrance Exam | JEST, GATE, UGC NET, CSIR NET |
| Job Positions | Assistance Professor, Associate Professor, Research Advisor, Research Consultant |
Candidates must have straightforward entrance exams such as UGC NET, GATE, and JEST to apply for PhD programs. These exams are mandatory to qualify for admission.
Name of the Exam |
Exam Date | Exam Schedule |
| GATE 2024 | 3 Feb 2024- 4 February 2024 | GATE 2024 Schedule |
| JEE Main 2024 | 24 Jan 2024 – 1 February 2024 | JEE Main 2024 Schedule |
| CUET 2024 | 15 May 2024 – 31 May 2024 | CUET 2024 Schedule |
| MHT CET 2024 | 16 April 2024 – 2 May 2024 | MHT CET 2024 |
Here are some top recruiters of PhDs in India and their associated job profiles.
PhD Top Recruiters
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Government Jobs |
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Private Educational Institutes |
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MNCs |
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Job profiles, salaries and job description after the completion of PhD are mentioned below:
| Job Positions | Job Description | Average Salary |
| Assistant Professor | Assistant professors offer valuable expertise in their respective fields and deliver high-quality lectures and workshops to undergraduate and graduate students. | INR 7.5 LPA |
| Associate Professor | Educators conduct research, publish findings and collaborate with colleagues, students and external partners to stay up-to-date and bring valuable insights to their teaching practice. | INR 10 LPA |
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Professor |
Apart from academic and research responsibilities, individuals in educational institutions participate in other activities such as attending meetings, serving on committees, academic governance, developing educational programs, providing guidance and support, and contributing to professional development initiatives. These activities help institutions function effectively and provide the best educational experience to the students. |
INR 13 LPA |
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Research Associate |
A research associate's role is crucial in the research field by supporting principal investigators, senior researchers, and scientists in various research projects. They perform experiments, analyse data, participate in research design, and communicate research findings. Research associates contribute significantly to advancing scientific knowledge with their skills and expertise. | INR 7.5 LPA |
| Consultant | Professionals working in client-facing roles engage with clients to thoroughly understand their needs, challenges, and goals. Through consistent efforts, they develop a rapport with clients based on trust and reliability and provide invaluable advice and recommendations to help clients achieve their objectives. | INR 8 LPA |
Earning a PhD degree can be a transformative experience for those who aspire to pursue a career in academic research. It enhances one's knowledge and skills and opens up new opportunities for professional growth and development. In India, despite the recent reduction in tax incentives, the number of academic researchers has been on the rise, reflected in their significant contribution to scientific and technical publications. This trend indicates the growing interest and investment in research and development in the country, which is a positive sign for India's progress in science, technology, and innovation. With more and more people opting for doctoral studies and pursuing research careers, India is well-positioned to become a hub of innovation and excellence in the years to come.
