Table of Contents
PhD Course Highlights
| PhD Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Course Type | Doctorate |
| PhD Course Duration | 2-6 years |
| Admission Process | Merit or Entrance Based |
| Course Fee | $250 – $45,000 |
| Average Salary | $80,000 USD per year |
| Recruiting Companies | Google, Apple, Roche, McKinsey & Company, Wipro, TCS Research, IITs, CSIR Labs and many more |
| Job Position | Research Scientist, Statistical Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Medical Science Liaison, Patent Examiner, and much more |
What is PhD?
The meaning of PhD is research degree wherein rigorous research is required on a specific field of study. The full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. It is a doctoral degree which is one of the highest academic qualifications that one can achieve.
PhD course duration depends usually on universities but is usually between 2-6 years all over the world. Sometimes, universities also extend this time period due to extensive research and thesis writing that it requires. Online Doctorate is not available in India but if you want to pursue it, many foreign universities accept the same.
What is the PhD course duration in India?
PhD course duration in India is approximately 2-6 years depending on different universities. It is suitable for professionals who want to be an assistant teacher or a researcher in the near future. The eligibility criteria for PhD a master’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks. Along with that an individual is required to appear in an entrance exam like UGC NET, CSIR NET, JEST and much more.
One might ask, “how many years for PhD after masters?” Due to the extensive research and thesis writing, PhD course duration might take almost 2-5 years to complete their degree. The researchers must also attend the classes and submit their required course work over the years.
Relevant Links for PHD Courses
- Secure Your PhD Admission with Expert Guidance Today
- PhD in USA Without GRE in 2025: Tips, Eligibility & How to Apply
- PhD in Philosophy: Course Structure, Benefits, and Career Paths
- What is a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
- Learn About a PhD in Electronic Media
- What is a PhD Degree? Everything About a PhD degree in India
What is the PhD course duration in the USA?
PhD course duration in the USA is of 4-6 years wherein a researcher makes a dissertation with extensive research, rigorous course work. Some universities also offer a stipend to the students, but it depends on a researcher’s field of study.
A part-time degree is also available in the USA, designed especially for working professionals. In addition to that, online PhDs are also available to pursue in various universities of USA. PhD course duration for these degrees extends up to 7-8 years.
Standardized exams like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL along with Letters of Recommendations and a master’s degree are the norms of participating in PhD courses. However, the cost of living in the USA is higher. One can, hence, opt for an online PhD degree if they want to pursue it from a foreign university. A PhD in public administration is one of the best courses to pursue in the USA. Along with that, a psychology graduate can pursue a PhD in psychology. The PhD course duration is 6-7 years.
What is the PhD course duration in the UK?
PhD course duration in the UK is 3-4 years for full time researchers. Universities in the UK offer doctoral training programs, offering academic and professional development to an individual.
Part-time/ online PhD is also available which takes an approx. of 6-7 years. It is suitable for candidates who have other commitments. TOEFL and IELTS are conducted by university alongside interviews of a successful admission in PhD courses in UK. PhD in History is one of the best PhD courses to pursue in UK.
What is the PhD course duration in the IIT?
PhD course duration in India for IIT is for 4-6 years. IITs in India are one of the prestigious universities. Getting an admission in IIT requires a lot of hard work and dedication. IIT degree is one of the most reputable degrees in India.
For a regular PhD from IIT, the eligibility criteria are a master’s degree from a recognized university scoring 55% marks on an average. Along with that entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE and others are also a must.
For a part-time PhD from IIT, one needs to have a master’s degree from a recognized university scoring 55% marks on an average. You also need to have a qualification for UGC NET or GATE Exam. NOC is also required to be issued by your organization.
PhD after B.Tech. is available in IITs and requires GATE scores. PhD course duration of PhD after B.Tech. is 5-6 years.
What is the PhD course duration in Germany?
Studying in Germany has a lot of advantages. Education in many universities is almost free. One may ask, “How many years of PhD course in Germany?” PhD course duration is of 5-6 years. But the duration can vary from university to university. A master’s degree and a language test are the essential requirements of admissions in Germany.
What is the PhD course duration of Mathematics as a specialization?
In India, after the completion of M.Sc. in Mathematics, a PhD can take 3-5 years, varying by the specialization and university. Along with that, for enrollment in prestigious university, entrance exams like CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or NBHM.
What is UGC-NET Exam?
UGC-NET Exam is a standardized exam in India which helps in determining the eligibility of Indian nationals for Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellowship. In addition to that, it is also an exam for the enrollment of PhD admissions. The exam is conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Are you Ready for PhD Program?
Many people pursue PhD only because everyone on the internet is doing it. But it is important to know that a PhD requires extensive research and a lot of time. One should have enough motivation and inspiration to pursue the same.
It is also important to go through the guidelines before enrolling in the program. Being aware of the PhD course duration, and PhD university faculty can help you know if it is a great fit for you. One can even pursue other certifications, short courses or other related degree if a PhD is something that feels too heavy.
What are the different modes of PhD program and how much time will it take to complete?
Explained below are the bifurcations of the different modes of PhD program along with their time duration:
- Regular PhD: Regular PhD expects you to attend classes regularly while often reviewing your research thesis. An entrance exam along with your master’s degree is required for the same. Regular PhD course duration is 3-5 years.
- Part-Time PhD: Part-Time PhD depends on university to university but more often classes are held on the weekends. Along with that, one requires at least a year of working experience as an additional criterion. Part-Time PhD course duration is 7-8 years.
- Online PhD: Online PhD in India is not available as UGC does not approve of the same. However, an individual can pursue Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) online without any requirement to visit university. PhD course duration for DBA is 3-5 years.
- PhD for Working Professionals: PhD for working professionals is also available in India. An individual requires a master’s degree with 60% aggregate marks for the same.
- Abroad PhD: Getting a PhD from abroad is quite easy and possible. Abroad PhD course duration is 3-5 years. One needs to pass standardized exams like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL to be enrolled in different universities.
Job Opportunities from PhD Program
| Chief Research Officer | Research Scientist |
| Professor | Senior Consultant |
| Data Scientist | Senior Developer |
| Policy Analyst | Patent Agent |
Conclusion
PhD course duration in India 2-6 years and can be extended depending on the university and its pre-requisites. It is similar in foreign countries too where the course duration is 3-5 years. Depending on the university and the country, the duration can be increased without any fine.
Yes, one can pursue a PhD after an MBA if they are interested in academic careers and policy research.
PhD in India is for a time duration of 3-5 years, but it also depends on the university.
Standardized exams like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL along with letters of recommendations and a master’s degree are the norms of participating in PhD courses in foreign universities.
Yes. Some specializations in PhD that people pursue are PhD in Artificial Intelligence, PhD in Psychology, PhD in Data Science, PhD in Management.
Yes, A PhD supervisor is also allotted in foreign universities to guide you through the research process. Along with that, they help you in publishing papers, presentations and conferences.
