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Phd course
Pursuing a PhD course in modern times is one of the highest academic achievements and gateway to many careers like researcher, assistant professor and many other professional roles. PhD today offers a wide range of specializations from arts to engineering. Whether an individual is interested in a PhD in Law or Chemistry, understanding the course, its duration and the structure is crucial.  The full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. PhD course is one of the highest academic degrees that one can achieve after conducting original research work on any specific field of study. The course duration of a PhD is 2-6 years depending on your field of specialization and the university that you are enrolled in. With the rise in demand of PhD, many universities have also approved and decided to conduct online PhD giving everyone a flexible offer to pursue in any mode.  This article focuses on PhD Specializations while also expanding itself to the eligibility, entrance exams, course duration, fee and other job opportunities.

Table of Contents

PhD Course Overview

The table below provides an overview of PhD: 
Course NameDoctor of Philosophy
Course LevelDoctorate
Entrance ExamsGATE, NET, CSIR NET, ICMR JRF, JEST, etc.
Duration2-6 years
EligibilityThrough Fellowship: master’s in any discipline with at least 55% marks.
Research Entrance Test: master’s in any discipline with an aggregate of 55% or more.
Course FeeUp to INR 6 lakhs
Job ProfilePolicy Analyst, Product Manager, Assistant Professor, Researcher, Research Advisor, Research Consultant
Job RecruitersGovernment Departments, Research Institutes, Colleges and Universities, and Academic Institutions
Average SalaryINR 5-10 LPA

Relevant Links for PHD Course

What is a PhD Course?

Full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. Doctor of Philosophy is one of the highest academic excellences. PhD involves taking on independent and significant research work combining it into a publish-worthy thesis.  

To be eligible for a PhD degree, one must complete coursework, pass an entrance exam and produce a thesis. The term “Philosophy” in PhD does not signify that an individual can only complete their doctorate in Philosophy. PhD comprises of many different specializations which will be discussed below.

Types of Doctorate Degrees

There are three different categorizations of doctorate degrees. Even though these are categorizations, all of the degrees help one earn a doctoral title. Doctorate Degree can be divided into three types as explained below: 

  1. Academic/ Research Doctorates: This type of doctorate requires an individual to present coursework, requiring them to submit a thesis by the end of term. PhD, DPhil, DSc, D Litt. and many more are the examples of some PhD course included in it. 
  2. Professional/ Practice-Based Doctorates: This type of Degree focuses more on the application of knowledge in a professional setting than on the theoretical framework. PhD course degrees like EdD, DBA, PsyD, JD, MD are some that fall under this category. 
  3. Honorary Doctorate: An Honorary Doctorate is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in a particular field. This degree is more like an award to recognize their efforts for the betterment of society. 

PhD Course Eligibility

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy has a different eligibility criterion for different disciplines. Candidates need to score an aggregate of 55% or more in graduation from a recognized university. Candidates who want to pursue a PhD in Engineering and Technology need to possess a valid GATE score.  

Below is the course eligibility for PhD: 

Minimum QualificationGraduation from a recognized university
Course PercentageAn individual should score an aggregate of 50% or above marks from a recognized university.
Entrance ExamsNET, CSIR NET, GATE, and university-based exams
InterviewShortlisted candidates often undergo an interview to assess their goals and their research aptitude.

PhD Course Duration

Many individuals get confused about the course duration of a PhD. But, in many universities the course duration is 2-6 years. And, if an individual exceeds more than six years, a fine is charged to them.

PhD Course Universities and Fees

Some of the best universities in India, private and government provide with the PhD degree in specific fields. Below are some of the most renowned universities and fees of those universities: 
PhD UniversitiesPhD Fees
Jamia Millia IslamiaINR 31,810
NIT RourkelaINR 1.9 lakh
IIT GuwahatiINR 20,000 – 1.68 lakh
Thapar UniversityINR 90,000
VIT VelloreINR 1 lakh-1.6 lakh
UPES DehradunINR 1.5 lakh
IIT BHU, VaranasiINR 88,440

Types of PhD Course

The stream-wise PhD subject list according to specialization is given below: 
PhD course in Humanities
PhD in Social WorkPhD in PhysiologyPhD in Public Policy
PhD in HumanitiesPhD in EnglishPhD in Social Sciences
PhD in Public and Economic PolicyPhD in Humanities and Social SciencesPhD in International Relations and Politics
PhD in EconomicsPhD in GeographyPhD in Humanities and Life Sciences
PhD in PsychologyPhD in ArtsPhD in Literature

PhD course in Science
PhD in Clinical ResearchPhD in SciencePhD in Biotechnology
PhD in ChemistryPhD in Applied SciencesPhD in Bioinformatics
PhD in Mathematical and Computational SciencesPhD in Environmental Science and EngineeringPhD in Applied Chemistry and Polymer Technology
PhD in ZoologyPhD in PhysicsPhD in Basic and Applied Sciences
PhD in MathematicsPhD in Bioscience

PhD course in Law
PhD in Legal StudiesPhD in LawPhD in Constitutional Law
PhD in Law and Governance

PhD course in Business and Management
PhD in CommercePhD in Commerce and ManagementPhD in Aviation Management
PhD in Business AdministrationPhD in Logistics and Supply Chain ManagementPhD in Accounting and Financial Management
PhD in ManagementPhD in Marketing/ Brand Management

PhD course in Teaching and Education
PhD in EducationPhD in Teaching

PhD course in Engineering
PhD in EngineeringPhD in Quantitative TechniquesPhD in Computer Science Engineering
PhD in Information TechnologyPhD in Marine BiotechnologyPhD in Genetic Engineering
PhD in Civil EngineeringPhD in Electronics and Communication EngineeringPhD in Engineering and Technology
PhD in Aeronautical and Automobile EngineeringPhD in Ceramic EngineeringPhD in Production Engineering
PhD in Chemical EngineeringPhD in Mechanrical Engineering

PhD course in Commerce
PhD in Commerce ManagementPhD in Accounting and Financial Management

Online PhD Courses

With the rise in the technological advancements, India has been moving forward with conducting online classes during the COVID. And now we’re moving forward with even providing online PhD courses. These courses are highly helpful for the working professionals who find it hard to pursue another degree while working. 

UGC does not fully recognized online PhD course but, part-time or blended course is acceptable. Many universities offer part-time PhD or blended learning models which combine coursework along with research work.  

Some universities that offer blended or part-time PhD courses include IGNOU, BITS Pilani, Amity University, Sikkim Manipal University to help individuals add yet another degree to their CVs.

What Comes after PhD Course

Completing a PhD course is the biggest milestone and achievement in the academic sector. It is with the help of a PhD that many bigger opportunities knock at the door of an individual. PhD can even help in promotion of an individual. Along with career opportunities, many individuals also look forward to further continuing their studies. Below are some of the things that an individual can do:  

  • Post Doctoral Research 
  • Academic Careers including Assistant Professor or Researcher 
  • Industry Research and Corporate Goals 
  • Government and International Organizations 
  • Doctor of Letters and much more.

Conclusion

The article in detail explains PhD specializations along with that it gives an overview of the PhD course. With the advanced world and bigger firms, individuals are looking forward to learning and exploring as much as possible for a job in a higher sector. 

PhD courses are now made easy with the help of online enrollment. Not only is it easy for the working professionals but also the individuals who want to pursue a specific specialization from a faraway university.

Yes, online PhD courses are valid in India only if they are offered by UGC approved universities in hybrid mode.

UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE and university specific exams depending on universities are the various entrance exams held for PhD?

Yes, as per the UGC guidelines, it is important for an individual to complete a PhD course and earn a degree to become an Assistant Professor.

No, usually there is no age limit for pursuing a PhD degree. 

PhD in Management, PhD in Computer Science, PhD in Psychology, PhD in Law, PhD in Economics is some of the most popular specializations in PhD course. 

 

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