How Can I Join a PhD?

Applying for a PhD course in India requires careful planning and can be broken down into several steps. First, you need to have a recognized Postgraduate (PG) degree such as MA, MSc, MBA, MTech, MCom, PGDM, or any other recognized PG degree. In addition, you need to obtain at least 55% aggregate marks. However, SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates are allowed with a lower percentage of 50%. 

Many universities now accept a candidate that has successfully completed a PGDM from an AICTE-approved institution that is deemed to be equivalent to an MBA. 

 Once you have satisfied the eligibility requirements for a PhD program in India, you then need to pass one of the many PhD Entrance Exams available. For example, the UGC-NET Exam is the most used PhD Entrance Exam, although some universities prefer to use CSIR-NET exams for science related subjects; GATE scores are preferred for Engineering & Technology related subjects. Some central and State Universities also offer their own PhD Entrance Tests. Your performance on the PhD Entrance Test will determine whether you will be invited to the Interview Round. At the Interview Round, you will be required to demonstrate your research interest, Subject knowledge, and Proposed Topic to the Selection Panel. 

 Once selected, you will become a registered PhD Scholar with the University, and you will be assigned as a Research Supervisor. Typically, during the first year of study for a PhD program in India, you will take courses and participate in internal assessments. As per the UGC 2022 PhD Regulations, once the coursework is completed, you will develop a Synopsis of your proposed Research. Once your Research Proposal has been approved by the Research Advisory Committee, you may begin Full-Time Research. 

A PhD Course in India normally takes 3-5 years to complete from Admission to Thesis Submission. During this time, you should expect to write research papers, give presentations at Seminars, etc., and ultimately complete your Final Thesis based on Original Research. 

 In case you do not know which University to Apply for; which PhD Entrance Examination best fits your Background; or how to Prepare Your Research Proposal for your PhD Application; Aimlay provides Guidance for Students applying for a PhD Program through our PhD Admission Support Services.