Which Subject PhD Is Best?

The “best” PhD subject does not exist. In other words, the best choice of Ph.D. will be the course which will relate to your past academic work, current research interests, and future career aspirations. However, there are some areas of study where demand for Ph.D.s appears to be higher than average (i.e., there is a greater demand for Ph.D.s), with access to more funding and post-graduation employment opportunities. 

Management Ph.D. is one of the top choices for those interested in pursuing an academic or research role within India; particularly those holding an MBA or PGDM degree. Additionally, due to the increasing growth in the field of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, we see increased interest in pursuing computer science/Ph.D. AI. Finally, education Ph.D. continues to attract significant numbers of practicing educators and school administrators looking to advance in an academic leadership position. 

Within science disciplines, life sciences, biotech, chemistry and physics continue to be attractive options with many avenues for employment within the government sector at research institutions such as DRDO, CSIR, ICMR, and ICAR. Similarly, civil engineering and mechanical engineering Ph.D.’s continue to have a high level of demand from both Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and National Institutes of Technology (NIT). 

Finally, economics, sociology, political science, and English literature Ph.D.’s provide students with career paths in academia, policy-based research, and think-tanks while commerce/finance Ph.D.’s can serve as excellent career paths for students who have earned a postgraduate degree or PGDM in finance. 

Some emerging Ph.D. programs include environmental science/public health/cyber security/urban planning/renewable energy. As universities develop new centers of research in these areas, we expect to see more interest in these emerging Ph.D. programs.