A Doctor of Philosophy or PhD in India is considered the highest academic degree one can achieve. It is unique for its strong focus on original research and expertise. PhD students specialize in subjects such as science, engineering, management, law, humanities, pharmacy, and social sciences, among others.
The country ranks 4th in terms of student enrollment for PhD in India. The selection process in top Indian colleges includes a national or university entrance exam and a personal interview. In the interview, candidates share their research proposal, which helps assess their readiness for the program.
Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Full form | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Eligibility | · Fellowship route: Master’s degree with 55% marks and cleared national fellowship exam |
| · Research entrance test: Master’s degree with 55% marks and cleared RET by the university. | |
| Duration | · Full-time: 3 to 5 years |
| · Part-time: 4 to 6 years (or up to 7 years) | |
| · Online PhD: Around 4 years | |
| · Integrated PhD: 5 to 6 years (includes Master’s and PhD) | |
| Course fee | Up to ₹6 lakh |
| Top colleges | · PhD in India can be pursued from any IIT, AIIMS, or NIT. Apart from that, some top universities are: Jamia Millia Islamia · JNU · Delhi University · Banaras Hindu University |
| Entrance exams | JEST, GATE, UGC NET, CSIR NET |
| Top recruiters | Government Departments, Research Institutes, Academic Institutions, Universities |
| Job positions | Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Research Advisor, Research Consultant |
Top Colleges for PhD in India
There are 1043 universities, 42,343 colleges, and 11,779 standalone institutions in India, out of which, only 2.7% offer PhD programmes. As per the NIRF India ranking, here are the top 10 institutions for pursuing PhD in India:
| Top research institutes for PhD in India | Top universities for PhD in India | ||
| NIRF rank | Institutes | NIRF rank | Institutes |
| 1. | Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru | 1. | Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru |
| 2. | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | 2. | Jawaharlal Nehru University |
| 3. | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 3. | Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi |
| 4. | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 4. | Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal |
| 5. | Homi Bhabha National Institute | 5. | Banaras Hindu University |
| 6. | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | 6. | University of Delhi |
| 7. | All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi | 7. | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Tamil Nadu |
| 8. | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 8. | Aligarh Muslim University |
| 9. | Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati | 9. | Jadavpur University |
| 10. | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | 10. | Vellore Institute of Technology |
Why Study PhD in India?
Research prospects: PhD in India leads with a focus on original research across diverse fields, including science, technology, humanities, and management.
Scholarships and fellowships: PhD students receive monthly stipends, research grants, and external fellowships to support their studies. Special doctoral fellowships are available to ASEAN students, ensuring financial ease and a welcoming academic environment.
Global recognition: Degrees from IITs are respected and acknowledged worldwide. Moreover, many PhD scholars are excelling in top industries and organizations.
Affordable education: India is a lot cheaper than any universities in American or European regions. Despite that, you can get a quality education here with one of the most detailed and industry-focused curricula. Moreover, India’s low cost of living can be another benefit for international students.
State-of-the-art infrastructure: India holds the oldest ever universities for PhD (The Universities of Calcutta, Madras, and Mumbai), which were established around 1857. Yet, the campuses here are equipped with modern facilities like hostels, cafeterias, health services, and cultural activity centers.
Admission Checklist for PhD in India
| Requirement | Details |
| Qualifications | Bachelor’s and Master’s in a relevant field from a recognized university |
| Minimum marks | 55% or equivalent grade in Master’s |
| Entrance exam | Valid scores in exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or other national/university-level tests |
| Research proposal | Required by some institutions |
| Work experience | Required by some institutions |
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) | For part-time PhD, an NOC from the current employer or institution is mandatory |
| Reservation | Relaxation of 5%–10% in minimum marks for SC/ST/OBC candidates |
| Requirements for international students | A student visa valid for up to five years is a must |
Fees for PhD in India
| Universities | Tuition fees (per semester) |
| IIT, Madras | INR 26,000 at one time, INR 20,500 after that |
| IIT, Delhi | INR 18,000 at one time, INR 12,000 after that |
| IIT, Bombay | INR 51,600 |
| IIT, Kharagpur | INR 25,000 (per year) |
| Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru | INR 37,000 – INR 42,000 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | INR 50,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi | Around INR 23,100 |
| University of Delhi | INR 4,450 |
| Jadavpur University | INR 24,000 |
Eligibility for PhD in India
The required qualifications and documents for PhD in India are:
- Mark sheets and convocation certificates for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Minimum 50-55% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in a relevant master’s degree.
- Valid entrance exam score
- Research proposal, LOR, SOP, Migration certificate, gap certificate
- Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS (if applicable)
- Valid ID proof like a passport, PAN, or Aadhar card
- Disability certificate for persons with disability (PWD) (if applicable)
Intake and Admission Deadline
There are mainly two intake cycles for enrolling in PhD in India. These are:
| Universities | Autumn cycle | Spring cycle |
| IIT, Madras | 11th April 2024 to 31st October 2024, 5:00 PM
(for Jan-May 2025 admission) |
11th Nov 2024 to 31st March 2025
(for July 2025 admission) |
| IIT, Bombay | March 21 to April 5, 2024 (April 10 by 5.00 PM if you pay the late fine) | September 10 to October 21, 2024 (October 25 if you pay the late fine) |
| IIT, Kharagpur | February 13 to March 15, 2024 | October 23 to November 02, 2024 |
| Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru | 5th February to 22nd March,.2024 | October 1 to October 30 |
| IIT, Bhubaneswar | 16th March to 15th April, 2024, 11:00 PM | 16th October to 17th November, 2024, 11:00 PM |
Many central and state universities are currently offering admissions for the July session. The entrance exams for PhD in India fall in the same cycle. Only after a good score of 120 out of 300 can get you enrolled into a reputed university.:
| Exams | How many times it takes place | Tentative application dates |
| UGC/ CSIR NET | Conducted twice a year (June and December) | May 2025 |
| GATE | Once a year | 1st, 2nd, 15th & 16th February 2025 |
| JEST | Once a year | March 2025 |
Scholarships for PhD in India
| Name | Funded by | Scholarship type | Amount | Eligibility |
| Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) | MHRD, Government of India | Merit-based | 1st Year- INR 70,000 and 2nd Year- INR 80,000 | Post-graduation completed |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships | Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund | Merit-based | Between INR 15,000 to INR 18,000 per month | Passed PG with at least 60%, not more than 35 years old |
| ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) | Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) | Online entrance exam-based | Between INR 16,500 to INR 17,600 per month | PG with at least 55% score, pursuing PhD in India in Historical Studies |
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships | United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) | Merit-based | Varies | Post-graduation completed |
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship | Ministry of Minority Affairs | Entrance exam-based (UGC NET or CSIR NET) | INR 28,000 per month for 5 years | Post-graduation completed, family income should be below INR 6 lakhs |
| NCERT Doctoral Fellowship | National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) | Merit-based or on the NET scores | INR 23,000 to INR 25,000 per month for 3 years | Passed PG with at least 60%, not more than 35 years old |
| Google PhD Fellowship India Program | Merit-based | INR 26,89,160 | Post-graduation completed |
Job Opportunities After PhD in India
Completing a PhD in India leads to numerous possibilities across industries and sectors. The skills and expertise you gain during the research process make you the most sought-after in every field. Here are some of the top career paths to consider after earning a PhD in India:
- Academics: faculty position, post-doctorate, adjunct position
- Government jobs: Work in policymaking, scientific research, rural development, military projects, etc
- Entrepreneur: Join startups or start your business
- Consultancy: Data analysts, financial analysts, IT
- Digital media company: R&D, academic researchers, analysts
- Research associate: Product development, marketing, business development expert, etc
Top Recruiters of PhD in India
After completing your PhD in India, your career graph will look extremely bright, not only nationally, but gloablly. Many recruiters look forward to hiring professionals with the highest qualifications, especially PhD graduates. Some of them are:
- Hindustan Unilever Limited
- ITC Limited
- Asian paints
- KPMG
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- OnePlus
- TCS
- HDFC Bank
- IDFC Bank
- Myntra
- DBS
- Citibank
- Capgemini
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all universities offer fellowships?
No, not all universities offer fellowships. Some provide financial aid or scholarships based on merit or entrance exams.
Can I get a higher salary after PhD in India?
Yes, PhD holders often receive higher salaries, especially in academia, research, and specialized roles.
Is PhD in India valid for a job abroad?
Yes, PhDs from recognized Indian institutions are valid abroad. However, it depends on the field and employer requirements.
What are the requirements for international students?
International students need a relevant master’s degree, research proposal, valid visa, and proof of English proficiency.
What is the age limit for PhD in India?
There is no upper age limit for PhD in India.
