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PhD Percentage by Country / Number of Doctorate Degrees per Country 2024

1. slovenia.

Slovenia is the highest-ranking country in the number of Ph.D. degrees earned by adults between the ages of 25 and 64. 5% of the entire population in Slovenia has a Ph.D. The distribution between Ph.D. adults in Slovenia finds more female doctorates than males. About 4.5% of adult females have a Ph.D., compared to about 3% of adult males in Slovenia.

2. Switzerland

Switzerland has the second-highest rate of Ph.Ds. globally, with nearly 3% of the adult population holding this advanced degree. In Switzerland, men are more likely to hold a Ph.D., representing 4% of the total doctorate population, compared to about 2.5% for female doctorates.

3. Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, 2% of the total population holds a Ph.D. There are several countries tied for 2% of the population with a Ph.D., and almost all of the highly educated countries are in Europe . In Luxembourg, 2.5% of Ph.D. holders are male, compared to 2% female.

4. United States

The United States is tied with European countries when it comes to being a highly educated population. About 2% of the U.S. population holds a Ph.D. Men are more likely than women to have a Ph.D. in the United States, with 2.5% of the Ph.D. candidates male and about 2% female.

Like other countries on our list, Sweden is tied with 2% of the total population holding a doctorate degree. In this country, males and females are just about equal when it comes to this advanced degree. Around 2.5% of males have a Ph.D., while 2.2% of females hold a Ph.D. in Sweden.

6. The United Kingdom

Rounding out our list of highly educated countries with the most Ph.Ds., the United Kingdom has about 2% of the population holding a Ph.D. In the United Kingdom, males and females are pretty close to equal in higher education. Males account for more Ph.D. degrees, with about 2.5%, while females are close behind with nearly 2.3% Ph.Ds.

Another European country on our list of the most Ph.Ds., Germany, has about 2% of its population with a Ph.D. This country sees a more significant discrepancy between males and females when it comes to higher education. About 1.75% of males account for Ph.Ds. awarded, while only about 1% of females have their Ph.D. in Germany.

8. Australia

Breaking up the stranglehold at the top of our list between Europe and the United States, Australia makes the list with the 8th most Ph.D. citizens per capita. In Australia, 2% of the population holds a doctorate degree. Males and females are almost identical regarding Ph.Ds., with males just slightly earning a Ph.D. more frequently. Males account for 1.1% of Ph.Ds. in the country, while females account for 1.0% of the Ph.Ds. awarded in Australia.

3.6%
3%
2%
1.8%67,449
1.6%
1.4%28,147
1.3%25,020
1.3%8,400
1.3%
1.2%
1.2%
1.1%
1.1%
1.1%
1%
1%
0.9%13,729
0.7%10,889
0.7%
0.7%
0.7%
0.7%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.5%10,678
0.5%
0.5%
0.4%4,516
0.3%
0.1%
0%24,300
0%3,591
0%2,223
0%16,039
0%2,060
0%12,931
0%7,059

What country has the highest percentage of PhDs?

Frequently asked questions.

  • What are the characteristics and outcomes of doctoral graduates? - OECD
  • These countries have the most doctoral graduates - World Economic Forum
  • List of countries by number of doctorates awarded - Wiki
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The future of research: Less than 2 per cent of world has PhD; India ranks 4th in doctoral graduates produced

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Updated Jun 3, 2022, 02:30 IST

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PhD is the highest educational degree world over .

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how many students do phd in india every year

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how many students do phd in india every year

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how many students do phd in india every year

PhD, research and its upshot: How much quality do we produce?

The phd (doctor of philosophy), or the doctoral degree, is considered the highest educational degree in the world. india is ranked fourth globally, producing slightly over 24,000 doctoral graduates each year. but it still lacks quality research..

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PhD, research and its upshot: How much quality do we produce?

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is theoretically the highest educational degree all over the world. Also known as a doctoral degree, a PhD can be awarded to one after a master's or even an MPhil. A PhD enables a person to use the title ‘doctor’. The PhD research programme is supposed to aim to produce graduates who would contribute to the body of knowledge in their specific fields of study and develop innovative, theory-based, systematic, and practical solutions to the significant concerns of specific issues. Though it is challenging, it is also rewarding.

As per the most recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report, less than 2 per cent of the world's population has a doctorate degree today. According to the US Census Bureau, only 1.2 per cent of the US population has a PhD, whereas Slovenia and Switzerland have the highest percentage of the population with a doctorate, at 5 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. India stands tall in the number of doctoral graduates produced on a yearly basis, according to the recently released OECD report. Producing slightly over 24,000 doctoral graduates, India is ranked fourth against the USA, which produces 68,000 graduates and tops the list. An All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) report from 2019 revealed that the number of PhD degrees awarded has increased by 60 per cent in the last five years. The total PhD admissions increased manifold in the last few years from 1,26,451 in 2015-16 to 2,02,550 in 2019-20. A total of 38,986 students were awarded PhD degrees in 2019, which includes 21,577 male and 17,409 female candidates. 2,881 students enrolled in Integrated PhD programmes, in addition to 2.02 lakh students who enrolled in PhD degrees.

READ | UGC allows extension of up to 6 months for submission of MPhil or PhD thesis

WHY DO PEOPLE OPT FOR A PHD?

Is research necessary in everyday life.

Research is a tool for building knowledge and facilitating learning. It's a means to comprehend issues and increase public awareness. It helps to flourish in business and gauge opportunities. It allows to invalidate lies and support the justifiable truths. Research also develops confidence in many ways such as reading, writing, analysing, and sharing valuable new information and knowledge through nourishment and mind exercise. It is required not just for students, research scholars and academics, but for all professionals and nonprofessionals alike, to determine what the general public may want to know or what researchers want others to realise or think critically about. Thus, research is an indispensable component in producing knowledge. Through research, people get the latest reliable knowledge, build credibility, help in narrowing down the scope and introduce newer ideas, inculcate better judgement and problem-solving capacity, and finally, it can help one reach the common man by providing the best solution to societal problems. Therefore, research is the most reliable way to understand and act on the complexities of various issues faced by human beings from time to time.

DOES RESEARCH HELP HUMANKIND?

Every kind of information is important to humankind and it should be known and available to all. People should be aware of what is happening in and around the world. Research exists for humankind because it helps in understanding our society, culture, ethics, life choices, and newer developments, whether scientific or technological.

READ | Banaras Hindu University launches 'Teach for BHU' scheme to engage PhD students in teaching

Research in education has a very vigorous role to play because it is supposed to provide a systematic analysis, observation, and prediction and development of new theories, models and principles. It also initiates a learning-teaching atmosphere and expands the decision-making process, brings uniformity and motivates others if it confirms the right facts and figures. So, through research, overall improvements of an individual is possible, which ultimately leads to the development of humankind.

From the above argument, it is very clear that PhD research has its dependability and importance in education, especially when we speak about educational institutions. But, in today’s scenario, PhD research is not looked at as intellectual development. Rather, it is done for the sake of doing to earn a degree. That's because a serious methodology is not justified or rationalised and no newness and indigenous knowledge are produced through new models or theories. Therefore, the question is, how robust or actual is our PhD research?

Though research is compulsory in PhD, scholars often do not select or explore tough or new areas. They rather select an ‘easy-going’ area, problem or issue. It is also observed that in India, most PhD findings are not so good, with no newness in knowledge production. Why is indigenous knowledge through PhD research lacking in India? Why does India lack in quality research? That's the million-dollar question today in the intellectual arena, even though we know the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 talks about promoting Indic knowledge through indigenous empirical study.

THE WAY FORWARD?

At the very outset, I must say that quality should not be compromised in PhD research and that favouritism should be stopped at the entry level. Sometimes, preference is given to family members or friends, or to someone who comes with a recommendation from the higher authorities. This must stop. We must also have strong guidelines, both qualitative and quantitative, for an analytical entrance examination because multiple-choice questions in PhD admission are not enough to adjudicate a good scholar who might be a future faculty. UGC scholarship can be fixed to up to 4 years, and scholars must complete their PhD within the 4-year time. Because longer time does not guarantee quality research, and there is no scientific proof of it. I personally feel 4 years is enough for completing a quality PhD in social sciences. My personal Technical Suggestive Model is that the first year should be coursework and examination. the second year should be for tools development, pilot study and data collection. the third year should be thesis writing, while the fourth year should be for going back to the field (respondents) again to re-analyse those findings and outcomes for the development of new models and theories, that can then be presented at a seminar or journaled for exclusive rights or patent. I feel it will be the only way to produce new models and indigenous theories or Indic knowledge in India.

Also, let's look at the scholarship perspective. A one-year reduction means UGC will accumulate more than Rs 4 lakh from a scholar in a year. Imagine the amount of money that can be accumulated in total, and utilised further for organisational support for scholars in case of need in future — for example, a welfare or research organisation to work for a cause. Also, the money can be utilised for free schooling and scholarships for orphan children, and disabled students who lost their parents during the Covid-19 pandemic. Think seriously and realistically, and you may not disagree with me.

As per a Hindustan Times report, dated March 17, 2022, the draft UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022, has proposed several changes, including making undergraduates who have been in the four-year programme with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 7.5 eligible for PhD admissions, and also removing the mandatory requirement of having the research paper published before the submission of the thesis. It could sooner or later compromise the quality of research. Even continuous changes of regulations may confuse and complicate things for the research scholars. I feel UGC should have long-term — maybe 10 years — robust procedural research regulations and then continuously monitor and evaluate to see the gaps, if any, along with proper checks and balances regarding quality publication.

READ | Jamia Millia Islamia PhD admissions from April 1 to 30: Know details

I sense educational institutions must admit only those students in PhD programmes who have a passion for research and rationality in the area, or want to work at the grass-root level with people’s issues and problems, not mediocre nor having UGC NET/JRF only.

Another observation is that rejection of thesis is very few in India, though it is written in the evaluation form. Let’s have an evaluation system that is very confidential. Supervisors often take advantage by giving the external evaluators names of a known person to easily complete the evaluation without any critical analysis of the thesis. I call it biases in the evaluation system. So, a strict system of evaluation should be developed after examining the areas of expertise of the examiners, even if it is an international examiner. There is a saying in India that thesis submission means it is done. This notion has to be changed now.

I always feel that PhD scholars should be given teaching opportunities at least a few times every semester, as a teacher's assistant or research faculty, to develop their interest in teaching and enrich their teaching capability and competence. Research ethics need to be strictly followed from admissions to submissions in the name of truth and scientific integrity, fairness, social responsibility, and validation of data. So, a culture of research has to be developed.

Strategic planning needs to be developed that can work on academic freedom and flexibility. Centralised planning for quality research has to be given priority as it is limited in India. Industry-partnership building for collaboration and research should be a must because this approach is well known and very successful in Australia and other countries. Strong research infrastructure through international journals, magazines, computing and networking infrastructure, and international collaboration through a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) is also desirable. An E-Research Unit can be introduced like Australia, and Support for Intellectual Property (IP) Management and its commercialisation for filing patents and protecting them should be reinforced. Classic research is not re-visiting or replicating, we have only an exemplar or paradigm of research. Therefore, replication of these classic research is possible when there will be revisiting of those extensively — from a set of examples to an extensive set up of replication of studies, which would help verify replicability criteria of the scientific method that is missing.

The very concept of category by Aristotle and other philosophers now needs to be redefined because it requires certain qualifications and justifications. Because we see that deciding a category does not adhere now. Therefore, researchers are being trapped or following the existing categories available in the literature, which has a gap, yet it has been accepted by many scholars. Today we must develop not only 'helping tools' but also more ‘knowledge tools’ because every social science subject should have their own knowledge tools used in research. Whatever we have now, is old, and indigenous and empirical knowledge tools need to be developed more. A single window system from a research governance perspective, like the passport seva, needs to be developed for a smooth procedural facet of research in India. More academic writing in research must be done and teaching jobs and promotions in teaching should be done based on quality research now.

Finally, impact on society through PhD research has to be ensured, and a rewards system should be introduced for faculty and scholars encouraging them towards quality research, both at national and international levels. Only then can we achieve a level of quality in our research in India, which then would be able to compete at an international level.

(Prof. Sanjoy Roy, Department of Social Work, University of Delhi) READ | IIT Roorkee enrolls female candidates under SAKUNTALA Fellowship for full time PhD programme Published By: Namrata Agarwal Published On: Jun 2, 2022 --- ENDS ---

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Indian PhD enrolment up 60 per cent in five years

Nationwide survey shows overall gains in capacity, enrolment and gender balance.

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Overcrowded train in India

Enrolment on PhDs has increased by 60 per cent in India over the past five years, according to new data.

Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank called the rise, reported in the All India Survey on Higher Education, “heartening”. India plans to greatly boost innovation with a 500 billion rupee (£5 billion)  National Research Foundation  announced this year.

The survey, released this month, showed growth across almost all key higher education metrics, in line with the goals of the 2020  National Education Policy (NEP) , which aims to double the size of the higher education sector over two decades. 

The number of universities rose by 30.5 per cent from 2015-16 to 2019-20: today, the country counts 1,043 universities, 42,343 colleges and 11,779 stand-alone higher education institutions.  Among those, the number of “institutions of national importance” increased from 75 to 135.  

The number of higher education students grew 12.6 per cent, or from 34.2 million in 2014-15 to 38.5 million in 2019-20. One goal of the NEP is to bring the current GER of 27 per cent to 50 per cent by 2035.

The number of women heading into higher education grew by 18.2 per cent over five years and, for the second straight year, female enrolment (27.3 per cent) was proportionately higher in 2019-20 than male enrolment (26.6 per cent).

However, the total number of male students still exceeds female students because of a gender imbalance in the country’s birth rates. Male students still dominate at the elite institutions of national importance.

Amit Khare, India’s secretary of higher education, said that “the continuous rise in enrolment, the number of institutions and gender parity is part of our country’s major move towards improving access, equity and quality in light of NEP 2020”.

In terms of specific fields of study, medical sciences saw the largest growth (51.1 per cent), followed by science (13.5 per cent), commerce (8.5 per cent) and IT (4.2 per cent). The arts, humanities and social sciences held steady, while interest in more traditional engineering fields dropped.

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India ranks 4th among number of doctoral graduates

how many students do phd in india every year

Hyderabad: India stands tall in the number of doctoral graduates produced on an yearly basis, according to the recently released Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report. Producing slightly over 24,000 doctoral graduates, India is ranked fourth against USA that produces 68,000 and tops the list.

The report states that many discoveries such as MP3 or the GPS technology would never have happened if it wasn't for PhD research. According to educational experts, more innovative research is needed and the existing mode of financial support to graduates also needs to undergo a change. India’s top rank is even more commendable as it is one of the few emerging economies that have featured in the list.

Most of the doctorates produced are in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. With major universities in Telangana open for PhDs, professors say that although the number of students applying for research is growing, quality of research has gone down.

C Srinivasulu, zoology professor of Osmania University said that a trend of competitive production of research can be seen in Telangana, without focus on quality. “Universities should stop focusing on the number of PhD scholars but to make the work have international standard. Similarly special incentives have to be provided to research students,” he said.

Professors claim that incentives should be given to all students to ensure good work rather than differentiation on the brand name of the university. Shashi Deshmukh, an English Professor said that most of our research is based on digging up of old theories and focusing on them which leads to a lack of innovative research.

“Innovative research requires stimulation at the beginning-level. The budget for scholars in state universities in Telangana is meagre and is bound to affect the ideation stage as students will not think on a large-scale. Many students complain of delayed stipends and lack of research guides in universities. The student guide ratio continues to be bleak in many universities, leading to drop outs,” he said.

Educational experts question the demand for quality when students are not getting the facilities required for the same. Professor K. Laxminarayana, member of Save Education Society said that after the formation of Telangana, we haven’t seen any special incentives given to our scholars.

“Without facilities and infrastructure, how can they work? Most students have to share equipment and infrastructure which lengthens the process. Similarly funds are being cut by the UGC and Centre for scholars which will all result in problems in government institutions which means that eventually only private universities will remain,” he said.

Educational experts have also stressed on the importance of providing training to research scholars to increase their exposure to the industry. The report also stated that the study was not based on the numbers per head of the population and if it was done so, there would be more changes in countries like India having a larger head count than many countries.

Indulekha Arakkal

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  • PhD Study in India – A Guide for 2024

Written by Mark Bennett

The Indian higher education system has expanded at a simply phenomenal rate during the 21st Century - and it shows no sign of stopping. This rapid growth in the number of individual PhD universities is also producing a range of research opportunities , ranging from cutting-edge Science and Engineering projects to unique programmes exploring the country's own diverse history and culture.

This page provides a comprehensive introduction to PhD study in India, with information on universities, colleges, fees, funding opportunities, average duration and eligibility requirements.

On this page

Phd opportunities in india - what's on offer for 2024.

India's rich culture and stunning geography need little introduction and are a universal part of its appeal as a visitor destination. When it comes to international study, however, there's arguably never been a better time to consider a longer-term stay as a PhD student in India.

Here are just a few reasons to consider beginning your PhD at an Indian university in 2024:

  • Diversity and specialisation - Whether you want to research Business Management, Bombay Cinema or Buddhist Philosophy, the scope of options for PhD study in India means there's almost certainly an excellent programme available for you.
  • Affordability and accessibility - PhD fees in India vary a lot, but are often surprisingly low. Meanwhile, English is widely spoken and is adopted as the language of instruction at a wide range of universities.
  • Increasing global recognition - University rankings have taken some time to catch up with the speed of India's higher education expansion, but this is beginning to change. Several of India's leading universities and institutes now feature in international league tables for 2024.
  • Youth and dynamism - India's current population is one of the youngest in the world, demographically speaking. This fresh and dynamic outlook helps drive a culture of innovation and entrepreneurialism. You'll fit right in as a PhD researcher looking to develop new ideas and approaches.

India's universities can also claim some impressive alumni, including the current CEOs of Microsoft (Satya Nadella) and Google (Sundar Pichai). So, in a way, they may well have helped you find this page.

PhD Study in India - Key Details
1,072
12
The Universities of Calcutta, Madras and Mumbai (1857)
46,659
3-5 years
USD $2,000-5,000
July to May

Pick the right programme for you

There are lots of choices, let us help you to make the right one. Sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest advice and guidance from our team of experts.

Indian universities

India's higher education system is one of the world's biggest, with well over 1000 different universities. It's also one of the most diverse, as these institutions fall into a range of different categories.

This has the potential to seem confusing, but, for prospective PhD students, the differences between individual universities (or groupings) won't generally be as important as the specific research projects and programmes they offer.

University types

There are five different varieties of university with the potential to offer PhD programmes in India. In most cases the distinction between these groups concerns the way in which they are established and administered.

The Indian higher education system is made up of the following:

  • 47 Central Universities - As their name suggests, these are centrally administered by the Indian Government through its Department of Higher Education. This group includes some of India's oldest research universities, as well as some newer and more specialised institutions.
  • 390 State Universities - These are set up and governed by individual Indian states and provinces. They include a wide range of institutions, many of which specialise in certain subjects.
  • 307 Private Universities - These are also set up within (and accredited by) individual states or provinces, but are established by independent organisations. They often tend to focus more on international recruitment than Central or State ('public') universities.
  • 124 Deemed to be Universities - This group includes a wide range of institutions that weren't set up as universities, but are currently recognised as having university-level expertise in certain subjects. As such they may carry out associated research and teaching.
  • 138 Institutes of National Importance - These are India's premier centres for teaching, scholarship and research. Each is established or recognised by a specific act of parliament and designated with particular specialisms and objectives. See below for more details.

PhD colleges in India

India is also home to over 39,000 colleges, but things aren't quite as vast (or complicated) as they seem. Indian higher education colleges tend to be affiliated with local state universities, helping deliver the teaching for the degree programmes those universities award.

In practice, this system is actually quite similar to the collegiate university model adopted within older UK universities such as Oxford and Cambridge : the student studies within a college towards a qualification granted by its associated university.

Some Indian colleges specialise in postgraduate (or 'post-graduate') programmes, effectively functioning like the graduate schools operated by universities in the USA or Canada.

Institutions of National Importance

India's Institutions of National Importance (INIs) are its most prestigious higher education institutions, tasked with strategic academic and professional objectives. Most are highly specialised and are organised into appropriate networks based on the subjects they pursue.

At present the list of INIs includes:

  • 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) - these focus primarily on Engineering and related subjects. Together with the National Institutes of Technology (below) they award the majority of Indian PhDs in these disciplines.
  • 31 National Institutes of Technology (NITs) - these also focus on Engineering as well as related subjects such as Architecture and Management.
  • 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) - these are India's premier centres for professional training and research in Business and Management. Most of the programmes they offer award postgraduate degrees, including the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) - equivalent to a PhD.
  • 7 Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) - these conduct research and training in a broad range of scientific fields.
  • 7 National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) - focussing on Pharmacy, Pharmacology and related Chemical Sciences.
  • 7 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMs) - focussing on professional training and qualification in Medicine and related Health Sciences.
  • 3 Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) - focussing on professional training and research in Architecture and related subjects.

Needless to say, the INIs include some of India's highest ranked and most internationally renowned universities, making them a strong choice for international PhD study in appropriate subjects.

Subject specialisms

It's quite common for Indian universities to focus on particular subjects or even to specialise in these subjects at a postgraduate level. This can make it easier to find appropriate universities for your PhD, but it does mean that not all provide comprehensive research opportunities.

Indian university cities

The sheer size of India's university system means that opportunities for PhD study exist right across the country. However, there are a number of key 'hubs' for study and research. These include major cities such as Mumbai , Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad , Kanpur and Pune .

Indian university rankings

Global rankings are beginning to reflect the growth of India's university system and its increasing expertise in key subject areas. The country's Institutes of Technology (IITs) are particularly well ranked, with several in the current Times Higher Education world top 500:

Top 10 Indian Universities in 2024
University THE 2024 QS 2024 ARWU 2023
Indian Institute of Science201-250225301-400
Anna University501-600427-
Jamia Milia Islamia501-600 -
Mahatma Gandhi University501-600--
Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences501-600771-780-
Alagappa University601-800--
Aligarh Muslim University601-800 801-900
Banaras Hindu University601-800 701-800
Bharathiar University601-800--
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati601-800=364-
World University Rankings, and . Visit their websites for more information.

Do rankings matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

Accreditation

Universities in India are overseen by the University Grants Commission . This is an official body ensuring that higher education in India is properly supported and meets appropriate standards.

PhD structure

The Indian PhD is an advanced research qualification, designed for students who have already completed undergraduate and (usually) postgraduate training.

As a doctoral student, you'll set out to independently research an original topic with the support of at least one supervisor (an academic at your university with relevant expertise and experience). At the end of your degree you'll submit a thesis describing your research activities and results.

In this sense, PhD study in India is very similar to other countries. However, as you'd expect from a country with such a large - and diverse - higher education system, there are a few differences.

Most Indian universities award the standard PhD as an academic research doctorate. Some also provide other qualifications, including more specialised doctorates:

  • Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) - A PhD-level qualification usually offered by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). An FPM may include professional training, comparable to that involved in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree. Programmes usually last for up to five years.
  • Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm D) - A specialised professional qualification usually lasting for at least six years.
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) - A shorter academic research qualification (lasting one to two years), also offered in the UK and other countries. Some MPhil programmes allow progression to a full PhD.

PhD programmes

It's common for Indian universities to establish doctoral programmes within which their postgraduate students receive additional training and support as they carry out their research.

At State Universities, these are often organised by local affiliated colleges (effectively operating as the university's graduate school). More specialised Institutions of National Importance may run a single doctoral programme within which all of their students work on related topics.

PhD programmes often commence with a coursework phase . This provides any specialist subject knowledge and research skills a student needs in order to carry out their own independent research.

The coursework component of your PhD will usually be completed in your first year (this may be shorter if you already have relevant qualifications and training at Masters level). After this you will prepare a synopsis of your project and be assigned an appropriate supervisor to guide your research.

From this point on you will work more independently, carrying out research and collecting results upon which to construct your thesis.

Programme length

In most cases, the duration of a PhD in India is around three years . It's possible to study for longer, but some universities may set a maximum registration period for doctoral students - this is usually around five years, if so.

Academic year

The Indian academic year usually runs from May to July . As a PhD student you will normally complete coursework and other training within this teaching period. However, your research project will be ongoing.

Assessment and examination

The main criteria for the award of an Indian PhD is the quality of the doctoral thesis you produce at the end of your degree.

You will first submit your thesis internally. This can be a more significant stage in India than elsewhere. Multiple faculty members will often be involved and these may request corrections and resubmissions before allowing a student to proceed to their external examination.

Once your university is satisfied, your thesis will be orally examined by one or more external examiners. In India this is known as the 'Open Defence'. The title is appropriate as these examinations usually take place in a ceremonial setting and in front of an audience including your fellow students, faculty, family and friends.

Don't be put off by the prospect of being examined 'live' in this way: The Open Defence is a well-deserved opportunity to take pride in your work and the expertise it has produced.

Publication requirements

In addition to completing your thesis itself, you may be expected to have produced a peer-reviewed publication before your doctorate can be awarded. This may seem daunting to a new or prospective student, but you'll soon find that you're already producing work of a high standard as part of researching your doctoral thesis.

Your faculty will probably maintain a list of the journals it regards as being acceptable and your supervisor will be able to advise you on the preparation of your research for publication.

Fees and funding

India is a comparatively inexpensive destination for PhD study, though the actual cost of a PhD in India will vary between universities and regions.

There is no set fee for PhD study at Indian universities. Generally, State Universities will be cheaper than Private Universities, but neither are especially expensive by international standards.

International students won't necessarily pay more to study in India, though some universities may restrict the number of 'foreign students' they enrol.

Programmes are generally between USD $2,000-5,000 per year, though some universities will charge more. The best approach is to identify an institution with appropriate facilities and expertise for your PhD, then inquire as to its fees.

You'll also have some other costs to cover for an Indian PhD. These may include registration and application fees as well as fees for your eventual PhD examination. Most will be fairly minor expenses, but it's worth checking with your university in advance and confirming exactly what - and how much - you'll be required to pay.

PhD funding

The main source of government support for international students in India is the ICCR Scholarship Scheme , formerly known as the General Scholarship Scheme (GSS). This provides funding for students from specific countries to study at Bachelors, Masters or PhD level in India, with some restrictions on subjects and programmes.

International applicants with Indian heritage may also be eligible to apply to the Scholarship Programmes for Diaspora Children (SPDC) scheme. However, this support may be restricted to undergraduate programmes.

A list of other scholarships and fellowships for study in India is maintained on the University Grants Commission website .

Most Indian universities will also have their own scholarships and fee waivers available for their students, though not all of these will be available to international applicants. You can view a partial list of institutions offering international fee waivers on the Indian Government website . Note that these waivers may not necessarily be for PhD programmes or other postgraduate courses.

PhD funding guides

There's plenty of support out there for you to complete a doctorate in India (or elsewhere). Our PhD funding guides will help you make sense of your options.

Applying for a PhD in India

Some Indian universities use admissions portals to help manage their applications. Others will accept direct applications, or advertise specific opportunities .

Admission requirements

To be eligible to study a PhD in India, you have to have a Masters degree in a relevant subject, usually with an overall grade of at least 55% (or the equivalent).

Candidates will also be expected to have the necessary language skills for their course. English is one of India's official languages and is used for teaching at most of its universities/ However, some specialised universities will teach in Hindi , Urdu or other Indian languages.

There is no age limit for doing a PhD in India. Most PhDs take between three and five years to complete so it's worth considering what you want to do after completing your degree.

In July 2022, the UK and Indian governments signed a mutual agreement to formally recognise eachother's higher education qualifications. This means that if you studied your Masters degree in the UK, it will automatically be recognised as the equivalent of an Indian Masters (and vice-versa!) This should make the application process easier for UK students looking to do a PhD in India.

The Indian PhD application process

Indian PhD applications are usually competitive. Each university will have a specific number of places available on its PhD programmes each year and will use a system of entrance examinations, interviews and research proposal assessment to select the best candidates.

Individual institutions are free to manage this process themselves, but most will follow the same general steps.

PhD notifications

First, the university will establish how many places it has available for its PhD programmes. These places are then published as a 'notification' for that round of PhD admissions.

Notifications for the next academic year will usually be published in the previous Autumn. You can find them by searching university websites. You can also check the PhD opportunities listed here on FindAPhD.

The Research Eligibility Test (RET)

Once you have responded to its PhD notification, your prospective university will begin to assess your suitability for doctoral work.

PhD applicants in India are normally required to complete a Research Eligibility Test (RET): this is a written exam confirming that you have the necessary subject knowledge and expertise to carry out advanced research in your chosen discipline.

The content of the RET will be specific to your university and programme. In some cases universities will use relevant examination material from its own Masters degrees (as this is the level you should be working at as a PhD student).

You check the requirements and process for your RET before you begin your application. It may be the case that you are required to attend a physical exam in India (along with other students). Your university should be able to tell you if it makes any alternative arrangements for international students.

The next step (after a satisfactory RET performance) is to attend a PhD interview . Your university will normally publish details of candidates invited to interview as a formal part of its PhD admissions round.

The most important part of your interview day will be the interview itself, during which you will answer questions about your interests and experience and (hopefully) demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate for its programme.

The university will also use this opportunity to check and assess your application documents . You will normally be asked to bring certificates and transcripts related to your existing qualifications, as well as other materials related to your application. The exact requirements will be published along with your interview details.

Research proposals

Your previous qualifications, RET score and interview performance will confirm you are suitably qualified and prepared for a place on an Indian PhD programme. Some universities may also wish to check the details for the topic you plan to explore with your PhD. If so, they will ask you to submit a research proposal .

This may be a separate stage in your application, or it may be part of your interview process. Again, you should check your university's requirements.

Application portals

Some Indian universities partner with external services to help manage their admissions. This can make your application a lot easier, with additional support and guidance available on the exact requirements.

The most important application portal for international students in India is EdCIL . This is an official partner service, designated by the Indian Government to support applications from students seeking to study abroad in India.

Application fees

Some universities (and portals) will charge fees during their application process. These cover the costs of registering and processing applications as well as the administration of examinations and interviews.

Individually, these fees are likely to be quite small (often less than $10 at a time). However, it's a good idea to make a note of all the required fees at the beginning of your application and ensure you don't end up paying more than you expect.

Student visas

You'll need a visa to study in India as an international student. This is usually easy to obtain, provided you are a genuine student and have been accepted to study at an Indian university.

India issues various visas, but the one you'll require as a PhD student is, surprisingly enough, a student visa . This is normally valid for up to five years and allows multiple entries into India during your course.

Application requirements

The materials required for an Indian student visa application will usually include:

  • Proof of admission to your university (you'll need this before you start your application)
  • Personal documents (your passport and other details)
  • Financial evidence (confirming you have sufficient money to support yourself during your course)

The cost of your visa will depend on the country you apply from. Currently prices range from $14-$118 .

Application process

Before you begin your visa application you should check your requirements with an Indian Misson (embassy) in your home country. At this point you may also be asked to submit required documents and pay the appropriate visa fee (this will depend on your nationality and situation). You can then apply for your visa online using a service set up by the Indian Government.

PhD life in India

Want to know more about what it's like to live in India during a PhD? Our detailed guide covers everything from accommodation and living costs to culture and entertainment.

An Indian PhD will qualify you well for further work related to your research area, in India or elsewhere. The expansion of the Indian university sector is creating many opportunities for academic work in the country and your experience of Indian higher education will prepare you well for these kinds of roles.

As of July 2022, all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications earned in India are automatically recognised in the UK (and vice versa). This means that you'll be able to use your Indian PhD to more easily access a wide range of job opportunities in the UK.

It is usually possible to extend a student visa if you find work in India, or to apply for a separate employment visa (provided you have evidence of a suitable job offer). Your university should be able to provide more information and guidance during your PhD.

Find a PhD in India

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in India ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

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PhD in India 2024 – Cost, Duration, and Eligibility for Admission

Complete guide to phd in india: duration, costs, eligibility, and recent updates 2024.

Dr. Somasundaram R

Embarking on a PhD journey in India is a significant academic and professional pursuit. Aspiring research scholars often have questions regarding the duration of a PhD, the associated costs, eligibility criteria, and recent developments in the field. In this comprehensive guide, ilovephd aims to address these queries and shed light on the essentials of pursuing a PhD in India.

How many years is a PhD in India?

A PhD program in India typically takes around 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on various factors such as the discipline, research area, individual progress, and university regulations.

The duration may vary, but it is important to be prepared for a substantial commitment of time and effort.

How much does a PhD cost in India?

The cost of pursuing a PhD in India varies across institutions. Generally, public universities offer PhD programs with minimal or subsidized tuition fees. Private universities may have higher fees.

It’s advisable to explore funding options such as scholarships, fellowships, or research grants provided by government bodies, funding agencies , or individual institutions to support your PhD journey.

What qualifications are required for a PhD in India?

To pursue a PhD in India, a candidate typically needs a postgraduate degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field. It is important to note that specific eligibility criteria may vary between universities and disciplines.

Additionally, universities often require candidates to clear entrance exams or interviews and meet minimum academic standards to be considered for admission.

What is the age limit for a PhD in India? Is 25 too old to start a PhD?

In most cases, there is no strict age limit for pursuing a PhD in India. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate the necessary academic qualifications, you can pursue a PhD at any age.

Therefore, 25 is certainly not too old to start a PhD Many scholars begin their doctoral studies later in life, bringing valuable experiences and perspectives to their research.

Can I do a Ph.D. without the National Eligibility Test (NET)?

While the National Eligibility Test (NET) is a common requirement for lectureships and research fellowships in India , it is not mandatory for all PhD programs. Some universities may have their own entrance exams or selection processes.

It is important to check the specific requirements of the university or institution where you plan to pursue your PhD

Who is eligible for direct PhD admission?

Direct Ph.D. admission is a pathway for exceptional candidates who have completed their undergraduate studies and wish to pursue a PhD without a Master’s degree.

However, this option is typically available to a limited number of candidates, and universities may have specific criteria and guidelines for direct PhD admissions. It is advisable to consult with individual institutions to understand their policies regarding direct Ph.D. admissions.

Is it okay to do a PhD without a Master’s degree?

While a Master’s degree is generally the standard qualification for pursuing a PhD, some universities in India offer integrated PhD programs that allow students to directly enter the Ph.D. track after completing their undergraduate studies.

However, this option may be limited to certain disciplines or institutions. It’s important to research and identify institutions that offer such programs if you wish to pursue a PhD without a Master’s degree.

What are the recent rules for PhD admissions in India?

The rules and regulations for Ph.D. admissions in India are subject to change and can vary between universities and disciplines.

It is advisable to stay updated with the guidelines provided by individual universities and regulatory bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.

25 Tips to Join PhD in India

25 tips to help you join a PhD program in India:

  • Research your field of interest thoroughly to identify potential research areas and topics.
  • Explore various universities and research institutes in India that offer PhD programs in your chosen field.
  • Check the eligibility criteria and admission requirements of each institution you are interested in.
  • Take note of application deadlines and ensure you submit your application well in advance.
  • Prepare a strong statement of purpose (SOP) that highlights your research interests, goals, and why you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D.
  • Contact potential supervisors or faculty members whose research aligns with your interests to discuss your research proposal.
  • Prepare for entrance exams that may be required for admission, such as the UGC-NET, GATE, or university-specific entrance exams.
  • Enhance your academic profile by participating in research projects, publishing papers, or presenting at conferences.
  • Build a strong recommendation letter portfolio by reaching out to professors or mentors who can attest to your academic abilities and research potential.
  • Seek out scholarships, fellowships, or research grants offered by government bodies, universities, or funding agencies to fund your Ph.D.
  • Familiarize yourself with the research facilities, laboratories, and resources available at the institutions you are considering.
  • Attend research seminars, workshops, and conferences related to your field to stay updated with the latest developments and network with researchers.
  • Develop good communication and writing skills, as they are essential for presenting research findings and publishing papers.
  • Create a well-structured and feasible research proposal that clearly outlines your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  • Be prepared for interviews or presentations as part of the selection process, where you may need to defend your research proposal or discuss your academic background.
  • Gain teaching experience by assisting professors or taking up teaching assignments to enhance your profile for future academic positions.
  • Connect with current Ph.D. students or alumni of the institutions you are interested in to gain insights into the program and research environment.
  • Stay updated with any changes in the rules, regulations, or policies related to Ph.D. admissions in India.
  • Develop a strong work ethic and time management skills, as PhD programs require dedication, self-discipline, and long hours of research.
  • Consider the location and infrastructure of the institution, ensuring it suits your research needs and provides a conducive environment for learning.
  • Explore interdisciplinary opportunities and collaborations to broaden your research scope and gain different perspectives.
  • Discuss funding options and financial support with the institutions you are applying to, and be prepared to seek external funding if necessary.
  • Keep track of your research progress and maintain regular communication with your supervisor or mentor.
  • Attend preparatory courses or workshops on research methodology or academic writing to enhance your research skills.
  • Finally, be passionate, persistent, and proactive in pursuing your PhD dream. Embrace the challenges, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey of knowledge creation.

Remember, each institution may have its specific requirements and procedures, so it’s crucial to carefully review their official websites or contact the admissions offices for accurate and up-to-date information.

10 Steps to Join PhD in India

Here are 10 steps to join a PhD program in India:

  • Research your field: Explore different research areas and identify your specific field of interest for pursuing a PhD in India.
  • Shortlist institutions: Identify universities or research institutes in India that offer PhD programs in your chosen field.
  • Review eligibility criteria : Check the eligibility requirements of the institutions you are interested in, including minimum educational qualifications and entrance exam scores.
  • Prepare application documents: Gather the necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose (SOP), and research proposal.
  • Prepare for entrance exams: If required, prepare for entrance exams like UGC-NET, GATE, or university-specific exams. Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern.
  • Apply to institutions: Submit your applications to the shortlisted institutions within the specified deadlines. Pay attention to the required application fees and submission procedures.
  • Attend interviews (if applicable): Some institutions may conduct interviews or presentations to assess your research aptitude and fit for the program. Prepare well for these interactions.
  • Secure funding: Explore funding opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, or research grants. Check if the institutions offer any financial support or external funding options.
  • Accept an offer : After receiving acceptance letters from the institutions you applied to, carefully evaluate and select the most suitable offer based on research facilities, faculty expertise, funding, and overall fit.
  • Complete admission formalities: After accepting an offer, complete the necessary admission formalities as specified by the institution. This may include submitting additional documents, paying fees, and fulfilling any other requirements.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and procedures may vary between institutions. Therefore, always refer to the official websites and admission guidelines of the institutions you are applying to for accurate and up-to-date information.

Pursuing a PhD in India is a rewarding and intellectually stimulating endeavor. Understanding the duration, costs, eligibility criteria, and recent developments is crucial to navigating the process effectively.

By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, aspiring Ph.D. scholars can embark on their academic journey confidently and clearly.

Remember to contact universities or institutions directly for specific information and seek guidance from mentors or faculty members who can provide valuable insights into the PhD application process in your chosen field. Good luck with your Ph.D. pursuit!

PhD in India

Also Read: Best 100 Institutions to Study PhD in India – 2024

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Dr. Somasundaram R

List of PhD and Postdoc Fellowships in India 2024

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Think global, promote local

What can india do to promote more quality ph.d programmes and avoid playing the “catch up” game with institutes abroad.

Published - April 04, 2021 01:18 am IST

PhD student pushing button about Doctorate of Philosophy concept

PhD student pushing button about Doctorate of Philosophy concept

India needs to increase the quality and quantity of its research. There are many compelling reasons for this; a critical one being its necessity for the innovation ecosystem. It is clear that economies have become much more innovation-driven. And innovation uses new knowledge to generate value.

For example, algorithms created by machine-learning researchers are being used for innovation in a range of sectors and domains. Further, in the process of innovation, knowledge gaps are often found and further research is required to plug them. Therefore, a thriving innovation ecosystem requires a parallel in research and both need to thrive cohesively.

The Indian research ecosystem is relatively small and far behind leading nations in terms of quality and capability. Perhaps the most important indicator of the health of the research ecosystem is the quality and quantity of the doctorates it produces.

In the U.S., while two million graduate from Bachelor’s programmes, the corresponding number for Ph.D is 185,000; i.e. about 9% of undergraduates go on to do Ph.Ds. In India, the total number of students enrolled in undergraduate programmes is about 28 million, and the corresponding number for Ph.D programmes is around 140,000 or less than 0.5% of the graduates.

There is no doubt that there is a need to increase the number of Ph.Ds. The near-term goal must be to encourage 1-2% of graduating students to opt for Ph.D. But there has to be an equal increase in quality. For this, we need to attract bright and talented graduates into Ph.D programmes. Currently, many students who join Ph.D programmes are those who could not get a job, or want to prepare for a competitive exam, or are teachers who need a Ph.D for promotion. In addition, we should also ensure that their output is of high quality. The institutes also need to have the systems and faculty in place to achieve this. In the U.S., the top 50 institutions account for 50% of the Ph.Ds.

Luring talent

To understand what may motivate graduates, a small survey was done a few years ago. Graduating B.Tech students in some IITs were asked what they would require to enrol for a Ph.D programme in India. While better stipends and infrastructure were among the answers, a top sentiment was “the ability to spend a year in an overseas university”.

This can be addressed by providing Overseas Research Fellowships (ORFs) to top universities to send Ph.D scholars abroad. The only condition should be that the work done during the overseas period must form part of the Ph.D thesis, preferably under a joint programme with or a co-guide from the foreign university.

This programme could be awarded only to those institutions that have a good ranking and rigorous Ph.D evaluation systems, a good past record of producing quality Ph.Ds, and the capability and research record/standing. ORFs could be awarded each year to 100 institutions, leading to a rejuvenation of the programme. If 25 ORFs worth $20,000 each were awarded to an institution, the total would be $50 million per year. This is not a large amount, even by Indian standards.

Collaborative efforts

In the next round, the the number of ORFs given to an institution can be based on how many it was able to utilise, the universities its students went to, the number of joint publications, support provided by partner universities, and so on.

Given that ORFs can be established only with universities that are not likely to dilute their standards, a programme like this will raise the bar for Indian students. Another key advantage would be that the student is enrolled in an Indian institution and will go abroad only for a year and return to India to complete the Ph.D. The genuine collaboration in such programmes can lead to other collaborative research projects.

There is no doubt that we need to attract talented students to go in for research and also ensure that the output is of good quality. Without increasing the quantity, quality and variety of research, India risks playing the “catch up game” perpetually.

The views expressed in this article are personal.

The writer is a Professor and Founding Director of IIIT-Delhi and the author of Building Research Universities in India (Sage Publications).

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All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21 on January 29, 2023. The first AISHE report was published in the year 2011 and this is the 11th edition in the series.

The survey collects data on student enrolment, the gender parity index (GPI), representation of minority students, pupil teacher ratio (PTR), and enrolment for professional courses as on December 31, 2020. The period of the survey for this edition was from December 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022. The report covers data submitted by 1,099 universities, 41,600 colleges, and 10,308 ‘stand-alone institutions’ (which run diploma-level programmes but are not empowered to offer degrees). Among these, 475 universities were in rural areas and 17 were exclusively for women. This was first edition for which the data from higher education institutions was collected entirely online.

The 310-page report is divided into three main chapters: Introduction (Chapter 1); Analysis (Chapter 2); and Time Series Data Analysis (Chapter 3).

According to the report, for the year 2020-21, the number of colleges in the country increased by 1,453 – from 42,343 in the year 2019-20 to 43,796 colleges in 2020-21. The total universities, on the other hand, increased from 1,043 to 1,113 during the same period.

The highest number of colleges were found in the states of Uttar Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. These states also had a high density of colleges per lakh population.

There were no universities in three union territories, namely, Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu; and Lakshadweep.

A total of 48,035 foreign students from 163 countries enrolled in institutions of higher education in India. The highest number of students were from Nepal (28.25 percent), followed by Afghanistan (8.4 per cent), Bangladesh (5.7 per cent), and the United States of America (5.1 per cent).

The survey shows a significant increase in the number of teachers from 1,365,786 in 2016-17 to 1,551,070 in 2020-21. This growth can be seen in all categories namely, professor, associate professor, assistant professor, tutor and temporary teacher.

Of the total number of teachers, 57.1 per cent were male and 42.9 per cent were female. For every 100 male teachers, there were 75 female teachers.

Of the total 1,395,868 non-teaching staff members in the institutions, 65.9 per cent were male and 34.1 were female. Around 56.5 per cent of the non-teaching staff belonged to the general category and 24.7 per cent come from the Other Backward Classes. Further, 14.4 per cent were members of Scheduled Castes and 4.4 per cent belonged to Scheduled Tribes.

During this period, enrolment of female students was higher than male students in MPhil (62.1 per cent) and post graduate courses (56.45 per cent). Contrarily, female enrolment compared to male enrolment in undergraduate courses like BA, BCom, BCA, BBA, BEd and LLB declined.

Enrolment in PhD programmes increased from 141,037 in the year 2016-17 to 211,852 in 2020-21. Tamil Nadu had the highest number of candidates 34,411 enrolled in PhD programmes, followed by Uttar Pradesh (19,806) and Maharashtra (15,751).

The gross enrolment ratio (GRE) – defined as the ratio of the total enrolment in higher education, regardless of age, to the official population in a given school year, expressed as percentage – saw a rise from 25.2 per cent in 2016-17 to 27.3 in 2020-21. The rise was more significant in the Scheduled Caste category, with an increase from 21.1 to 23.1 per cent. For the Scheduled Tribe category, it surged from 15.4 to 18.9 per cent.

The gender parity index (GPI) in higher education measures the ratio of male to female students in higher education. A GPI which is “less than 1 suggests girls are more disadvantaged than boys in learning opportunities and a GPI of greater than 1 suggests the other way around.” It increased from 0.94 in 2016-17 to 1.05 in 2020-21, the report states.

The pupil teacher ratio (PTR) measures the average number of students per teacher at a specific level of education in a given academic year. The PTR was 27 students per teacher for higher education institutions across India in 2020-21.

The total number of students graduating has increased from 94 lakhs in 2019-20 to 95.4 lakhs in 2020-21. At the undergraduate level, 2,046,189 students graduated with a BA degree. At a postgraduate level, 542,103 students graduated with a MA. Also, 24,146 students graduated with a PhD.

From the responses to the survey, it was found that 4.6 per cent of students belonged to the Muslim minority and two per cent were from other minority communities. The report also notes the presence of more female students than male students from these minority communities. Of all the states and union territories, Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of Muslim students – 299,311.

Around 49,334 male students and 29,701 female students with disabilities were enrolled in higher education in 2020-21. Among the states and union territories in India, the highest number of students with disabilities was noted in Uttar Pradesh – 15,003.

Focus and Factoids by Dhyanvi Katharani.

Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, New Delhi

PUBLICATION DATE

29 Jan, 2023

how many students do phd in india every year

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Record Indian students went to US for higher studies in 2022-23, up by 35% since last year: Report

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how many students do phd in india every year

When working in academia, it is easy to forget how rare it is to have a PhD. However, data show that only a very small percentage of people hold a PhD degree. Learn more about the percentages of PhD holders, in addition to the numbers of PhD graduates and new PhD students in selected OECD countries.

Percentages of doctoral degree holders

According to the OECD’s Education at a Glance 2022 report, 1.3% of adults (25-64 year-olds) held a PhD in 2021 across the thirty-eight OECD countries.

There are of course country-specific differences. In Denmark and Germany, for instance, roughly 1% of the total population held a PhD in 2021. In the US and the UK, approximately 2% of the total population held a PhD in 2021. And in Slovenia, it was 5% of the population in 2021!

In the Education at a Glance 2022 report, the percentages of people who obtained a doctoral degree in 2021 are rounded up. In reality, more subtle differences exist between countries. More detailed data are available on the percentage of adults (25-64 year-olds) with a doctoral degree in 2017. While this data is older, it paints a more varied picture of the differences between countries:

Numbers of PhD graduates

Every year, new people graduate with a PhD degree. Unfortunately, the OECD only records data from PhD graduates who are younger than 35 years. Personally, I find this choice surprising as doing a PhD later in life has many advantages . I would assume that there is a high number of PhD graduates every year who are older than 35.

In the UK, for instance, 2163 female individuals graduated with a PhD degree in 2020, compared to 2335 male individuals. Canada, on the other hand, gained 838 female and 1003 male new PhD holders in 2020. Unfortunately, data on gender distributions of PhD graduates was not available for the US.

 
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Data on new PhD students

Every year, new individuals enroll in doctoral degree studies. According to the OECD’s Education at a Glance 2022 report, the total number of new PhD students across the OECD decreased by 4% between 2013 and 2020. However, the report also stipulates that this average decrease is heavily influenced by a large drop in new PhD students in Poland (-77%) and in the Slovak Republic (-26%).

 
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Across OECD countries, the median age of people starting with a doctoral degree is 29 years (Source: Education at a Glance 2022 ).

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PhD Admission in India 2024: Dates, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Admission Process, Top Colleges

Updated On: July 28, 2024 12:20 am IST | UGC NET

Looking for PhD admission in India 2024? If yes, then you might be thinking about what are the PhD eligibility criteria, required entrance exams, top colleges, career scope, etc. Scroll through to find PhD admission process in India.

PhD Admission 2024: Latest Updates

Application deadline for phd admission 2024 in top colleges, eligibility criteria for phd admission 2024, admission process for phd admission 2024, entrance exams required for phd admission 2024, top entrance exams schedule for phd admission 2024, phd admission 2024: how to apply, top universities in india for phd admission 2024, preparation tips for phd admission, job prospects after phd in india.

PhD Admission in India

PhD admission in India 2024 is carried out based on a national-level Research Entrance Test or University-level Entrance Exam followed by a personal interview round in which applicants must present their research proposal. As a part of the PhD eligibility criteria, candidates must also sit for entrance exams such as the UGC, CSIR NET, IIT JAM, etc. PhD admissions are available for research programmes in a variety of fields, including mass communication, management, science, law, humanities, engineering, commerce, and pharmacy.

The Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD course is an advanced research degree that lasts three years if pursued full-time and six years if pursued part-time. It is necessary for applicants seeking PhD admission in India 2024 to present their findings, submit progress reports, and participate in an open defence viva voce for their thesis. UGC NET entrance test is administered by the National Test Agency (NTA) for participation in the PhD admission process in India at prominent central universities such as JNU, DU, etc. Aspirants must have scored at least 50% to 55% of aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA in their postgraduate degree to be eligible for admission at the top PhD colleges in India 2024 .

All PhD admissions for the academic year 2024 have been completed. Here is a list of important dates and events that occurred for your convenience. Here are the latest updates on PhD admission 2024:

  • NIT Surathkal started accepting PhD admission applications from July 22, 2024.
  • On July 10, 2024, the PhD admissions at ICFAI University started.
  • IIT Delhi will host IIT JAM 2025 on February 2, 2025.
  • Admission for the PhD program at IIM Bangalore opened. Before January 24, 2025, candidates can apply.
  • The SAGE University PhD Application is closed now. Exam was held on July 21, 2024.
  • By July 29, 2024, register for the PhD programme at ICFAI Jaipur (On-going).
  • The revised entrance exam date for the RGUHS PhD programme is scheduled for May 04, 2024 (Over).
  • VIT Vellore PhD admission is now accepting applications through April 28, 2024, based on VITREE (Over).

The table below includes the top PhD colleges and their application dates for PhD admission 2024:

College

Application Deadline

IIM Ahmedabad

October 03 – January 29, 2024 (Over)

IIM Calcutta

November 01 – January 30, 2024 (Over)

IIT Bombay (IITB)

September 12 – October 20, 2023 (Spring Session) (Over)

Indian Institute of Science Bangalore

March 25, 2024 (Over)

IIT Delhi

Open till October 31, 2023 (Over)

IIT Madras

October 28, 2023 (Over)

IIT Kharagpur

March 25, 2024 (Over)

IIT Kanpur

April 12, 2024 (Over)

University of Delhi

To be updated

University of Hyderabad

December 30 – January 15, 2024 (Over)

IIT Roorkee

November 28 – February 28, 2024 (Over)

IIT Guwahati

January 02, 2024 (Over)

IIT Jammu

September 26 – October 20, 2023 (Over)

IIT Dhanbad

Open till October 30, 2023 (Over)

IIM Mumbai

Open till January 31, 2024 (Over)

IIM Amritsar

Open till February 15, 2024 (Over)

IIM Bodh Gaya

Open till February 29, 2024 (Over)

IIM Lucknow

Open till January 31, 2024 (Over)

Students who intend to pursue PhD in India must meet the necessary PhD admission eligibility criteria required by their respective colleges. Listed below are the detailed PhD qualifications required for pursuing a PhD from India:

  • Masters degree holders are eligible for PhD admission 2024 into the doctoral programme. Although, for some subjects, having a Master in Philosophy (MPhil) is one of the criteria for PhD admission eligibility. It must be noted by the candidates that in some Indian universities, for a Master's programme, a specific percentage (or equivalent CGPA) is required to satisfy a PhD course eligibility requirement.
  • For admission into some reputable universities, a candidate must qualify for the all-India examination, like the National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET) conducted by NTA. Final-year students appearing in the qualifying degree examination can also apply although they must submit the attested copies of their qualifying degree certificates
  • Admission is offered based on interview. Also, the interview may be supplemented with a written exam if needed.
  • Candidates should have a valid Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or GATE 2024 score to satisfy a PhD admission eligibility criteria in the field of engineering and technology. Also, candidates should have completed their degree in MTech course / Masters in Engineering (ME) in any engineering branch to satisfy the PhD course eligibility in engineering.

The need for a PhD degree in India has increased in recent times because of the increasing career prospects and the growing requirement for higher specialisation. Applicants who want a PhD admission 2024 must consider the following points concerning the admission procedure as the admission is done based on merit and/or entrance exams.

  • Admission into colleges/ universities in India is available for candidates in full-time and part-time programmes in various disciplines of engineering, arts, management, commerce, science, humanities, finance, law, medicine and IT.
  • Candidates can choose to pursue their PhD either full-time or part-time. The minimum duration of PhD is two years wherein the course follows the semester system including theory and practical versions on the specialisation of a respective course.
  • For PhD admission 2024, a Master's degree is required in India. Some universities in India offer seats to students having a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent.
  • In some cases, doing an MPhil is a part of their PhD admission criteria to pursue courses offered by some universities.
  • Admissions to a PhD programme is done through an entrance test at the university level or national level.

The admission procedure for both processes is described below.

Merit-Based Entrance-Based

PhD Admission 2024: Selection Criteria

Candidates interested in pursuing a doctorate should consider the subsequent factors during the PhD admission process in India.

  • The applicants who are selected will be contacted to participate in a personal interview round as part of the final selection process.
  • Depending on the applicant's MTech project and certain academic areas, the interview process will take place.
  • Students chosen for PhD admission are determined by their performance on entrance exams or merit.
  • Applicants must pass certain academic requirements before beginning a PhD.
  • Based on personal interview results, PhD admission in India 2024  will be awarded. If needed, a written exam could be added to the interview.

The entrance exams for PhD courses conducted in India may vary university-wise. PhD admission in India is based on enrollment to several universities. Universities accept the results of either a national-level or a university-level entrance examination. The following section summarises the PhD admission 2024 entrance exam schedule. Mentioned below is the list of the top entrance exams for PhD in India:

- PhD Entrance Exam

- PhD Entrance Examination

/ JNU Direct PhD

UGC NET Exam

PhD Entrance Exam

Osmania University PhD Entrance Exam

Vellore Institute of Technology Research Entrance Examination - VIITREE

Vishakhapatnam PhD Admissions Test

PhD Entrance Exam

PhD Entrance Exam of

– PhD Admission Test

PhD Admission Test

PhD Entrance Exam

BARC PhD Admission Test

Indian Veterinary Research Institute Bareilly PhD Admission Test

PhD Admission Test

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Lucknow-PhD Admissions Test

PhD Entrance Exam

Graduate School Admission Entrance Test

PG/PG Diploma/Superspeciality PhD online entrance test

DBT JRF Biotech Entrance Test

GTU PhD Entrance Exam

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)

Symbiosis International PhD Entrance Test (PET)

As discussed, PhD admission 2024 is primarily based on entrance exams. Applicants can select from several PhD specialisations, including mathematics, engineering, education, and engineering. The table below shows the exam schedules for India's most competitive PhD entrance exams.

Entrance Exam

Registration Date

Exam Date

GATE

August 30 - October 12, 2023 (Extended)

August 30 - October 20, 2023 (With a late fee)

February 3, 4, 10 and 11, 2024

IIT JAM

September 05 – October 25, 2023 (Extended)

February 11, 2024

UGC NET

March - April 2024

June 10 – 21, 2024

VITREE

September 25 – November 30, 2023 (Jan Session)

January 25 – April 25, 2024 (July Session)

December 10, 2023 (Jan Session)

May 05, 2024 (July Session)

IGNOU PhD Entrance

December 12 – January 03, 2023

January 07, 2024

IPU PhD Entrance Test (PET)

March 2024

June 2024

RGUHS Pre PhD Entrance

March 23 – April 01, 2024

April 19 – 20, 2024

NIPER PhD Entrance Exam

April 2024

June  2024

Prospective applicants can take part in the PhD admission process in India with a bachelor's as well as a master's degree. However, they must be conscious that to be eligible to register for a PhD study at any of the Indian schools, they need to meet a certain percentage requirement (or comparable CGPA). PhD admission is granted based on the interview. If required, in addition to the in-person interview, a written exam may be administered at a respective university's discretion. The following is a discussion of how students can apply for admission to their preferred PhD course.

  • On the official portal of their preferred college or university, applicants should review all the details on all PhD courses before selecting their specific research topic.
  • Those who wish to apply for PhD admission in India 2024 should keep an eye out for notifications about admission to their desired course on the university's official website (preferable) and in the local newspaper.
  • The individual needs to cross-check if they match PhD eligibility criteria. Next, they should fully complete the application and submit it by the dates specified on the official portal. Additionally, aspirants need to be mindful that they need to register by the formulated deadline along with all necessary documents and fees.
  • A few Indian universities stipulate that applications must be submitted with a research proposal; the application itself is reviewed afterwards.
  • Most colleges shortlist candidates after the examination, and those only then appear for the entrance exam. There is one more testing phase included to reduce the number of applicants for PhD admission in India.
  • The individuals selected for the PhD programme are subsequently paired with research mentors.

Typically, PhD admissions in India are carried out in the spring and fall semesters. Usually, the Spring Cycle starts in January and ends in June with admissions. PhD admissions for the Autumn Session open in July and end in December. Thus, to stay informed about the admission cycle, aspirants need to keep a close eye on the important dates, and deadlines and monitor the respective official portal routinely. The following is a discussion of the top government and private universities that offer PhD admission in India 2024.

List of Government Institutions Offering PhD Admission 2024

PhD admission in India 2024 is now being offered by numerous Central and State Universities for the July Session. The majority of institutions use the Research Entrance Test or UGC NET/JRF results for admittance. Applicants may directly take part in an interview and showcase their research proposal if they have authentic UGC NET/JRF results. Also, a lot of universities only admit PhD hopefuls who have completed their JRF. Consequently, aspirants need to focus especially on these requirements. The following table highlights a list of the top government institutions offering PhD admission in India 2024:

College Name

Accepted Entrance Exam/s

UGC NET JRF/ University Entrance Exam

UGC NET JRF/ DURAT

UGC NET JRF/ Entrance Exam

UGC NET- JRF

UGC NET JRF/ University Entrance Exam

UGC NET JRF/ Entrance Exam

UGC NET/ JRF

Sarguja University

Entrance Exam + Interview

UGC NET JRF or Entrance Exam

JRF/ NET

List of Private Institutions Offering PhD Admission 2024

Numerous private colleges provide PhD programmes in a range of subjects and provide candidates with respectable stipends. In addition to offering PhD admission to students who have passed any fellowship entry exams, the majority of these institutions also administer their own Research Entrance Tests. The following table highlights a list of the top private institutions offering PhD admission in India 2024:

College Name

Accepted Entrance Exam/s

VITREE

CSIR NET/ UGC NET

CSIR NET/ UGC NET

PhD Manipal Entrance Test (MET)

(LPU)

Entrance Exam Test

KIITEE

Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education

UGC NET

BITS PhD Entrance Exam

GATE

Here are some preparation tips for PhD entrance exams which students can use for reference:

  • Students should gather past year PhD entrance exam question papers from reliable sources and study accordingly.
  • They must refer to the PhD entrance exam syllabus as per their specialisation.
  • The entrance exam format varies depending on the conducting body; therefore, the aspirants must be informed of the structure to plan accordingly.
  • They must cover all exam subjects at least one month before the exam.
  • To relieve exam stress, the students must take advantage of the various mock tests available.
  • Keeping up with current events is vital because they are essential for grades.
  • Visiting the exam centre a day before the exam to avoid last-minute confusion about where the exam centre location is advised.
  • Before the exam, students must get a good night's sleep.

In today’s world, there is immense scope for candidates after they have completed their PhD. Gone are those days when the scope of PhD was limited to academia. After completing a PhD, one should track their potential and apply to jobs based on exact skills and expertise. Following are a few career options that candidates can choose after pursuing a PhD:

  • Lecturer & Professor
  • Author & Writer
  • Editor & Critic
  • Human Services/ Social Worker
  • Independent Consultant
  • Philosophical Journalist
  • Industrial R&D Lab professionals
  • Senior Research Scientist

PhD is considered one of the most valued degrees not just in India but abroad as well. When it comes to your career graph, it can be a good qualification for the aspirants. Many colleges or universities offer this course for aspiring students, however, one should satisfy their respective PhD admission eligibility. With this, candidates will have in-depth knowledge and develop mastery over the subjects they have chosen for specialisation, which will be extremely useful for them in their careers.

Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more such updates and information. Aspirants can also check out our QnA Zone to get their queries resolved by our experts. We wish good luck to all the candidates seeking PhD admission 2024 in India!

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In most cases, a two-year Master's OR MPhil degree in the relevant field from any accredited Indian or foreign university is the minimal requirement for admission to a PhD programme. She or he must have earned a master's degree or a grade equivalent with at least 55%.

The university-level PhD entrance exam or the national research entrance test is used in deciding admissions. The next step is a face-to-face interview where applicants submit their research project. A lot of India's top universities are currently accepting applications for PhDs.

Yes, students can finish their PhD in two years. While a small percentage of exceptionally talented candidates can finish their PhDs in under 12 months, most applicants finish theirs in two years. The rarity and impressiveness of this cannot be overstated, but it is always possible. The secret to completing a PhD promptly is to have a solid academic background before you begin.

Yes. It is every so often possible to forego your master's programme and enrol directly in doctoral courses. You can choose to forego your PG degree by enrolling in a research programme after earning your bachelor's degree.

The list of the top 10 easiest PhDs to obtain includes a PhD in Humanities, a PhD in Education, a PhD in Theology, a PhD in Business Administration, a PhD in Psychology, a PhD in Literature, a PhD in Criminal Justice, a PhD in Public Policy, a PhD in History, and a PhD in Sociology.

A PhD is the highest educational qualification that can be obtained. A PhD candidate can expect to earn PhD salary between INR 6 and INR 12 lakhs per year.

Whether a PhD is required after a master's degree depends on a candidate’s interests in a particular specialisation. To be eligible to enrol in a PhD programme, candidates must hold a master's degree in good standing. A PhD course can be pursued by students in any field.

A PhD programme allows you to specialise in a variety of fields. Chemistry Clinical Psychology Education Physics Electronics and Communications Engineering Educational Leadership and Administration are some of the popular doctorate level courses.

A doctorate or PhD degree typically takes three years to complete. Candidates accepted into the programme have a maximum of 5 to 6 years to complete their research. However, the duration of the PhD programmes varies by institute.

Yes, students can get a direct PhD admission in India after completing the UG degree in any discipline or subject of their preference. As per the University Grants Commission (UGC), candidates can apply for a PhD provided they have a four-year bachelor’s degree along with a 75% aggregate mark or its equivalent grade.

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PhD in India: Admission, Courses, Eligibility, Scope & Colleges [2024]

phd in india

Quick Summary

  • A PhD is a postgraduate research degree in India. It’s the highest academic degree in the country. 
  • The cost of a PhD course in India differs based on the kind of university people choose. However, if you take estimates, it can cost you around 80k to 2 lacs .
  • For admission in PhD in India, students require a Master’s degree in a relevant field. An overall grade point average of at least 55% (or equivalent) is required .

Table of Contents

Did you know that India produces over 20 thousand PhD holders , making it one of the top 5 countries with the most PhD holders?

Sounds great right?

And this number of PhD holders is only going to increase in upcoming years, with the rise in new technologies and scientific research more and more people will pursue a PhD in India. If you are also thinking about pursuing PhD degree, then read this article till the end to know all about doing PhD in India. 

what is PhD

PhD in India- Course Highlights

PhD Full Form

Doctor of Philosophy

Course Level

Doctorate

Course Duration

3-6 Years

Course Fees

₹50000 to ₹1 Lac. Per year

Major Entrance Exams

CSIR UGC NET, UGC Net Exam, JGEEBILS, IIT JAM

Avg. Salary of PhD Holder

₹4.3- ₹10 LPA

Why Pursue PhD in India?

It is known that the purpose of a PhD is to teach individuals how to conduct research in a field. Candidates learn how to write scholarly papers and present findings, along with gaining skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. However, there are career-related reasons to choose PhD course, and these reasons are:

  • Getting monthly allowances from the government to fund research.
  • A PhD student is seen as an expert in their field, thus, making them eligible for job openings related to teaching and research.
  • A chance to go to other countries for Academic Exchange Programs and learn various things.
  • Getting complete control over what you want to study and how you wish to continue with your research.
  • A PhD student gets to interact and work with the best academicians in their field and the professional experts who will guide them during their research.

Types of PhD Courses in India

There are different types of PhD degrees, some are based on distance and some are based on stream. Here is the list of major types of PhD in India.

Common PhD Degrees

A full-time PhD degree is a regular PhD program where the candidate is required to pursue research on a full-time basis under the guidance of a supervisor. It is a Phd course duration of 3-5 years.

In this program, candidates who are working professionals and wish to pursue a PhD while continuing their job, can attend classes on weekends. Part-time PhD duration is 4-7 years.

This program is a combination of a Master’s degree and a PhD course, and is typically of 5-6 years duration. It is meant for students who wish to pursue a research career in a particular field.

Distance PhD is designed for candidates who cannot attend regular classes due to various reasons. The coursework is delivered through online mode, and the research work is conducted under the guidance of a supervisor.

This PhD degree is sponsored by a company or an industry, and the research is typically focused on solving industry-specific problems. This course usually lasts for 3-5 years

Stream-wise PhD Degrees

1. science stream.

PhD ( )

PhD (Biotechnology)

PhD ( )

PhD ( )

PhD ( )

PhD ( )

PhD (Applied Sciences)

PhD (Clinical Research)

2. Commerce Stream

PhD (Accounting)

PhD (Business Administration)

PhD ( )

PhD (International Business)

PhD (Revenue Management)

PhD (Business Forensics)

PhD (Market Volatility)

PhD (Enterprise Risk Management)

3. Arts Stream

PhD ( )

PhD (Psychology)

PhD (History)

PhD (English Literature)

PhD ( )

PhD (Social Sciences)

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Major PhD in India Entrance Exams

Every university takes its entrance exam for admission and checks the qualification for a PhD of every applicant. These are the major PhD course entrance exams.

is a national-level entrance exam which is taken to check eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship. The exam consists of two papers and tests the candidate’s knowledge of their chosen subject.

GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted in India for admission to postgraduate pharmacy programs. It tests the aptitude of candidates in various areas of pharmaceutical sciences and is conducted online.

CSIR entrance exam is conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to select eligible candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship in various fields of Science and Technology. It consists of multiple-choice questions based on the syllabus of the respective subject.

Have a read at a Comprehensive Guide to Entrance Exams after Graduation .

PhD in India- Eligibility Criteria

Getting admission in PhD course is not an easy task, and if you are trying to get admission to any PhD program, check for these PhD eligibility criteria beforehand.

  • The candidate must have completed a Master’s degree i.e. (MTech/ MSc/ MA/ MPhil/ MBA). And it must be a full-time Master’s course from a recognised university by the government.
  • The overall grade point average of the candidate’s Master’s program must be at least 55% (or equivalent).
  • Candidates under SC, ST, and OBC categories will be given 5%- or 10%-mark relaxations. Applicants must present their reservation certificate to use these benefits.
  • The candidate must pass the PhD entrance exam.
  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) f rom the educational institution or company where candidates are employed is required. Candidates must have job experience in a related field for a part-time PhD.

PhD Course Structure

1. coursework.

In PhD courses, students take a set have to take core courses or seminars in their field of study to build foundational knowledge. The coursework varies according to university but does includes both required and elective courses.

2. Research proposal

After completing the core courses, students must develop a research proposal outlining the problem they plan to investigate, the research questions they aim to answer, and the methods they will use to collect and analyze data.

3. Comprehensive exams

Before beginning their research for PhD course, students need to pass certain comprehensive exams covering their field of study to demonstrate their competence in the subject matter.

4. Research

Once students have completed their coursework and passed their comprehensive exams, they can begin their research. This typically involves conducting experiments, collecting data, or engaging in other research activities to answer the questions outlined in their research proposal.

5. Dissertation

The final requirement for a PhD course completion is the dissertation, which is a book-length document outlining the student’s research findings, conclusions, and contributions to their field of study. The dissertation has to be defended in front of a committee of faculty members and other experts in the field.

Read more: Complete Guide to Writing a Research Paper

steps to write dissertation for phd in India

5 Step PhD Course Admission Process

If you are confused about how to do PhD in India then follow these seven steps for the admission process.

Step 1: Find a Mentor

PhD students should find a supervisor willing to support them through their PhD journey. After finding a supervisor, candidates can apply offline or online. Almost all colleges and universities accept online applications now. However, if you wish, you can apply via the offline process by visiting the office of the university.

Step 2: Fill Online Admission Form

Candidates must complete the online PhD admission form before applying on the university or college website. All the needed qualification for PhD process in India is listed on the university’s official website and should be met. The online application is rejected if candidates fail to meet these requirements.

Step 3: Submit Necessary Documents

After completing the online application form, candidates must provide all necessary papers. These documents may include your passing certificate, degree, and migration certificate. Check the list of papers on the website before applying for the PhD admissions.

Step 4: Pass the Entrance Exam

The college/university needs PhD entrance exam. This exam must be taken after completing the application form. Fill out the form for the entrance exam and appear for it.

Step 5: Pass the Interview

Upon passing the PhD entrance exam, candidates will be invited for a doctoral academic interview. Admission is based on the academic doctoral interview and PhD entrance exam results. The institution or college decides the grades of students at each level and after passing the interview and fulfilling some other requirements you get admission.

Top Colleges for PhD in India

University of Delhi, Delhi

₹50k-80k

Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi

₹30k-50k

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

₹3 lacs.

Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar

₹3-4 lacs

Calcutta University, Kolkata

₹60k-80k

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

₹80k

Sharda University, Greater Noida

₹3-4 lacs.

Christ University, Bangalore

₹1-2 lacs.

Top 10 Career Options After PhD in India

Assistant Professor

3.8 LPA

Research Scientist

6.8 LPA

Data Scientist

10 LPA

Senior Research Fellow

4.5 LPA

Associate Professor

8.5 LPA

Management Consultant

22 LPA

Postdoctoral Researcher

10 LPA

Plan Your Career in PhD

Being known as PhD holder is something to be proud of, not just because it’s a symbol of great knowledge but also a great future. If you want a career like this then doing PhD in India is the best choice and if you are confused about how you are going to get admission in PhD, then re-read the article.

You can start your journey by researching the various fields available. Identify the specialization that aligns with your interests and career goals. Prepare thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews, and seek advice from current PhD students or professors. Once admitted, stay dedicated, and make the most of the resources and opportunities available to excel in your PhD course.

Make sure you carefully explore all your professional options because your career is extremely important. Before making the right decision, look over our  career advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of a phd in india.

A PhD program lasts for three to six years. Candidates have a maximum of five to six years to finish the program. The course length and the time taken by students to complete their thesis may be different for different institutes.

What are the eligibility criteria for a PhD in India?

For admission in PhD in India, students require a Master’s degree in a relevant field. An overall grade point average of at least 55% (or equivalent) is required. In addition to this, candidates must know the language in which the course is taught and evaluated. Now, an MPhil degree is not a must for PhD admissions.

How much does a PhD in India cost?

The cost of a PhD course in India differs based on the kind of university people choose. However, if you take estimates, it can cost you around 80k to 2 lacs. This figure can go up or down based on whether you choose a private institute or a government one.

Is it easy to get a PhD in India?

Getting a PhD in India is not easy. Candidates pursuing PhDs in India must pass the entrance exams such as NET. This written exam checks if they have the relevant subject knowledge to conduct advanced research. Candidates must further clear a PhD interview exam. Candidates must clear these rounds before pursuing PhDs in their chosen areas of specialization.

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How many students do PhD in India every year?

An All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) report from 2019 revealed that the number of PhD degrees awarded has increased by 60 per cent in the last five years. The total PhD admissions increased manifold in the last few years from 1,26,451 in 2015-16 to 2,02,550 in 2019-20.

How many students get PhD every year in India?

How many people have done phd in india.

with doctorate degrees at a rate of 5 per cent which is followed by Switzerland with 3% of its population having PhD degrees. Similarly 1.2 per cent of US Population has PhD degrees while India which produces 24000 PhD stands 4thagainst US which produces highest number of 68000 PhDs, according to Rajni Singh.

How many students get a PhD each year?

The number of doctorate recipients declined slightly in 2020, to 55,283 Ph. D.s across fields , from 55,614 in 2019. This is the first drop since 2017, according to new data from the National Science Foundation's annual Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Is it difficult to get PhD in India?

Getting a PhD in India is not easy . Candidates pursuing PhDs in India must pass the entrance exams such as NET. This written exam checks if they have the relevant subject knowledge to conduct advanced research. Candidates must further clear a PhD interview exam.

Process After Joining PhD in India | First Year of PhD in India | All 'Bout Research

Is Indian PhD valid in USA?

If you have completed your PhD from an Indian University, a PhD in India is valid anywhere in the world . You may be asked to prove your degree credentials if the University is not well known.

Is PhD stressful in India?

New research fronts are opening about stress levels experienced by people in academia. However, the repercussions of doing a PhD are not at all new . We all have heard stories of burnout that it has become routine. This desensitization of the ways how academic life of a PhD scholar is perceived is a risky business.

Which country has most PhDs?

  • Slovenia. Slovenia is the highest-ranking country in the number of Ph. ...
  • Switzerland. Switzerland has the second-highest rate of Ph. ...
  • Luxembourg. ...
  • United States. ...
  • Sweden. ...
  • The United Kingdom. ...
  • Germany. ...

Who is the youngest PhD holder in the world?

Karl Witte – Age 13 When he was still very young, he attended the University of Giessen in German and graduated with his doctorate at the age of 13. He still holds the Guinness Book of World Records' record for youngest doctorate and this distinction still stands.

How many US citizens have a PhD?

Less than 2% of the world's population has a doctorate. According to the US Census Bureau, only 1.2% of the US population has a PhD. This makes having a PhD very rare. But does this rarity indicate value?

Why PhD takes so long in India?

Your PhD degree requirements will play a major role in how much time it takes you to complete your degree. These requirements include things like the number of research papers you have to write, the number of students you have to teach, the number of hours you spend in the library, etc.

Is PhD respected in India?

Doctor or Professor are not simply prefixes. They are titles of incredible honour and acknowledge a person's valued contribution to the research field. In India, having a PhD and holding the titles of Doctor or Professor are sources of great pride and respectability .

What is the failure rate of PhD in India?

Out of the total number of enrolments in a doctoral course, only 8%-10% of the scholars manage to complete the programme.

What percentage of Indian population has PhD?

A total of 1,69,170 students are enrolled in PhD programmes that is less than 0.5% of the total student enrolment. NEW DELHI : Only 2.5% colleges in the country run PhD programmes and maximum students opt for PhD in science stream, according to the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) by the HRD Ministry.

What percentage of people in India have a PhD?

According to its data, there are in all 36.6 million students enrolled at various higher education institutions in the country. Of these, 79% are enrolled in undergraduate programmes and only 161,412 – less than 0.5% of the total – are in doctoral/PhD programmes.

How many PhD students graduate every year in USA?

The number of research doctorate degrees awarded by U.S. institutions in 2020 decreased to 55,283, down from 55,614 in 2019 , according to the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) (figure 1).

Is 37 too old to start a PhD?

Some of these people were even in their twenties, worried that working for two years after their undergraduate degree had inexorably barred them from the halls of academia. Others were past middle age, looking for a career change. In either case, the answer is ultimately no, it's not too late to get a PhD .

Is 29 too old to start a PhD?

Since there is no age limit for PhD admission , it's never too late to advance your professional career or your personal fulfillment with an online PhD degree. When it comes to the average age of PhD students in general, it's 29 across OECD countries with 60% of entrants aged between 26 and 37 years old.

Is 23 too old for PhD?

In the end, one's success in a PhD program actually has almost nothing to do with age. You are never too old to get a PhD if your family's (or your own) income or educational background position you to succeed.

What city in the US has the most PhDs?

Not surprisingly, Los Alamos, N.M., home to a major national research laboratory, has the highest percentage of people with doctorate degrees in the nation, at 17.7 percent – nearly twice the 9.5 percent reported by Tompkins County, N.Y., home of Cornell University.

Who has 7 PhDs?

Bruce Banner In fact, Banner claims that he has seven doctoral degrees in “Thor: Ragnarok”.

Who has the most PhDs in the US?

Benjamin Bradley Bolger (born 1975) is an American perpetual student who has earned 17 degrees as of March 2022 and claims to be the second-most credentialed person in modern history after Michael W. Nicholson (who has 30 degrees).

How rare is PhD in India?

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), or the doctoral degree, is considered the highest educational degree in the world. India is ranked fourth globally, producing slightly over 24,000 doctoral graduates each year .

What is the average PhD salary in India?

PhD Student Salaries in India The average salary for PhD Student is ₹50,766 per month in the India. The average additional cash compensation for a PhD Student in the India is ₹15,766, with a range from ₹8,750 - ₹45,000.

What is the best age to do PhD in India?

The average age of PhD students is quite varied, depending on the field of study. Generally speaking however, the average age of a PhD student can range from 27 to 37 years old.

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  6. Top 10 universities to try PhD admission

COMMENTS

  1. PhD Percentage by Country / Number of Doctorate Degrees per Country 2024

    Slovenia is the highest-ranking country in the number of Ph.D. degrees earned by adults between the ages of 25 and 64. 5% of the entire population in Slovenia has a Ph.D. The distribution between Ph.D. adults in Slovenia finds more female doctorates than males. About 4.5% of adult females have a Ph.D., compared to about 3% of adult males in Slovenia.

  2. Latest All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE): What it says on

    During the 2021-22 academic year, 1.07 crore students were estimated to have graduated from undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, master's, and other diploma/certificate programmes.

  3. The future of research: Less than 2 per cent of world has PhD; India

    Another interesting find in the report was that on an average, 25 per cent of enrolled doctoral graduates were international students across OECD countries. In some countries, international students made up the majority of graduates at doctoral level — more than half are international students in Luxembourg and Switzerland. The gender (dis)parity

  4. PhD, research and its upshot: How much quality do we produce?

    The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), or the doctoral degree, is considered the highest educational degree in the world. India is ranked fourth globally, producing slightly over 24,000 doctoral graduates each year. But it still lacks quality research.

  5. Does India need more PhD holders?

    The All-India Survey on Higher Education data for 2017-18 showed that out of 36.6 million Indian students enrolled in higher education programmes, only 161,412 were enrolled in a PhD programme.

  6. Indian PhD enrolment up 60 per cent in five years

    Enrolment on PhDs has increased by 60 per cent in India over the past five years, according to new data.

  7. India ranks 4th among number of doctoral graduates

    Hyderabad: India stands tall in the number of doctoral graduates produced on an yearly basis, according to the recently released Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report ...

  8. Only 2.7% colleges offer PhD programmes, central universities account

    The total PhD admissions increased many folds in the last few years — from 1,26,451 in 2015-16 to 2,02,550 in 2019-20. A total of 38,986 students were awarded PhD degrees during 2019 with 21,577 male and 17,409 female. There are 2,881 students enrolled in Integrated PhD in addition to 2.02 lakh students enrolled for PhD degrees.

  9. PhD Study in India

    Here are just a few reasons to consider beginning your PhD at an Indian university in 2024: Diversity and specialisation - Whether you want to research Business Management, Bombay Cinema or Buddhist Philosophy, the scope of options for PhD study in India means there's almost certainly an excellent programme available for you.

  10. PhD in India 2024

    Discover everything you need to know about pursuing a PhD in India, including duration, costs, eligibility requirements, and recent updates.

  11. How far does a PhD go?

    The top-ranked universities in India grant around 2,500 science PhDs each year. In chemistry alone, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras grants over 25 PhDs every year.

  12. PDF MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

    7.2.1 Students who register for Ph.D. directly from four-year undergraduate with research will have to undertake 6-8 credit courses (at Ph.D. level) about relevant skills/research techniques/domain-specific subjects offered by the University.

  13. What can India do to promote more quality Ph.D programmes?

    In India, the total number of students enrolled in undergraduate programmes is about 28 million, and the corresponding number for Ph.D programmes is around 140,000 or less than 0.5% of the graduates.

  14. India: postgraduate degree completion number

    As per the results of a survey across India, over one million female students were awarded their postgraduate degrees during academic year 2022.

  15. All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21

    The Ministry of Education, Government of India, released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21 on January 29, 2023. The first AISHE report was published in the year 2011 and this is the 11th edition in the series. The survey collects data on student enrolment, the gender parity index (GPI), representation of minority students, pupil teacher ratio (PTR), and enrolment for ...

  16. PDF EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS AT A GLANCE

    Graduate Level 2015-16 15 23 Table 21: Mean Achievement Score of Students at National level (Class X: 2015) 16 24 Table 22: Per 1000 distribution of households by distance (d) from School having primary, upper primary and secondary level classes at All India Level 17 25 Table-23: Average private expenditure per student pursuing general

  17. Indian Students: Record Indian students went to US for ...

    The number of Indian graduate students rose by 63 per cent to 1,65,936 students, an increase of nearly 64,000 students, compared to last year, while Indian undergraduate students also increased by ...

  18. How many people have a PhD? Data from OECD countries

    Every year, new individuals enroll in doctoral degree studies. According to the OECD's Education at a Glance 2022 report, the total number of new PhD students across the OECD decreased by 4% between 2013 and 2020.

  19. PhD Admission in India 2024: Dates, Eligibility, Entrance Exams

    Interested to know about PhD admission in India 2024, important dates, entrance exams, top colleges, etc? Find every detail PhD admission process in India here.

  20. PhD in India: Admission, Courses & Colleges [2024]

    The cost of a PhD course in India differs based on the kind of university people choose. However, if you take estimates, it can cost you around 80k to 2 lacs. For admission in PhD in India, students require a Master's degree in a relevant field. An overall grade point average of at least 55% (or equivalent) is required.

  21. How many students do PhD in India every year?

    How many students get a PhD each year? The number of doctorate recipients declined slightly in 2020, to 55,283 Ph. D.s across fields, from 55,614 in 2019. This is the first drop since 2017, according to new data from the National Science Foundation's annual Survey of Earned Doctorates.

  22. Indian international students in the US: trends and insights

    India is the second-largest exporter of students in the world Over the past two decades, the number of Indian students studying internationally has surged dramatically, and the majority head to the US and Canada. According to Open Doors, in 2000 there were just under 50,000 Indian international students in the US. Fast-forward to the 2019/20 academic year and there were 193,124. The country ...

  23. Sadhoo Selected as 2024 Veteran Champion of the Year in Higher

    ICC is proud to announce that India Sadhoo has been selected as a 2024 Veteran Champion of the Year in Higher Education by the Military Friendly® program. Sadhoo currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Veterans Success Center. The 2024 Veteran Champions of the Year in Higher Education awards honor individuals who support veterans in higher education.