Adding a Dr. to your name has always been the best path to prestige and respect in Indian society. And for those who cannot fathom the long grind undertaken by our medical heroes, a PhD degree has always been the optimal route.
The data indicates that there is a mad rush for PhDs in India, with the number of graduates increasing yearly. However, not all of them have been able to find the jobs that they were hoping would be available to them, mostly because their specialisation is not a good fit for actual market needs.
In this blog, we will guide you through all the relevant information about a PhD degree, including its full form, admission process, fees, syllabus, entrance exams, career scope, job opportunities, and the most popular specializations that can enhance your job prospects. You will also find information about the Top PhD Colleges in Delhi NCR and Haryana, where you can truly master a subject.
PhD Full Form and Meaning
PhD, also known as the Doctorate of Philosophy, is a degree pursued after the completion of your PG program and is considered the highest academic qualification you can achieve in a particular field. A PhD holder is considered to be a foremost expert in the specialisation in which he has qualified. It opens up several opportunities in academia, industry, and even policy-making roles in government.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Coursework Completion | Initially, you need to complete some coursework relevant to your specialisation in order to further strengthen foundational knowledge in that subject. |
| Research Proposal Drafting | You are required to choose a thesis topic and draft a detailed proposal on that topic. The proposal should have the main research problem, methods, and expected outcomes. |
| Research Supervisor Selection | Show the above proposal to a supervisor of your choice, who will act as their guide and mentor throughout the research process. Only after approval of the proposal by the supervisor can one move to the next step. |
| Formal Registration | Once the proposal is approved, you will be formally registered for the PhD program. This usually happens within 1 year of initial admission. |
| Research Work | This is where the actual work begins. You finally undertake the detailed primary research that is needed to write your dissertation and get to your final goal. |
| Evaluation and Submission | Over the course of this research, you will give regular updates on your progress to a committee. The final submission will be thoroughly reviewed, and you will have to take a rigorous VIVA (oral) examination. |
In the end, if you are able to competently defend your thesis in front of an esteemed panel, you will be awarded your degree and the official title of 'Doctor.'
Types of PhD and their Durations
| Type | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time PhD | 3-5 years | As the name suggests, this is where candidates fully dedicate themselves under a supervisor, spending significant time at the university campus. |
| Part-time PhD | 4-6 years | A more flexible program for working professionals or those who have other commitments. Because of the leeway allowed, it takes a longer time to finish. |
| Integrated PhD | 5-6 years | Ideal for UG students who are set on doing research. You can get a master's and a PhD together. |
PhD Entrance Exams
| Name | Relevant Area | Upcoming Date |
|---|---|---|
| UGC-NET | Conducted in 83 tests. Check online for details. Most popular. | January 1-19, 2025 |
| CSIR NET | Science and Technology | December 2024. Exact dates are yet to be released. |
| GATE* | Pharmacy | February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025 |
| JEST | Physics and Computer Science | 23rd February 2025 |
*Certain pharmacy institutes will either demand GATE or CSIR-NET. Check before applying.
PhD Eligibility Criteria
Aside from the entrance exam requirement, but as a standard, a candidate has to have a postgraduate in the concerned specialisation with at least 55% marks.
PhD Best Specialisations
A PhD today is available in almost every specialisation that you can think of, but only a few choices can lead to prosperous career paths. Below are some of the top PhDs that everyone should think about pursuing:
| Specialisation | Key Subjects | Job Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering | Computing Technologies, Algorithms, Software Development for Innovative Solutions. | Computer Scientist, Computer Systems Engineer, Computer Network Architect, Research and Development Engineer |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Materials to Design and Analyse Mechanical Systems. | Mechanical Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Automation Engineer |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | Drug Development, Formulation, Regulatory Affairs | Pharmaceutical Scientist, Clinical Research Associate, Drug Regulator |
| Mathematics | Mathematical Theories, Statistics, Computational Methods | Statistician, Data Scientist, Operations Research Analyst, Quantitative Analyst |
| Management | Advanced Business Practices, Organisational Behavior, Strategic Management Principles | Consultant, Business Research Analyst, Management Professor, Development Manager |
The job roles do not mention academic roles, which, for a PhD holder, are obviously available in umpteen counts at any university in India.
PhD Admissions: Why SGT University Should Be Your Goal
In a country riddled with research opportunities, it is important to make the right choice of university. The ideal institution should be able to guide you to a research path that benefits your professional goals and would be a genuine contribution to the scholarship already available. SGT University can help you with all of that and more. We have:
- Research Infrastructure: Centres of Excellence and specialised labs for every discipline.
- Faculty Quality: Many have featured in the World’s Top 2% Scientists list by Stanford University.
- Academic Support: Comprehensively laid out structures, including the IPR Policy, PhD Admission and Fellowship Policy, and Research Incentive Policy.
- Financial Backing: 10 Cr+ Extramural Grants, 2 Cr+ Seed Money and Incentives granted under our aegis.
Trust us, and you’ll open yourself up to the world. PhD Admissions are open across 16 faculties for our December batch. All you have to do is apply.
PhD Degree: FAQs
- 1. Is PhD a Doctor?
Yes. A PhD graduate in any field gets to have the same privilege as a medical professional. That of affixing ‘Dr.’ in the front of their name. - 2. What is PhD salary?
As per Ministry of Education rules, government universities have to offer a minimum amount to those earning a fellowship. The current guidelines are as follows: - Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Rs 37,000 per month
- Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): Rs 42,000 per month
- Research Associate-I: Rs 58,000 per month
- Research Associate-II: Rs 61,000 per month
- Research Associate-III: Rs 67,000 per month
For private universities, the amount may differ, but many of them do offer stipend packages.
- 3. How many years is a PhD?
Depends on the type, but usually 3-6 years. - 4. Which PhD is best?
Computer Science, Pharmaceuticals, Management, and Mathematics are good fields that can lead to attractive career opportunities. - 5. What is the fees of PhD in India?
In a good research institute, it should range from 1,50,000 to 3,00,000 per annum. - 6. How to do PhD after 12th?
There is no way. One needs to have a masters in the relevant specialisation to pursue a PhD.
