PhD/Doctoral Courses in India: Eligibility, Salary, and Online vs Offline Options

Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, is the highest-valued degree that Universities usually offer. Students or professionals spend several years earning this degree to learn original research and in-depth study in a specific field.

For people who want to advance in their careers, work in academia, lead research projects, or become experts, these doctoral programs are a perfect choice.

Both offline and online PhD programs have gained popularity in recent years. Online programs provide greater flexibility, particularly for working professionals, than offline PhD programs, which offer lab access and in-person guidance.

If you want to know everything about PhD or doctoral courses, then you have come to the right place! We'll go over important subjects like eligibility requirements, course structures, top universities, length of study, and salaries.

What are the top PhD/Doctoral Courses in India?

Numerous fields, including science and technology, the humanities, law, and management, offer PhD or doctoral programs. Depending on the topic and scope of the research, the PhD course duration in India takes 3 to 6 years to finish. 

Prestigious universities offer these programs, which often involve coursework in the first year as well as extensive research and thesis submission. 

If you're looking to earn a globally recognized doctorate while continuing your career, upGrad offers flexible, industry-relevant DBA programs designed for working professionals.

Here are our top Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) courses you can explore:

• DBA from SSBM Geneva
• DBA from Edgewood College
• DBA from ESGCI, Paris

The best Indian universities that offer some of the most popular PhD programs are listed below:

What are the Eligibility Criteria for PhD/Doctoral Courses?

Candidates must fulfill specific academic and research-related eligibility requirements to pursue a PhD in India. Eligibility for full-time, part-time, or online PhD programs in India is generally determined by your previous certificates, academic standing, and sometimes the outcomes of entrance exams.

The following are specific requirements for admission to PhD programs in India:

• A Master's degree, or postgraduate degree, in a relevant field with a minimum of 55% overall (or 50% for reserved categories).
• Applicants need to pass a national entrance exam such as the CSIR-NET or UGC-NET, or a comparable university-specific PhD entrance exam.
• A research proposal may be required by certain universities at the time of application.
• Candidates may also require relevant work experience and internet access for coursework and communication to enroll in distance learning or online PhD programs in India.
• Although it is not required, having an M.Phil. degree can be advantageous.
• As part of the selection process, candidates might be called up for a written exam or an in-person interview.

What are the Top Jobs after PhD/Doctoral Courses?

Earning a PhD/Doctoral degree gives you access to more specialized and advanced job roles that are not generally available to people with graduate or postgraduate degrees. 

PhD holders frequently qualify for top-tier job positions in academia, research, policy-making, and industry leadership, while graduates may take on junior or mid-level roles. 

Below are some of the top career options after completing PhD courses in India, along with their average annual salaries:

Sourced By: Ambition Box

Note: The average annual salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the employer, experience, and location.

Which is better: Online vs Offline PhD/Doctoral Courses?

Your learning preferences, professional goals, and schedule play a role in your decision between an online and offline PhD program in India. 

Online PhD courses in India, particularly through distance learning, are growing in popularity among working professionals who want to further their careers without quitting their jobs, whereas offline PhD programs are more conventional and research-intensive. 

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

How can upGrad help you?

upGrad is here to help you at every stage if you plan to pursue a doctorate to advance your academic or professional career. Through flexible online learning, our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) courses are designed for working professionals who want to acquire advanced knowledge, industry relevance, and leadership skills.

The following points explain why thousands of people rely on upGrad for their doctoral studies:

• 100+ Batches successfully delivered
• 6000+ Learners Enrolled and growing
• 100+ Mentors for expert academic and career guidance
• Finish in as little as 3 years with a well-structured curriculum
• Student Support: 24/7 assistance and dedicated mentorship
• Flexible Learning: 100% online, self-paced learning—study from anywhere

Discover our top Doctor of Business Administration programs and take the next step toward advancing your leadership and research expertise!

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