Top PhD Specializations in India

PhD Humanities

Phd in humanities is concerned with critically examining human thought and culture. The course deals with how art, music, literature, the arts, and philosophy affect the world we live in. Students pursuing a PhD focus more on abstract questions than on technical skills. 

The students would be taught in depth the development of ideas and concepts, the functioning of a society, behavioural patterns and the challenges faced, human interactions and relationships, etc. This degree teaches in depth about humanity and evolution of culture and historical events throughout the centuries. 

Admission Process

• Admissions will be done on the basis of merit list. The merit list marks will be calculated by adding the scores secured in the entrance examination, direct interview and marks obtained in qualifying examination. 

See more: PhD Humanities Colleges

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant should have at least earned 55% marks and above in M.A. or any degree equivalent to Humanities (50% in the case of SC/ST candidates)
• Applicants who have completed their Master’s degree in any relevant stream either of Science/Commerce/Engineering/Technology or MPhil Degree with an aggregate of 60% marks and above can apply for admission.
• Clearing the entrance examination such as GATE, NET, MET, ICPR, ICSSR, CSIR, etc. is a prerequisite for admission.

PhD Science

PhD Science is a doctorate level course with a duration of 3 to 5 years , which students from MSc or MTech background can pursue. It involves candidates to research on any one of the Science specialisations like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc. 

The student will have to submit the research thesis at the end of the course to earn the PhD Science degree.

Admission Process

The admission process for PhD science is based on the entrance exam followed by an interview. 

• This admission process is followed by many colleges or universities.
• Some of the entrance exams are UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC-NET, GATE, etc

See more: PhD Science Colleges

Eligibility Criteria 

• The eligibility criteria for PhD in science is to score an aggregate score of minimum 55% at your postgraduate level. 

PhD Commerce

Ph.D in Commerce is a doctorate course with a duration of minimum two years. certain universities require the candidates to complete the course within five years of time along with the thesis or research paper. Certain universities provide part time in PhD in commerce. 

The PhD in Commerce subjects provides a greater insight in the field of commerce and accounting, finance, forecasting, management and budgeting. The course provides better quality education to the students, who can serve the needs of business and industry management. 

After completing the course, a candidate can find jobs in fields of business, marketing and education. The most popular job positions for such candidates are lecturer, Professor, CEO, etc.

Admission Process

• The admissions for PhD in commerce admissions are done mainly through entrance tests followed by a personal interview conducted by the respective university.
• National level entrance exams such as UGC NET / UGC CSIR NET / GATE / SLET or University entrance exam are conducted for admission to PhD courses.
• Reservations are applicable to SC / ST / EWS / OBC NCL / PwD candidates as per government rule. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• The eligibility criteria for this course is, candidates must pursue a masters degree in commerce/ MBA/ MPhil degree with an aggregate score of 55%. 

PhD Engineering and Technology

A PhD in engineering and technology often focuses on research based education. It may involve the development of new technology or the advancing of degree programs. It can also be a program that focuses on the student's own desired focus, such as on learning a very specific area of engineering or technology. 

Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology is a 5-year course. Candidates who wish to pursue a PhD in engineering and technology Must have a cleared masters degree in Computer Science as a subject or equivalent to this degree from a recognized University.

Admission Process

Admission to Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology is given on the basis of entrance exams conducted by various institutes. The entrance exam is followed by a personal interview round for final allotment of seats in any institute. For admission to the Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology department minimum requirements are:

• B.Tech/ M.Tech in any branch of Engineering/ BioTechnology and Interdisciplinary areas.
• B.Tech/M.Tech or equivalent degree in Engineering and Technology.

Eligibility Criteria 

To pursue Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology course, the candidate should have a bachelor's degree in Engineering and Technology from a recognized university. 

PhD after MBA

PhD in Business Management is a doctorate level business management course. Business management includes the activities associated with running a company, such as controlling, leading, monitoring, organizing and planning. The duration of PhD in Business Management is 3-years. 

This course includes subjects like Banking, Accounting seminar, Global marketing seminar, Theory of finance, Advanced accounting theory, Advanced accounting theory, Seminar in banking, Strategic information systems etc. 

PhD After MBA: Admission Process

• Most of the colleges offer admission to this course on the basis of entrance examination and direct interviews. The admission process can vary from college to college and the minimum marks requirement in the post-graduation degree of the candidate can vary from college to college.

See more: PhD Business Management Colleges

PhD After MBA: Eligibility Criteria 

• The basic eligibility for this course is candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant subject with at least 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university. The minimum marks required vary from college to college.
• Applicants should have a minimum experience of two years post their MBA or Master’s degree on the date of writing the admission test.

PhD Law

PhD in law gives the candidates to enhance their understanding of the legal studies. The students are rendered an overview of the subject, the nuances to proceed with the cases and also the tools to go about while studying a case, and the outlook required while looking into its details. 

Ph.D. in Law is a 3-year full-time doctorate programme in the field of Law. Ph.D. in law provides students with the required training which helps them pave their way in gaining exposure in their field. 

Admission Process

• Admission is done solely on the basis of Merit. 
• The eligibility criterion is passing Masters or M.Phil in legal studies or laws or equivalent examination with 55% aggregate from a recognized university. 
• They will have to pass the various state and national level examinations conducted for admission to the course

See more: PhD Law Colleges 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Candidates should have qualified Master’s degree or M.Phil in legal studies or law in the relevant field with a minimum aggregate score of 55% and above from a recognized university.
• Candidates should pass the entrance examination conducted by various institutions and universities.
• They should have a minimum experience of 5 years as a professional in the field of teaching/ administration/ industry/ professional in senior level. 

Here are some more popular PhD programmes that candidates can pursue in different streams: