PhD Full Form

Doctor of Philosophy or PhD degree programs can last anywhere between three and six years. The greatest degree of study available in a specific field is the PhD program. The title "Doctor of Philosophy" is the full version of a PhD. The students have the option of enrolling in PhD programs in the humanities, business, science, management, law, and other fields. Students will be able to get employment in the related field with the aid of a PhD degree.

• The standard prerequisite for admission to a Ph. D. program is a two-year Master's OR M. Phil Degree in the appropriate discipline from any authorized Indian or Foreign University. She or he must have earned a master's degree or a grade equivalent with at least 55%.
• A PhD is a highly esteemed doctorate degree awarded in India to people who have significantly advanced their particular fields of study. This research-based program gives applicants the ability to enhance their original contributions to the field's body of knowledge while also fostering research competence. India is home to several universities that provide PhD degrees. The requirements for earning a PhD will be thoroughly reviewed in this article. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria for PhD in India?

Educational Qualification for PhD

The educational qualifications required to be eligible for a PhD program in India are:

1. A postgraduate degree (Master's or M.Phil.) in a comparable discipline with at least 55% of the necessary grade point average, or its equivalent. Some institutions will additionally consider applicants who have completed a relevant postgraduate diploma or certificate program in addition to a bachelor's degree with at least 60% of the required grades.
2. UGC NET/CSIR Qualified
3. The postgraduate degree should be in a field that the individual intends to specialize on during their PhD program.
4. Some institutions may additionally have particular subject-based requirements for eligibility in addition to the minimum grade requirement. For instance, in order to be accepted into a PhD program in Physics, an applicant may need to hold a Master's degree in the subject.
5. Candidates who are in the last year of their postgraduate degree may also apply for a PhD program, although their entrance is typically contingent upon completing their degree successfully and earning the requisite grades.

Age Limit for PhD

• In India, there is often no upper age restriction for getting a PhD. The age requirements for awarding fellowships or scholarships, however, may vary across institutions of higher learning or funding organizations.

• The National Eligibility Test (NET) has no upper age restriction, but the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) has one, imposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) at 31 years of age. These age restrictions, however, only apply to the eligibility requirements for the scholarships and not to the PhD program itself.

• However, candidates who are relatively young may be preferred in some universities since PhD programs demand a major time and resource commitment, and younger candidates may be more likely to finish their study on schedule. However, institutions are more likely to take into account factors including the applicant's academic credentials, research experience, and aptitude to contribute to the field of study than this desire, which is typically not expressed as a strict age limit.

Work Experience for PhD

• Work experience is typically not a prerequisite for getting a PhD in India. However, certain colleges could favor applicants with relevant job experience, particularly if it is in a research or academic sector. In certain circumstances, the candidate's job experience may be seen favorably throughout the hiring process and may offer them an edge over others without it.

• Work experience may be beneficial for enhancing research abilities and getting real-world information in a particular subject of study. Candidates with professional experience could also be better able to appreciate the real-world implications of their study and make more significant contributions to the discipline.

• Candidates will still need to fulfill the other eligibility requirements, such as educational requirements, entrance exam scores, and research proposal as described above. Work experience alone may not be sufficient for admission to a PhD program. In the end, candidates for a PhD program are chosen based on a range of criteria, including their academic credentials, potential for research, prior job experience (if any), and other pertinent characteristics.

Is UGC NET mandatory for PhD in India?

• While not required for admission to a PhD program in India, the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) may be beneficial in some circumstances. For eligibility for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Assistant Professor jobs at Indian universities and colleges, candidates must pass the UGC-NET test. It is a requirement for various fellowships and scholarships given to PhD candidates.

• Although passing the UGC-NET exam or a comparable exam like the CSIR-NET, GATE, or JEST is not required for admission to a PhD program, many universities and research institutions require it in order for candidates to qualify for scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships that can help fund their PhD studies. These tests evaluate a candidate's likelihood of succeeding in a PhD program by testing their knowledge and research skills in the field of study they have selected.

• University to university may have different eligibility requirements for admission to PhD programs. Additionally, the prerequisites may change based on the area of study, the accessibility of fellowships and scholarships, and other elements specific to the various Universities. Before applying, candidates are urged to review the qualifying requirements of the colleges they are interested in.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission :

Whether applying full-time or part-time, candidates for the Ph.D. program must have the minimum percentage of marks or grade point average in the qualifying test as listed below:

•  A two-year Master's OR M.Phil degree in the relevant discipline from any approved Indian or foreign university is often the minimum requirement for admission to a Ph.D program. She or he must have earned a master's or M.Phil. degree with at least a 55% grade point average (applicable to all PhD programs except those in engineering and technology).
• No matter how long their first degree course was, applicants who successfully completed it by 04/June/1986 will be treated on par with those who finished a three year first degree course. People who enrolled in this programme after 04/June/1986 and have a two-year first degree will need to do an additional one-year bridging course. UGC notice from August 17, 2015

The qualifying requirements for Ph.D. programs in engineering and technology and fashion and fine arts should typically be as stated against each program. But only for a full-time PhD, outstanding applicants with a minimum CGPA of 8.0 out of 10 in the required four-year bachelor's degree of the relevant program are permitted to apply.. Such applicants are requested to contact the admission helpline for assistance in application form filling, if required.

• For Ph.D. in Law, the applicant should possess Master’s degree in Law with minimum 55% marks or equivalent grade or M. Phil in law.
• Applicants with Chartered Accountancy (CA) Qualification from 'The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India' (ICAI)/ Cost and Works Accountancy of ICWAI/ Company Secretary of ICSI with a minimum 55% marks or equivalent grade may be considered eligible for admission to Ph.D. Programs in the relevant field.
• Foreign/ NRI applicants / Applicants with a Masters’ degree from a foreign university must apply with an equivalence certificate of AIU along with the Online Application Form.

Exemption from Ph.D. Entrance Test/ Written Test:

Only applicants who have passed an All India National Level Competitive Examination, such as the NET of the UGC, CSIR, ICAR (ASRB), GPAT, ICMR, GATE, or DST - INSPIRE within the last 3 years* of the PhD session (Jan. or Jul.) they are applying in, at Amity, shall be exempt from the Ph.D. written test They will simply need to show up for the interview phase of the selection process. For consideration of the exemption, they must promptly mail the application form and a scanned copy of the issued certificate (not the score card), but not later than two days before the PET date.Exempted Candidates will receive a message of exemption on their admission microsite/ admit card prior to PET and those who do not receive such a message will be required to appear for PET (Ph.D. Entrance Test).