PhD Full Form: What is PhD, Its Meaning, Course Details & Career Scope

Abbreviations are used in almost every field, and the education sector is no exception. In fact, the world of education is filled with short forms for popular undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs. One such advanced academic program, whose abbreviation is widely recognized, is the PhD—Doctor of Philosophy. If you're scratching your head wondering what PhD stands for and how it could benefit your career, this article is for you. Below, we explain everything you need to know about the PhD, not just its full form but also its meaning, concept, top colleges, admission process, and career prospects. Let’s dive in!
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PhD Full Form – Doctor of Philosophy
The full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy, which signifies that it is one of the most prestigious and respected Doctorate degrees. It is awarded to students who engage in deep, focused study within a specific subject and complete advanced, comprehensive research, making an original contribution to knowledge. The PhD Doctorate program requires students to spend several years conducting rigorous research and analysis, as well as writing a thesis under the guidance and supervision of a professor. The awarding of the PhD degree is subject to presentation and acceptance of the research by the panel of experts of the university.
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About PhD – Meaning & Concept
The term PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. Instead of using the full form, most people opt for the abbreviated PhD in everyday life to save time, effort, and space on documents. The deep and rigorous study involved in earning a PhD makes it one of the most prestigious educational programs for those seeking to master a subject in-depth.
The title Doctor in the program's name indicates that a PhD degree holder is considered an expert, capable of working as an independent professor, researcher, specialist, or even scientist in both government institutions and private organizations.
If you're aiming to excel in your PhD journey, don’t just memorize its full form. Explore every aspect of the program, including the top specializations, best colleges, fees, admission requirements, and career prospects.
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Types of PhD and Top Specializations – Duration & Fees
While there are many specializations in the PhD program, the one you choose can play a crucial role in shaping your academic knowledge and career path. Depending on your individual academic interests and career goals, a PhD can be pursued in a wide range of subjects, including science, literature, management, engineering, history, and more. Here is a quick overview on the type and top specialization of the PhD with duration and fee for your references.
Type of PhD |
Specializations |
Duration |
Fees (Approx.) |
PhD in Science |
- Physics |
3 to 6 years
|
₹50,000 - ₹2,00,000 per year |
PhD in Engineering & Technology |
- Computer Science - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Civil Engineering - AI/Robotics |
3 to 6 years
|
₹1,00,000 - ₹2,50,000 per year
|
PhD in Humanities
|
- English Literature - History - Sociology - Philosophy - Psychology |
3 to 6 years
|
₹30,000 - ₹1,50,000 per year
|
PhD in Management |
- Marketing - Finance - Human Resources - Operations Management - International Business |
3 to 5 years |
₹1,00,000 - ₹2,50,000 per year |
PhD in Social Sciences |
- Economics - Political Science - Public Administration - Anthropology |
3 to 6 years
|
₹40,000 - ₹1,50,000 per year
|
PhD in Law |
- Constitutional Law - Criminal Law - Corporate Law - Environmental Law |
3 to 6 years
|
₹50,000 - ₹2,00,000 per year |
PhD in Arts & Design |
- Fashion Design - Graphic Design - Fine Arts - Architecture - Industrial Design |
3 to 5 years
|
₹50,000 - ₹2,00,000 per year
|
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Admission and Eligibility Criteria for PhD
While using the short-term PhD makes communication easier and quicker, it's important not to cut corners when understanding the admission requirements and eligibility criteria. Different universities around the world may have varying admission standards and eligibility criteria. Some common requirements include:
Criterion |
Details |
Educational Qualification |
A Master’s degree (M.A., M.Sc., M.Tech, MBA, etc.) or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. Minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC) in the qualifying degree. |
Minimum Marks/CGPA |
55% (or equivalent CGPA) in the relevant Master's degree (may vary slightly for specific universities or categories). |
Research Experience |
Some universities may prefer candidates with prior research experience, especially for specialized or technical fields. |
Entrance Exam |
- Most universities conduct an entrance exam for PhD admissions. - Some common exams: - UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) - CSIR NET (for science fields) - GATE (for engineering & technology) - IIT-JAM (for science/engineering disciplines in IITs) - University-specific entrance exams |
Interview |
After the entrance exam, shortlisted candidates are typically called for an interview or research proposal presentation. |
Work Experience |
Some universities (especially for part-time PhD) may require candidates to have relevant work experience in the field of research or related industry (typically 2-3 years). |
Reservation |
Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may have relaxation in minimum marks (typically 5%) and other criteria as per government norms. |
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Top Entrance Exam for PhD
In today's competitive world, especially in India where good colleges are few and the number of students is high, clearing the entrance exam has become more important than ever. Hence, it makes a sense to be fully aware of the top entrance exams for PhD and their significance. Here is a quick overview on the top PhD entrance exam for PhD.
Entrance Exam |
Significance |
CSIR-UGC NET |
Conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, it is essential for PhD admissions in the fields of science, engineering, and technology. It also qualifies candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). |
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) |
Primarily for engineering students, GATE is used for admissions into PhD programs at IITs, IISc, and other top engineering institutions. It also provides opportunities for research roles in public sector organizations. |
UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) |
Conducted by the University Grants Commission, this exam qualifies candidates for PhD and lectureship positions in various universities across India. It's widely used in humanities, social sciences, and other disciplines. |
DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test) |
Used by Delhi University for admission to various research-based programs, including PhDs in subjects like science, humanities, and social sciences. |
JNU Entrance Exam (Jawaharlal Nehru University) |
The JNU entrance exam is for admission to a wide range of research programs, including PhDs in fields like social sciences, life sciences, and arts. |
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Best PhD Colleges – Top Certified & Approved Institutions
When it comes to pursuing a PhD in any specialization, the selection of the right college is considered a cornerstone of success. The best and most reputable PhD colleges are celebrated for their rigorous academic standards, world-class faculty, and research opportunities. Find below some of such popular institutions for PhD.
College/University |
Location |
Specialization/Field |
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) |
Bangalore, Karnataka |
Engineering, Science, Technology, Mathematics, Humanities |
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
Multiple locations |
Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics |
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) |
New Delhi, Delhi |
Social Sciences, Humanities, Life Sciences, Political Science |
University of Delhi (DU) |
New Delhi, Delhi |
Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Commerce |
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry |
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
Arts, Science, Social Sciences, Engineering |
Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) |
Multiple locations
|
Management, Business, Economics, Social Sciences |
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Academic and Career Scope of PhD – Benefits & Opportunities
Deciding to pursue a PhD can elevate both your academic and professional career to new heights. Since this program is designed to test patience, creativity, hard work, and analytical skills, students who successfully complete it become highly sought-after in their respective fields, significantly boosting their earning potential.
The successful completion of a PhD brings personal satisfaction and pride, as only a small fraction of thousands of students manages to finish the program. Those who do are often admired for their valuable contributions to their field of study.
PhD holders become eligible for senior-level positions not just because they hold a master's degree, but because they have cultivated critical thinking, mastered the complex art of problem-solving, developed effective project management skills, and honed comprehensive research capabilities in various professional settings.
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