PhD In Economics Admission 2024-25, Exam Pattern, Answer Key, Faculties

PhD in Economics About

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Economics is a research-focused program that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to conduct original research in the field of economics. The program typically takes around 4-6 years to complete and involves coursework, research, and the completion of a dissertation.

The coursework component of a PhD program in Economics typically covers advanced topics in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and other specialized areas such as international economics, financial economics, and public economics. This coursework is designed to give students a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of economics and to equip them with the analytical tools required to conduct research in the field.

In addition to coursework, students in a PhD program in Economics are expected to engage in independent research. This involves identifying research questions, designing and implementing research projects, and analyzing data using advanced econometric techniques. PhD students often work closely with faculty members who provide guidance and support throughout the research process.

The culminating component of a PhD program in Economics is the completion of a dissertation. This is an original piece of research that contributes to the body of knowledge in economics. The dissertation typically involves a substantial research project that may take several years to complete. Students are expected to defend their dissertation in front of a committee of faculty members, demonstrating their mastery of the subject matter and their ability to conduct original research.

Graduates of a PhD program in Economics are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, and public policy. They may also pursue careers in the private sector, where their analytical and research skills are highly valued.

PhD in Economics Course Highlights

PhD in Economics Entrance Exam

Most PhD programs in Economics require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test in Economics. Some universities may also require applicants to take other standardized tests, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for non-native English speakers.

• JCECE 
• UGC NET
• IIM Ph.D. test
• GRE
• GATE

PhD in Economics Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a Ph.D. in Economics course, the candidate should have Masters or M.Phil. degree in Economics from a recognized university. Also the masters in Biology/Pharmacy and Economics or the relevant stream with an aggregate of 55% marks and also with valid Ph.D. entrance test along with the interview. For admission to the Ph.D. programme in Economics department, a minimum requirement is Master’s degree in Economics.

PhD in Economics Course Duration

A PhD program in Economics typically takes 4-6 years to complete, although the exact duration may vary depending on the program and the student's research progress.

PhD in Economics Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for PhD programs in Economics typically include academic achievements, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, GRE scores, and TOEFL or IELTS scores (for non-native English speakers).

PhD in Economics How to Apply

To apply for a PhD program in Economics, prospective students should visit the website of the universities they are interested in and follow the application guidelines. The application process typically includes submitting transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample.

PhD in Economics Application Form

The application form for a PhD program in Economics can usually be found on the university's website. Applicants should carefully read and follow the instructions provided, and ensure that they submit all required materials before the application deadline.

PhD in Economics Application Process

The application process for a PhD program in Economics typically involves the following steps:

• Research potential universities and programs
  
• Check eligibility requirements and deadlines
• Prepare application materials, such as transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample
• Submit the application and required materials online or by mail before the deadline
• Wait for admission decisions

PhD in Economics Fee Structure

The application fee for a PhD program in Economics varies by university and program. The fee can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Applicants should check the application fee requirements for each program they are interested in.

PhD in Economics Syllabus

The syllabus for a PhD program in Economics varies by university and program. However, most programs cover advanced topics in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and specialized areas such as international economics, financial economics, and public economics. The syllabus also includes coursework in mathematics and statistics, as these are essential tools for conducting economic research.

PhD in Economics Salary and Jobs

Graduates of a PhD program in Economics are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, public policy, and the private sector. The salary and job opportunities vary depending on the career path chosen. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, economists earn a median annual salary of $105,020. Economists in the private sector may earn higher salaries, especially in industries such as finance and consulting.

PhD in Economics Career Opportunities

Some career opportunities for graduates of a PhD program in Economics include:

PhD in Economics Top Colleges in India

Some of the top colleges for a PhD program in Economics in India include:

1. Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
   
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
3. Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
4. Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai
5. Madras School of Economics, Chennai
6. Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi
7. Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune
8. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
9. Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram
10. Department of Economics, University of Calcutta.

PhD in Economics Admission Procedure

• Application for the entrance exam 
•  Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

PhD in Economics Documents Checklist 

1.  Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Economics

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.