PhD in Accountancy Admission 2024-25, Exam Pattern, IIRF Ranking, Faculties

PhD in Accountancy About

A PhD in Accountancy is a research-based doctoral degree that prepares students for academic and research careers in the field of accounting. The program typically takes 4-5 years to complete and requires students to complete coursework, pass qualifying exams, and write and defend a dissertation.

During their coursework, students will explore advanced topics in accounting, finance, economics, and research methods. They will also have opportunities to engage in independent research, collaborate with faculty and peers, and present their work at conferences and other professional events.

After completing the coursework, students will take qualifying exams to demonstrate their mastery of the field and readiness to pursue independent research. Once they pass their exams, they will work on their dissertation, which is a major research project that contributes original insights to the field of accounting.

Graduates of PhD in Accountancy programs are well-equipped to pursue academic and research careers in universities, think tanks, and other research institutions. They can also work as consultants, advisors, and analysts in accounting firms, corporations, and government agencies.

PhD in Accountancy Highlights

PhD in Accountancy Entrance Exam

UGC NET

DET

PET

PhD in Accountancy Admission Process

The colleges offer PhD Accountancy admissions either based on the performance of candidates in the relevant Qualifying Entrance Test or it is Merit based. Merit lists are released by the Colleges and Universities.

After the Entrance Test, some colleges also do counseling where Group Discussion and Personal Interviews take place to gauge the Thesis proposal and abstract of the candidates.

The most popular entrance test conducted for admission to PhD Accountancy is NET.

PhD in Accountancy Eligibility Criteria

The basic eligibility criteria for PhD Accountancy are as follows:

An aggregate of 55% or above in post-graduation- M.Com or M. Phil with relevant subjects.

Candidates in their last year of post-graduation can also apply on a provisional basis and can take Qualifying Exams like NET/ SET in their last year.

There is no upper age limit to join PhD in Accountancy Course. 

Candidates with professional Work experience in the relevant field (Finance, Accountancy, Trade) may get an edge over other candidates.

PhD in Accountancy Duration

PhD in Accountancy Selection Criteria

Admission to a PhD in Accountancy program is highly competitive, and selection criteria may vary by institution.

Some of the common selection criteria include academic performance, research experience, professional experience, and potential for success in academic and research careers.

PhD in Accountancy How to Apply

To apply for a PhD in Accountancy program, applicants must typically complete an online application and submit their academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and test scores (if required).

Some institutions may also require an interview with faculty members. It is important to check the specific requirements for each institution and program.

PhD in Accountancy Application Process

• The application form and process for a PhD in Accountancy program varies by institution.
• Typically, applicants will need to complete an online application and submit their transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and any required test scores.
• Some institutions may also require an interview with faculty members.

PhD in Accountancy Application Fee Structure

Syllabus of PhD in Accountancy

• Fundamentals of Accountancy
• Accountancy in Global Trade and Finance
• Advanced Financial Accountancy
• Advanced Cost Accountancy
• Direct and Indirect Taxes
• Advanced Auditing
• Research Methodology
• Dissertation/ Thesis
• Project
• Seminar

PhD in Accountancy Job Scope

PhD in Accountancy Career Opportunities

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

Professor of Accounting: Teach and conduct research in accounting and related fields in universities and colleges.

Researcher: Conduct research in accounting and related fields in think tanks, government agencies, and research institutions.

Consultant: Provide advice and expertise on accounting and financial matters to businesses, organizations, and governments.

Analyst: Analyze financial data to provide insights and recommendations to businesses, organizations, and governments.

Auditor: Evaluate financial records to ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

PhD in Accountancy Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges offering PhD in Accountancy programs include:

University of Texas at Austin

University of Pennsylvania

University of Chicago 

Stanford University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

University of Illinois at Urbana

University of Michigan

University of Southern California

New York University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Admission Process For PhD in Accountancy

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required For PhD in Accountancy

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

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. 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.