PhD in Economics Admission 2024-25, Result, Year Wise Comparison for Students Placed, IIRF Ranking

PhD in Economics About

PhD in Economics is a three to five-year doctorate course. Eligibility for the course is a postgraduate course in Economics, candidates should also have Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Bachelor in Technology in Economics from a recognized University.

The coursework in a PhD program in Economics typically covers advanced microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometrics, mathematical economics, game theory, and specialized fields such as labor economics, international economics, and financial economics. Students are also required to complete a set of core courses in research methods and techniques.

After completing coursework, students typically take comprehensive exams, which test their knowledge of the core concepts and methods in economics. Once the comprehensive exams are passed, students begin working on their dissertation, which is an original research project that contributes to the field of economics.

PhD graduates in economics can pursue a variety of careers, including academic positions as professors or researchers, government positions in agencies such as the Federal Reserve, World Bank, or Department of Labor, or private sector positions in consulting firms, banks, or corporations.

PhD in Economics Course Highlights

PhD in Economics Entrance Exam

Most PhD programs in Economics require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tests verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills. Some programs may also require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international applicants.

• GATE
• UGC NET
• GRE
• JCECE

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.

If you have taken admission to M.Phil degree through an entrance examination, you may not need to give any entrance exam at Ph.D. level. Some Universities also admit students on basis of National Eligibility Test (NET).  Final Admission is given on the basis of Interview round conducted nearly a month before the commencement of the semester. 

PhD in Economics Course Duration

The duration of a PhD program in Economics is typically 4-6 years, depending on the program and the student's progress.

PhD in Economics Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for a PhD program in Economics may vary, but generally, admission is based on a combination of academic records, research experience, test scores, letters of recommendation, and the applicant's statement of purpose. Some programs may also conduct interviews or require writing samples.

PhD in Economics How to Apply

To apply for a PhD program in Economics, applicants need to submit an online application along with their academic records, test scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and other required documents. Application deadlines may vary depending on the program and the university.

PhD in Economics Application Form

• The application form for a PhD program in Economics can usually be found on the university's website.
• Applicants need to fill out the form, provide their personal and academic information, and submit the required documents.
• There may be an application fee that needs to be paid at the time of submission.

PhD in Economics Application Process

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

PhD in Economics Fee Structure

The fee for a PhD program in Economics can vary depending on the university, program, and location. The fee can range from a few thousand dollars to over $50,000 per year. However, many universities offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships to help cover the cost of tuition and living expenses.

PhD in Economics Syllabus

PhD in Economics Salary and Jobs

Graduates of a PhD program in Economics can pursue a variety of careers in academia, government, or the private sector. In academia, graduates can work as professors or researchers at universities and research institutions. In government, graduates can work in agencies such as the Federal Reserve, World Bank, or Department of Labor. In the private sector, graduates can work in consulting firms, banks, or corporations. The average salary for an economist with a PhD is around $105,000 per year, but this can vary depending on the industry and location.

PhD in Economics Career Opportunities

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

• Academic positions as professors or researchers at universities and research institutions.
  
• Government positions in agencies such as the Federal Reserve, World Bank, or Department of Labor.
• Private sector positions in consulting firms, banks, or corporations.
• Non-profit organizations working in areas such as international development or environmental policy.

PhD in Economics Top Colleges in India

Some of the top colleges in India offering PhD programs in Economics include:

1. Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
   
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
3. Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
5. Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
6. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
7. Madras School of Economics, Chennai
8. Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), Chennai
9. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
10. Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), New Delhi.\

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 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.