PhD in Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy is a 3 Years to 6 Years course aimed to equip students with research skills and specialist knowledge in Philosophy. The minimum eligibility to pursue PhD Philosophy is to have a Master’s Degree. in Philosophy or Literature study or anM.Phil Degree. Philosophy has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years and encompasses a wide range of traditions and approaches. From ancient Greek thinkers like Plato and Aristotle to modern philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche, philosophy has been at the forefront of intellectual and cultural innovation, pushing the boundaries of what we know and how we think about the world. One of the defining features of philosophy is its commitment to rigorous and systematic inquiry. Philosophers seek to examine and evaluate arguments and ideas, using logic and evidence to arrive at reasoned conclusions. This process can be challenging and often requires careful reflection, analysis, and debate, but it is essential for developing a deeper understanding of the world and ourselves. At its core, philosophy is concerned with fundamental questions about the nature of reality and human experience. It asks us to consider what it means to exist, what our purpose is, and what kind of world we inhabit. Through philosophy, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities of life, the challenges we face, and the possibilities that exist for our future.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Full-Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Philosophy |
Duration | 3 Years to 6 Years |
Examination type | Semester/Annual |
Eligibility | Masters degree + the candidates should have cleared the Entrance test conducted by the respective university. |
Admission Process | Entrance exam based followed by a round of Personal Interview |
Course Fee | Updated soon |
Average Salary | INR 10 - 20 LPA |
Top Recruiting Areas | Research, education, literature, law, banking, the civil service, business and science, analyst, PR or politics. Communications, publishing, HR, and advertising, etc. |
Job Positions | Senior Research and Development Manager, Assistant Professor, Head of the educational department, Philosophical/ Literature Researcher, Political Advisor, etc |
Most universities require candidates to take a standardized test such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). However, some universities may have their own entrance exams or may not require any standardized test at all.
Entrance Exam |
IIT JAM |
UGC NET |
VITMEE |
Step 1: | Visit the official website of the college and register by filling the online application. Provide the required details like name, mobile number, email ID, etc. |
Step 2: | Log-in using the unique Login ID that is generated. Candidates will have to provide required details such as personal and academic like Gender, Address Subject, Marks, etc. |
Step 3: | Upload the required scanned copies of the documents like mark sheet, certificates, photograph, signature, etc in the required size and format as mentioned by the college. |
Step 4: | Apply for the entrance exam. |
Step 5: | Candidates have to pay the application fee online or as mentioned by the college. Once the payment of the application fee is successful, the confirmation will be sent to the candidates through the mail. |
Step 6: | Candidates should download and save the application form to get the admit cards for the entrance exam in the future. |
Step 7: | Appear for the entrance exam. |
Candidates seeking admission in PhD Philosophy course must have a Master’s Degree in Arts, Philosophy or literature such as M.A. (Philosophy) or M.Phil Degree from a recognized university. |
A minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA is required for admission in the course. |
Students need to clear entrances followed by a personal interview for admission. |
Philosophy programs can vary in length, but most master's degree programs take two years to complete, while doctoral programs can take between four to seven years.
Universities typically evaluate candidates based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, writing samples, and any other relevant experience or qualifications.
To apply to a philosophy program, candidates must usually complete an online application form and pay an application fee. |
They must also submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any other required materials |
Some programs may also require an interview as part of the selection process. |
it is important to research the specific requirements and procedures for the philosophy programs you are interested in applying to, and to prepare thoroughly for any entrance exams or other requirements. |
The application fee for philosophy programs can vary depending on the university and the specific program. Generally, application fees can range from updated soon or more.
Semester I Research Methodology Philosophical and Sociological Basis of Educational Research Communication Skills Independent Research with Seminars | Semester II Recent Development in The Field Supervisor Directed Course (Need-based) and Research Seminar Research Methodology-I Independent Research with Seminars |
Semester III Philosophical and Sociological Basis of Educational Research Supervisor Directed Course (Need-based) and Research | Semester IV Final Research Proposal Supervisor Directed Course (Need-based) and Research |
Semester V Independent Research with Seminars | Semester VI Independent Research with Seminars |
The top philosophy colleges in the world include:
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.