Knowledge Bytes PhD in History Admission 2024-25, Check Eligibility, Result, Entrance Exams

PhD in History Admission Overviews

A PhD in History is a research-based doctoral degree that focuses on the study of past events, cultures, and societies. It is an advanced academic program that typically takes four to six years to complete and requires students to conduct original research and produce a dissertation that contributes to the field of historical scholarship.

During the course of a PhD in History, students will study a wide range of historical periods, regions, and themes, depending on their area of specialization. They will work closely with faculty members to develop their research skills, design and carry out original research projects, and analyze historical data using a range of primary and secondary sources.

Some potential areas of specialization within a PhD in History program include:

Ancient History

Medieval History

Early Modern History

Modern and Contemporary History

Cultural History

Intellectual History

Social and Economic History

Political History

Environmental History

Graduates of PhD programs in History are prepared for a variety of academic and non-academic careers. Many go on to become professors and researchers in universities and colleges, while others work in museums, archives, libraries, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. They may also work as consultants, writers, editors, or analysts in fields such as journalism, law, or public policy.

Course Details for PhD in History

PhD in History Highlights

Here are some potential highlights of a PhD in History program:

Original Research: A PhD in History is primarily a research-based program that requires students to conduct original research and produce a dissertation that makes a contribution to the field of historical scholarship. This provides an opportunity to pursue a deep dive into a topic of interest and develop a unique perspective and expertise in a specific area of historical study.

Interdisciplinary Approach: History is a broad and interdisciplinary field, which means that a PhD in History program often allows for flexibility in terms of the specific topics and approaches that students can pursue. This can lead to a richer and more varied learning experience, as students may have the opportunity to engage with fields such as literature, anthropology, sociology, political science, and more.

Faculty Mentorship: PhD programs in History typically involve close mentorship from faculty members who are experts in the field. This can provide guidance, support, and valuable feedback throughout the research and writing process.

Professional Development: In addition to gaining expertise in historical research, a PhD program in History can also provide opportunities for professional development in areas such as teaching, public speaking, writing, and networking. These skills can be useful both within academia and in other fields.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of PhD programs in History are prepared for a variety of academic and non-academic careers, depending on their interests and skills. Some potential career paths include teaching, research, writing, museum and archive work, government service, and consulting.

Contribution to Historical Scholarship: By conducting original research and producing a dissertation that contributes to the field of historical scholarship, PhD students in History have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the discipline and to contribute to our understanding of the past.

Why Study PhD in History

Some of the most common reasons for  PhD in history:

The doctoral program in History aims to identify themes and patterns in human history to uncover meaning and common causal relationships. His professionals with degrees in history can pursue careers as historians, educators, and archivists.

They may also be employed by museums and historic sites to educate visitors about the historical significance of exhibits.

Candidates must also have the ability to construct arguments and communicate results clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing. After passing the

course, you can also pursue a teaching position in both permanent and private lessons.

PhD in History Entrance Exam

Many institutions require students to take a standardized test such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the History Subject Test as part of their application. The specific exam requirements vary by institution, so it is important to check with the program you are interested in to determine their specific requirements.

Eligibility Criteria of PhD History 

Students who have completed a master's degree in history or a related field are generally eligible to apply for a PhD program in History. Some programs may also consider applicants with a bachelor's degree in history or a related field, but additional coursework may be required.

PhD History Duration:

PhD programs in History typically take 4-6 years to complete, depending on the institution and the student's research progress.

PhD History Selection Criteria:

Admission to a PhD program in History is typically competitive and based on a range of factors, including academic background, research experience, writing skills, and letters of recommendation. Institutions may also consider factors such as diversity, community service, and leadership potential.

PhD History How to Apply:

Students can typically apply to PhD programs in History through the institution's online application portal. It is important to carefully review the program requirements and deadlines, and to prepare all necessary materials well in advance of the application deadline. Some programs may also require an interview as part of the selection process.

Admission Process For PhD in History

University offers PhD History courses admit scholars grounded on the graduate degree position examination marks. still, there are some institutes that do conduct entrance examinations to judge a seeker’s capability.

The following are the two major pathways through which PhD History admissions takes place:

PhD History Fee Structure

The application fee for a PhD program in History varies by institution but typically ranges from $50 to $100.

PhD History Syllabus

The syllabus for a PhD program in History varies depending on the institution and the student's area of specialization. However, common course topics include historiography, research methods, theoretical approaches to history, and seminars on specific historical topics or regions.

Job Role After Completed PhD in History

Graduates of PhD programs in History are prepared for a variety of academic and non-academic careers. In academia, graduates can pursue careers as professors, researchers, and administrators in colleges and universities. Non-academic career paths include positions in museums, archives, libraries, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Salaries in these fields vary depending on the specific job, location, and level of experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for historians was $63,100 as of May 2021.

PhD in History Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for PhD in History include:

Academic positions in colleges and universities as professors, researchers, and administrators.

Non-academic positions in museums, archives, libraries, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry.

Consulting, writing, and editing in fields such as journalism, law, and public policy.

PhD History Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges for PhD programs in History in the United States include:

PhD History Admission Process

• 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.

Documents Required For PhD in History

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 History

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.