A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics is a graduate-level academic degree program designed to prepare students for careers as research economists, policy analysts, professors, and other positions that require advanced expertise in economic theory and analysis.
The program typically takes between 4-7 years to complete and involves a combination of coursework, exams, and original research culminating in a dissertation. Coursework typically covers advanced topics in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative analysis, and students may also take courses in specialized areas such as international economics, development economics, behavioral economics, or financial economics, depending on their interests and career goals.
The main focus of the program is on research, and students work closely with faculty members to develop their research skills and build a strong foundation in economic theory and methods. In addition to coursework, students typically engage in independent research projects and seminars, participate in workshops and conferences, and collaborate with faculty and other students on research projects.
After completing a PhD in Economics, graduates are qualified for a variety of careers in academia, government, and the private sector. They may work as professors, economists, analysts, policy advisors, consultants, or researchers, among other roles. The skills and knowledge gained through a PhD in Economics are highly valued in fields such as finance, consulting, law, and public policy, making it a versatile and prestigious degree option for those interested in pursuing a career in economics.
Some of the key highlights of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics include:
Research Focus: The program is designed to train students in advanced research methods and techniques in economics, with a focus on producing original research that contributes to the field.
Rigorous Coursework: The coursework for a PhD in Economics is often challenging and rigorous, covering advanced topics in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and other specialized areas.
Flexibility: Students can often tailor their coursework and research to their specific interests and career goals, choosing from a variety of elective courses and research topics.
Collaborative Environment: PhD students often work closely with faculty members and other students on research projects, providing opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and intellectual exchange.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of a PhD in Economics program are qualified for a range of careers in academia, government, and the private sector, including positions as professors, economists, analysts, policy advisors, consultants, or researchers.
Prestige: A PhD in Economics is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious academic degrees, providing graduates with a high level of credibility and respect in the field.
Higher Earning Potential: According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, economists with a PhD earn a higher median salary compared to those with a master's or bachelor's degree in economics.
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | Economics |
Course Level | Graduation, Postgraduation, Doctorate |
Duration | 3 years, 2 years, 3 years |
Top Entrance Exams | UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, etc. |
Course Fee | Updated Soon |
Average Salary | INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh |
Top Recruiting Companies | KPMG, The Economist, World Bank, IMF, CRISIL |
Job Positions | Analyst, Research Assistant, Assistant Professor, Post Graduate Teacher, Economist |
Top Colleges | Aligarh Muslim University, Gargi College, Chitkara University, Chandigarh etc. |
The entrance exam for a PhD in Economics varies depending on the institution. Some universities require GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores, while others may require GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores or their own entrance exam. It is important to check with the specific institution for their admission requirements and exam details.
GATE
UGC NET
CSIR NET
JEST
To be admitted to a PhD in Economics program, applicants must typically have a bachelor's or master's degree in economics or a related field with a strong academic record. Additionally, some universities may require prior coursework in economics, mathematics, and statistics. Admission requirements may also include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample.
Eligibility requirements for a PhD in Economics program vary by institution, but typically include:
The duration of a PhD in Economics program typically ranges from 4-7 years, depending on the institution and the student's progress. The program involves a combination of coursework, research, and dissertation writing, which can take several years to complete.
Selection criteria for a PhD in Economics program may vary by institution, but typically include academic performance, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, research experience, statement of purpose, and writing samples. Some institutions may also consider factors such as diversity, leadership experience, and work experience in the selection process.
To apply for a PhD in Economics program, applicants should first research the admission requirements and application process for the specific institution they are interested in. Generally, the application process involves submitting an online application, official transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. It is important to adhere to the application deadlines and submit all required materials in a timely manner.
The application form for a PhD in Economics program can typically be found on the university's website. Applicants will need to create an account, provide personal information, and upload supporting documents such as transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample.
The application process for a PhD in Economics program varies by institution, but typically involves the following steps:
The application fee for a PhD in Economics program varies by institution, but typically ranges from $50-$100. Some universities may offer fee waivers for students with financial need or for applicants from underrepresented groups.
The syllabus for a PhD in Economics program varies by institution, but typically includes coursework in advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative analysis. Students may also take courses in specialized areas such as international economics, development economics, behavioral economics, or financial economics, depending on their interests and career goals.
Graduates of a PhD in Economics program are qualified for a variety of careers in academia, government, and the private sector, including positions as professors, economists, analysts, policy advisors, consultants, or researchers. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, economists with a PhD earn a median salary of $105,000 per year. Salary and job prospects may vary depending on the specific industry and location.
Job Position | Job Description |
Lecturer/Professor | The NET is conducted to determine the eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship Award or Assistant Professor. A lecturer’s job provides a stable salary and gives you a chance to constantly increase your knowledge. |
Banker | Bankers give their customers a wealth of services. They assist in setting up certificates of deposit and opening a checking or savings account as well as handling trusts, investment accounts, deposits, lines of credit, and much more. |
Economists | An economist researches and interprets trends related to goods, services, and resources. They provide advice on economics to businesses and individuals. |
Geographer | A geographer uses qualitative and quantitative methods to gather and analyze data, synthesizing it into maps, reports, and other usable formats. Geographers specialize in the study of physical and human characteristics of an area, such as vegetation or population density. Employment often requires at least a bachelor's degree - and more commonly a master's degree - and relevant experience. Professional GIS certification may also be required. |
Econometricians | Reaching agreements about research projects with internal or external clients Monitoring and evaluating the data collection process. Using statistical software to organize and analyze the information gathered |
Career opportunities for graduates of a PhD in Economics program include:
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.