A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philosophy is a postgraduate academic degree that involves advanced study and research in the field of philosophy. The program typically requires several years of coursework, comprehensive exams, and the completion of a dissertation or thesis.
The coursework in a PhD in Philosophy program typically covers a wide range of topics, including the history of philosophy, ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, logic, and political philosophy. The coursework is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in philosophy and to prepare them for the more specialized research they will undertake during their dissertation.
The comprehensive exams in a PhD in Philosophy program typically test a student's knowledge of the major philosophical traditions, theories, and concepts. These exams are designed to ensure that students have a strong grasp of the fundamentals of philosophy before they begin their dissertation research.
The dissertation or thesis is the culminating project in a PhD in Philosophy program. It is a piece of original research that makes a significant contribution to the field of philosophy. Students work closely with their faculty advisors to identify a research question, conduct research, and write their dissertation. The process can take several years, and students are expected to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research and to contribute new knowledge to the field of philosophy.
Graduates with a PhD in Philosophy typically go on to pursue careers in academia or research. They may become professors of philosophy, work in think tanks or research institutes, or pursue careers in government or public service. The degree can also be a valuable asset for those pursuing careers in law, journalism, or business.
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 |
Some universities require candidates to take a standardized entrance exam, such as the GRE or the LSAT, as part of the application process. The exam typically evaluates a candidate's analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and verbal and quantitative skills.
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. |
Step 8: | After successfully giving the exam, a list of qualified candidates will be issued. |
Step 9: | Qualified candidates will then have to appear for personal interview rounds to enroll themselves in the university. |
Candidates for a PhD in Philosophy program typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in philosophy or a related field, such as history, literature, or political science. Some programs may also require a minimum GPA and/or test scores.
The duration of a PhD in Philosophy program varies depending on the program and the student's progress, but typically takes between four and seven years to complete.
The selection criteria for a PhD in Philosophy program vary depending on the program, but typically include a candidate's academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Some programs may also require a standardized entrance exam and/or an interview.
The application form and process for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philosophy program varies depending on the university and program |
Candidates should consult the specific requirements for the programs they are interested in applying to. |
Typically, candidates need to submit an application through the university's admissions portal, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. |
Some programs may also require an application fee. |
The application fee for a PhD in Philosophy program varies depending on the program and university. Candidates should consult the specific requirements for the programs they are interested in applying to.
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 |
Job Role | Job Responsibilities |
Assistant Professor | They design curriculum plans for student learning, conduct class discussions to ensure student engagement, provide academic counseling, maintain student records, and assess student coursework. |
Literature Researcher | Their main responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing materials for submission. |
Human Service Worker | Social and human service assistants/workers provide client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They assist other social workers, and they help clients find benefits or services. |
Novelist/Writer | Main work is to conjure up ideas and write it in a new and interesting way making Philosophical content more readable and engaging to the audience. |
Journalist/Editor | Journalists research, write, edit, proofread and file news stories, features, and articles for use on television and other electronic media such as radio and internet or within magazines, journals and newspapers. |
Critic | To evaluate and rate work according to the piece of work presented in front of them. It can be Movies, books, magazines or other works. |
Graduates with a PhD in Philosophy have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. They can pursue academic careers as professors of philosophy or researchers in philosophy departments or think tanks. They can also pursue careers in government, public service, law, journalism, or business, where their critical thinking and analytical skills are highly valued.
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Philosophy program in India include
Candidates should consult the specific requirements and application process for each program.
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.