PhD in Anthropology is a doctorate course. It has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum duration of 5 years. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology is a research-based program that provides advanced training in the study of human societies and cultures. Anthropology is a social science that encompasses various subfields, including cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology.
Students pursuing a PhD in Anthropology typically engage in independent research and complete a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field. Coursework may include topics such as anthropological theory, research methods, and specialized topics in subfields of anthropology.
Anthropologists may work in a variety of settings, including academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. They may conduct fieldwork to study cultures and societies, analyze data, and communicate findings through publications, presentations, and other forms of outreach.
Some possible areas of research for a PhD in Anthropology include:
Cultural and Social Anthropology | Studying the cultural practices, beliefs, and social structures of different societies and how they shape human behavior and interactions. |
Linguistic Anthropology | Investigating how language reflects and influences social structures and cultural practices, and how language use varies across different communities. |
Biological anthropology | Examining the biological and evolutionary aspects of humans and primates, including genetics, behavior, and morphology. |
Archaeology | Investigating human cultures and societies through the analysis of material remains, including artifacts, buildings, and landscapes. |
Some highlights of pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology include:
Research opportunities: The PhD program in Anthropology provides extensive research opportunities to students. They can conduct fieldwork, analyze data, and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field.
Interdisciplinary approach: Anthropology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on theories and methods from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, history, and linguistics. The PhD program allows students to explore these intersections and develop a well-rounded understanding of human behavior and culture.
Specialized focus: Students pursuing a PhD in Anthropology can specialize in various subfields such as cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology, depending on their interests and career goals.
Academic career opportunities: A PhD in Anthropology opens up opportunities for academic careers, such as becoming a professor, researcher, or academic administrator.
Non-academic career opportunities: Anthropologists can also find employment in non-academic settings, such as government agencies, NGOs, museums, and private organizations, where they can contribute their expertise in areas such as cultural preservation, policy-making, and international development.
Professional development: PhD programs in Anthropology often provide opportunities for professional development, such as teaching assistantships, conference presentations, and research collaborations, that can help students build their skills and network with professionals in the field.
Ph.D. in Anthropology is a very prosperous course and can give you excellent career options. Here we have pointed out a few important reasons regarding why you should go for a PhD in Anthropology course:
A PhD in Anthropology is the perfect course to explore your ideas and come up with new strategies to bring social reform to this country.
This course will greatly benefit the country's education sector and provide students with the opportunity to engage in research activities.
PhD Anthropology major also helps students develop a deep understanding of different paradigms of society. This also allows us to develop ideas that are useful to society.
PhD candidates in anthropology are employed in a variety of fields, including educational institutions, research institutions, and technology companies.
Students work as managing directors, promotion managers, curators, business development managers, researchers, etc. The average salary given to them is 7-8 LPA.
Students can also start their own business or conduct research in their field of interest. There are various research institutes in India that employ postgraduate students in anthropology.
Course Level | Doctorate |
Full-form | Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology |
Duration | 3 year to 5 year |
Admission Process | Direct Admission or on the basis of Entrance test. |
Course Fee | updated Soon |
Job Positions | Research scientist, clinical psychologist, technical director, assistant professor, general manager. |
Top Recruiting Areas | Museums, educational institutes, administrative departments, conservative centers, etc. |
The admission process for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology program varies depending on the institution. Some universities may require applicants to take a standardized test such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international students.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in Anthropology or a related field, and often a master's degree is preferred. They are also required to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample that demonstrates their research potential.
Candidates must complete postgraduate study in philosophy. Some universities also accept candidates with a master's degree in another field.
Students are also required to pass cut-off exams for certain entrance exams, such as the National Entrance Examination (NET). Various other entrance exams are also held from time to time.
Candidates must score at least 50% in graduation and postgraduate studies. The minimum marks required may vary for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates.
The duration of a PhD in Anthropology program varies depending on the institution and the student's progress. Typically, the program takes around 4-6 years to complete, including coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation research and writing.
The selection criteria for a PhD in Anthropology program include academic performance, research experience, writing skills, and potential for contribution to the field. The admissions committee will review the applicant's transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, writing sample, and possibly conduct interviews to assess their fit for the program.
To apply for a PhD in Anthropology program, applicants should research potential institutions and their specific admission requirements. They should gather all required application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample, and submit them online or by mail to the admissions office. Some institutions may also require a fee to process the application. It is essential to check the application deadline and make sure to submit the application on time.
The application form for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology program is typically available online on the university's website. The application form requires personal and academic information, such as name, contact details, educational background, and research experience. Applicants will also be asked to submit their statement of purpose, writing sample, and letters of recommendation.
The application process for a PhD in Anthropology program typically involves the following steps:
Direct Admission
Step 1: Fill The Application Form | The students must fill up their application form in physical or in online mode. All the details must be filled in extremely carefully. |
Step 2: Appear for The Interview | An interview may be conducted in some colleges. Your performance in the interview will determine whether you will be shortlisted for admission. |
Step 3: Admission to The College | Once you get shortlisted by the college, you will be allowed to take admission. For that, you need to submit the admission fee and other required documents. |
Entrance Test
Step 1: Fill The Application Form | You will get the admission form from the college campus itself. You will also be able to submit the application form in online mode. |
Step 2: Appear for The Entrance Test | After you submit your application form, you will have to sit for the entrance test. The pattern of the entrance test may vary from college to college. |
Step 3: Admission to the college | If you clear the cut-off of the entrance test, you will be able to take admission to the college of your choice. For that, you will have to submit all the documents required for admission and also pay the admission fee. |
The application fee for a PhD in Anthropology program varies depending on the institution. Typically, the fee ranges from $50 to $100. Some universities may waive the application fee for certain applicants, such as those with financial need or exceptional academic achievements.
The syllabus for a PhD in Anthropology program varies depending on the institution and the student's area of specialization. Generally, the program includes coursework in anthropological theory, research methods, and subfields of anthropology such as cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology. In addition, students will conduct independent research and write a dissertation that contributes to the field.
Compulsory Papers
Topics | Subtopics |
Research methodology in anthropology | Research process: an overview, Recent approaches, Scientific writing skills, Quantitative methods, Qualitative methods, Software |
Theoretical and methodical approaches in anthropology | Paradigms in social-cultural anthropology, Research ethics, Unit of contributions of Indian anthropologists, Paradigms in biological anthropology, Contributions of social reformers and thinkers to Indian society and culture |
Fieldwork, internships, and assignments |
Optional Papers
Topics | Subtopics |
Advances in medical anthropology | New theoretical paradigms in medical anthropology, Policy and advocacy, Culture and medicine, International health, Recent Health Initiatives, Overview of National health problems in India, Research methodology |
Perspectives in Social-cultural Anthropology | Social-cultural anthropology: an overview, Social and cultural change in India, Marriage, family and kinship: emerging trends, Dominant processes of Socio-cultural change in India, Religious and popular cults in India. |
Perspectives in Development Anthropology | Origins and approaches in Anthropology of development, Agencies of development, Perspectives on developments, Development: the Indian case Development planning |
Advances in Biological anthropology | Current research problems and challenges in the biological anthropology of South Asia, Human biological variation: anthropometric and genetic studies, Nutrition education and community nutrition |
Job Profile | Job Description |
Research Scientist | Their main job is to collect information and results from lab experiments and use the results of the experiment for practical purposes. |
Assistant Professor | They impart academic knowledge to the students in the field of Anthropology and other related fields. |
Clinical Psychologist | They meet with patients, identify their mental and emotional issues and help them to get rid of their problems. |
Educational Administrator | Their responsibility is to oversee the various proceedings of an academic institution |
Technical Director | The technical director plans and directs all technical activities within a certain project. |
A PhD in Anthropology opens up various career opportunities in academia, research, and non-academic settings. Some possible career paths for anthropologists include:
Academic positions such as professor, researcher, or academic administrator.
Research positions in government agencies, NGOs, or private organizations, where anthropologists can contribute their expertise to areas such as cultural preservation, policy-making, and international development.
Non-academic positions in museums, archives, or cultural heritage organizations, where anthropologists can apply their skills in cultural preservation and interpretation.
Consulting positions in industries such as healthcare, marketing, or human resources, where anthropologists can provide insights into human behavior and cultural diversity.
Some top institutions offering PhD in Anthropology programs include:
Harvard University, USA University of Cambridge, UK University of Oxford, UK University of California, Berkeley, USA University of Chicago, USA University of Michigan, USA University of Toronto, Canada University of California, Los Angeles, USA University of Arizona, USA Australian National University, Australia |
PhD ADMISSION PROCEDURE
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Documents (10th onwards)
Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
Migration Certificate (Original)
NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
Affidavit (undertaking)
Guide Willing
Assignments
Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
Library No Dues
Lab Letter
Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
Conference Certificate - 2
Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies
Plagiarism Report Below 10%
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
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.