Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration is a 3-5 year categorical doctoral program in India. This period is approximately 3 years for regular scholarship recipients and approximately 5 years for part-time scholarship recipients. The minimum requirements for admission to the doctoral program are: The degree in Public Administration is a PG degree in related arts. PhD students must have at least 55% PG degree from a recognized institution in India with good academic experience as required. Master's degree candidates may be admitted to the Doctorate in Public Administration program after participating in national or institute-level entrance examinations, counseling or interviews as deemed valid by the affiliated university. Some institutions prefer to relax their minimum admission standards, taking into account the academic performance and experience of their graduate students. NET and GATE are the national common entry levels for this PhD in Public Administration.
Course Name | PhD Public Administration |
Course Level | Doctoral Degree |
Full-Form | Doctorate of Philosophy |
Duration | 1 to 3 years for regular Ph.D. scholars. Up to 5 years for the part-time scholars. |
Examination type | Year wise course |
Eligibility Criteria | Allied Post Graduation with around 55 % from any recognizable Indian institution as made valid by the admitting university |
Admission Process | Merit-based and Entrance-based (Institute and national level entrances) |
Job Positions | Social Worker, Corporate Manager, Teacher, Professor, Customs Inspector, Revenue Inspector, Consultant, Administrative Officer, etc. |
Professional Doctoral Degree: The DPA is a professional doctoral degree program that is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in the field of public administration.
Flexibility: The program is often designed to be flexible and accommodate the schedules of working professionals. This allows students to continue working while completing the degree.
Curriculum: The curriculum focuses on building students' knowledge and skills in areas such as public policy, organizational behavior, leadership, financial management, and public sector ethics.
Research: Students are required to conduct original research and produce a dissertation or other significant research project in a topic related to public administration.
Faculty: Faculty members in DPA programs are often experienced professionals with expertise in the field of public administration, bringing real-world experience and expertise to the classroom.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of DPA programs are prepared for leadership roles in a variety of public sector organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and public policy think tanks. They may also work as consultants or researchers in the field of public administration.
Impact: Through their research and leadership roles, DPA graduates can make a meaningful impact on their communities and contribute to positive change in public policy and administration.
Those who want to take on administrative tasks can choose this PhD program to use their skills to help and mentor others.
With a PhD, you are likely to earn a salary of 600,000 rupees or more per year, depending on your experience.
During and after your PhD, you will have a wide range of opportunities to collaborate with international researchers from around the world.
Many people with master's degrees in many related fields can earn a doctorate in public administration.
For example, someone who earns a master's degree in political science may earn a doctorate in public administration.
A doctoral degree entitles you to work as a professor at a state or non-state university.
Applicants must have completed a master's degree in a related field, such as public administration, political science, or public policy, from an accredited institution.
Some DPA programs may require a certain amount of work experience in the public sector.
Some DPA programs require applicants to take the GRE or other standardized tests as part of the admission process.
Some programs may waive the entrance exam requirement for applicants who meet certain criteria, such as having a certain GPA or amount of work experience.
Applicants must submit an online application, transcripts from all previous institutions attended, and letters of recommendation.
Some programs may also require a personal statement or writing sample.
Admission decisions are typically based on a combination of factors, including academic qualifications, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
Merit-based Admission
Entrance-based Admission
The DPA program typically takes between 3-5 years to complete.
The length of the program may vary depending on the specific requirements of the program and the student's course load.
The application process for the Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program typically involves submitting an online application, transcripts from all previous institutions attended, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or writing sample. Some programs may also require standardized test scores. The application fee varies by program and can typically be paid online.
To be eligible for the DPA program, applicants must have completed a master's degree in a related field, such as public administration, political science, or public policy, from an accredited institution. Some programs may also require a certain amount of work experience in the public sector.
The DPA program typically takes between 3-5 years to complete. The length of the program may vary depending on the specific requirements of the program and the student's course load.
Admission decisions are typically based on a combination of factors, including academic qualifications, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Some programs may also consider standardized test scores.
The syllabus for the DPA program typically covers topics such as public policy, organizational behavior, leadership, financial management, and public sector ethics. Students are also required to conduct original research and produce a dissertation or other significant research project on a topic related to public administration.
Semester I | Scientific Approach to Research Methods of Data Collection Research Design Analysis of Data and use of Computers Report Writing Course III - Public Policy: Theoretical Perspectives Introduction Models of Public Policy Approaches to Public Policy Analysis Constraints on Public Policy Policy Implementation and Evaluation Course V – Field Work |
Semester II | Introduction Institutional Framework for Fighting Corruption Governance Regulatory Governance Emerging Trends Course IV - Public Administration: Theoretical Perspectives Introduction Approaches Modern Approaches Contemporary Debates Emerging Trends |
Semester III | Scientific Approach to Research Methods of Data Collection Research Design Analysis of Data and use of Computers Report Writing Course III - Public Policy: Theoretical Perspectives Introduction Models of Public Policy Approaches to Public Policy Analysis Constraints on Public Policy Policy Implementation and Evaluation Course V – Field Work |
Semester IV | Introduction Institutional Framework for Fighting Corruption Governance Regulatory Governance Emerging Trends Course IV - Public Administration: Theoretical Perspectives Introduction Approaches Modern Approaches Contemporary Debates Emerging Trends |
Semester V | Scientific Approach to Research Methods of Data Collection Research Design Analysis of Data and use of Computers Report Writing Course III - Public Policy: Theoretical Perspectives Introduction Models of Public Policy Approaches to Public Policy Analysis Constraints on Public Policy Policy Implementation and Evaluation Course V – Field Work |
Semester VI | Introduction Institutional Framework for Fighting Corruption Governance Regulatory Governance Emerging Trends Course IV - Public Administration: Theoretical Perspectives Introduction Approaches Modern Approaches Contemporary Debates Emerging Trends |
Graduates of DPA programs are prepared for leadership roles in a variety of public sector organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and public policy think tanks. They may also work as consultants or researchers in the field of public administration. According to PayScale, the average salary for a DPA holder is around $98,000 per year.
Job Profile | Job Description |
Management Consultant | He/she is consulted for improving any company in areas of Management, Productivity, and brand image |
Social Worker | They are responsible for aiding people around them. They raise their voices against any injustice prevailing in the society. They organize formal meetings and listen to people regarding their problems |
Professor | A professor is responsible for education and training methods adopted for imparting valuable knowledge to the students |
Corporate Manager | He takes care of the various managerial activities in an organization like sales, production, administration, overhaul, etc. |
Administrative Officer | He takes care of all the administration-related activities in an organization that put forth an equilibrium and smoothness in the functioning of that organization. |
Career opportunities for DPA graduates include positions such as city manager, policy analyst, program director, and executive director of non-profit organizations. They may also work as consultants or researchers in the field of public administration.
Some top colleges offering DPA programs include:
PhD in public administration opens up a variety of job and career opportunities. Students preparing for the Indian Civil Service Examination have shown keen interest in this course. The main reason is that this course can provide you with skills and expertise in management-related roles.
After completing the course, you can choose a professorship at a state or private university.
You can also work as a business manager or administrator in any government-run industry. Administrative professionals with a Ph.D. have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within organizations after acquiring a lot of expertise and skills in basic leadership roles within organizations.
The growing interest of students in this particular course suggests that opportunities for this course will further increase in the near future.
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.
NOTE:- Students are requested to note that their application will not be considered for admission if the above certificates are not enclosed with their application.
Given below are few of the important highlights of the program.
Program Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration |
Program Level | Master Degree Courses |
Duration of the Program | 3 Years |
Examination Type | Year |
Eligibility | Postgraduate Degree in a Relevant Discipline With Minimum 55% Marks ( 50% for SC/ST Candidates ) |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam and Merit Based |
Average Program Fee | Rs. 3 Lakh - Rs. 4 Lakh |
Syllabus of Management as prescribed by various Universities and Colleges.
Paper Code | Subjects of Study |
Mentioned below are some states in India that offer the program.