PhD in History Admission 2024-25, Preparation, Important Topics, Merit List

PhD in History Course Overviews

PhD in History or Doctor of Philosophy in History is a 3 years full-time doctorate course which is the study of written events and records of humanity. It explains a broad view of social, cultural, religious, political, and economic developments from the prehistoric times. It grants students to study some of the world's most historical people, events, and cultures. The minimum duration of this program is three years and the maximum duration is five years. This PhD in History program focused on providing knowledge in advanced studies in history in depth. Coursework covers the areas of political study, gender & sexuality, and training imparts knowledge in vast areas. The program is designed for students to develop skills in conducting research work in original and equips them with varied methodologies. The training offers an intensive course and introduces them to theoretical aspects of history and historical practice.

The most important aspect of a PhD in History is the dissertation. This is an original research project that is conducted independently by the student under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The dissertation is typically a lengthy and detailed piece of work that demonstrates the student's mastery of their chosen area of study and their ability to conduct original research and make a significant contribution to the field of history.

PhD in History Highlights

Here are some highlights of a PhD in History program:

Advanced Research Skills: The program provides training in research methods, critical analysis, and historiography to enable students to undertake advanced research in history.

Specialization: Students can specialize in a particular area of history, such as American history, European history, global history, or cultural history, among others. They can explore different periods, themes, and topics of historical interest.

Seminars: PhD programs in History often feature small group seminars that allow students to engage in detailed discussions and debates with their peers and professors. These seminars can be a great way to develop intellectual connections, refine research topics, and sharpen one's ideas.

Independent Research: The program requires students to conduct original research, design their research projects, and produce a dissertation that makes an original contribution to historical knowledge.

Faculty Mentors: Students work closely with their faculty mentors, who are leading scholars in their areas of expertise, and receive individualized guidance and support throughout their research projects.

Conferences: Students often have the opportunity to attend and present their research at national and international conferences, allowing them to network and receive feedback from scholars in their fields.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of PhD programs in History can pursue academic careers, work in research institutions, museums, government agencies, or think tanks, or use their skills to work in fields such as journalism, law, or politics.

PhD in History  Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have completed a Master's degree in History or a related field, with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA) from a recognized university.

Some universities may also require candidates to have cleared a National Eligibility Test (NET) or a similar examination.

Candidates must have completed a master's degree in history or one of a variety of specializations that meet the minimum marks set by their chosen university.

Many universities in India conduct PhD entrance exams such as UGC NET, JMI Entrance Exam, etc., which are required to be eligible to apply for the PhD program in History of your choice.

If you are planning to study abroad, you will also need to submit her GRE scores in addition to your language proficiency such as IELTS/TOEFL. Additionally, SOPs, LORs, and research proposals must also be submitted.

PhD in History Course Highlights

PhD in History Course Duration

The duration of a PhD program in History varies from university to university. Typically, it takes around 3-5 years to complete the program.

PhD in History Top Entrance Exam:

The entrance exam for a PhD in History typically assesses the candidate's knowledge of the subject and research potential.

The exam may be conducted in two parts: a written exam and an interview.

The written exam may include objective and subjective questions on various topics in History, including historiography, research methodology, and the candidate's chosen research area.

PhD in History Selection Criteria:

The selection criteria for a PhD program in History typically include the candidate's performance in the entrance exam and their academic and research background.

The university may also consider the candidate's experience, publications, and other relevant achievements.

The availability of faculty members and research infrastructure in the candidate's chosen research area may also be a factor in the selection process.

PhD in History How to Apply:

Candidates can apply for a PhD program in History through the official website of the respective university.

The application process typically involves filling out an online application form, uploading relevant documents, and paying the application fee.

Candidates may also have to appear for an interview after clearing the written entrance exam.

In summary, to apply for a PhD program in History, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, clear the entrance exam, and fulfill the selection criteria. They can apply through the official website of the university and may have to appear for an interview after clearing the written exam.

PhD in History Admission Process:

To apply for a PhD in History, candidates must visit the official website of the university and fill out the application form with the required information. The application form may require candidates to provide personal information, educational background, work experience, and research interests. Candidates may also have to upload scanned copies of their academic documents and pay the application fee.

PhD in History Application Course Fee:

The application fee for a PhD program in History varies from university to university. Generally, the fee ranges from INR 500 to INR 2000, depending on the university and the category of the candidate.

PhD in History Syllabus:

The syllabus for the entrance exam of a PhD program in History varies from university to university. However, some common topics covered in the syllabus include historiography, research methodology, and the candidate's chosen research area.

PhD in History Salary and Jobs:

The salary for PhD holders in History varies based on the sector of employment and the experience of the candidate. Candidates can expect a starting salary of INR 40,000 to INR 50,000 per month in academic positions such as assistant professors or research associates. They may also find job opportunities in government and non-government organizations as historians, archivists, or curators.

PhD in History Career Opportunities:

Some popular career opportunities for PhD holders in History include teaching in universities and colleges, working in museums, archives, and libraries, and working in research organizations. Candidates can also find opportunities in government and non-government organizations as historians, archivists, or curators.

• University professor or instructor
• Researcher or analyst in government or non-profit organizations
• Archivist or curator in museums or libraries
• Writer or editor for historical publications
• Journalist or media commentator
• Consultant for businesses or governments

PhD in History Top Colleges in India:

Some of the top colleges in India for a PhD in History include:

• Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
• University of Calcutta, Kolkata
• University of Delhi, Delhi
• University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
• University of Mumbai, Mumbai
• Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
• University of Madras, Chennai
• University of Allahabad, Allahabad.

PhD in History Admission Procedure

• 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 Checklist For PhD in History

• 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 PhD in History 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.