Important Facts
Kopal Srivastava Aug 12, 2024 3K Reads
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree one can achieve. The term "PhD" comes from the Latin "Philosophiae Doctor" and involves in-depth research in a specific field. Completing a PhD can take 3 to 6 years. Earning a PhD opens many career opportunities and improves job prospects.
A 2019 study by the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) showed a 60% increase in PhDs awarded over five years. In 2019-20, admissions rose from 1,24,451 to 2,02,552. PhD salaries in India vary by profession and field. Also Read | PhD Full Form!
PhD pay varies according to funding source, country, study area, university, and individual circumstances. In India, a PhD graduate makes, on average, INR 10 LPA a year. PhD holders can work in a wide range of positions, including data scientists, professors, and research analysts.
Salary ranges for high-paying PhD positions range from INR 12 to 26 LPA and according to the GLASSDOOR average salary of PhD students per month is Rs.36.989. Their pay scale is INR 90K to INR 92.5K per month.
Many opportunities arise with a research degree, and it increases work chances and encourages people to seek PhDs in their subjects of interest. Students applying for PhD programs are interested in PhD salaries in India in 2024. This article provides information on salaries for different careers and PhD professor salaries in India.
Moreover, if you want to pursue a PhD Program without leaving your job you can opt for a Part time PhD. It is specially designed for students who are unable to attend daily classes and want to pursue a PhD Program.
By opting for a PhD for working professionals you can complete your PhD program without even attending college. Moreover, you also get a chance to select the specialization of your choice.
Some of the specializations of Doctorate programs/online DBA are mentioned below :
The average salary for a PhD holder in India is approximately Rs. 24 lakhs per year. However, this amount varies based on the employer, industry, and location. For instance, experienced IT professionals with 10 years of experience earn an average of 40 lakhs per year. Fresh PhD graduates can expect a starting salary ranging from Rs. 8 to 12 lakhs per year.
Students can choose their research specialty based on their interests and knowledge. Entrance exams like CSIR UGC NET, IIT JAM, and NPAT help students get into PhD programs. Those interested in engineering PhDs should take the GATE exam.
After completing a PhD, candidates have many job options in both private and public sectors. Jobs include research scientist, associate professor, economist, historian, and more. Starting salaries for PhD holders are around Rs 6 LPA. Higher salaries depend on experience, knowledge, and skills.
S. No. |
Career |
Description |
1 |
Academics |
|
|
Many choose post-doctorate after their PhDs. It has various benefits like significant solo or group research projects. Their work positively impacts society, government policy, and business. They need skills like research, communication, knowledge of the subject, team management, and curiosity. |
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|
An adjunct post is a non-tenure position in the university. These professionals significantly contribute to the faculty. They work extra hours and have many educational duties. |
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|
Teaching is high-paying and successful due to its similarities with academic work. PhD holders specialize in their field and can impart extensive knowledge. Required skills include subject command, communication, analytical abilities, people management, human behavior comprehension, and empathy. |
|
2 |
Entrepreneur |
PhD holders often succeed in entrepreneurship due to their creativity and research skills. Both entrepreneurs and PhDs identify social issues and create models to solve them. |
3 |
Digital Media Company |
The job involves preparing in-depth analysis reports and creating reports on artistic and cultural events. PhD holders have strong writing and research skills, making them suitable for writing jobs in media companies. It's a good option for those not interested in teaching post-PhD. |
4 |
Research Associate |
Research associates handle data collection, preparation, analysis, reporting, and research. They solve identified problems. They can work in various industries, benefiting society in history, science, art, culture, and policy-making. Many switch from academic to business research for more impact. |
5 |
Consultancy |
PhDs excel in consulting due to their specialized expertise. Large firms recruit PhD holders for their valuable data and insights. They solve issues rationally and effectively. |
6 |
Government Sector |
PhD holders offer unique perspectives for analyzing and solving complex issues, aiding better decision-making. Opportunities include military research and policymaking positions. They can work in various government departments like policy-making, rural development, transportation, and foreign affairs. |
7 |
Data Scientist |
Uses statistical analysis and machine learning to solve problems and drive business strategies |
8 |
Medical or Scientific Writer |
Writes articles and blogs about research topics or medical expeditions. |
9 |
Lecturer |
Delivers lectures, creates lesson plans, and guides students in a specialized academic field. |
10 |
Application Scientist |
Acts as a liaison between medical device producers and buyers |
11 |
Medical Technologist |
Performs lab tests, examines samples, provides diagnoses, and treats medical disorders. |
12 |
Computer Engineer |
Designs, develops, and tests computer hardware and software systems. |
13 |
Product Manager |
Manages the lifecycle of a product or a product portfolio. |
14 |
Chief Research Manager |
Leads scientific research and supervises projects to achieve goals |
15 |
Public Prosecutor |
Represents the government in criminal cases, does legal research, and argues in court |
Various PhD specializations and their respective salaries are listed in the table below :
Streams |
PhD Specialisations |
Average Salary |
Arts |
PhD English |
Rs 4,00,000 – Rs 12.00,000 |
PhD Economics |
||
PhD History |
||
PhD Sociology |
||
PhD Psychology |
||
Law |
PhD Legal Studies |
Rs 2,00,000 – Rs 13,00,000 |
PhD Law |
||
Engineering |
PhD Biomedical Engineering |
Rs 3,00,000 – Rs 15,00,000 |
PhD Information Technology |
||
PhD Mechanical Engineering |
||
PhD Bioinformatics |
||
Medical |
PhD Neuroscience |
Rs 4,00,000 – Rs 11,00,000 |
PhD Pathology |
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PhD Physiotherapy |
||
Management |
PhD Human Resource Management |
Rs 4,00,000 – Rs 12.00,000 |
PhD Marketing |
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PhD Business Management |
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PhD Finance |
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Science |
PhD Chemistry |
Rs 4,00,000 – Rs 14,00,000 |
PhD Computer Science |
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PhD Biology |
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Mathematics |
PhD Mathematics |
Rs 3,00,000 – Rs 10,00,000 |
Below is information on PhD salaries in India for Professors, Associate Professor, and other positions. You can view the table to see what PhD Professors make in India.
Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary |
Associate Professor |
Rs 4 to 8 Lakhs |
Professor |
Rs 7.80 to 30 Lakhs |
Research Assistant |
Rs 3.10 to 5 Lakhs |
Computer Engineer |
Rs 4 to 9 Lakhs |
Legal Assistant |
Rs 4 to 8 Lakhs |
Consultant |
Rs 8 to 10 Lakhs |
Research Scientist |
Rs 6 to 12 Lakhs |
Senior Writer |
Rs 10 to 14 Lakhs |
Different companies hire PhD graduates based on their skills and knowledge. The location and reputation of a company influence the salary of a PhD graduate.
Here is a table showing the salary of a PhD graduate based on the hiring company :
Note : Salary also depends upon factors such as location, experience, skills, and knowledge. These factors can affect your salary.
Salary ranges for high-paying PhD positions range from INR 12 to 26 LPA. Their pay scale is INR 90K to INR 92.5K per month. Many opportunities arise with a degree in research, and increased work chances encourage people to seek PhDs in their subjects of interest.
Moreover, if you do not want to quit your job and want to pursue a PhD program while earning you can opt for its alternative and the alternative is online DBA.
It stands for a Doctor of Business Administration and it is also a doctorate program that gets you recognized by a “Dr” title. Moreover, it offers you various advantages such as flexibility, learning while earning, and many more. Furthermore, you can earn your doctorate degree from an international university without relocating to the place if you opt for an Online DBA.
Online DBA is a perfect alternative to an Online PhD, Online PhD is not a valid option in India but online DBA is valid globally including in India. Many universities offer you an Online DBA. Some of them are mentioned below
Universities |
Fees |
INR 8,14,000 |
|
INR 8,12,500 |
|
INR 8,14,000 |
The salary range for professors in India varies widely, from Rs.1.4 lakhs to Rs.33.6 lakhs annually, with an average of Rs.15.7 lakhs per year. Government of India professors majorly earn an average salary of Rs.28 lakhs annually, with a range between Rs.24.1 lakhs to ₹36 lakhs per year, depending on experience.
Government jobs in India provide excellent career opportunities for PhD graduates due to ongoing research and infrastructure development.
Here is a list of government jobs suitable for PhD graduates:
Job Profile |
Description |
Average Annual Salary |
Professor |
Professors teach college/university students, provide study materials, and guide project work. |
INR 5L - INR 7 LPA |
Researcher |
Researchers collect and analyze data throughout project cycles, and publish findings to advance research. |
INR 7.5 LPA |
Public Prosecutor |
Public Prosecutors represent the government in criminal cases, conduct legal research, and argue in court. |
INR 4.5L - INR 6 LPA |
There are numerous job opportunities in the private sector due to increased investment by global companies in the science and technology industry. Below is a list of job openings for PhD graduates in the private sector.
Job Profile |
Description |
Average Annual Salary |
Corporate Lawyer |
Handles legal issues related to corporate business practices, including business, legal, and financial functions. |
INR 6L - INR 7 LPA |
Computer Engineer |
Designs develops, and tests computer hardware and software systems to enhance performance. |
INR 3L - INR 4.5 LPA |
Professor |
Teaches students at the college/university level, provides study material, and guides project work. |
INR 5L - INR 7 LPA |
Employment for PhD candidates depends on their specialization. The PhD program offers various specializations with different career profiles. Some examples include: including PhDs in Management, PhDs in the Arts, PhDs in Engineering, PhDs in Medicine, PhDs in Legal Studies, etc. The details are mentioned below:
Specialization affects job opportunities in the private sector. PhD candidates have many opportunities in the private sector across various fields. Employment depends on their specialization. Leading employers include private universities, Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Infosys. PhD holders also find jobs in government organizations.
After earning a PhD, candidates can work in chemical or pharmaceutical companies, the oil and gas industry, research sectors, NGOs, and more. Salary structures differ between the private and public sectors. Moreover, if you feel that quitting your job for PhD is a bit confusing for you then you may opt for a PhD for working professionals as it is the perfect alternative to a PhD Program.
PhD programs for working professionals are designed for executives. Many institutions in India and abroad offer this program full-time, but time commitments can be challenging.
This Part-Time PhD program for working professionals is personalized for students with full-time jobs. It prepares participants for research and teaching roles, both in and out of academics. Candidates must be qualified graduates in the related subject or have completed a postgraduate course.
Part-time PhD programs are available at colleges like IIT, JNU, and other top universities in India. The average fee ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,00,000. Admission is based on merit, an entrance test, and an interview by various universities.
There are various specializations of doctorate programs for Working Professionals. Some of them are mentioned below :
Moreover, if you are thinking of pursuing an Online PhD, I would like to inform you that an Online PhD is not a valid option in India, so you can opt for its alternative which is an Online DBA.
It is a doctoral program that be pursued in Online mode without having restrictions on attending classes regularly. Moreover, you can easily earn your doctorate degree from an international university without even relocating to abroad.
Various universities are offering an Online DBA. Some of them are mentioned below :
Some of the top employers for PhDs in India, along with the associated job profiles, include educational institutions (private or government), research institutions, consultancies, private companies, and think tanks.
Some of the top government research bodies hiring professionals with a PhD include:
Other recruiters include:
Some of the popular think tanks hiring professionals having doctorate degree include:
Candidates can find employment opportunities both during and after completing a PhD from a reputable college. Job prospects are broad, including roles like scientific writer, assistant manager, and research assistant.
Opportunities also exist in research and development organizations that seek fresh PhD graduates. Salaries tend to be higher in industrial research and development sectors, with starting salaries around INR 6.50 LPA. Here are some top job profiles in India for your reference:
Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary |
Legal Assistant |
3.96 LPA |
Consultant |
8.00 LPA |
Research Scientist |
7.56 LPA |
Senior Writer |
12.69 LPA |
Assistant Professor |
4.00 LPA |
Research Assistant |
3.10 LPA |
Computer Engineer |
2.40 LPA |
Starting January 1, 2023, the stipends for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) increased from Rs 31,000 to Rs 37,000. Similarly, Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) stipends have also risen, going from Rs 35,000 to Rs 42,000.
At IIT Gandhinagar, PhD students are eligible for a generous fellowship program. Under this program, they receive a monthly stipend of Rs 1,00,000. This stipend includes Rs 90,000 for living expenses and an additional Rs 10,000 specifically for housing. The fellowship program at IIT Gandhinagar is aimed at supporting individuals who are pursuing an academic career path. It provides financial assistance to help students focus on their research and academic pursuits.
The salary for a PhD Research Scholar at IIT Kharagpur ranges from Rs 3 Lakhs to Rs.5.1 Lakhs per year, making it an average of Rs. 4.2 Lakhs annually for those with up to 6 years of experience. At IIT Delhi, PhD Students earn between Rs. 4 Lakhs to Rs. 5 Lakhs per year, including base salary and additional pay.
For PhD Students at IIT Bombay, the annual salary ranges from Rs.3 Lakhs to Rs. 4.4 Lakhs, with an average of Rs. 4.1 Lakhs. At IIT Kanpur, the estimated total pay varies from Rs.30,000 to Rs. 39,000 per month, including base salary and additional compensation, with a base salary averaging Rs. 35,000 per month.x
A PhD is one of the most challenging degrees, but it is also very rewarding. In the USA, it takes about 4 to 6 years to complete a PhD. One great thing about doing a PhD is that you get paid for it. If you are interested in academics, a PhD can boost your career and increase your salary by about 25% compared to a master’s degree.
You will receive a stipend of around Rs. 12,52,474-25,04,949 per year while studying. After completing your PhD, you can earn a salary between Rs. 50,09,898 - 83,49,830 or more.
UK tuition fees for doctoral courses starting in 2021/22 are around Rs. 4,82,035 per year, based on UKRI recommendations. Stipends typically range from Rs. 16,06,780 to 19,28,136 per year, though some can be higher.
Yes, it is worth it in the year 2024 as holding a Doctorate is an achievement for students and professionals as it shows that you have now become an expert in the field. It also allows you to add the "Dr" title to your name. Here are some benefits of having a PhD:
These are some of the main benefits of having a PhD.
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree one can achieve. The term "PhD" comes from the Latin "Philosophiae Doctor" and involves in-depth research in a specific field. Salary ranges for high-paying PhD positions range from INR 12 to 26 LPA. Their pay scale is INR 90K to INR 92.5K per month. Many opportunities arise with a degree in research, and increased work chances encourage people to seek PhDs in their subjects of interest.
A very tiny percentage of very talented students are able to complete their PhD in just 12 months, and some students are able to finish in as little as two years. Though extremely unusual and spectacular, this is potentially achievable. Before enrolling in the program, developing a solid academic CV is essential for a fast-track PhD.
Completing a master's degree takes around two years. On the other hand, depending on the school and subject of study, PhD programs often demand a lengthier commitment, lasting anywhere from three to five years.
The length of a PhD might vary greatly. While some PhD programs are intended to be finished in three years, some could require four or even five. The duration may vary according to the type of research, the topic of study, and whether or not master 's-level coursework is required in addition to PhD research.
Yes, a PhD holder has better job prospects than someone with only an undergraduate degree. The unemployment rate for PhD holders in India is below 1%, compared to the overall unemployment rate of around 7%.
Yes, a PhD student can earn an estimated total pay of ₹37,917 per month. The average salary is ₹35,000 per month.
Yes, the Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research offers financial support to exceptional PhD students. This scheme is supervised by the Ministry of Education.
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