Top Ph.D Universities From West Bengal Ranked for 2026

If you have a strong interest in research and have ambitions to attain the highest academic qualifications possible, then getting your Doctorate (PhD) degree at West Bengal would be a good decision. There are numerous academic institutions as well as research organizations throughout West Bengal that provide advanced degree programs in various areas, including science, arts, commerce, law, health sciences, and other fields of study.

What is a PhD?

The PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is regarded as the highest academic degree earned after the master's degree. Typically, the duration of the program is 3 to 6 years, which includes required research work and a thesis. A PhD program can be obtained in various specializations where students make an original contribution in their field of specialization by carrying out extensive research.

On earning the doctoral degree, the individuals will get the ‘Dr.’ title. On completion of the program, the degree holders will have wider exposure to jobs. They can pursue their career as a assistant professor, professor, researcher, postdoctoral researcher, or other. Apart from the full-time PhD program, individuals can also pursue their doctoral degree through the part-time PhD or online Doctorate of Business Administration through flexibility.  

Duration of PhD from West Bengal

Typically, the duration of the PhD program is a minimum of 3 years to 7 years, which includes the coursework and thesis work.Working professionals can pursue their doctoral degree in three years with the Doctorate of Business Administration (Online DBA). The Online DBA program is equivalent to the PhD program. 

Top Universities offering PhD in West Bengal 

Universities offering a PhD in West Bengal
SNo	Universities	University Type	Entrance examination	Stipend (After qualifying for the required exam)
1.	IIT Kharagpur	Public/Government	UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE,	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
2.	Jadavpur University	Public/Government	UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, GPAT, CEED, DST-iNSPIRE	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
3.	Calcutta University	Public/Government	UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE,	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
4.	IIM Calcutta	Public/Government	CAT, GMAT, GATE	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
5.	Amity University	Private	Amity University PhD entrance examination, NET, GATE	INR 37,000
6.	IISER Kolkata	Public/Government	JRF (UGC/CSIR), GATE, GMAT, PET	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
7.	Presidency University, Kolkata	Private	University PhD Entrance Test, UGC NET	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
8.	Burdwan University	Public/Government	University PhD Entrance Test, UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
9.	Vidyasagar University	Public/Government	University PhD Entrance Test, UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
10.	Bankura University	Public/Government	University PhD Entrance Test, UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE	INR 37,000- INR 42,000

Note: To know more about the specializations offered by the universities and their stipend details, you can visit the official website of the respective university. However, in the Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA), individuals will be learning practical skills in their domain.

Here are a few specializations offered in the Online DBA program: 

Online DBA program
Online DBA in Generative AI	Online DBA in AR & VR	Online DBA in Machine Learning
Online DBA in Artificial Intelligence	Online DBA in Business & Data Analytics	Online DBA in Blockchain
Online DBA in Robotics & Automation	Online DBA in Cyber Security	Online DBA in Business & Data Analytics

Eligibility criteria of the PhD program from West Bengal

To be eligible for the PhD program in West Bengal, individuals must meet the criteria: 

• Students must have a master’s degree with at least 50% to 55% in relevant subjects.
• Those who have a four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 
• The students are also required to qualify for entrance examinations such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or others, followed by an interview. 

Entrance Examination for Phd from West Bengal

Along with academic eligibility for the PhD program in West Bengal, the candidates also have to qualify for the entrance examination, such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, GRE, or University entrance examination. On qualifying for the entrance examination, they also have to qualify for the personal interview held at the university. 

Those who have not qualified for any entrance examination can also appear for the university-level entrance examination, followed by an interview held at the university level:

Working professionals, or those who have completed their master's degree from a recognized university, can also pursue a doctoral degree without clearing any entrance examination through the Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). The Online DBA is equivalent to the PhD degree, which can be earned in three years from an accredited foreign university. 

Career options after a PhD from West Bengal 

The PhD prepares students in teaching, research, and analysis throughout the program. On completing the program, the individuals will have wider exposure in the job market, where they will learn the required skills to pursue their career as a professor, assistant professor, researcher, analyst, or other. 

Moreover, individuals who wish to pursue a doctoral degree without qualifying for any entrance examination can opt for an Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). The Online DBA is equivalent to the PhD program, which can be completed in three years. At the end of the program, the individuals can earn their ‘Dr’ title along with the degree. The Online DBA program enhances domain knowledge along with practical skills that are required in modern-day business. Through the Online DBA program, individuals will have wider exposure in the job market. 

Here are the top career options after a PhD in India: 

Job roles after PhD	Average salary
Professor	INR 16 LPA
Research Scientist	INR 15 LPA
Consultant	INR 8 LPA
Research Assistant	INR 3.1 LPA
Legal Assistant	INR 4 LPA
Postdoctoral Researcher	INR 5 LPA
Entrepreneurship	INR 8.25 LPA

Flexible doctoral degree pathways

To take admission in a PhD program, the individuals must qualify for an entrance examination such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or even a University Entrance examination, followed by a personal interview. If you are unable to crack the exam and interview, don’t worry, we've got your back. 

You can earn your doctoral degree through: 

• Individuals can pursue their doctoral degree through a part-time PhD.

Part-time PhD offers flexibility in classes where individuals can complete the program at their own pace and convenience.  However, to take admission for a part-time PhD program, candidates require qualifying for an entrance examination. 

• Individuals can carry out research experience in their domain to widen their job prospects and opportunities. 
• Students who are working professionals or have completed their master's degree can opt for an Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). An Online DBA degree is equivalent to a PhD degree that can be obtained in three years. The program is flexible; it can be completed at your own pace and convenience. Online DBA programs do not require you to qualify for an entrance examination or interview. At the end of the program, individuals will get the ‘Dr’ title from a recognized foreign university. 

Is an online PhD from West Bengal valid?

As per the University Grants Commission (UGC), an online PhD is not valid in India. However, if you still wish to pursue a PhD through flexibility, you can opt for a part-time PhD or an Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). Although, a part-time PhD requires candidates to qualify for an entrance examination. An Online Doctorate of Business Administration does not require qualifying for any entrance examination or interview. 

However, if you pursue your doctoral degree through a part-time or Online DBA program, you can still have wider job opportunities, including teaching, research, or analysis.