Direct PhD After Bachelor’s: Is It Possible & How to Apply?

Pursuing a PhD after a Bachelor's degree is possible but quite rare. Most students tend to do a Master's degree before going for a PhD. And if students have brilliant academic records, genuine research concerns, and conform to other conditions, some universities may grant direct entry into a PhD from the bachelor's level. This is usually called a "direct PhD" or "integrated PhD." It is certainly the ideal track for students who are set on a research goal early in the academic journey. This wastes less time for the student and exposes the candidate to research work early. In this article, we will discuss what doing a PhD after a Bachelor's level is about, who would want to do it, the perks, and the challenges you face. 

Is it Possible to do a PhD after a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes, you can pursue a PhD after a bachelor’s degree, but you should have a 4-year degree with a minimum of 75 percent marks. Fulfilling these eligibility criteria makes you eligible for the UGC-NET exam, and once you pass the entrance exam, you can take admission to a PhD program.  Yes, it is now possible to pursue a PhD after completing your bachelor's degree. In India, the regulations have recently been modified. If you have a 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum of 75% marks (or equivalent marks), you are eligible to apply for a PhD without completing a master's degree first. 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has stated that students with good academic performance can also appear for the National Eligibility Test (NET) immediately after their bachelor's. This choice is not unique in India alone. Numerous universities in the U.S. and other nations also welcome students to pursue PhD courses after their undergraduate level. However, to be shortlisted, you need good grades, strong recommendation letters, and a well-written statement of purpose. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a PhD After a Bachelor’s?

Fulfilling the below-mentioned criteria is much needed if you want to apply for a PhD after a bachelor’s:

Criteria	Details
Educational Qualifications	Four-year undergraduate degree required. Minimum 75% marks or equivalent grade.
Research Experience	Helpful but not mandatory. Research projects or internships are preferred by some universities.
Entrance Examination	Must qualify the National Eligibility Test (NET). NET allows PhD entry in any subject, regardless of your bachelor’s specialization.
Relaxation for Reserved Categories	5% relaxation in marks for SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), PwD, and EWS categories.
Other Requirements	Some universities may ask for a research proposal. Strong letters of recommendation can improve your chances.

Fulfilling these eligibility criteria will help you get admission to a PhD program that too, without hassle. 

But what about someone who won't be able to fulfill these eligibility criteria? Do not worry, there is another alternative available to you, and that alternative is an Online DBA. It is also a doctorate program that requires no entrance exam, and you only need 55 percent marks in your bachelor’s, and you will be able to apply to an Online DBA program. Along with this, you also need a working experience of 3-5 years to apply to the DBA program.

Popular Among Working Professionals
PhD Course for Working Professionals	Doctoral Degree Online
Global DBA Online	PhD Abroad Online
PhD Online	Phd Distance Learning
Honorary PhD Doctorate Online	Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D)
Part-Time PhD	Flexible PhD Program
PhD After MBA	PhD After MCA
PhD After BTech	DBA Doctorate After MBA

What is the Duration of the PhD Program after having a Bachelor’s degree? 

The duration of the PhD directly after a bachelor’s degree stays the same, which is 4-5 years, but if you are someone who wants to complete their doctoral degree in less time, then you must opt for an Online DBA program, the duration of the Online DBA is 3-5 years. Moreover, it is equivalent to a PhD program. Moreover, by opting for an Online DBA, you can access top-level options such as CEO, CXO, etc. 

Why You Need To Skip a Master's for a PhD after a Bachelor’s?  

Pursuing a PhD immediately after your bachelor's degree has numerous benefits. Here are some of the significant advantages:

• Saves Time: You don't have to waste additional years pursuing a master's degree. You get to begin your research and academic pursuit early.
• Saves Money: You avoid the expense of a master's program, such as tuition fees and living costs. This reduces your overall education cost.
• Early Research Opportunities: You can start doing research projects immediately. An early start allows you to get published and establish academic networks. 
• Quicker Career Advancement:
  • Completing your PhD early allows you to secure better jobs earlier.
  • It allows you to develop professionally quickly in both academic and corporate roles.
• Greater Subject Flexibility: You can select a PhD subject even if it is not related to your bachelor's degree. This provides an opportunity for you to study new and blended subjects. Pursuing a PhD after your bachelor's saves you time and money and puts you ahead in your career and research ambitions. People also search for a PhD after B.Tech 

What is the Application Process for a PhD after a Bachelor’s degree? 

To apply for a PhD after a Bachelor’s, you need to follow the simple steps given below:

Step	Description
Identify Research Interests	Explore topics that interest you. Look at faculty profiles and research projects to find programs and supervisors that match your goals.
Contact Potential Supervisors	Email professors whose work matches your interests. Many universities require a supervisor’s approval before applying.
Prepare Application Materials	Collect these documents: Application form, Research proposal, Academic CV, Statement of purpose or cover letter, Transcripts, Recommendation letters.
Check Eligibility Criteria	Make sure you have the needed qualifications, usually a 75 percent mark in your 4-year bachelor's degree. Some programs may need research experience.
Submit Application	Apply through the university's portal. Follow all the instructions and deadlines.
Entrance Exams (if needed)	Some universities may ask for the GRE, GMAT, or other tests to check your academic readiness.
Interviews and Evaluations	If selected, attend an interview to discuss your research ideas and background with faculty or supervisors.
Admission Decision	The university will review your application and inform you if you're accepted, waitlisted, or rejected.
Enrollment and Orientation	If accepted, finish the admission process by paying fees and submitting documents. Attend orientation to get familiar with your program.

Some Commonly Asked Questions about PhD After Bachelor’s- 

1. How long does it take to do a PhD after a bachelor's degree?

A PhD after a bachelor's degree takes 5 to 7 years. There are some universities that provide direct admission, but you may need to take additional coursework first. 

2. Can I pursue a PhD after a BA degree?

Yes, it is possible to do a PhD after a BA in certain fields and countries. But most students still pursue a master's first. If you wish to do it straight away, you will need good grades and perhaps some research experience.

3. Can you do a PhD after only a bachelor's?

Yes, you can apply for a PhD after your bachelor's if the university accepts direct entry. If you have 75 percent marks in your 4-year bachelor’s. However, most colleges prefer students who already have a master's.

4. Can I pursue a PhD after a BA?

Yes, you can, but it varies with field and university. Some courses may still require a master's degree before that, while some accept BA graduates straight away.

5. Can I apply for a PhD after a 3-year graduation?

No, you can not. According to the recent updates by the UGC, you can apply to a PhD program after a bachelor’s, but you should have 4 4-year bachelor’s with a 75 percent mark. 

6. Can I do a PhD directly after a BSc in India?

• Yes, in India, if you possess a 4-year BSc with a minimum of 75% marks, then you can directly apply for a PhD. You can also appear for the NET exam without doing a master's.
• If you don't hold 75%, you can attempt a 1-year master's and apply with 55% marks.
• The UGC now also states: You are not required to publish a research paper prior to submitting the thesis.

7. Can I pursue a PhD after a BSc without an MSc?

Yes, in India, some schemes allow you to enroll for a PhD immediately after a BSc if you score well (75% and above). These programs take 4 to 5 years. You do not need an MSc for this.

8. Can I shift subjects for a PhD in India?

Yes, you can. You do not necessarily have to work with the same topic as your master's. PhD studies tend to place more emphasis on research interest, and changing fields is possible.

9. How long does a PhD take after a bachelor's?

It typically takes 5 to 7 years. This comprises 2–3 years of classes and a further 2–3 years for research and writing your thesis. In India, in case you have a 4-year degree and 75% marks, you can bypass a master's and directly pursue a PhD.

10. Is it possible to do a PhD in psychology after a BA?

Yes, it is possible to pursue a PhD in psychology after a BA.

Here's what you need to know:

• It requires a minimum of 4 years of a bachelor’s degree with 75 percent marks. 
• Following completion, you'll need to pass licensing examinations to practice.
• Most students apply with a bachelor's degree, and a master's is not necessarily mandatory.
• If you hold a 4-year degree and 75% marks, you are eligible to apply directly as per UGC norms. 

How Directly Pursuing a PhD After a Bachelor’s Improves Your Job Prospects? 

You can check the table below to know the job prospects after a Ph.D. without having a master's below:

Job Profile	Average Salary (Monthly)	Scope of Work	Top Recruiters
Research Scientist	Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 120,000	Conducts experiments and analyses	Google, IBM
University Professor	Rs. 70,000 – Rs. 150,000	Teaches and conducts research	Harvard, Stanford
Data Scientist	Rs. 90,000 – Rs. 140,000	Analyzes data to inform decisions	Amazon, Microsoft
Clinical Researcher	Rs. 75,000 – Rs. 130,000	Manages clinical trials	Pfizer, Merck
Policy Analyst	Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 100,000	Analyzes policies and regulations	Government agencies
Software Engineer	Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 130,000	Develops software solutions	Facebook, Apple
Biostatistician	Rs. 70,000 – Rs. 120,000	Applies statistics to biological data	Genentech, Novartis
Environmental Scientist	Rs. 65,000 – Rs. 110,000	Study environmental issues	EPA, NGOs
Management Consultant	Rs. 85,000 – Rs. 140,000	Advises organizations on strategy	McKinsey & Company
Financial Analyst	Rs. 70,000 – Rs. 120,000	Analyzes financial data	Goldman Sachs
Market Research Analyst	Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 100,000	Study market conditions	Nielsen
Chemist	Rs. 65,000 – Rs. 115,000	Conducts chemical research	BASF
Mechanical Engineer	Rs. 75,000 – Rs. 125,000	Designs mechanical systems	Boeing
Psychologist	Rs. 70,000 – Rs. 130,000	Study mental processes	Hospitals
Artificial Intelligence Engineer	Rs. 95,000 – Rs. 150,000	Develops AI algorithms	Tesla
Cybersecurity Analyst	Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 130,000	Protects systems from cyber threats	Cisco
Educational Administrator	Rs. 70,000 – Rs. 120,000	Manages educational institutions	Universities
Pharmaceutical Scientist	Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 140,000	Develops new drugs	Johnson & Johnson
Urban Planner	Rs. 65,000 – Rs. 110,000	Plans for land use in urban areas	City Planning Departments
Social Worker	Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 90,000	Supports individuals and communities	Non-profits

Can I Do a PhD After a 3-Year Bachelor’s? 

Students can now pursue a PhD directly after completing their 4-year bachelor's degree; they can not apply for a PhD with having 3-year bachelor’s degree. Because of the updated guidelines from the University Grants Commission (UGC). If a student has a four-year undergraduate degree with at least 75% marks, they are now eligible to take the National Eligibility Test (NET) and begin their PhD.

This is a big shift from the earlier rule, which required a master’s degree to qualify for NET. The new policy also allows students to choose any PhD subject, even if it's different from their undergraduate field, giving them more academic flexibility. For students from reserved categories, there is a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks required.

Top Specializations for PhD for Working Professionals in 2025
Applied Finance	Artificial Intelligence	Aviation Management	Banking and Finance
Banking and Insurance	Bio-Tech	Blockchain	Business Administration
Business Analytics	Business and Corporate Law	Commerce	Computer Science
Customer Behaviour Management	Cyber Security	Data Analytics	Data Science
Digital Leadership	Disaster Management	Digital Marketing	Emerging Technologies
Energy Management	Entrepreneurship	Export and Import Management	Fashion Management
Finance Management	Financial Marketing	FinTech	Food Technology
Forensic Accounting	Generative AI	Healthcare Management	Hospital Management
Hospitality Management	Human Resource	Information  Technology	International Business
International Finance	International Trade	Investment Banking	IT Management
Law	Management	Management Information Systems	Marketing
Operations Management	Pharmaceutical Management	Power Management	Project Management
Psychology	Public Policy	Quality Management	Real Estate Management
Retail Management	Sports Management	Supply Chain Management	Tourism and Hospitality
Wealth Management	-	-	-

What to Do If You have a 3-Year Bachelor’s Degree and Still Want to do a PhD Program? 

If you are someone who is looking for options to pursue a doctorate program without having a master’s degree, then you can opt for an Online DBA program. It is a doctorate program that is equivalent to a PhD program. Moreover, there is no requirement for a 4-year bachelor’s degree to pursue an Online DBA program. It only requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum working experience of 3-5 years.

To know the universities offering an Online DBA program, check the table below:

Universities	Fees
Birchwood Online University DBA Online	INR 6,00,000
Golden Gate University DBA Online	INR 8,14,000
Rushford Business School DBA Online	INR 8,12,500
ESGCI International School of Management Paris DBA Online	INR 8,14,000
EIMT Online DBA	INR 5,50,000
Swiss School of Business Management DBA Online	INR 7,50,000
Edgewood College DBA Online	INR 7,00,000

 Conclusion 

Pursuing a PhD after a bachelor's degree is now possible in India, thanks to UGC’s new guidelines. If you have a 4-year undergraduate degree with 75% marks, you can directly apply for a PhD without completing a master’s. This saves both time and money, while allowing early exposure to research. You can also switch your field of study, offering more flexibility in choosing your research interest. For those who do not meet these criteria, an Online DBA is a great alternative. Overall, direct PhD pathways open up exciting career opportunities in research, academia, and industry.