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Home Doctorate PhD Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Year/Semester-wise Syllabus

PhD Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Year/Semester-wise Syllabus

College Vidya Jun 20, 2024 1.5K Reads

People interested in conducting research can pursue a PhD program as it involves much research. The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. It is a doctorate program. The duration to complete the program is a minimum of 5-7 years. 

UGC-NET 2024 was canceled on June 19th by the Education Ministry saying that the examination integrity has been compromised. Click Here To know More Details. 

You get recognized by the “Dr” title after completing the program. You get introduced to concepts of Research Methodology, Research Ethics, and many more.

Is Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)  & Valid in India?

However, the subjects and syllabus of the program depend upon the specialization you will choose. In this blog, we will learn all the subjects and syllabus of a PhD.

Let’s start by knowing the entrance syllabus of the PhD program. 

Entrance Exam Syllabus of PH.D

PhD entrance exams are held at both national and institute levels. Students who score at least 50% marks can take entrance exams. Universities and institutes use these exams to assess a student's understanding of the subject they want to study for their PhD. This course is popular among students who wish to pursue research in their postgraduate subject.

In recent years, the number of people pursuing a PhD has increased rapidly. India offers excellent research opportunities for postgraduate students. Universities aim to admit only talented students into their PhD programs, which is why PhD entrance tests are important.

Related Programmes

Global PhD Programs

PhD After MBA

Doctorate for Working Professionals

PhD for Working Professionals

Part Time PhD Programs

PhD Distance Learning

PhD Online

MBA DBA Dual Programs

PhD Abroad

Global DBA

Pre Doctoral Program Online

 

Some popular entrance exams include CSIR UGC NET and UGC NET. The syllabus for PhD entrance exams includes topics from high school, graduation, and postgraduation levels, such as technology, life sciences, mathematics, science, and general aptitude.

The specific subjects and topics vary based on the chosen PhD specialization. The PhD syllabus focuses more on research and practical aspects of the subject, with less emphasis on theoretical knowledge.

PhD Subjects

Entrance Exam Syllabus

Life Sciences

  • Life Sciences (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Immunology at postgraduate level)
  • Physics/Chemistry (undergraduate level)
  • Mathematics, Computer & Information Sciences (10+2 level)

Mathematics

  • Real series analysis
  • Statistics and probability
  • Modern Algebra and Matrix Theory
  • Theory of Equation
  • Numerical analysis
  • Differential equations
  • Calculus and analytic geometry
  • Trigonometry 

Basic Engineering and Technology

  • Basic Engineering & Technology (of undergraduate level)
  • Fundamental Life Sciences and Informatics (10+2 level)
  • Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics at undergraduate level)

Computer Information Science

  • Representation of characters
  • Binary and hexadecimal representations etc.
  • The organization of a computer
  • Floating-point representation of numbers
  • Data structures
  • Fundamentals of Computer

Political Science

  • Research Methodology
  • Political Theory & Thought
  • India: State and Society
  • Globalization and International Relations
  • Democracy in India

Economics

  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Development and Planning
  • Mathematical and Statistical Methods
  • Public Economics
  • International Economics

Psychology

  • Introduction to research in psychology,
  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • Counselling Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus of Delhi University 

The entrance exam of Delhi University for PhD is divided into 2 parts. Each part holds weightage off 50 percent marks. 

Research Methodology 

The literature review

Collection and analysis of data

Information sources

References 

Scientific writing

Mathematical Tools for Research in Computer Science (part of Research Methodology) 

Algebra

Linear Algebra

Calculus

Geometry

Vector Calculus

Real Analysis

Probability and Statistics

English Comprehension 

Correct usage of English language and reading Comprehension. 

Computer Science (Subject Specific)

Discrete Structures

Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms

Computer System Architecture

Operating Systems

DBMS and File Structures

Computer Networks

Semester Wise Syllabus of PhD 

The subjects in a PhD course depend on the specialization you choose. Each specialization has its own core subjects. However, despite these differences, there are certain modules that are common across all PhD courses.

Syllabus of Year 1 

Semester 1

Semester 2

  • Research Methodology
  • Philosophical and Sociological Basis of Educational Research 
  • Communication Skills
  • Independent Research with Seminars
  • Development in The Field
  • Supervisor Directed Course (Need-based) and ResearchRecent  Seminar 
  • Research Methodology-I 
  • Independent Research with Seminars

Syllabus of Year 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

  • Philosophical and Sociological Basis of Educational Research 
  • Supervisor Directed Course (Need-based) and Research
  • Final Research Proposal
  • Supervisor Directed Course (Need-based) and Resear

Syllabus of Year 3

Semester 5

Semester 6

  • Independent Research with Seminars
  • Independent Research with Seminars

Area of Research 

The specific subjects and topics vary based on the chosen PhD specialization. The PhD syllabus focuses more on research and practical aspects of the subject, with less emphasis on theoretical knowledge.

  • Research Methodology 
  • Review of Literature 
  • Advancement in the chosen area of Research

The below written areas of research are of Delhi University and they may vary from university to university :

Specializations 

Major areas of Research in the Department of Arabic 

Classical Arabic Literature, Modern Arabic Literature, Classical Arabic Prose & Poetry, History of Arabic Language and Literature, Historiography, Lexicography, Linguistics, Rhetoric, Arabic literature in India, Tafseer, Hadith, Arabic Prosody, Logic and Philosophy, Arabic Grammar Syntax and Morphology and Translation from Arabic to other Languages.

Major areas of Research in the Department of English

British Literature, Indian Writing in English, Indian Literature, World Literature, American Literature, European Literature, Gender Studies, Visual Studies, Women Studies, Queer Studies, Dalit Studies, Disability Studies, Diaspora Studies, Autobiographical Studies, Post-Colonial Studies, Translation Studies, Print Culture, South Asian Literature, Cultural Studies, Medical Humanities, Marginality Studies, Partition Literature, Refugees Narratives and Dystopian Literature, Conflict and Memory Studies, Indian Classical Literature, Indian Knowledge Systems, Media Studies, Orature/Oral Culture, Language and Linguistics, Religion and Literature, FilmStudies, Performance Studies, Postmodern Literature, Narrative Studies, Digital Humanities, and Theory of Emotions. 

Major areas of Research in the Department of Hindi 

Samagra Hindi Sahitya, Kavyashastra, Bhasha Vigyan, Patrakarita.

Major areas of Research in the Department of Psychology 

Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Organizational Behaviour and Clinical Psychology, Positive Psychology, Health Psychology. 

Major areas of Research in the Department of Financial Studies

Finance, Management, Marketing

Major areas of Research in the Department of Commerce 

Accounting, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Organizational Behaviour and Development and other related areas.

Major areas of Research in Electronic Science

Modeling and Simulation Studies of Advanced Microelectronic Devices, machine learning applications in semiconductor devices, Application of AI and ML in low power VLSI design, Thin films, Nanomaterials & nanostructures (Electronic/semiconductor materials & Devices) for various applications; Nano science/ Nano composites/ Nano technology; Microwave passive components, Plasmonic waveguides and devices; Embedded Systems, Photonics, Photovoltaics, Optoelectronic devices, Cyber Physical Systems, Machine learning; Bioelectronics, Spintronics, Signal Processing, Sensors, Antennas, Antenna Design, Compact RF & Microwave component design, RFID communications, Flexible Electronic Devices, RF Microwave Communication, Internet of Things, Radar, Software Defined Radio.

Major areas of Research in the Microbiology

Microbial pathogenesis, Industrial microbiology, Molecular biology, DNA replication, Virology. 

Stream Wise Syllabus of PhD 

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy, courses are offered in many fields. Some major streams include Science, Arts and Humanities, and Management. There are many PhD courses available in India. The table below shows the syllabus for some PhD courses by stream:

  • Science Stream - Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the science stream 

Advanced Computer Algorithms

Distributed COM

Advanced Database Management Systems

Distributed File System

Advanced Software Engineering

Distributed Systems

Component Object Model (COM) & interfaces in COM

Dynamic Programming

Computer Architecture

Frequencies for Radio Transmission

Computer System Design

Medium Access Control

CORBA, JAVA, and object web

Multiprocessor Architecture

  • Management Stream -  Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the Management stream 

Computer Applications

Logistics

Dissertation

Marketing

Elective I

Operations Management

Financial Management

Project Work

General Management

Quantitative Analysis

Human Resource Management

Research Methodology

Information Technology Management

Retail Merchandising

  • Art and Humanities Stream - Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the Art and Humanities stream

Advanced Course in Logic

Communication Theory

Advanced Course in Philosophy of Science

Data Collection and Organization

Advanced Course in Formal Methods

Decision Theory

Advanced Econometric Methods

Environment and Development

Advanced Economic Theory

Environment Philosophy

Advanced Macroeconomics Theory

Fieldwork

Advanced Microeconomics Theory

Governance and the Political Economy of Development

The Alternative of a Ph.D. Program 

If you want to pursue a PhD program without quitting your job, then you can opt for an Online DBA program. DBA stands for Doctor of Business Administration. After completion of the program, you will be recognized by the “Dr” title. Moreover, DBA or PhD both are doctorate programs and add a “Dr” title before your name. It is also an equivalent to a PhD program. 

Some of the universities offering an Online doctorate course are mentioned below :

  • Golden Gate University 
  • Rushford Business School
  • ESGCI International School of Management Paris 

Check the table below to know the fees of the university :

Universities 

Fees 

Golden Gate University 

INR 8,14,000

Rushford Business School

INR 8,12,500

ESGCI International School of Management Paris 

INR 8,14,000

Course Structure of PhD 

When you enroll in a PhD course you need to prepare and submit your research topic and proposal. The institute then assigns a guide to each student. The guide provides information about the syllabus, coursework, teaching schedule, and assessment methods.

Moreover, students must submit progress reports every six months. An important part of the PhD course is giving seminar presentations, each student must give at least two seminars and submit a certificate to the Research Unit.

Before submitting their final thesis students must publish one research paper in a peer-reviewed journal and submit the certificate to the Research Unit. The guide organizes a pre-seminar submission before the final thesis submission.

Based on the pre-seminar a report with suggestions is prepared, and students incorporate these into their final thesis. They also prepare a summary of their thesis, which must be submitted 45 days before the thesis submission.

Once the thesis is submitted faculties review it and students must participate in a viva voce to discuss their work with the experts. Successful completion of all these steps earns the student a PhD degree.

PhD Course Structure Summary :

  • Submission of Research Proposal
  • Research Report
  • Seminar
  • Certificate Submission
  • Publication of one research paper
  • Pre-seminar submission
  • Thesis Submission
  • Viva Voce

Conclusion

PhD is a doctoral degree that adds up the “Dr” title before your name. Moreover, if you wish to do it while doing your job then you can opt for an Online DBA ( Doctor of Business Administration). It is also an equivalent to a PhD program.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

There are many PhD subjects available, Some of them are mentioned below -

  • Animal Studies
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Biology and Medicine
  • Business and Economics
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science and Mathematics
  • Education
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Geography
  • History and Philosophy
  • Law
  • Literature, Languages, and Communication

PhD admission processes in India vary by university. Generally, you need to pass entrance exams like the NET exam to get admission to a PhD.

No, you cannot do a PhD right after 12th grade. You must first complete a master’s degree in the same or a related field. Some colleges also require an MPhil before you can pursue a PhD. A PhD course typically lasts three years, but it can take up to five or six years, depending on the institute.

The minimum duration to complete the program is 3 years. 

You must have completed your master’s from a government-recognized university with a minimum mark of 50 to 55 percent after which you have to pass the entrance exam (CSIR UGC NET and UGC NET).

Yes, a PhD is difficult. It involves a long process of completing and writing an advanced research project. Your work must pass a review by academic experts. By the end, you need to show that you are an expert in your topic.

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