PhD from Uttarakhand: Top Universities, Eligibility, Fees & Career Scope

The PhD programme in Uttarakhand is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in an academically-focused environment with easy access to Research Parks and Labs, as well as being extremely conducive to research. With many prestigious institutions located within the borders of the state, such as IIT Roorkee and numerous central universities, state universities, emerging private universities, etc., Uttarakhand has quickly become a sought-after location for Science, Engineering, Humanities, Environmental Studies, Yoga Studies, and Himalayan Studies Doctorate research and development.

Along with its ever-increasing number and quality of Research Facilities, Entrance Exam opportunities at the National level, as well as the availability of Fellowships from the University Grants Commission and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC/CSIR), Uttarakhand offers excellent opportunities for prospective PhD candidates and scholars.

This article features an overview of the universities available in Uttarakhand and the Admission Process & Entrance Exams for those wishing to pursue a doctoral degree within the state. The article will also cover Career opportunities for research professionals who graduate from PhD programs in Uttarakhand.

What is a PhD?

A Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is the highest academic degree earned by an individual after a master's degree. The duration of the PhD program is around 5 to 7 years, which consists of coursework, research, and a thesis. The individuals can earn a doctoral degree by making an original contribution in their field of specialization, by carrying out research work. 

On earning the doctoral degree, the degree holders will get wider exposure in the job market. They can pursue their career as a professor, researcher, post-doctoral researcher, analyst, or others. 

Moreover, individuals can now pursue their doctoral journey through flexibility by opting for a part-time PhD or an Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). The Online DBA is equivalent to a PhD that can be completed in three years from a recognized foreign university. 

Duration of PhD from Uttarakhand

Typically, the duration of the PhD program in Uttarakhand takes 5 to 7 years to complete. Throughout the duration, the individuals will get to carry out the required research and submit their research thesis. 

However, individuals can earn their doctoral degree in three years through the Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). An online DBA is equivalent to a PhD, which is ideal for the working professional. Individuals can submit their research papers at the end of the program. 

Top Universities offering PhD in Uttarakhand

Here are the top universities mentioned that offer a PhD in Uttarakhand- 

Universities offering a PhD in Uttarakhand
SNo	Universities	University Type	Specialization	Entrance examination	Stipend (After qualifying for the required exam)
1.	IIT Roorkee	Public/Government	Biosciences & Bioengineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Science & Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Earth Sciences Physics Chemistry Applied Mathematics & Scientific Computing Architecture & Planning Management Studies Design Humanities & Social Sciences Hydrology & Water Resources Nanotechnology Disaster Mitigation & Management Space Science & Technology Paper & Packaging Technology	GATE, UGC NET, JEST	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
2.	UPES Dehradun	Private	Engineering & Science Computer Science Business & Social Sciences Law Design Health Sciences Interdisciplinary / Special Programs	UGC NET, CSIR NET, SLAT/CLAT, GATE, GPAT, Research Entrance Test (RET)	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
3.	Graphic Era University, Dehradun	Private	Engineering Sciences Computer & IT Management & Commerce Humanities & Other Areas	GATE, UGC NET, SLET, University Entrance exam + Interview	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
4.	Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture	Public/Government	Agronomy Horticulture Plant Breeding & Genetics Plant Pathology Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry Agricultural Economics Animal Sciences (Dairy/Animal Husbandry) Forestry Biotechnology related to agriculture	ICAR-AIEEA (PG) / NET / GATE / CSIR-NET, University Entrance Exam	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
5.	Haridwar University, Roorkee	Private	Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biotechnology/Microbiology/Biochemistry Food Science & Nutrition Botany & Zoology Environmental Science Management (HR, Marketing, Finance) Computer Applications & Computer Science English & Liberal Arts Law Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil) Energy & Eco-Sustainability Smart Devices & IoT	UGC-NET (including JRF), GATE/GPAT, SLET, University Entrance exam + Interview	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
6.	IIM Kashipur	Public/Government	Business Communication Economics Finance & Accounting Information Systems Marketing Operations & Decision Sciences Organizational Behaviour & HR Public Policy Strategy	University Entrance exam + Interview Research proposal	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
7.	NIT Uttarakhand	Public/Government	Computer Science & Engineering Electronics & Communication Engineering Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Physics Mathematics	GATE, UGC NET, CSIR NET	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
8.	Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun	Private	Zoology Microbiology Chemistry Mathematics Physics Environmental Science	UGC-NET/JRF, GATE, CSIR/SLET, GPAT, University Entrance Exams + Interview	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
9.	COER University, Roorke	Private	Computer Science & Engineering Electronics & Communication Engineering Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering	NET/GATE, University Entrance exam + Interview	INR 37,000- INR 42,000
10.	ICFAI Dehradun	Private	PhD in Management PhD in Law PhD in Science & Technology (e.g., CSE, ECE, Civil Engg.) PhD in Education	UGC-NET/JRF, GATE, GPAT	INR 37,000- INR 42,000

Note: To know more about the specializations offered for the PhD, you can visit the respective websites of Universities. The stipend details depend on the qualifying entrance examination and the specialization. 

However, if you are interested in pursuing your career in senior roles, you can opt for an Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). An Online DBA program specialises in various specializations that are required for modern-day job markets. Here are a few specializations offered by the Online DBA program mentioned below- 

Specializations Offered By the Online Doctorate of Business Administration
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 Uttarakhand

To earn your doctoral degree from Uttarakhand, individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria- 

• A master’s degree with an aggregate of 50% to 55% in a relevant subject from a recognized university
• A four-year bachelor's degree holder can also apply for the PhD program
• The individuals must also qualify for entrance examinations such as UGC NET. CSIR NET, or University Entrance examination, followed by an interview. 

Entrance Examination for Phd from Uttarakhand

To apply for the PhD program in Uttarakhand, individuals must meet all the eligibility criteria, along with qualifying for an entrance examination such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, or a University entrance examination, followed by an interview held at the university level. 

Moreover, individuals can pursue their doctoral degree in three years through the Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). The Online DBA program is equivalent to the PhD, where individuals are not required to qualify for any entrance examination or any interview. Individuals are not required to relocate themselves, and they still can earn the ‘Dr’ title and degree from a recognized foreign university. 

Admission Process for PhD from Uttarakhand

The admission process of universities offering a PhD in Uttarakhand is- 

1. Application Submission: The candidates are required to apply to the university directly from which they wish to pursue their doctoral degree. 
2. Entrance Examination: Candidates who have qualified for the entrance exams, such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, or GATE, can apply directly to the university. However, if they haven’t qualified for any entrance exams, the individuals have to qualify for the university entrance exams.
3. Interview / Viva-Voce: The shortlisted candidates are required to appear before the panel to present their research paper or interview. 
4. Final Selection: The candidates are selected on the basis of entrance exams, interviews, academic background, and research aptitude. 

Career options after a PhD from Uttarakhand

Throughout the PhD program, individuals learn various skills, including teaching, research, and analysis. On completing the program, the degree holders will get wider exposure to the job market. The degree holders can pursue their career as a professor, researcher, analyst or others. 

Moreover, working professionals can now earn their doctoral degree without leaving their jobs through the Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). The Online DBA, which is equivalent to the PhD, does not require any entrance exams or an interview. However, the degree holders will get senior-level jobs in top organizations or institutions. Through the Online DBA program, individuals will get to enhance their domain knowledge along with practical skills that are required for modern-day business. The Online DBA program is ideal for those who are seeking senior-level job opportunities. Here are the top career opportunities mentioned that an individual can pursue upon completing their PhD- 

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

Doctoral programs with flexible structures

As traditional PhD programs are full-time PhD programs, which require students’ full dedication and hard work. However, to pursue PhD programs, the individuals are required to qualify for entrance examinations such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or University Entrance examinations, followed by an interview. 

Moreover, individuals can now earn their doctoral degree with flexibility through the part-time PhD program. However, to take admission for a part-time PhD program, students must qualify for the required entrance examinations or an interview. 

Working professionals or those who have qualified for their master's degree can now pursue their doctoral degree through the Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). Online DBA is a flexible program that an individual can complete at their own pace and convenience.  The Online DBA program is equivalent to the PhD program, which can be completed in three years. Through the Online DBA, individuals can earn the ‘Dr.’ title along with the degree from a recognized foreign university. 

Is an online PhD from Uttarakhand valid?

According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), an Online PhD degree is invalid. If you are still looking for a way to earn a doctoral degree through flexibility, you can opt for a part-time PhD or an Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). 

An Online DBA program is considered equivalent to the PhD program. Individuals will get wider exposure to the job market and may pursue their careers in senior-level positions. 

Is a PhD the Right Choice for Everyone?

Pursuing a PhD is ideal for those individuals who are passionate about research, innovation, and knowledge. Through a PhD degree, individuals can pursue their career as a professor, assistant professor, researcher, or analytical jobs. 

However, if you are just looking to earn the ‘Dr’ title, you can opt for an Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). The Online DBA program is considered equivalent to the PhD program.