What is the duration of doctorate course?

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a terminal degree that offers advanced research across various academic disciplines such as Humanities, Social Science, Sciences, engineering, etc. Embarking on a PhD journey is a significant commitment. The commitment is not limited only to the intellectual level but also in terms of time and duration it requires from the individual. Before undertaking the PhD program one must have a complete understanding of various factors that may influence the duration of the PhD program. This helps help prospective students set realistic expectations and plan effectively for their long journey. In this blog, we'll explore the key elements that determine how long it takes to complete a PhD program. 

What is the duration of the PhD Program?

The average duration for a PhD program in India ranges from 3 years to 5 years based on the area of study and specialization. The minimum duration of completing the program is 3 years and the maximum duration to complete PhD is 7 years. Generally, PhD students are expected to submit their research dissertation/thesis within 5 years. Further extension is granted to the PhD students after approval of the Departmental Research Committee. A Part-Time PhD generally has a minimum duration of 4 years with a maximum duration of 6 to 8 years. PhD aspirants can also pursue an Online DBA which is equivalent doctoral degree within just 3 years in an Online mode. 

PhD Course Structure

The duration of PhD degree greatly depends on the PhD course structure. PhD students have to follow a dedicated course of action in their PhD journey. The PhD course structure embodies several stages and an appropriate period is required to complete these stages. The stages of PhD course structure are explained below-

• Coursework- The journey to the doctoral degree begins with the PhD coursework. The PhD coursework generally involves advanced classes and courses that equip students with foundational research acumen. In general, the duration of PhD coursework is 2 years. The coursework requires core courses and elective courses. The core courses and elective courses are explained below-

• Core Courses- The core courses are intended to provide a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts of the research. The core courses in PhD coursework involve advanced theoretical concepts, research methodologies, specialized knowledge of the subject, Critical Analysis and Synthesis, Ethics and Professional Practice, etc.  
• Elective Courses- The elective courses equip PhD students with additional knowledge in specific areas of interest that support their research. PhD students have the liberty to select elective courses based on their research approach and requirements. 

• Comprehensive Examination - PhD students are aslo required to appear for a thorough examination once they have completed their PhD coursework. The comprehensive examination is conducted to evaluate the level of understanding students have acquired in their PhD coursework. Based on the performance of the PhD studnts, they are assessed on how much they are prepared to carry out independent research. The comprehensive examinations are generally taken within 2 years of the PhD program. 

• Research- Once the PhD coursework requirement is completed, PhD students begin the journey of research. The research is based on the research proposal which they presented at the time of PhD admissions. The research is conducted under the guidance and supervision of the allotted supervisor and PhD students extensively delve into the research topic. PhD students also present numerous research papers in prominent journals and attend various seminars and research workshops. The research generally begins in the 3rdyears of the PhD journey.

• Dissertation/Thesis- After extensively researching the chosen research topic, PhD students are required to present their findings in the form of a dissertation/thesis. The primary focus of the PhD is the dissertation as it demonstrates an original research project that contributes to new knowledge in the particular field. Once the dissertation has been prepared by the PhD students they have defended their dissertation and research findings in the grand viva before the Departmental Research Committee(DRC). PhD Students are expected to prepare their dissertation and appear for the grand viva within 5 years, however, they can get an extension of the additional period of 2 years on the approval of the Departmental Research Committee(DRC). 

Year-Wise PhD Timeline 

The timeline for PhD depends upon the curriculum structure of the particular university and institution. Generally, the majority of Universities and institutions in India follow the following year-wise PhD timeline- 

• Year 1- The first year of the PhD program involves initial coursework in which PhD students go through core courses and elective courses.

• Year 2- In the second year, PhD students go through advanced coursework and complete their remaining elective and core courses. Generally, PhD students also appear for comprehensive exams in the second year.

• Year 3- In the third year, PhD students begin with focused research and data collection. 

• Year 4- In the fourth year of the PhD, students begin with the dissertation while continuing their research work. 

• Year 5- In the Fifth year of the PhD program, students are expected to complete their dissertation writing and appear for the grand viva to defend their research findings. 

Why is PhD so time-consuming? 

Several reasons contribute to the prolonged duration of the PhD program. As the PhD program is intended to conduct original research in a particular field, students are required to comply with certain obligations and commitments to complete the PhD program. Here are some of the reasons that explain why a PhD takes too long to complete. 

1. Extensive Coursework- A full-time on-campus PhD program incorporates at least 2 years of extensive coursework. The coursework is mandatory as it acts as a foundation for conducting high-quality research. The PhD students must complete the coursework. Once the coursework is completed, PhD students are also required to appear for the comprehensive examinations which are conducted to evaluate their level of understanding in the PhD coursework. 

1. Complexities in the Research Work - Complexities in the research work in another reason for the prolonged duration of the PhD degree. The PhD students are expected to present original research that contributes new knowledge in their selected domain of research. To fulfill this, PhD students have to identify unique research questions, design the methodology, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. Each of these steps is time-consuming and complex. PhD students are required to make constant changes and refinement in these stages based on initial findings and feedback from their research supervisors. 

1. Dissertation- Dissertation writing constitutes a major part of the PhD program. Writing the dissertation is a rigorous process that involves organizing and presenting the research coherently and comprehensively. The findings of the research should be presented in a meticulous form while writing the dissertation. Every statement in the dissertation must be reviewed carefully and it must be revised multiple times to eliminate any possibility of error. This process is time-consuming as PhD students have to ensure that there are no mistakes in their dissertation. 

1. Research Paper Publication- Apart from writing dissertations, PhD students also have to prepare and publish research papers in reputed academic journals. The number of research papers published by the PhD students demonstrates the effectiveness and reliability of their research. The process of writing, revising, and submitting the research papers is tedious and prolonged. The research papers are only published after the peer review. 

1. Teaching and Other Requirements- Teaching requirement is also a part of the PhD program. Most of the universities make it mandatory for the students to complete the teaching requirements in which they have to conduct classes for the undergraduate and postgraduate studnts in their departments as guest lecturers. Moreover, in some courses, PhD students are also required to work as assistants to their research supervisors for a stipulated time. This also requires significant time and commitment from the students.

1. Other Factors- The duration of the PhD program can be hugely affected by personal circumstances and Institutional factors. Personal circumstances such as family responsibilities, health issues, and financial problems could affect the duration of the PhD program. Institutional factors such as the availability of resources, support from advisors, and administrative processes can also affect the timeline of the PhD program. 

How to complete PhD Fast?

Students who are willing to complete their PhD degree quickly must proceed with careful planning, strategic thinking, and effective execution. Here are some suggestions for fast completion of PhD program-

• Select a clear and well-defined research topic.
• Outline and develop a strong research plan.
• Break down the research into manageable tasks and set achievable goals.
•  Focus on the research and avoid getting sidetracked by unrelated activities.
• Seek regular guidance and mentorship from the research supervisor.
• Access and make proper utilization of the available resources by the university and institute.
• Develop time management skills to balance research and other commitments effectively. 
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, and sufficient sleep.
• Use academic breaks to focus intensively on your research. 
• Keep motivated throughout the PhD journey.

Apart from following these suggestions, students can complete their doctoral degree more rapidly and quickly by enrolling in the Online DBA(Doctorate of Business Administration) program. Online DBA is equivalent to an On-Campus PhD program with a duration of just 3 years. Online DBA is more efficient in terms of flexibility and accessibility. This program is designed for working professionals with relevant work experience of 3 to 5 years. 

Duration of PhD for Different Academic Disciplines 

• Engineering and Technology: 3-5 years
• Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.): 3-5 years
• Humanities: 3-5 years
• Social Sciences: 3-5 years
• Management: 4-6 years
• Law: 3-5 years
• Medical Sciences: 3-5 years
• Agricultural Sciences: 3-5 years

Is Pursuing a PhD Right Decision?

The answer to this question depends on various factors. In times when there is a great impetus on research and development, a PhD degree becomes a highly demanded qualification in the industry. As we have already discussed pursuing a PhD is an extensive and prolonged process, one must have clarity on why he/she wants to pursue it. This also raises the question should everyone pursue a PhD and if not then who is the right candidate for a PhD? To answer this question we must consider the points mentioned below to identify the right candidate for PhD program- 

• Passion for Research- Students enrolling in PhD programs must have a genuine passion and interest in conducting in-depth research. If you are willing to contribute to the particular field with original research, they must go for the PhD. 
• Career Goals- If your career goals align with the academic outcomes of a PhD degree then only you should proceed with a doctoral degree. If you are targeting a career in academics or certain research-oriented positions in the industry, a PhD degree may be an excellent choice. 

• Expertise- A PhD degree is ideal for those students who are willing to develop expertise in a particular field. If you have a desire to become an expert in a specific area of study, a PhD is the right choice. 

• Personal Fulfillment- If you have the desire to achieve the highest academic degree, it is enough reason to proceed with this degree. If you can enjoy the PhD journey to gratify your desire, you must pursue it. 

Alternative to Full-Time PhD with Less Duration 

It may not be feasible for everyone to enroll and complete a full-time On-Campus PhD program. The prolonged duration of the full-time PhD is the main obstacle for most studnts, especially working professionals who aspire to pursue a doctorate. Most working professionals who are willing to pursue a doctoral degree, do not want a career. They are always in search of a degree that can accommodate their professional commitments and academic learning simultaneously. Part-time PhD and PhD for Working professionals could be an option for these working professionals but again the duration becomes the prime barrier. The duration of the Part-Time PhD and PhD for Working professionals is generally more than the full-time PhD itself. Also, these PhD programs do not offer at the academic and expertise level. 

Working Professionals can opt for a highly flexible and highly progressive doctoral degree through the Online DBA(Doctorate of Business Administration) program. Online DBA is exclusively designed for working professionals who are willing to advance their careers in the rapidly growing industry. Online DBA offers an in-depth study of contemporary business concepts and strategies with real-world applications in addressing business problems. 

Here are some of the key highlights of the Online DBA program-

• Online DBA is a highly flexible and accessible doctoral degree.
• Online DBA is equivalent to an On-Campus full-time PhD program.
• The duration of Online DBA is just 3 years. 
• Online DBA is designed to offer advanced business theories with real-world applications.
• Online DBA prepares working professionals for senior management roles.
• Online DBA enhances the qualifications for career advancement and increases earning potential.
• Online DBA is offered through the highly sophisticated Learning Management System of the globally renowned university.
• Working professionals proceed with their doctoral degrees under the guidance and mentorship of highly qualified faculty.
• Online DBA offers opportunities to connect with fellow professionals and industry experts.

Online DBA is one of the best alternatives to a full-time PhD program with less duration and more flexibility and accessibility. With the help of Online DBA, working professionals can easily fulfill their ambition of pursuing a doctoral degree without taking any break from their careers.

Conclusion 

The duration of a PhD program is influenced by a multitude of factors. The duration of a PhD depends on the nature of the research and program structure to personal circumstances and advisor support. A prospective PhD student must understand these elements to navigate them effectively. While the PhD journey is challenging, it's also a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. Working Professionals who are looking for a doctoral degree with less duration can opt for a highly flexible Online DBA degree which a highly accredited and equivalent to an on-campus PhD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the duration of a full-time PhD program?

The duration of a full-time PhD program ranges from a minimum of 3 years to a maximum of 5 years. This period can be extended for 1 or 2 years after the approval of the Departmental Research Committee(DRC).

•  What is the duration of the Part-Time PhD program?

The duration of a Part-Time PhD ranges from a minimum of 4 years to a maximum of 6 to 8 years. The duration of a Part-Time PhD is comparatively longer than that of a Full-Time PhD Program. However, if you are looking for a doctoral degree with less duration and more flexibility, you can opt for an Online DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) for just 3 years. 

• What determines the duration of PhD?

The duration of the PhD program is determined by the type of PhD and area of research. The time taken for research in a particular field and writing the dissertation is one of the most important determinants of the duration of a PhD Program. 

• What is the maximum duration of the PhD Program?

The maximum duration of the PhD program is 7 years. PhD students who are unable to submit their dissertation/thesis within this period will not get any further extension and their degree will be canceled.

• Can I do a part-time PhD in 3 years?

No, a part-time PhD cannot be completed in 3 years as the duration ranges from 4 to 8 years. However, you can complete an Online DBA in 3 years which is equivalent to a full-time PhD program with much more flexibility and accessibility compared to a part-time PhD. 

Generally, the traditional doctorate is 5 years long. But if you are enrolled in online doctorate program you can complete your doctorate degree in 3 to 5 years of time period.

Unlike traditional doctorate in online doctorate programs, the focus lies on the practical understanding of the topics and applying the same knowledge in the real-ground problems. That takes nearly 3 years to complete an online doctorate programme.