Wondering How to Do PhD in India? Here's The Complete Roadmap You Need

Blog / February 25, 2026

Googling how to do PhD in India? Then you must be switching between university websites, exam notifications, as well as advice forums. This means you are already halfway there!

The idea of pursuing a PhD feels exciting and intimidating at the same time for many postgraduates. You might enjoy doing research on a specific or interesting area. But when it comes to questions regarding the

• Eligibility
• Where to begin
• Entrance exams or
• Funding

This might blur your viewpoint. Not just that, but the pressure of “choosing the right path” and the confusion only grows. 

But here’s the catch- a PhD journey is actually much simpler than you think. 

This blog will walk you through a practical and step-by-step roadmap for your PhD admission. 

More Than a Degree- What a PhD Really Means in India

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) mainly focuses on innovative research that contributes new knowledge to a specific area. It is primarily based on independent thinking, extensive reading, experimental design, as well as academic writing, which are carried out under the faculty member supervision.     

In India, the average length of time to complete your PhD varies from three to six years based on your field of study, the progress you make, and the policies set by the institution. While some students may finish their PhD sooner than three years, others could require a lot longer to complete their PhD if they have to conduct field research or publish articles based on their research.

Why should you pursue your PhD in India? 

The following list provides various ways you could use your PhD-

• Academic careers- assistant and associate professors, researchers
• Research organizations- public and private research laboratories
• Industry- R&D, policy research, data analysis, and consulting
• Policy and think tanks- education, economics, science, and social sectors; advisory roles

It is a wise decision to pursue a PhD in India because of its expanding research environment, structured doctoral programs with fellowships, and internationally respected universities.

Step-by-Step Process of How to Do PhD in India

Here is a clear breakdown of how to prepare for a PhD in India, using some simple steps-

Step 1- Choosing Your Research Area

Find a research topic that genuinely interests you. The more alignment there is between your program and what you wish to research, the more chances you will have of being accepted as well as successfully completing your program.

Follow the steps below to conduct your research-

• Look for current committed to writing in your area of study
• Discover any unanswered questions or gaps in previous studies
• Search for ways that can connect to the academic dialogue of today

A well-defined area sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Step 2- Shortlist Universities

Second, you need to make a list of universities that perfectly match your career aspirations. 

You can discover-

• Central universities
• State universities with strong research departments
• Private universities and institutes of national importance

Always check carefully faculty expertise, research output, lab facilities, as well as funding support.

Step 3- Entrance Exams and Admission Notifications

Many universities declare PhD admissions once or twice a year. So, its important for you to track-

• University-level PhD entrance exams
• National exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET, and GATE

Don’t forget to regularly visit official university websites and admission portals to avoid missing deadlines.

Step 4- Apply for PhD Admission

Once the application opens, you have to ensure your documents are ready. 

List of commonly required documents-

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Entrance exam scorecards
• Research proposal or statement of purpose
• Identity proof and category certificates (if applicable)

Its important for you to apply before deadlines and double-check eligibility criteria for each institution.

Step 5- Interview and Research Proposal Presentation

The final step, shortlisted candidates need to appear for interviews conducted by departmental committees.

Panels usually assess-

• Subject knowledge
• Research clarity
• Feasibility of your proposal
• Alignment with available supervisors

Remember these things- avoid vague topics, rushed answers, and poorly structured proposals during interviews.

Are You Eligible for a PhD in India? Let’s Break It Down

To be eligible for application, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Universities generally have the same criteria, though some variations exist.  

You will generally need to satisfy the following conditions to be eligible-

• Master's in a field relevant to the proposed study
• At least 55% (50% in case of reserved categories) in your Master's as per UGC guidelines
• An examination score in NET / JRF / GATE (as required by university)
• Depending on your programme of study (science, engineering, arts, etc.), additional qualifications may apply 

Other Relevant Considerations-

• Some universities permit you to gain entrance without taking the NET but instead require you to take an internal entrance examination  
• GATE scores can often be used by candidates applying for engineering/technology 
• Candidates for PhD studies do not generally have upper age limitations; however, some fellowships have age limits

PhD Entrance Exams in India You Must Know About

There are several exams that play a key role in PhD admissions. Below is a general overview that help you make an informed decision-

Exam	Who Should Take It	Advantage
UGC NET / JRF	Humanities, social sciences, commerce	Widely accepted, fellowship opportunities
CSIR NET	Science and interdisciplinary fields	Strong research funding, national recognition
GATE	Engineering, technology, sciences	Accepted by IITs and top institutes
University PhD Exams	Discipline-specific applicants	Direct access to institutional programs

 

What Makes Shiv Nadar University (Institution of Eminence) a Meaningful Choice for PhD Aspirants

Shiv Nadar University is providing opportunities to develop a meaningful research career, which is one of the reasons why it is an outstanding place to pursue PhD. As an Institution of Eminence recognized by the Government of India, the university is consistently ranked among the best universities in India and internationally. It is also known for its combination of academic rigour and hands-on learning experience.

What sets Shiv Nadar University apart?

• Research-intensive curriculum with a strong interdisciplinary focus
• Funding support up to INR 50,000 monthly, plus fee waivers and INR 1.5 lakh research travel grant
• Globally trained faculty with PhD and postdoctoral experience from leading international institutions
• Collaborative research culture across schools and departments
• Strong industry interface via applied research, live projects, and partnerships
• Comprehensive career support via mentorship, academic networks, industry connections, and research training

If you are ready to take the next step in your research journey, Shiv Nadar University offers the clarity, mentorship, and resources to help you turn ideas into impact. 

Conclusion

The best way to simplify the process of pursuing a PhD in India is to break down the steps into clear categories. Your chances will increase if you make a plan to prepare for your acceptance into the university of your choice. The plan should include choosing the right research area and university, understanding entrance exams, interviews, and career outcomes. This helps you simplify the process for PhD admission in India.

FAQs

What are the requirements for PhD in India?

You require a master’s degree with specified minimum marks, qualifying entrance exams such as NET, JRF, or GATE, research proposal, and clearing university interviews. 

Is PhD tougher than CA?

If we compare both PhD and CA, PhD demands long term research, patience, as well as originality. On the other hand, CA emphasizes structured exams, speed, and application. Basically, the difficulty depends on aptitude and goals. 

How many years are required for a PhD in India?

In India, PhD takes three to six years, which depends on discipline, research progress, coursework requirements, publications, and institutional regulations set by the university.

Can I do PhD without entrance?

Yes, many universities allow PhD admission without national entrance exams if you clear their internal test and interview.