PhD Courses in India: Different Fields, Criteria & Demand

The landscape of higher education in India has evolved significantly. As more students pursue academia, advanced research, or leadership roles, PhD courses in India have gained tremendous importance. This article, from an expert’s perspective, explores everything about PhD programmes — eligibility, fields, demand, what makes one subject “better” for a PhD — and how institutions like UPES are helping research scholars in multiple domains.
 

What Are PhD Courses in India

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest academic degree awarded after completing original research that contributes new knowledge or deep insights in a specific field. In India, PhD programmes usually consist of coursework, comprehensive or qualifying examinations, the research project itself, thesis/dissertation writing, and defence.

PhD courses are offered in many disciplines: Science, Engineering & Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management, Law, Design, Life Sciences, Health Sciences, etc. Universities such as UPES (School of Business, School of Design, School of Computer Science, etc.) provide PhD programmes across a wide range of schools. 

PhD Courses Eligibility

To apply for a PhD in India, candidates typically must satisfy several eligibility criteria. These ensure that students are prepared for advanced research.

1. Educational Qualifications:
   • A Master’s degree in a relevant field (or equivalent), with a minimum percentage (often ~55%) or equivalent CGPA.
   • Sometimes an integrated PhD (after Bachelor’s) is possible, though less common.
2. Entrance Exams / National-level Tests:
   • Qualifying exams like UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / GATE or other university-level PhD entrance tests are often required.
   • Some universities may accept work experience, research publications, or relevant prior academic distinctions in lieu of or in addition to exam scores.
3. Research Proposal / Statement of Purpose:
   • Candidates typically need to submit a clear research proposal stating the area of research, methodology, literature review, proposed objectives.
4. Interview / Viva Voce:
   • After passing the exams, there is usually an interview or viva to assess the candidate’s research aptitude, alignment with supervisors, readiness for sustained work.
5. Other Requirements:
   • Some universities require demonstration of prior research publications.
   • Adequate infrastructure / lab facilities if the research is experimental.
6. Universities can also assess candidates based on their alignment with faculty expertise, availability of supervisor(s), and research area relevance. 
    

Different Types of PhD Programs in India

PhD courses in India are offered across a wide range of disciplines, catering to diverse academic and professional interests. Some of the major fields include:

• PhD in Engineering & Technology – Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronics, Chemical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science.
• PhD in Management & Commerce – Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Operations, Business Analytics, International Business, Economics.
• PhD in Sciences – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Geology, Life Sciences.
• PhD in Humanities & Social Sciences – English Literature, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Education, Public Policy.
• PhD in Law – Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Rights, International Law, Criminal Law.
• PhD in Health Sciences & Medicine – Pharmacy, Public Health, Clinical Research, Nursing, Ayurveda, Medical Biotechnology.
• PhD in Design & Arts – Fashion Design, Product Design, Fine Arts, Communication Design, Architecture, Interior Design.
• PhD in Energy, Environment & Sustainability – Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Urban Planning, Water Resources.

These varied options make it possible for scholars to align their doctoral research with both passion and career goals, while contributing to knowledge creation in critical areas.
 

Emerging & Interdisciplinary PhD Areas

With growing global challenges and technological advancements, several interdisciplinary PhD programs are also in demand:

•    AI in Healthcare – combining data science, medical research, and clinical applications.
•    Climate Finance & Sustainable Economics – linking environmental science, finance, and policy.
•    Cyber Law & Digital Governance – bridging law, technology, and ethics.
•    Smart Cities & Urban Innovation – merging engineering, design, governance, and sustainability.
•    Gender, Culture & Technology – exploring intersections of humanities, sociology, and digital innovation.

These interdisciplinary fields are not only academically rich but also highly relevant to industry and policy, making them attractive options for future PhD aspirants.

PhD Courses in Management

Management is a popular field for PhD in India, driven by demands in academia and industry alike. Key points for the Management area:

• Subfields / Specialisations: Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Finance, Operations Management, Organizational Behavior, Business Analytics, etc.

Course Structure:

• Coursework in research methods, advanced quantitative / qualitative techniques;
• Literature review, seminars, case studies;
• Publication of research, possibly conference presentations;
• Dissertation and defence.
• Demand & Career Options:
• Faculty positions in business schools;
• Research roles in think tanks;
• Senior roles in corporate R&D, policy making, consulting
• Growth in business analytics / data-driven decision making increases demand for scholars with rigorous methodology skills.

Why Pursue PhD in Management at a place like UPES:

• UPES’ School of Business offers PhD programmes. It has the advantage of cross-disciplinary support, exposure to industry, access to business networks, resources for research in emerging topics.

How Many Subjects Are in PhD?

These are two related but distinct questions. Let’s break them down.

• There is no fixed number of “subjects” across all PhDs; it depends on field, university, and programme structure.
• Normally, PhD includes core courses (e.g., research methodology, advanced theory in the field), electives (specialised topics), seminars/workshops, literature review modules, and then research itself.
• Typical coursework might include 2-4 core modules + 1-3 electives + research seminars, but after these (once you pass qualifying exams), the major subject becomes your own research topic.

Which Course Is Best for a PhD?

“Best” depends on your interests, future goals (academia vs industry vs policy), resources, and demand trends. Here are some guidelines:

• Choose a subject where you’re deeply interested and willing to work for several years. Passion matters.
• Evaluate demand: some fields (e.g., AI/ML, Data Science, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Health Sciences) have rising global and national demand.
• Also, check for supervisor expertise, lab or research infrastructure in your chosen subject at the university.
• Cross-disciplinary subjects often offer more opportunities. For example, combining data science with management, or design with technology.

For many students, management, computer science, engineering, environmental science are “safer” in terms of career prospects; but humanities/social sciences are also important if one wants academia, policy, or cultural research.

Demand for PhD Courses in India

India’s growing knowledge economy, emphasis on innovation, research & development, government funding (e.g., grants, fellowships) have increased production & consumption of PhD research. Private sector increasingly values PhD holders in R&D roles, data analytics, AI, etc. Universities and higher education commissions are expanding PhD seats, promoting international collaborations, encouraging publications.

Why UPES is a Strong Choice for PhD Scholars

UPES offers PhD programmes across multiple schools: Business, Computer Science, Design, Health Sciences, Law, etc. This multidisciplinary environment fosters broad learning and collaboration. As a private university with strong academic reputation, UPES provides modern infrastructure, industry exposure, research centres, and opportunities for publishing and collaboration. Students benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty, access to global tie-ups, and applied research that is often aligned with industry challenges.

Tips to Choose the Right PhD Course in India

A PhD usually ranges from 3-7 years. So, it is important to get into the program with clear mindset and keeping a few things in mind.

1. Define your long-term goal: academia, industry, policy, or something else.
2. Assess university strengths: which institutions are strong in your subject, which have good research output, who are the supervisors.
3. Check funding availability: fellowships, grants, scholarships, financial support.
4. Consider infrastructure & tools: labs, libraries, access to datasets/software.
5. Look for interdisciplinary / emerging fields: these often have more growth and fresh research potential.

Conclusion

Pursuing PhD courses in India is a serious commitment, but with the right planning, subject, institution, and mentor, it can open doors to high-impact research, academic leadership, policy influence, and innovation. Eligibility criteria are fairly standard but pay attention to research alignment; management PhDs are very relevant given business and data trends; and choosing a subject “best for you” depends as much on your interest and resources as on market demand.

If you’re considering taking this path, exploring what UPES offers in your field can be a strong starting point. Their PhD programmes across different schools make them a versatile option for many aspirants.