PhD In Economics (Doctor of Philosophy in Economics)

Doctoral Program in Economics About

PhD in Economics is a doctoral programme that covers applied microeconomics, economic theory, game theory, energy economics, labour economics, and theoretical and applied econometrics. A minimum of three to five years is required to complete a Ph.D. in Economics. Candidates who are interested in pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics subject, need to follow a certain protocol and process to successfully get admission, which is offered by various universities and colleges in India.

Students, who earn a doctorate in economics in India, are prepared to work as auditors, stockbrokers, media analysts, actuaries, lecturers or professors, bankers, economists, geographers, econometricians, and public relations officers, among other profitable professions. To pursue a PhD in Economics, the student needs to have a background where their Bachelor’s and Master’s should be in a similar field.

After completing PhD in Economics, students can work as Chief Research Scientists, Senior Economics Manager, Operations Manager, etc., and earn an average salary ranging between INR 3 lakh to INR 10 lakh.

Doctoral Program in Economics Highlights

Doctoral Program in Economics Entrance Exam

GATE

UGC NET

CSIR NET

JEST

Doctoral Program in Economics Admission Process

Admission requirements for the PhD in Economics vary by institution. Depending on their admission exam and master's degree results, students are admitted to various colleges. Some universities will accept students based on their entrance exam results while some institutes conduct personal interviews or other tests to screen the applicants.

Applicants can apply for PhD in Economics admission directly at the university by going there, filling out the admission form, presenting the required documents, and submitting the application form.

Candidates can also apply by browsing the college's website, filling out the online PhD in Economics degree application, and uploading all required credentials.

Depending on their specialization and meeting the cutoff score, they can also directly apply for exams such as UGC NET or CSIR UGC NET.

Once clearing the exam and choosing their institutes students are advised to pay the course fees and submit the required documents as per the institute's requirement.

Eligibility Criteria for Doctoral Program in Economics

1. Most educational institutions have similar eligibility requirements for a PhD in Economics students who have completed their Master’s degree in Economics are eligible to pursue PhD in Economics.
2. Applicants will be evaluated on statistics and maths in the first part.
3. The second half will assess candidates' knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
4. Students must hold a master's degree in Economics (MA Economics) from a recognized institution.
5. A master's degree with a minimum of 50 percent marks is required.
6. Candidates must pass a written exam and a personal interview, as well as meet the institute's basic standards.

Duration of Doctoral Program in Economics

The duration of a doctoral program in economics varies, but it typically takes around 4-5 years to complete. However, the exact length of the program may depend on factors such as the student's progress in their coursework and research, as well as the requirements of the university.

Doctoral Program in Economics Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for admission to a doctoral program in economics typically include academic performance, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, research experience, and other relevant factors such as work experience or extracurricular activities. Additionally, universities may consider factors such as diversity, underrepresented groups, and other institutional priorities.

Doctoral Program in Economics How to Apply

The application process for a doctoral program in economics typically involves submitting an online application, official transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and any other required materials.

Students should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each university to which they plan to apply.

It is recommended that students start the application process early to allow for sufficient time to prepare and submit all required materials.

Doctoral Program in Economics Application Form

The application form for a doctoral program in economics can usually be found on the website of the university offering the program.

Students will need to provide personal information, academic history, test scores, and other relevant information as part of the application.

Doctoral Program in Economics Application Process

The application process for a doctoral program in economics typically involves the following steps:

Research programs and universities: Students should research different doctoral programs in economics and universities to find programs that match their academic interests and goals.

Review application requirements and deadlines: Students should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each program to which they plan to apply.

Prepare application materials: Students should prepare their application materials, which typically include transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Apply: Students should submit their application materials through the university's online application portal by the deadline.

Doctoral Program in Economics Fee Structure

Doctoral Program in Economics Syllabus

The syllabus for a doctoral program in economics varies depending on the university but typically includes advanced coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative methods.

Students may also take elective courses in areas such as international economics, development economics, labor economics, and environmental economics.

Job Scope after Doctoral Program in Economics

Professor: Economics professors teach and conduct research in universities and colleges.

Researcher: Economists in research positions typically work for government agencies, think tanks, or private companies, conducting economic research on specific topics.

Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work for government agencies or think tanks, providing economic analysis to inform policy decisions.

Consultant: Economists in consulting firms provide economic analysis to private companies, government agencies, and international organizations.

Career Opportunities after Doctoral Program in Economics

Some of the top career opportunities for graduates of doctoral programs in economics include:

Academia: Many economics PhDs go on to become professors at universities and colleges, where they teach and conduct research.

Government: Economists with PhDs can work for government agencies at the federal, state, or local level, conducting economic research and providing economic analysis to inform policy decisions.

International organizations: Organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations hire economists with PhDs to conduct research and provide economic analysis.

Private sector: Economists with PhDs can work for consulting firms, banks, or other private companies, providing economic analysis and advice.

Doctoral Program in Economics Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges for doctoral programs in economics include:

Admission Process for Doctoral Program in Economics

• Application for the entrance exam 
• Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis, 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by the University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required for Doctoral Program in Economics

FAQs About Ph.D. Program

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.