PhD in Economics: Course Fees, Admission 2026, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Akansha BishtSenior Executive
PhD in Economics is a doctoral course. The average PhD duration is 3 to 6 years. It is a research-based course concerned with the finite economic resources and their fair distribution. The curriculum includes a detailed research on a particular topic - a thesis.
One can form his/ her thesis in domains like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International Economics and Business Economics. The curriculum has subjects like Econometrics, Behavioral Economics, Public Economics, Economic Principles, International Economics etc.
A Doctor of Philosophy in Economics may be referred as the highest qualification in Economics. There are quite a few private as well government colleges offering this course in India. A PhD Economics Scholar can seek employment options in R&D, Education, Government, Consulting and more.
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PHD in Economics Course Details: Highlights
Refer to the table below for more PhD in Economics course highlights:
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name |
Ph.D in Economics |
| Course level |
Doctorate |
| Admission Procedure |
Merit and Entrance Based. |
| Entrance Exams |
|
| Course Fees |
INR 15,000 to INR 1.5 Lakh |
| Salary in India |
INR 8-15 LPA. |
| Job Profiles |
Professor, Financial Analyst, Investment Banker |
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- PhD in Economics Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2026
- PhD in Economics Entrance Exams 2026
- PhD Economics Syllabus 2026
- Best PhD in Economics Colleges in India
- Popular Private Ph.D. in Economics Colleges in India
- PhD in Economics Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- PhD Economics FAQs: 2025
- Popular Ph.D. in Economics Specializations
- Course Cutoffs
PhD in Economics Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2026
Refer to the table below for a quick overview of the PhD in Economics eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification |
Bachelor's degree 4 years, including 1 year of research in Economics or a relevant field from a recognized university or Master's degree in Economics or a relevant field from a recognized university.
|
| Minimum Marks |
Minimum 55% marks or equivalent CGPA in the Master's degree.
|
| Entrance Exams |
Many colleges require a valid score in national or university-level entrance exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET and GATE.
|
| Research Proposal |
Some colleges may require a research proposal outlining the intended research topic.
|
| Interview |
Shortlisted students often undergo an interview to assess their research aptitude and suitability for the program.
|
|
Age Limit |
No prescribed age limit. |
The above information is fetched from external sites and may vary.
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PhD in Economics Admission Process 2026
You can have a general overview of the PhD in Economics admission process below. These are the basic requirements. You need to fulfil them.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Apply online by filling out the form.
- Take the entrance exam. (if applicable)
- Some colleges take merit-based admissions as well.
- Wait for the merit list and result.
- If selected, attend the counselling session.
- Appear for any additional rounds like PI or GD.
- Get the documents verified and pay the fee to secure the seat
The above information is fetched from external sites and may vary.
Know more about: PhD Admission 2026
Yes, Candidates with a valid GATE score can get direct admission to Doctoral programs in relevant branches of Engineering/ Technology/ Science/ Architecture/ Humanities, in the institutions supported by the MoE and other Government agencies.
Financial Assistance given for Ph.D. programs (Direct Ph.D. after B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc equivalent with a valid GATE score) is usually INR 37,000 per month for the first two years and INR 42,000 per month from the third to the fifth year.
Among lot of benefits for the same. Some are mentioned below;
You can get a CSIR NET JRF fellowship/Ph.D. Fellowship of INR 31,000 per month for 2 years as JRF followed by an INR 35,000 per month fellowship for 3 additional years.
Get opportunities to work in top Research Laboratories in positions like Junior Research Fellowship, Senior Research Fellowship, Project Associate, Research Associate, Project Fellow, and Senior Project Fellow are positions which you can apply for.
Numerous Public sectors companies like Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, and ONGC, hire CSIR NET and GATE qualified every year for various posts with an average salary from INR 40,000 to INR 80,000 per month.
You can get an opportunities to join a top university as an Assistant Professor or guest lecturer.
5- CSIR NET qualification increases your CV Weightage/Helps in getting higher preferences in getting jobs.
Hope it helps!
Read more:
PhD in Economics Entrance Exams 2026
There are a few entrance exams for PhD. You can target these in order to get admission to a PhD in Economics in some of the top colleges in India.
Refer to the table below for details on the same.
|
PhD Economics Entrance Exam |
Entrance Exam Schedule |
|---|---|
|
GATE 2026 |
|
|
UGC NET 2026 |
The above information is fetched from external sites and may vary.
More to read on PhD Economics Entrance Exams:
Top 5 Toughest Exams in India: Check Complete Details Here
GATE 2026 Cutoff: Branch-Wise Cutoff for IITs, NITs, GFTIs
UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers with Solution: Download Free PDF
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 07 Aug ' 26 | AILET 2027 Registration |
| 13 Dec ' 26 | AILET 2027 Exam |
| 18 Dec ' 26 | AILET 2027 Final Answer Key |
| 03 Aug ' 26 | CUSAT CAT 2026 B.Tech Second Real Time Admission Starts |
| 07 Aug ' 26 - 09 Aug ' 26 | CUSAT CAT 2026 B.Tech Third Real Time Admission Registration |
| 11 Aug ' 26 | CUSAT CAT 2026 B.Tech Third Real Time Admission Starts |
| 14 Aug ' 26 | CUSAT CAT 2026 SC/ST Special Real Time Admission |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Jan ' 26 | TIFR GS Final Answer |
| 14 Dec ' 25 | TIFR GS 2026 Exam |
| 26 Oct ' 25 | TIFR GS 2026 Application deadline for completing REGISTRATION |
According to the latest NTA UGC NET Exam Pattern exam consist 2 papers. Although, it will be conducted without any break in the fixed time duration of 3 hours, which means exam is conducted in single session. Exam is totally computer based. There is no negative marking so attempting all questions is compulsory. Both papers consist only MCQs. Paper 1 consist 50 questions of total 100 marks in an hour whereas paper 2 consists 100 questions of total 200 marks in 2 hours. Paper 2 is based on subject questions opted by the candidate. Paper 1 is totally based on teaching / research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension and general awareness. Hope the information helps.
GATE papers have three major sections; General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics & Specific Subject. There are 65 questions asked for 100 marks in GATE exam.
General aptitude questions are asked for 15 marks, Engineering mathematics in some paper codes, 13 marks and the rest 72 marks from the chosen subject.
In some paper codes engineering mathematics will be excluded only 15 marks general aptitude questions and rest 85 marks will be of chosen subject.
PhD Economics Syllabus 2026
Refer to the table below for more details on the PhD Economics Syllabus. Note that the curriculum may vary slightly based on your research topic and specialization chosen.
|
PhD in Economics Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
|
Research Methodology in Economics |
Advanced Econometrics |
|
Topics in Development Economics |
Advanced Economic Theory |
|
Econometric Methods |
Topics in Financial Economics |
The above information is fetched from external sites and may vary.
More relevant links on PhD in Economics syllabus:
CSIR NET Syllabus 2026: Subject-wise Latest Syllabus PDF
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-wise Pattern & Negative Marking
Yes, you can pursue PhD Economics in distance mode. There are over 100 colleges in India that offer the course in distance mode out of which 52 are government colleges, 42 are private-run and 39 are semi-government colleges. Most of these colleges accept UGC NET, CSIR NET and GATE exam score for admission to the course.
Anyone who wishes to pursue a promising career in academics or economic policy-making or the banking industry can pursue Economics.Those candidates who have pursued Mathematics are favoured for UG courses in Economics since Statistics is one of the major subjects offered both in UG and PG courses in Economics.Many candidates also aspire to join government services through UPSC CSE, or State PSCs or UPSC IES and Economics is a popular optional subject in these examinations. Students who possess Research, Analytical, and Statistical skills can be admitted to Economics courses.
Know more about -
Best PhD in Economics Colleges in India
There are more than 170 PhD in Economics colleges in India. We have tried to jot down some of the most popular colleges offering PhD in Economics in India.
Best Government PhD in Economics Colleges in India
Refer to the table below for some of the Best Government PhD in Economics Colleges in India and their fees.
|
Best Government Colleges |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| PSG College of Arts and Science - PSGCAS | INR 13.86 K |
| IIT Kanpur - Indian Institute of Technology | INR 48.55 K |
| Guru Nanak Dev University | INR 1 L |
| Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur | INR 1.87 L |
| Madurai Kamaraj University - MKU | INR 15 K |
| South Asian University (SAU) | INR 5.26 L - 10.52 L |
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata | INR 4.7 L |
The above information is fetched from external sites and may vary.
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Delhi University Vs Delhi School of Economics
Best Private PhD in Economics Colleges in India
Refer to the table below for some of the Best private PhD in Economics Colleges in India and their fees.
|
Best Private Colleges |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 2.25 L |
|
|
INR 3 L |
|
|
INR 3.6 L |
|
| MIT-WPU |
INR 3 L |
| FLAME University |
INR 90 K |
| Amity University, Mumbai |
INR 1.92 L |
|
INR 3 L |
|
| VIT Vellore |
INR 1 L |
| Woxsen University |
INR 1 L |
| BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus |
INR 1.65 L |
| NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences |
INR 6 L |
The above information is fetched from external sites and may vary.
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PhD in Economics Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
Usually, this course is ideal for those who wish to become a lecturer. People who wish to make a career as a professor or researcher also opt for it. This section shall give you a broad overview of the career opportunities one can look forward to after attaining a doctoral in Economics.
Top PhD in Economics Job Profiles
Here are some of the top job profiles one can aspire to work in after the completion of his/ her PhD in Economics, along with the average salary package.
|
Job Profiles |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Economist |
INR 5.1 LPA |
|
Lecturer |
INR 4.4 LPA
|
|
Consultant |
INR 14.4 LPA |
|
Professor |
INR 16.8 LPA |
|
Advisor |
INR 5 LPA |
|
Accountant |
INR 3.4 LPA |
|
Investment Analysis |
INR 13 LPA |
The above information is fetched from external sites and may vary.
PhD in Economics Top Recruiters
Some of the top Recruiters for PhD in Economics are mentioned in the table below:
| Top Recruiters for PhD in Economics | |
|---|---|
| Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited | Future Group |
| Grasim Honda Two-Wheelers | Bank of India |
| Microsoft | BSNL |
| Mahindra Engineering | Flipkart |
| Cognizant | Infosys |
| Reliance Industries Limited | Reliance |
| JCB | Tata Power |
The above information is fetched from external sites and may vary.
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Candidates with any education background can apply for RBI Grade B exam for general post. Passed from a recognized Indian or foreign University or institute with a minimum of 60% mark can apply.
Economics is one of the most sought-after courses. There are several reasons why candidates should choose to pursue a PhD Economics course. Some of these reasons have been listed below:
A PhD degree in economics opens up many job opportunities in the business, corporate, and government sectors.
The study of economics is directly applicable to the real world. A PhD in Economics will help the student navigate their own finances and they will learn to manage it.
All MNCs and bigger companies hire candidates with an in-depth knowledge of Economics, to predict the market and help the company grow efficiently. These companies offer high salaries and other perks in return for their service.
Candidates who have completed PhD Economics can serve the nation through service as policy-makers, financial analysts, economic advisors, etc. for the government.
Economics skills apply across industries and roles. PhD Economics graduates are also hired by public and private banks and other commercial companies.
A PhD enhances one's career prospects and serves as a gateway to a career in academia.
PhD Economics FAQs: 2025
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to PhD Economics:
Economics is a social science as it explains how our individual choices effect society by using a price mechanism. As consumers we like cheap prices, because we can buy more things that we like. And we decide on what we buy by looking at the prices and seeing what products we want. When given a price an individual is given the choice to buy or not, it is their decision to make. Economics studies the variables that effect the decision of multiple individuals. This includes the price and the alternative products available to buy. If there aren't any choices to make then we all do the same thing and there are no decisions to study and no need for economics.
This is for the candidates who want to do PhD research or become Assistant professor. However, other career options can be PSUs jobs as well.
The candidates who do not want to join any PSU can take up other options like online tutor, open their own coaching centres, guest faculty, consultant, Lab Trainer, IP lead, Author, Editor, Executive, Program Executive, etc.
For conclusion we can say that the candidates qualifying for the UGC NET exam can take up any job they want or start their ow business after clearing one of the most the toughest exams in India.
Course Cutoffs
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 4 days ago
LPU offers Ph.D. opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, including Engineering, Computer Science, Management, Commerce, Law, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Education, and Humanities. Research scholars can explore emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Se
a
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 days ago
Candidates must pass a master's degree or equivalent Diploma from a recognised university/ institution with at least 55% aggregate or equivalent CGPA/ Grade to apply for PhD at XIME Bangalore. Aspirants with MPhil or master's degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate can also apply provided MPhil admis
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 6 days ago
Indus Uniersity PhD tuition fee is INR 1.9 lakh. The fee structure includes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of payemnt due to the variables of the fee structure. The fee information is taken from the official/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
To get admission in Indus University PhD course, students must meet the eligibility and selection requirement. The eligibility is to have a valid master's degree from a recognised board. Indus University PhD admission is based on entrance exams scores. The applicant must appear for Indus University
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, NIFT Delhi provides PhD level courses in the fields of Design, Fashion Technology, and Managment related to textile, fashion, lifestyle, apparel, craft and any other related field. The PhD programme is offered in Full-time (3-5 years) as well as Part-time mode. The Part-time researchers can sub
a
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
Indus University is a solid choice for pursuing a PhD in Commerce through the Indus Institute of Management Studies. The university strongly emphasise on original research & strict anti plagiarism policies. Students benefit from an experienced faculty panel that provides research guidance.
University
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
For admission to the Ph.D. programme at LPU, a candidate generally needs a Master's degree in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade from a recognised university. Candidates with professional qualifications accepted under university rules may also be eligible in some dis
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 weeks ago
To apply for admission in PhD at IIT Madras, students must fulfil the eligibility requirement. To be eligible, students must complete post-graduation in a relevant field with 55% - 60% aggregate, depending on the specialisation.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
IIT Madras PhD overall tuition fees is INR 15,000. The fee structure may include other components. The total fees may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure. The fee information is taken from the official/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
To get admission in PhD at IIT Madras, students must fulfil the eligibility and selection requirement. To be eligible, students must complete post-graduation in a relevant field with 55% - 60% aggregate, depending on the specialisation. The final selection is on GATE/ UGC - JRF/ NET/ CSIR-JRF/ JEST/
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Alliance University PhD overall tuition fees is INR 3 Lacs - INR 3.5 lakh. The fee structure inlcudes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure. The fee information is taken from the official/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
To get a seat in Alliance University PhD, students must have a master's degree with 55% to be eligible for PhD. Candidates must sit and appear for the Alliance Research Aptitude Test for PhD course admissions. Once the candidates qualify for the entrance exam, they further need to sit for a personal
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, Assam Institute of Management offers Ph.D. course in Management under Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU). It operates in the state of Assam only. Assam Institute of Management is a public institute located in Guwahati, Assam.
a
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes for bachelor's (1st cycle), master's (2nd cycle), and single-cycle programmes like Medicine or Architecture. PhD admissions in Italy are generally handled directly by institutions or national doctoral portals, not through Universitaly pre-enrolment.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, K.P.B Hinduja College of Commerce offers PhD degree in the field of Commerce & Management and Humanities. There are multiple specialisation options for PD. in Commerce & Management ranging from Accountancy to Business Economics.
a
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
Bharati Vidyapeeth offers Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Junior Research Fellowship for full-time PhD scholars. The fellowship is offered up to three-years. The stipend offered to students is INR 20,000-INR 30,000 per month.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 3 weeks ago
LNMIIT PhD overall tuition fee is INR 1.9 lakh. The fee structure includes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of pyment due to the variables of the fee structure. The fee information is taken from the official/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
To get admission in PhD at LNMIIT, students must fulfil the eligibility.The eligibility criteria for admission is a Master's degree in Engineering in a relevant field with 60 % aggregate or equivalent CPI/ CGPA.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, LNMIIT offers PhD courses at the Doctoral level in seven specialisations. The PhD specialisations are given below:
- Communication and Computer Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Mechanical-Mechatronics Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Humanities and So
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
To get admission in LNMIIT PhD programme, students must have a master's degree in engineering in a relevant field with 60% aggregate or equivalent CPI/ CGPA. Students are selected based on score in GATE (Qualified during last 5 year), CSIR/ UGC-NET-JRF, JEST (with valid score), DST-INSPIRE, CEED, NB
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Full-time PhD scholarships who have qualified NET/ GATE get a stipend of INR 16,000 per month towards Teaching and Research Associateship as per the availability of teaching positions at DIT University. Aspirants who pass DUET for admission in PhD with 60% or more are eligible to get INR 10,000 per
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a month ago
Yes, BITS Pilani offer part-time PhD programme. The part-time PhD programme is designed for working professionals, students pursuing a full-time PhD programme from BITS Pilani need to attend the programme in on-campus mode.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Candidates applying for PhD in Science department in BITS Pilani will be required to write a test.
The details of the tests are as follows:
• The question paper will consist of 50-100 multiple-choice questions. The total duration of the test will be 2-3 hrs.
• Negative Marking may be applicable.
Candida
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To be eligible for Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, students must have Master's Degree with 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade. For final admission, candidates must appear for PhD Online Test for admission, followed by Personal Interview and SOP. Fellowships from CSIR-UGC NET JRF, DS
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, personal interview mandatory for Shiv Nadar University PhD admission. According to University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, all candidates must appear for a personal interview, after clearing UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE or written test conducted by the university.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To get a seat in SNU Noida PhD programme, students must fulfil the eligibility and selection requirement. The minimum qualification required to apply at SNU Noida is to have a master's degree in relevant field from a recognised university. The final selection is based on scores in UGC NET/ CSIR NET/
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, students cannot get direct admission in PhD at Thakur Institute of Management Studies and Research. Admissions are entrance-based. Candidates are shortlisted for the PhD programme based on their performance in PhD entrance test.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, students can apply for a Ph.D. after completing an MBA FinTech from CLAS. However, they must meet the eligibility requirements and admission criteria of the university where they wish to pursue their doctoral studies.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
IBS Hyderabad PhD total tuition fees is INR 24,000 - INR 4.8 lakh. To confirm admission, students must pay fees. IBS Hyderabad fee structure includes many components. The total fees may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To apply for IBS Hyderabad, students must complete Graduation in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate and above marks with English as a medium of instruction and Post Graduate in Management with specialisation in Marketing, Finance, Human Resource and Operations with at least 55% aggregate. Th
G
Contributor-Level 10
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Here's the way I see it. Economics is the study of patterns in production & consumption to predict future economic trends.
You're likely to study various economic theories, econometrics, applied economics, & various economies of the world and how they interact.
Read more: All about Economics
Hope it helps!