PhD in Economics: Course Fees, Admission 2026, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope
The term PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy in Economics. The course teaches the students the skills to study the finite resources. A PhD is the highest qualification. There is no fixed duration and a student can also specialize in different branches like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International Economics and Business Economics.
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PHD in Economics Course Details: Highlights
Candidates can see the key highlights below:
| 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 |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
- PhD in Economics Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Economics Admission 2025
- PhD in Economics Entrance Exams 2025
- PhD Economics Syllabus 2025
- 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
Candidates can see the PhD in Economics eligibility below:
| 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. |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
PhD in Economics Admission 2025
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
- Apply online by flling up the form
- Take entrance exam
- Wait for the merit list and result
- If selected, attend the counselling session
- Get the documents verified and pay the fee to secure the seat
Note: The info is taken from other sites and can be different.
PhD in Economics Entrance Exams 2025
Candidates can see the list of exams below:
|
PhD Economics Entrance Exam |
Entrance Exam Schedule |
|---|---|
|
GATE |
|
|
UGC NET |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 28 Jan ' 26 - 22 Mar ' 26 | NPAT Registration Window (Phase - 1) ONGOING |
| 02 Feb ' 26 - 31 Mar ' 26 | IPU CET 2026 Application Form Availability ONGOING |
| 10 Nov ' 25 - 08 Apr ' 26 | KIITEE 2026 Registration - Phase 1 ONGOING |
| Feb ' 26 | JEST 2026 Application Window TENTATIVE |
| 10 Feb ' 26 - 31 Mar ' 26 | NPAT 2026 Exam Dates (Phase 1) |
| 23 Mar ' 26 - 26 May ' 26 | NPAT Registration Window (Phase - 2) |
| 01 Apr ' 26 - 02 Jun ' 26 | NPAT 2026 Exam Dates (Phase 2) |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Jan ' 26 | TIFR GS Final Answer |
| To Be Notified | YCMOU 2026 |
| 14 Dec ' 25 | TIFR GS 2026 Exam |
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 2025
Candidates can see the PhD in Economics syllabus below:
|
PhD in Economics Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
|
Research Methodology in Economics |
Advanced Econometrics |
|
Topics in Development Economics |
Advanced Economic Theory |
|
Econometric Methods |
Topics in Financial Economics |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
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. You can see some top options for government and private PhD Economics colleges below.
Best Government PhD in Economics Colleges in India
See the list of popular government colleges in India that offer PhD in Economics below.
|
Best Government Colleges |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 13,860 |
|
|
INR 50,400 |
|
|
INR 1.19 Lakh - INR 2.06 Lakh |
|
|
INR 35,520 |
|
|
INR 21,000 |
|
|
INR 8.08 Lakh |
|
|
INR 3,900 |
|
|
INR 48,550 |
|
|
INR 40,400 - INR 1.15 Lakh |
|
|
INR 6,000 |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Best Private PhD in Economics Colleges in India
Here's a list of popular private colleges in India that offer PhD in Economics below.
|
Best Private Colleges |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 3 Lakh - INR 16 Lakh |
|
|
INR 92,000 |
|
|
INR 3 Lakh |
|
|
INR 4.2 Lakh |
|
|
INR 24,570 |
|
|
INR 2.1 Lakh - INR 3 Lakh |
|
|
INR 3 Lakh |
|
|
INR 75,000 |
|
|
INR 90,000 |
|
|
INR 90,000 |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
#8 NIRF
Popular Private Ph.D. in Economics Colleges in India
#75 India Today
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PhD in Economics Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
Candidates who wish to make a career in the academics and wish to become a lecturer, professor or a researcher usually pursue PhD in Economics. Also, having a PhD in Economics degree make the career scope of an individual better and enhances the job prospects.
Top PhD in Economics Job Profiles
Candidates can see the list of jobs below:
|
Job Profiles |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Economist |
4-6 lakh |
|
Lecturer |
5-7 lakh |
|
Consultant |
4-6 lakh |
|
Professor |
6-8 lakh |
|
Advisor |
4-6 lakh |
|
Management Consulting |
5-7 lakh |
|
Accountant |
6-8 lakh |
|
Investment Analysis |
7-9 lakh |
PhD in Economics Top Recruiters
Candidates can see the list of recruiters below:
| Top Recruiters for PhD in Economics | |
|---|---|
| Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited | Future Group |
| Grasim Honda Two-Wheelers | Bank of India, Bharat forge |
| Microsoft | BSNL |
| Mahindra Engineering | Flipkart |
| Cognizant | Infosys |
| Reliance Industries Limited | Reliance |
| JCB | Tata Power |
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.
Popular Ph.D. in Economics Specializations
Popular Specializations
- English
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- Public Policy
3 Colleges
- Hindi
3 Colleges
Course Cutoffs
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 22 hours ago
MET Institute of Management PhD eligibility has to be met to get admission in the institute. The general eligibility is to complete PG degree from a recognised university. Students who have cleared the University of Mumbai, PET exam or the NET-SET exam or hold an MPhil degree from any recognised uni
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Hi.
The college, which is part of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune (a deemed-to-be university), offers doctoral (Ph.D.) programs including in Physiotherapy.
It's designed for students who want to pursue advanced research in Physiotherapy and related fields.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Ph.D.
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, CII School of Logistics Mumbai offers a PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This programme is a research-oriented doctoral-level degree and covers:
- The latest trends in trends in automation and digitalization (Industry 4.0).
Students must complete the course eligibility and go through t
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
You can prepare for the following exams to get admission to a PhD in Psychology in India
| PhD in Psychology Entrance Exam | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|
| UGC NET | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| CSIR NET | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| GATE | February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 |
| VITREE | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| LPU NEST | 20 Jan - 5 Feb 2026 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the exam.
Know more about -
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
To study PhD at NIPER Guwahati students must complete the required eligibility of:
- Having a PG degree in relevant stream such as Pharmaceutical sciences, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or any related fields.
- With degree scores of 60% (55% for SC/ST) minimum while the selection process depend
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Some of the top PhD colleges in India with low fees are here. Take a look
| PhD Colleges in India | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| SRM IST | INR 72,000 |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 48,550 |
| PhD Trichy | INR 45,000 |
| IIT Guwahati | INR 20,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 31,810 |
| Manipal University, Jaipur | INR 81,900 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.
Know more about -
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 6 days ago
IIT Patna application process is conducted in an online mode. Check below the steps to apply for IIT Patna PhD programme:
- Visit the official website of IIT Patna and click on application link.
- Fill all the personal and educational details in the form.
- Upload the documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Technical University of Munich provides a 3-year PhD programme through the TUM school of Management. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of gain understanding about basics of Strategic Management, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Tech Management, and more. International appl
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
International applicants, who are looking for career as Professor, Consultant, Market Research Lead, and more should choose Ph.D. at Technical University of Munich. Technical University of Munich provides a 3-4 year PhD programme through the Graduate school of TUM, or TUM school of Management or mor
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
GPA score are one of the important factor during admission and are submitted by students to improve their profiles. Students should aim 3.5 or higher to get considered by the TUM.
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
As per a renowned ranking body, TUM is popular for various courses. The most chosen programme by Indians is Management. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Strategic Management, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Tech Management, and more.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Indian students can get into the Technical University of Munich PhD programme by submitting proof of their qualification, work proof, and a GPA score. Students have to submit LOR, essay, SOP, transcripts, resume, and English language requirements.
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Technical University of Munich provides a 3-4-year PhD programme to international students. These programs are available in the different school of TUM. The programs is available through Graduate school of TUM, or TUM school of Management or more based on the program. The first-year tuition fee is n
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
The minimum eligibility for PhD at Department of Law, MDU is having a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate or its equivalent B grade in UGC seven-point scale in the subject concerned or an allied subject. Yes, you are eligible for PhD at the university.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
There are 11 research specialisations available for PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. These specialisations may or may not be available under all categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. PhD specialisations at IIT Guwahati include the following:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electronics and Electr
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, the hostel services are offered to PhD students of IIT Guwahati. However, only the regular category PhD course students receive hostel service from IIT Guwahati.
Non regular category PhD students are not offered any hostel services and are required to find off site arrangements.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The PhD students of IIT Guwahati who secured admissions under the Industry-Sponsored category will be charged INR 5 Lacs per semester as PhD fees.
This makes the total PhD fees for these students INR 40 Lacs at IIT Guwahati. However, this is the only fees mentioned for these students on the website.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, the PhD students of Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme of IIT Guwahati are offered financial assistance. The students of this scheme are eligible to get the following:
- Fellowship: Rs. 38,750/month in 1st and 2nd years. Rs. 43,750/month for 3rd, 4th and 5th years.
- Contingency Grant: Rs. 1,20,000/year.
- Suppor
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates belonging to special categories are offered a relaxation of fees for PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. The admission fees for PhD courses is currently unknown at IIT Guwahati.
However, the application fees for PhD admissions is only 50% for the special category candidates.
The PhD applicati
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IIT Guwahati requires candidates to present a different set of documents based on their chosen PhD course category during admissions.
The following documents in digital form must be provided to apply for IIT Guwahati PhD courses:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
- Bachelor's degree certificate & markshe
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, the registration dates for all accepted entrance exams for PhD admissions at IIT Guwahati have been closed at this point. Currently, most entrance exams are still in the phase of result declaration.
The registrations for most of the accepted entrance exams for PhD admissions at IIT Guwahati are o
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates can get admissions into the PhD course at IIT Guwahati without any work experience. However, only the regular category PhD courses accept admission of such candidates.
Every non regular PhD course admission only selects candidates with a work experience between one - three years.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The PhD admissions to the Institute Assistantship courses at IIT Guwahati require candidates to appear for the GATE or CEED.
However, PhD admissions to the other categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati are not decided on the basis of the aforementioned entrance exams scores.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering in India are here. Take a look
| PhD in Aerospace Engineering Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | INR 6.78 Lakh |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 48,550 |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 3 Lakh |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 3 Lakh |
| Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | INR 1.2 Lakh |
| Amity University, Mumbai | INR 1.92 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Harvard University provides a 5-year PhD programme through the John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Economics, Networks, Data Management, Operating Systems, and more. Internatio
E
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
International applicants, who are looking for career as Lead Scientist, Researcher, Professor, Data Scientist, developer, and more should choose Ph.D. at Harvard University. Harvard University provides a 5-year PhD programme through the John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science. The m
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
GMAT and GREs are one of the crucial criteria during admission and are submitted by students to improve their profiles. 58% class submitted GMAT scores, and 42% submitted GRE scores. There is no ideal score provided by students to get into the Harvard Ph.D.
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
As per a renowned ranking body, Harvard is popular for various courses. The most chosen programme by Indians is Computer Science. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Economics, Networks, Data Management, Operating Systems, and more.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Indian students can get into the Harvard university PhD programme by submitting proof of their qualification, work proof, and a GPA score. Students have to submit LOR, essay, SOP, transcripts, resume, and English language requirements.
T
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Based on the type of course, SOP should include these pointers
- For MS Highlight your research experiences, academic accomplishments, and how the programme can help you attain your professional objectives.
- SOP for MBA should have your professional background, leadership abilities, and how the MBA will
R
Contributor-Level 6
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