Updated on Jul 26, 2021 05:16 IST
Mamona Majumder

Mamona MajumderAssistant Manager

Online PhD courses are flexible and easy to access. The online mode of gaining a PhD degree is a lot more convenient, especially for working professionals. The online PhD courses are offered in 2 modes – full time and part-time. With the growing demand for diverse doctorate degrees, many institutes in India are offering PhD courses online. With dependency on technology and the internet, people are now more inclined towards a hassle-free education. Thus, online courses have gained popularity at all levels be it UG, PG or PhD / doctorate.

Apparently, an online PhD degree is not offered by any Indian University as an online PhD is yet not approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

However, there is an option to pursue an online PhD from a foreign University. The candidates do not need to go out of the country and they can complete their PhD degree by staying in their home country. The Universities offer online PhD in various fields like engineering, nursing, education, design, medicine, science, arts, etc.

How is the online PhD Degree awarded?

This will vary from University to University that offers the online PhD course. To put it in a general manner the process can include:

  • Taking up of online modules
  • Completing the dissertation
  • Appearing for online viva-voce (oral) exam for the dissertation

Further, the PhD candidates are assessed at different points using various methods including coursework essays, critical review essays, book reviews, research proposals, research papers, conference posters, group project reports and oral presentations.

Eligibility for Online PhD course

Like the classroom programme, to enroll in the online PhD course candidates must have a relevant master’s degree. Universities can also keep a minimum marks cap in master’s programme, again this can vary from University to University.

In short, the basic qualification to pursue an online PhD course is:

  • Completion of master’s degree
  • Having minimum marks as set by the University
  • Others – candidates must visit the website of the University to check detailed eligibility criteria

How to Apply for an Online PhD Course?

The admission and application process varies from university to university. The basic requirements to apply for any online PhD course may include:

  • Applying for the course by submitting an application form
  • Written exam
  • Interview
  • Portfolio submission / sample research work

Universities / Institutes the Offer Online PhD Course

The online PhD courses are popularly offered by the following Universities / Institutes:

Name of the University / Institute

Online PhD course offered

UNICAF, Larnaca, Cyprus

Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) Business Administration

Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)

University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom

Doctor of Applied Social Research

George Washington University, Washington, USA

Education Specialist in Educational Leadership and Administration

INISEG Instituto Internacional de Estudios en Seguridad Global, Madrid, Spain

Doctorate of Research in Law, Education and Development

University of New York in Prague (UNYP), Prague, Czech Republic

Ph.D. by Research

Liberty University Lynchburg, USA

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) - Online

SMC Business School

Ph.D. in Finance

Institute of Lutheran Theology, Brookings, USA

Doctor of Philosophy

Texila American University, Lusaka, Zambia

Ph.D. in Management

Atlantic International University Honolulu, USA

PhD in education

Apart from the 10 Universities above, the online PhD course in diverse fields is also offered in many more Universities across the globe.

Popular Online PhD Courses

Online PhD courses are offered in the following fields:

Administration Studies

Health Care

Architecture Studies

Humanities Studies

Art Studies

Journalism and Mass Communication

Business Studies

Languages

Construction

Law Studies

Design Studies

Life Sciences

Economic Studies

Management Studies

Education

Marketing Studies

Energy Studies

Natural Sciences

Engineering Studies

Performing Arts

Environmental Studies

Professional Studies

Food and Beverage Studies

Social Sciences

General Studies

Sport

Technology Studies

Sustainability Studies

Tourism and Hospitality

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Course Structure of Online PhD Courses

The course structure of Online PhD courses also varies from course to course and from University to University. However, a basic outline of the programme includes:

  • Core module
  • Optional module – students need to select any one or two, depending on the course structure.

Fees for Online PhD Course

The online PhD course fee depends on the following factors:

  • University selected for online PhD
  • The field selected for online PhD
  • Duration of the course
  • Nationality of the students

The fee can range as high as Rs 13 lakhs for the full-time online PhD courses.For part-time online PhD courses, the fee can go as high as Rs 8 lakhs.

Duration of Online PhD Courses

The duration of the online PhD course will depend on the field selected for the course. This duration can range from 3 to 8 years.

Why Pursue Online PhD Course?

There are numerous benefits of pursuing an online PhD course. An online course provides the below-given advantage:

Flexible: The online PhD course is more flexible than the classroom courses. The course can be completed without having to compromise on other responsibilities like professional life, personal commitments, etc.

Easy to access: Online mode of education is always easier to access. Since most of the online PhD degree is offered by the foreign Universities, accessing the same becomes easier if they are online. With the help of a decent internet connection and basic technology, candidates can complete their PhD course online. The course material is also offered online and can be easily accessed.

Effective: With online mode, the candidates can save many expenses like living expenses, travelling expenses, and much more. Candidates can complete their online PhD course without any extra expenses apart from the course fee and the basic internet charges.

Jobs after Completing Online PhD Course

The following Job profiles are available once the online PhD degree is completed:

  • Research scientists
  • Professor
  • Analyst
  • Advisers
  • Business Consultants
  • Entrepreneur, etc

Online PhD FAQs

Q: What is the duration of Online PhD courses?

A: The duration varies based on the field of PhD and the University that offers the PhD. In a nutshell the Online PhD course can range from 3 to 8 years.

Q: Is online PhD recognised in India?

A: Unfortunately, no. The University Grant Commission (UGC) does not recognise MPhil/PhD Degree gained in online or distance mode. Only the regular mode of obtaining these degrees are valid as per the UGC guidelines.

Q: Does IGNOU offer online PhD courses?

A: No, even IGNOU does not offer online PhD courses. UGC only accepts PhD / MPhil courses offered in regular mode – part time / full time even from IGNOU.

Q: Can I do PhD online?

A: Not from any Indian University, but there are plenty of foreign universities that offer online PhD courses. Candidates can enroll with them to pursue the online PhD courses.

Q: What universities offer online PhD in India?

A: UGC has barred any Indian Institute to offer PhD degree online or in distance mode. Hence there is no Indian University / Institute that grants online PhD degree.

Q: What is a PhD course?

A: A PhD course is the highest degree offered in education and full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy.

Q: What is the eligibility for pursuing online PhD course?

A: The eligibility of the online PhD course is that the candidates must have completed their Master’s degree.

Q: What are some of the Universities that offer online PhD course?

A: No Indian University provides online PhD course. However foreign universities like George Washington University, University of Stirling, University of New York in Prague (UNYP), etc offer online PhD course.

Q: How to apply for online PhD courses?

A: The universities offering the online PhD course have their own specific process of selecting candidates for online PhD admissions. The process mostly starts with application form, then interview, the submission of sample research. Some selection process might also include a written test.

Q: What can be the fees for online PhD course?

A: The fees for online PhD course can go as high as upto Rs 13 lakh for the regular mode. However, it can go upto Rs 8 akh for the part time course.

Q: What are the job prospects after pursuing PhD?

A: After completing PhD candidates can become University professors, R & D Lab professionals, entrepreneurship, government jobs, etc.
Table of contents
  • Popular Online Ph.D. Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Online Ph.D. Colleges in India
  • Course Cutoffs
  • Popular Online Ph.D. Specializations

Popular Online Ph.D. Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Online Ph.D. Colleges in India. Learn more about these Online Ph.D. colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2.03 L - 8 L
15 - 19.63 LPA

#1 India Today

54 Courses
1 L - 8.28 L
4.2
45 K - 8 L
15.59 - 24.3 LPA

#2 India Today

24 Courses
12.93 L - 25.85 L
16.15 LPA

Popular Private Online Ph.D. Colleges in India

20.1 K - 4.65 L
4.3
90 K - 2.92 L
4.2 - 6 LPA
1.26 L - 3.22 L
5.3 LPA

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

1.5 L - 14 L
3.8

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular Online Ph.D. colleges is given below:

Popular Online Ph.D. Specializations

Following are the most popular Online Ph.D. Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Answered Yesterday

Candidates can do PhD after completing their master's degree from Nagpur University or any other university. In most of the universities or institute, the minimum aggregate is 55%-60%. Aspirants also need to pass a university-conducted entrance test or provide score in any of the accepted exams for

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered Yesterday

Aspirants must pass PG degree or equivalent of at least 2 years with at least 55% aggregate (50% aggregate for SC/ ST/ OBC) to apply for PhD at Sharda School of Media, Film and Entertainment.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, — you can pursue a PhD in History in India if you hold a Master's degree in History or a related discipline with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC). Admission is through UGC NET/JRF/SLET or university‑level entrance exams, followed by an interview. Duration is typically 3–6 years, and fello

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, if you are NET qualified, you are eligible for several scholarships and fellowships during your PhD. These are among the most recognised and financially supportive options in India:


 Scholarships/Fellowships for NET Qualified PhD Students

1. UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

  • Awarded to candidat

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

DisciplineDurationAffiliationKey Focus Areas
PhD in Computer Engineering6 yearsSPPUArtificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity
PhD in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering6 yearsSPPUCommunication Systems, VLSI, Embedded Systems, Signal Processing
PhD in Mechanical Engineering6 yearsSPPUDesign Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Manufacturing, Robotics

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

UniversityGlobal Ranking (THE/QS/ARWU)StrengthsNotes
Karolinska InstituteTHE: 49, ARWU: 43Medicine, Public Health, Life SciencesHome of Nobel Prize in Medicine.
KTH Royal Institute of TechnologyQS: 74, THE: =95Engineering, Computer Science, AIStrong industry collaboration.
Lund UniversityQS: 75, THE: =95Humanities, Medicine, SustainabilityOne of Europe's the oldest universities.
Uppsala UniversityQS: 103, ARWU: 88Natural Sciences, HumanitiesFounded in 1477, historic reputation.
Stockholm UniversityQS: 128, ARWU: 101–150Environmental Science, Social SciencesStrong interdisciplinary research.
Chalmers University of TechnologyQS: 139Engineering, Technology, InnovationIndustry-focused research.
University of GothenburgQS: 194Arts, Social Sciences, MedicineLarge multidisciplinary programs.
Linköping UniversityQS: 304Technology, Applied SciencesKnown for interdisciplinary PhDs.

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates wishing to take admission in PhD at AIBS Noida are selected based on performance in entrance exams such as GATE/UGC NET/GPAT/CSIR NET/ICMR JRF/ICAR AICE. Candidates have to submit valid score of any of these entrance exams. 

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, a GPA of 4.0 means that it is near perfect for Cornell University as an Indian student. It already puts students in the top-tier category of applicants academically. Although for Ivy Leagues like Cornell, Indian students need more than just good grades to get in.

Please note that admissions are

...Read more

B

Bhumika Vimal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes, Indian students who go for Cornell University PhD courses are paid via teaching assistantships and fellowships.

The 12-month stipend for the same can go as high as USD 60.7K (INR 57.2L) for the Cornell Tech grads.

Given below are the roles and its respective stipend, take a look -

Appointment Type12-Month Stipend
TA (Teaching Assistant)$60,719
GA (Graduate Assistant)$60,719
RA (Research Assistant)$60,719
GRA (Graduate Research Assistant)$60,719
University Fellowship$60,719

(USD 1 = INR 94

...Read more

78590432
Loveleen Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, the PhD courses at Cornell are fully funded for the majority (99%) of the students and that is done through the competitive internal and external fellowships, as well as the teaching assistantships.

This university also offers a competitive stipend which may go as high as USD 47.5K (INR 44.7L) f

...Read more

R

Rachit Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates wishing to take admission in the PhD progarmme at IIM Jammu should have completed a Master's & Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% aggregate OR Professional qualification (CA, ICWA, CS) or BTech/BE with at least 50% aggregate OR Integrated Master's degree programme i

...Read more

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The eligibility criteria for PhD in Civil Engineering at the REVA University is given below:

  • Master's degree or a professional degree equivalent to the Master's degree with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale.
  • Candidates who have cleared the M.Phil. cou

...Read more

S

Shruti Manchanda

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

DepartmentTotal Seats (Approx.)Research Focus/Specialization
Malayalam12Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies
Physics6Advanced Physics and Research Applications
Hindi15Hindi Literature and Functional Hindi

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, MIT School of Humanities PhD admissions are entrance-based. The MIT University conducts an entrance test followed by interview round to shortlist students for its PhD programmes.

U

Upasana Harsha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, MIT School of Humanities does offer PhD programme. The course is offered in full-time mode. The college offers PhD in English. Students can check the official site to know more.

A

Aishwarya Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

NIT Kurukshetra offers PhD programmes in several specialisations.  NIT Kurukshetra PhD admissions are based on the score of exams like UGC NET & GATE. Students are also required to give Personal Interview (PI) by NIT KKR.

P

Puhup Kumari

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Deemed to be University offers full-time as well as part-time PhD. The college offers PhD in different subjects of Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English, Social Science and Management. Admission is the basis of SRCAT exam.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, KIIT School of Public Health does not offer direct admissions for PhD. Students have to appear for the KIITEE exam or submit other accepted test scores. The final selection is based on entrance score + PI + past academic/ research performance.

N

Nishtha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, KIIT School of Public Health does offer PhD programme. The college offers the PhD course in full-time mode to eligible students. Students can pursue PhD in Hospital Administration and Public Health.

U

Upasana Harsha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIT Hyderabad PhD placement highlights over the past two years are mentioned below:

Particulars

PhD Placement Statistics 2023

PhD Placement Statistics 2024

the highest package

INR 20.68 LPA

INR 81 LPA

Placement rate

100%

100%

D

Dhanya Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates must pass Master's Degree and Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science/ Arts in English with First class or 60% aggregate (55% aggregate for SC / ST / PwD) / CPI or CGPA more than 6 (5.5 for SC / ST / PwD) to apply for PhD programmes at IIIT Pune.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

Aspirants need to pay a non-refundable application fees to apply for PhD at IIIT Pune. There is some relaxation in the fees for SC/ ST/ PwD candidates. Check below the application fees for PhD:

CategoryApplication Fees
GEN/OBC-NCL/EWSINR 590
SC/ST/PwDINR 295

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

The total tuition fees for PhD is INR 1.4 lakh at IIIT Pune. The total fees for PhD includes tuition fee, develoment fee, library fee, student/ medical aid fund, etc. Aspirants selected for admission need to pay the course fees to confirm their seat.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

The seat intake for PhD programme at the GMC Mumbai is 39. The course-wise seat breakdown for PhD is given below:

Sr No.CourseIntake
1Ph.D in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology3
2Ph.D in General Surgery9
3Ph.D in Medical Biochemistry15
4Ph.D in Medical Microbiology3
5Ph.D in Orthopaedics3
6Ph.D in Otorhinolaryngology6

S

Shruti Manchanda

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

MIT School of Architecture accepts GATE scores for admission to PhD programme. MIT-ADT University also conducts PhD Entrance Test for admission. Aspirants must have scores in either of the accepted entrance exams. Candidates also need to meet the eligibility to get a seat in PhD programme. Selected

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

Aspirants with exceptional abilities and have passed graduation in relevant discipline with at least 60% aggregate with at least 15 years of professional experience after graduation in the related field can apply for PhD programme at MIT School of Architecture. However, there eligibility is subject

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

Candidates applying toPhD programmes at IIIT Kota should have completed B.E./B.Tech./Equivalent and/or M.E./M.Tech./Equivalent should be in relevant
discipline. The “minimum specified” CGPA/marks implies a minimum of 6.0 on the
10-point scale (60% marks only where CGPA is not awarded) for M.Tech. and

...Read more

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

You can sign up for our free Shiksha Abroad Counselling. After you sign up, our team of experts shall get in touch with you via mail/phone based on your shared contact details. 

S

Sreetama Sinha

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

The PhD programme at IISER Pune is a blend of classroom curriculum, mentoring under-graduate students along with a major research component. The research scholars are expected to complete at least 16 credits of coursework within the first two semesters followed by a comprehensive examination to asse

...Read more

S

Shruti Manchanda

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The below are the Research programmes leading to PhD/MSc (Engg.) that are available in the following departments.

  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering And Management
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Master Of B

...Read more

L

Liyansha Jain

Contributor-Level 10

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