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

Mamona MajumderDeputy 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.
1 L - 8.28 L
4.2
2.03 L - 8 L
15 - 19.63 LPA

#1 India Today

24 Courses
12.93 L - 25.85 L
16.15 LPA
45 K - 8 L
15.59 - 24.3 LPA

#2 India Today

Popular Private Online Ph.D. Colleges in India

1.05 L - 6.08 L
3.6 LPA

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

17 Courses
1.96 L - 2.68 L
3.6 LPA
94 K - 2.94 L
3.6

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

12 Courses
1.21 L - 4.85 L
4.3 - 6.5 LPA
2.25 L - 13.6 L
3.35 - 3.84 LPA

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 5 days ago

Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering PhD total tuition fees is INR 2.56 lakh. The fee structure includes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

To get a seat in Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering PhD programme, students must meet the eligibility and selection requirement. To be eligible, students must have a post-graduation degree in relevant stream from a recognised university. Candidates are shortlisted for the PhD programme base

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Aspirants must pay INR 2,000 to apply for PhD course at Sister Nivedita University. Candidates can pay the fees via any of the online payment modes. Asirants must keep the fee receipt with them.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 6 days ago

KJ Somaiya School of Engineering PhD tuition fees is INR 1.5 lakh. The fee structure includes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

To get admission in KJ Somaiya School of Engineering PhD course, students must fulfil the eligibility. To be eligible, students must have a valid PG degree. The final selection is based on UGC NET, written test and personal interview. 

 

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To get admisison in PhD at IIIT Manipur, students must meet the eligibility and selection requirement. To be eligible, aspirants must hold a master's degree in the relevant field. The final selection is based on GATE/ UGC NET. However, the institute may conduct written test for IIIT Manipur PhD admi

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

NIT Trichy conducts a written test and/ or interview for admission in PhD course. Candidates with UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE scores can also get admission in PhD. Apirants can fill out the application form for PhD on the institute's website.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a week ago

The minimum duration of the PhD programme at IIIT Ranchi (excluding dropped
semester (s)/maternity leave) is three years (36 months) from the date of joining. The maximum period for completing the PhD programme is seven years (excluding maternity leave) from the date of admission.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates wishing to take admission in full-time sponsored research scholar PhD at IIIT Ranchi should have completed ME/MTech or equivalent with at least 60% aggregate score/ 6.0 CPI.  SC/ST/ PwD candidates will be given a relaxation of 5 % marks. Along with this, applicants should have any if the

...Read more

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

PhD admission at IIIT Ranchi is ongoing for the academic session 2026. The last date of submission of application form is June 30, 2026.  Candidates have to submit application form online through the admission portal of IIIT Ranchi.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

GATE, GPAT, and UGC NET are the entrance tests that are accepted by the Fergusson College for PhD course. The college also gives merit based admissions to some of its courses like BA, BSc etc.  

S

Shruti Manchanda

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

NIT Patna PhD admission is entrance-based. Students are selected through a Screening Test + Interview basis. During the screening test, CAT/ GATE/ IIT JAM/ UGC NET/ JEST score are also considered. Any student not clearing the PI round will be disqualified.

M

Manashjyoti Srivastava

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, NIT Patna PhD admission is open now. The institute has posted the admission notice for its PhD course. Students must go to official site and apply before the last date of July 20, 2026. Admission to the programme is entrance-based.

A

Anupama Garg

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIM Kashipur PhD cutoff changes depending on the entrance test. Students can check the table below to know the category and exam-wise PhD cutoff

Qualifying ExamGeneralNC-OBC/ EWSSC/ ST/ DAP
GMAT610580550
CAT85%ile80%ile60%ile
GRE310295275
GATE95%ile90%ile75%ile
IIMB85%ile80%ile60%ile
UGC/ CSIR-JRFQualifiedQualifiedQualified

 

U

Upasana Harsha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The PhD programme at UPES Dehradun is regarded for its focus on interdisciplinary applied research, industry-aligned curriculum & strong infrastructure. It is a good choice for students aiming for R&D roles, consulting, teaching positions in the fields like engineering, computer Science & management

...Read more

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Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

PhD is offered at doctorate level at NIT Mizoram. PhD is offered in various specialisations. The specialisations are given below:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronics And Communication Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Engli

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

NIT Mizoram PhD admission is entrance-based. The eligibility to apply for PhD at NIT Mizoram is a master's degree in relevant stream from a recognised university. The final selection is done on the basis of GATE/ UGC NET /Written Test/ Merit, followed by personal interview. 

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To get admission in NIT Sikkim PhD, students must fulfil the eligibility and selection requirement to get admission. The eligibility is to have a master's degree I relevant field from a recognised university. PhD admission is done on the basis of GATE/ NET. 

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates need to pay a non-refundable application fees to apply for PhD course at IIIT Kalyani. The application fees for PhD is INR 500  (INR 300 for SC/ ST/ PwD candidates).

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a week ago

Madras University is a reputed university for its courses including PhD. There are almost some 78 departments in the University and each department offers PhD. Madras University offers a full-time PhD programme in various disciplines at the Doctorate level. Students can also pursue a part-time PhD a

...Read more

P

Puhup Kumari

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Candidates wishing to take admission in PhD at IIT Guwahati have to appear in a written test followed by personal interview.

Check below the test pattern for written test at IIT Guwahati for PhD admission: 
Mathematical Foundations:
Propositional and First order logic. Sets, relations, functions, parti

...Read more

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology PhD fees is INR 2.1 lakh. Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology PhD fee structure includes other components. The total fee may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology PhD admission is both merit and entrance-based. The applicant should hold a post-graduation degree with 60% to be eligible. The final selection is based on academic scores, SMEAT and personal interview. 

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

IIT Ropar PhD admissions are now closed for all departments. The institute has already released merit lists of shortlisted students. Students can check the official notices posted at the website to know more about the programme.

A

Aishwarya Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Students have to meet the IIT Ropar PhD eligibility to get admission in the programme. The basic eligibility is to complete PG degree in relevant field with a minimum aggregate of 60%. A valid entrance score (GATE / CSIR NET/ UGC NET or DBT) followed by personal interview is the required for final s

...Read more

V

Virajita Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The total tuition fee of PhD at NIT Meghalaya is INR 69,500. This number is taken from the official sources of colleges. It can change. Candidates need to pay the course fee to confirm admission. 

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates need to pay INR 500 to apply for PhD course at NIT Goa. The application fees is INR 300 for SC/ ST/ PwD. Aspirants can pay the fees via any of the online payment modes.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 weeks ago

PhD in Mechanical Engineering at IIITDM Jabalpur emphasises modern, design-centric & computational methodologies over traditional heavy industry due to the institute's core mandate in IT & Manufacturing. Curriculum integrates mechanical systems with computer-aided design, smart materials & automatio

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

IBS Hyderabad offers admission in PhD course based on entrance test conducted by the institute. Selected candidates are called for research methods and domain-specific questions, micro presentation and interview round. 

Aspirants who have qualified UGC-NET (Management) are exempted from appearing for

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 3 weeks ago

Terna Dental College and Hospital offers PhD courses across 3 specialisations in full-time mode. The PhD specialisations at TDC include:

  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Paedodontics and Conservative Dentistry
  • Endodontics

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Tanu Rao

Contributor-Level 10

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