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 content
  • 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.
76 Courses
1.23 L - 7.4 L
4.4

#9 India Today

39 Courses
1.1 L - 3.08 L
6.5 - 9.75 LPA

#14 India Today

27 Courses
10.38 L - 61.49 L
16.15 LPA
2.03 L - 10 L
15 - 19.63 LPA

#1 India Today

57 Courses
1 L - 7.8 L
4.2
3 L - 17 L
4.53 LPA

Popular Private Online Ph.D. Colleges in India

32 K - 5 L
2.4 - 3.3 LPA
4.3
4.2
2.4 L - 14.84 L
4.2
1.2 L - 16 L
3.8

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

2.2 L - 10.6 L
2.5 LPA

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

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

If you are planning to pursue a PhD at Lovely Professional University (LPU), here's a simple guide to help you:

First, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. You need a Master's degree in a relevant field with a good academic record—usually a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA, as per the

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Sumedha Sarkar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

Biosciences students at Chandigarh University are guided effectively for pursuing higher studies like M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programs are designed to prepare students with strong research skills, analytical abilities, and scientific writing expertise. Faculty mentors assist students in selecting appropriat

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RUHI KHAN

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Of course, you can. In fact, a master's degree is the first basic requirement for a PhD aspirant. No matter which subject you choose, a relevant master's degree from a UGC-approved university will be required to pursue a PhD
For instance, if you have completed your MA in Psychology, then you can pu

...Read more

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates who have complete master's degree or PG Diploma or its equivalent in any discipline with first-class or BTech/4-year degree with 6.5 CGPA or equivalent are eligible to apply for PhD programme at IIM Amritsar.

Aspirants with any professional qualification such as CA/ ICWA/ CS/CFA- Level-II

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Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

The application fee for PhD admission at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University is INR 1000 for general and OBC category. The fee is INR 500 for SC/ST/Category 1 candidates. Late application fee is INR 500.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The minimum eligibility for four year UG students applying for PhD at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University is having a minimum 75% of aggregate marks in UG. Along with this candidates must attempt the entrance conducted by the university and the counselling sessions conducted hence.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The minimum eligibility for PhD at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University is that the candidate must hold a 2 year PG degree and 3 year UG degree/ 1 year PG degree and 4 year UG degree. For students having a four year UG degree and directly applying for PhD, the minimum eligibility is having 75

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The word count of a Statement of Purpose for a PhD should be typically between 800 and 1,500.  However, it is important to check the SOP guidelines for every university you apply to, because requirements can differ. For example, Oxford requests 1,500 words, while MIT asks for a 2-page maximum. Alway

...Read more

N

Nishtha Surbhi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, you can. Here are some college options you can consider for a Part time PhD in Psychology in India:

Part-time PhD in Psychology CollegesTuition Fee
Amity University NoidaINR 3.02 Lakh
Amity University MumbaiINR 1.89 Lakh
Amity University LucknowINR 2.43 Lakh
Karnavati University AhmedabadINR 3.3 Lakh
Sigma UniversityINR 2.8 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

G

Gunjan Dhawan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

See, earlier, the conventional path to apply for an RCI licensure was the MPhil, which has been phased out. So now, what you can do is to search for the institutes that are RCI-approved. They will provide the training and professional courses in fields related to rehabilitation and special education

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M

Mohit Datta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Here are options for the best University for PhD in Psychology in India:

PhD in Psychology UniversitiesTuition Fee
Parul University NoidaINR 3 Lacs - 16 Lakh
Christ University BangaloreNA
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar UniversityNA
Lovely Professional UniversityINR 3 Lakh
Parul UniversityINR 3 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

I

Ishita Uniyal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, a few college options are available for a PhD in Psychology in Delhi:

PhD in Psychology Colleges in DelhiTuition Fee
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University DelhiNA
Jamia Millia IslamiaNA
IIT DelhiNA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

L

Lalit Rastogi

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

For a PhD in Psychology at IGNOU, you'll need to have a:

  • Master's degree in Psychology (For example, MA in Psychology)
  • The degree must be UGC-recognized
  • With a minimum of 55% aggregate score
  • 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/PwD/EWS categories

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Of course, it is. For the past few years, mental health has been a significantly growing concern, and people have started considering it as a big deal, leading to the growing demand for Psychology professionals. Meanwhile, a doctoral degree is the highest form of education, and if you plan to invest

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S

Sreetama Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Including speciality, contractual and permanent faculty members at Indo Global Group of Colleges, there are a total of 22 PhD holders across various departments. Furthermore, IGGC features 100+ faculty members with MBA and M.Tech backgrounds. With a total of over 250 Faculty members, Indo Global Gro

...Read more

C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Only a few scholars enrolled on a PhD in third countries, who are selected by the Euroculture Erasmus Mundus Consortium, are eligible to contribute to this joint programme. Therefore, requests generated only through the officially established channels are considered, and no unsolicited requests for

...Read more

R

Rashmi Shekhar

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates who have passed a master's degree with 55% aggregate (50% aggregate for SC/ ST/ OBC/ Differently-abled and other categories of candidates as per the policy of Government of Maharashtra) or Grade- B in the UGC 7-point scale can apply for PhD programme at Sri Balaji University Pune. Besides

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Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates are selected for the PhD course at Himachal Pradesh National Law University, based on their scores in the HPNLU Entrance Test/ UGC-NET/ JRF. Candidates must appear for any of these exams and achieve a valid aggregate in the same to take admission in the PhD course at Himachal Pradesh Nati

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

According to the official portal, university PhD students who have qualified both ACUET and the final selection interview are eligible for grant-in-aid (?20,000 per month + HRA or hostel facility) offered through the 'ACU Ph.D. Scholarship' Program, applicable to both Indian and Foreign Nationals. A

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heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Following specialisations are offered in the PhD programme at Adichunchanagiri University:

  • PhD Civil engineering / Mechanical Engineering/ Electronics & Communication engineering/ Computer Science & Engg/ Mathematics
  • PhD Anatomy/ Physiology/ Medical Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Community Medicine/ Path

...Read more

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heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Al Falah University offers a doctorate programme for students who are eligible for the same. The common eligibility is a second class master degree with not less than 55% marks of a university or a grade 'B' in the UGC 7- point scale. Alternatively, the candidate must complete M.Phil course work wit

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Plaksha University offers admission to PhD programme based on entrance exam scores of the candidates. The university prefers aspirants with scores in CSIR NET-JRF, DBT-JRF, UGC-NET-JRF, GATE, IIT JAM, etc. Such shortlisted aspirants are exempted from appearing for the written test conducted by Plaks

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

Joining NLU Kochi (NUALS) - The National University of Advanced Legal Studies for PhD course is generally considered a good option. Candidates must consider factors such as infrastructure, faculty experience, hostel and mess facilities, curriculum, etc. while taking admission. They can apply online

...Read more

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

NLU Kochi (NUALS) - The National University of Advanced Legal Studies accepts the UGC NET or the Departmental Admission Test (DAT) which is conducted by the university itself for admission in the PhD course. Candidates must ensure fulfilling the eligibility criteria required for admission in the cou

...Read more

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi,  
See, both of them are advanced research degrees, though their level of study and the depth of research involved differ. While an MPhil is a master's degree, a PhD is the highest academic degree, requiring real, in-depth research.
But there's no point comparing both courses, since the UGC discont

...Read more

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Including specialty, contractual and permanent faculty members at NPGC Lucknow there are a total of 21 PhD holders in the Arts department, 6 in Commerce department, 15 in the Science department, 6 in Management department, 1 in the Computer Science department, 1 in the Journalism and Mass Communicat

...Read more

C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Including speciality, contractual and permanent faculty members at Bhaskar Engineering College in Telangana, there are a total of 7 PhD holders across various departments. Furthermore, Bhaskar Engineering College features 71 faculty members with Master's backgrounds from various streams. With a tota

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C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Including specialty, contractual and permanent faculty members at St Edmunds College Shillong there are a total of 38 PhD holders across various departments. Furthermore, St Edmunds College features 67 faculty members with Master's backgrounds from various streams. With a total of 105 Faculty member

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C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, Motherhood University conducts a Research Aptitude Test or RAT for admission to PhD programme. Candidates can apply for RAT on the official website of the university. Aspirants who have copleted 1-year or 2-year master's degree with at least 55% aggregate can apply for the test. Those who have

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

Joining PhD course at RV College of Architecture is generally considered a decent option. Candidates must consider factors like infrastructure, faculty experience, hostel and mess facilities, curriculum, etc. while taking admission. They can apply online or offline for admission at RV College of Arc

...Read more

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

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