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

91 Courses
70 K - 8 L
15.59 - 24.3 LPA

#2 India Today

53 Courses
1 L - 8.28 L
4.2

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

24 Courses
12.93 L - 25.85 L
16.15 LPA

Popular Private Online Ph.D. Colleges in India

10 K - 3.2 L
3.6
1.2 L - 16 L
3.8

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

1.2 L - 11.2 L
7 LPA

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

25 K - 10.6 L
3.9

Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

2.4 L - 14.84 L
4.2
53 Courses
1 L - 8.28 L
4.2

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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Student Forum

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Answered Yesterday

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

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Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

You can prepare for the following exams to get admission to a PhD in Psychology in India

PhD in Psychology Entrance ExamExam Schedule
UGC NETDecember 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR NETDecember 2026 (Tentative)
GATEFebruary 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026
VITREEDecember 2026 (Tentative)
LPU NEST20 Jan - 5 Feb 2026

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the exam.

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Psychology Admission

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Rashmi Srivastava

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 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

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Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Some of the top PhD colleges in India with low fees are here. Take a look

PhD Colleges in IndiaCourse Fees
SRM ISTINR 72,000
IIT KanpurINR 48,550
PhD TrichyINR 45,000
IIT GuwahatiINR 20,000
Jamia Millia IslamiaINR 31,810
Manipal University, JaipurINR 81,900

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college. 

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PhD Colleges in India

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Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 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

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Vishakha Saxena

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

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Akansha katariya

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

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G

Gunjan Aggrawal

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.

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Jasleen Shukla

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

Mukul Thapa

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

Piyush Pandey

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

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Rashmi Singh

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.

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heau mishr

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

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S

Saurabh Khanduri

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

Saurabh Khanduri

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

Saurabh Khanduri

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

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S

Saurabh Khanduri

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

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S

Saurabh Khanduri

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

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S

Saurabh Khanduri

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

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S

Saurabh Khanduri

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

Saurabh Khanduri

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

Saurabh Khanduri

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 CollegesCourse Fees
IIT BombayINR 6.78 Lakh
IIT KanpurINR 48,550
Lovely Professional UniversityINR 3 Lakh
Amity University, NoidaINR 3 Lakh
Karunya Institute of Technology and SciencesINR 1.2 Lakh
Amity University, MumbaiINR 1.92 Lakh

Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.

Know more about -

Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India

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Mohit Datta

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

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Esha Tiwari

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

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Jiya Chauhan

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.

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Nishtha Gupta

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.

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Akansha katariya

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.

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Taru Bhandari

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes, Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy does offer PhD. Students can join the course after completing Master's degree with a minimum aggregate of 55%. Students also need to appear for the CET conducted by Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth Pimpri, Pune.

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Aishwarya Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

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.
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Raushan Madavi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

ICFAI University, Himachal Pradesh has on offer, a number of courses that include BTech, BBA, MBA, MCA, etc. The institute offers more than fifteen courses covering the domains of Engineering, Business Administration, Management, Computer Applications etc. Programmes are offered at the UG, PG and Ph

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heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

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