PhD Scope: Salary, Job Roles, Career after PhD

Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Thanks to its advanced knowledge and research expertise, PhD career scope is vast in India and around the world. It gives great earning potential and skill enhancement options. After a PhD, you can work in academia, consulting, politics, writing, research and development, government organizations, and entrepreneurship.
University Professor, Policy Analyst, Research Scientist, Product Manager, Senior Consultant, Research Advisor, and Scientific Writer are some top job options you can seek. Continue reading the article in interested in PhD career scope.
Suggested Link-
Career Opportunities after Pursuing PhD: Specializations, Entrance Exams
PhD Jobs in India: Top Profiles
This section discusses some of the popular PhD jobs, both in the government and private sectors, that you can look forward to in India.
Government PhD Jobs
You can find a PhD vacancy in the government sector in the PSUs, MNCs, government departments, politics, and research institutions. This section will show you some of the popular jobs after a PhD that research scholars can opt for in India with the average salary package.
|
Govt Jobs after PhD |
Govt. PhD Jobs Description |
Average PhD Jobs Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Research Scientist |
Conducts in-depth research on a particular topic to come up with fresh findings via research projects and experiments to contribute to the advancements in society. |
INR 10 LPA |
|
University Professor |
Prepares and delivers insightful lectures to students at the university to impart knowledge and enhance their learning experience. |
INR 15.7 LPA |
|
Research Advisor |
Oversees research projects, providing mentorship to fellow researchers regarding data analysis, insights, and making ethical decisions throughout the research journey. |
INR 5 LPA |
|
Policy Analyst |
Conducts detailed analysis of existing policies using research expertise, assessing their effectiveness and providing valuable inputs for betterment. |
INR 7 LPA |
|
Historian |
Responsible for diving into deep research about historic events, people, and ancient society to interpret the past and shape a better future via informed policy decisions. |
INR 7 LPA |
|
Economist |
Looks after the analysis of economic data to provide assistance in the formulation of economic policies to government organizations. |
INR 16.5 LPA |
Note- The salaries are taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Useful Links for Jobs after PhD in India:
Engineering Jobs and Career Scope
Humanities and Social Science Career Scope
Private PhD Jobs
Many PhD jobs are available in the private sector, specifically in academia, consulting, healthcare, IT, writing, and entrepreneurship, with top recruiters offering healthy salary packages.
You can check the table below to see the popular job options, which you can opt for in India.
|
Private PhD Jobs in India |
Private PhD Jobs Description |
Average PhD Jobs Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Subject Matter Expert |
Has expert knowledge in a particular subject area and offers guidance of all sorts regarding the same to fill in the knowledge gaps. |
INR 8.8 LPA |
|
Senior Consultant |
Offers expert advice to various organizations to implement effective strategies that can drive more business growth and profitability. |
INR 19 LPA |
|
Product Manager |
Plans and implements product strategies by delving into research and understanding user needs and involving cross-functional collaboration among teams to ensure commercial success. |
INR 22 LPA |
|
Data Analyst |
Leverages their strong research and analytical skills to analyze large datasets and extract meaningful findings to help businesses evolve. |
INR 6.5 LPA |
|
Entrepreneurial Consultant |
Provides assistance and expert guidance to small startups and businesses to enhance their operational functionality and profitability. |
INR 16.7 LPA |
|
Science Writer/Editor |
Research and write articles for professional scientific publications and journals showcasing research expertise and advanced knowledge in the respective field. |
INR 7.8 LPA |
Note- The salaries are taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Relevant Links for PhD Jobs in India:
PhD Jobs: Industry-Wise Top Recruiters
There are many key work sectors that provide jobs after PhD, ensuring students have multiple career paths to explore. Here’s a table below providing the core employment areas where doctorate degree holders can find PhD jobs in India, along with the top recruiters in the respective work sector:
|
Academia |
|
|---|---|
|
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore |
|
Central Universities (JNU, BHU, UoH, etc.) |
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|
Research & Development |
|
|
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) |
|
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
ISRO & DRDO |
|
Consulting |
|
|
McKinsey & Company India |
Deloitte India |
|
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) |
Infosys Limited |
|
Think Tanks |
|
|
Centre for Policy Research (CPR) |
Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) |
|
World Resources Institute (WRI) India |
Centre for Civil Society (CCS) |
Note- This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary.
PhD Jobs: Best Colleges for Placements in India
Prominent colleges in India offer excellent placements and salaries for PhD jobs. With competitive salary packages and career prospects, these colleges are among the best choices for PhD degree holders seeking top placements. Let us have a look at some of the best colleges in India and the average placement packages for PhD students:
|
Name of College |
Average Package Offered |
|---|---|
|
INR 17.92 LPA |
|
|
INR 16.75 LPA |
|
|
INR 6 LPA – 10.8 LPA |
|
|
INR 7.5 LPA |
|
|
INR 6 LPA |
Note- This information is sourced from official website/ media reports/ NIRF website and may vary.
- Popular Ph.D. Colleges in India
- Popular Private Ph.D. Colleges in India
- Popular Ph.D. Specializations
- Most Popular Courses
Popular Ph.D. Colleges in India
Popular Private Ph.D. Colleges in India
Ph.D. Applications open. Apply Now
Ph.D. Applications open. Apply Now
Popular Ph.D. Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Computer Science Engineering
296 Colleges
- Mechanical Engineering
220 Colleges
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
181 Colleges
- Civil Engineering
168 Colleges
- Electrical Engineering
158 Colleges
- Electronics Engineering
94 Colleges
- Information Technology
65 Colleges
- Chemical Engineering
51 Colleges
- Biotechnology Engineering
27 Colleges
- Food Technology
20 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
News & Updates
Mar 12, 2026
Student Forum
Answered 16 hours 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
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 17 hours 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
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 19 hours 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
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 19 hours 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
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Every fee component in the PhD fees charged National Law School of India University, Bangalore remains the same except for the tuition fees after the third year. The tuition fees after the third year is INR 15,000 per annum for the remaining duration for PhD at National Law School of India Universit
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
In order to apply for the National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions, candidates are required to provide digital copies of the following documents:
- Class 10th and Class 12th marksheet as well as passing certificate
- UG-level degree
- PG-level degree
- No objection certificate
- Scanned im
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, candidates who wish to apply for National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions can do so while waiting for their final year results. Such candidates will be offered provisional admissions if they manage to clear all admission rounds.
They will be granted final admission if th
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, the NLSAT-PhD registrations 2026 are still open for National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions. The registrations are scheduled to stay open until March 23, 2026. Candidates can apply until 11:59 pm on the aforementioned date to appear for the NLSAT-PhD 2026.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, the National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions are not open for the academic year 2026. The institute usually opens the PhD admissions from the month of July. However, there is no fixed date on which the PhD admissions will be opened by National Law School of India Univers
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, PhD admissions at National Law School of India University, Bangalore are not open for direct admissions. Candidates who wish to apply for PhD admissions at
NLSIU Bangalore must appear for the NLSAT-PhD in order to qualify for the PhD admissions.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, completing a post graduate level course is not a mandatory requirement to be eligible for National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions. Candidates who have cleared their UG level courses can aslo apply for the PhD admissions.
However, for PhD in Law, candidates must clear eit
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, NLSAT-PhD is a mandatory entrance exam for all candidates applying for the National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD course. Before registering for the NLSAT-PhD, candidates should ensure their compliance with the set eligibility criteria. The registrations are done on the website
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, National Law School of India University, Bangalore does not offer any concession on the PhD course fees to any student. The fees for both PhD courses is the same at National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
Candidates who require financial assistance are required to apply for either st
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
The total fees for the National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD course will differ based on the duration of PhD pursued.
For three year PhD course, the National Law School of India University, Bangalore fees is INR 2.55 Lacs in 2026. However, the instalments will be different for candid
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Candidates can check the table below to know about the eligibility and selection process for applying to PhD programmes at Malla Reddy University:
Course | Common Eligibility | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|
PhD | Masters Degree or equivalent in the relevant field | NET/GATE |
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes vast majority of faculty members at IIM Ahmedabad hold a PhD from top tier Indian or international institutions. They are accomplished scholars and researchers.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
In terms of average package, AE branch students received the best average package of 31.4 LPA during PhD placements 2025. With respect to median package, CH and MA branch students received the highest median package of 25 LPA in 2025.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
IIT Madras offers good placements to PhD students. The median package recorded during PhD placements 2025 for all branches was between 14.5 LPA and 25 LPA. The average package recorded was from 15 LPA to 31.4 LPA.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi seat intake is 76. The college offers a three years PhD course at the Doctorate level. The duration of combined course is five years.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Aspirants must pass Master's degree in Engineering/Technology or a Master's degree by Research in Engineering /Technology to apply for PhD programme at IIT Jammu.
Candidates who have completed a four-year UG degree with GATE score or Master's degree in Science (with a good academic record) and a vali
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
Yes, IIT Hyderabad does accept UGC NET scores to decide admissions to the PhD courses. Several IIT Hyderabad departments also accept the GATE scores as well to decide the PhD admissions of candidates.
In addition to the aforementioned entrance exams, candidates are also required to fulfill the specif
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IIT Hyderabad has six research verticals available for interdisciplinary PhD courses while the regular PhD is available in 19 different research verticals. Some of these research verticals include the following:
- PhD in Artificial Intelligence
- PhD in Biotechnology
- PhD in Civil Engineering
- PhD in Climate
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IIT Hyderabad PhD admission fees is refundable for candidates who decide to cancel their admissions. The institute follows the UGC guidelines to offer refunds to such candidates.
The UGC guidelines provide for refunds to candidates who decide to cancel their admission within 30 days of the commenceme
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The tuition fees for the PhD courses at IIT Hyderabad is INR 1 Lacs in the academic year 2026. The tuition fees is charged on per semester basis at INR 10,000 each for all PhD courses.
For external category students, the PhD course fees at IIT Hyderabad is INR 3.5 lakh.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
There is no mention of IIT Hyderabad offering PhD admissions to candidates who are yet to receive their final exam scorecard. Generally, PhD admissions are not offered to students who are still in their final year of the PG course.
Hence, candidates can assume that they can only apply for IIT Hyderab
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IIT Hyderabad PhD admissions require candidates to present the following documents in both online and offline forms at the appropriate stage of the admission process:
- Class 10th and Class 12th passing certificate and marksheet
- UG course graduation degree
- PG course graduation degree
- GATE scorecard
- No obje
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, GATE registrations have been closed for IIT Hyderabad PhD admissions to the academic year 2026. However, GATE is not a mandatory entrance exam for all PhD admissions at IIT Hyderabad.
Thus, candidates can still apply for PhD courses at IIT Hyderabad into the departments which accept candidates wi
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, IIT Hyderabad PhD admissions are yet to be opened for the academic year 2026.
IIT Hyderabad's website claims that the admissions to regular PhD courses is scheduled to begin from the first week of the month of March.
Hence, candidates should go to the website of IIT Hyderabad during the month of
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, GATE is not a compulsory entrance exam for PhD admissions at IIT Hyderabad. However, every department of IIT Hyderabad has a separate eligibility and selection criteria for their offered PhD courses.
In some departments, candidates are required to appear for the GATE in order to be eligible for I
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, work experience has not been listed as a mandatory requirement in the IIT Hyderabad PhD eligibility criteria. Candidates who wish to gain admission into the regular PhD course admissions are required to only clear the specific PG level course with the required minimum aggregate to be eligible.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 66k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 687k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
What is the eligibility for applying to PhD programmes at IIIT Kota?