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
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Ph.D. Applications open. Apply Now
Popular Ph.D. Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Computer Science Engineering
293 Colleges
- Mechanical Engineering
214 Colleges
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
178 Colleges
- Civil Engineering
168 Colleges
- Electrical Engineering
155 Colleges
- Electronics Engineering
90 Colleges
- Information Technology
63 Colleges
- Chemical Engineering
51 Colleges
- Biotechnology Engineering
27 Colleges
- Food Technology
20 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 4 days 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
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days 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.
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days 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
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days 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
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days 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
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days 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.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering in India are here. Take a look
| PhD in Aerospace Engineering Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | INR 6.78 Lakh |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 48,550 |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 3 Lakh |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 3 Lakh |
| Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | INR 1.2 Lakh |
| Amity University, Mumbai | INR 1.92 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days 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
E
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days 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
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days 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.
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days 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.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days 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.
T
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days 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.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days 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.
- SOP for MBA should have your professional background, leadership abilities, and how the MBA will
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 6 days 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
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Candidates must apply for PhD on the official website of IIT Dhanbad. Aspirants must pay an application fees of INR 2,000 for PhD. Candidates can pay the fees via any of the online payment modes. Aspirants must keep the fee receipt with them for future references.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
Harvard SEAS offer admission into Ph.D. in 4 areas such as- Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science and Engineering Sciences. Engineering Sciences includes Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, Mechanical Engineering, etc.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, pursuing an M.E. at Chandigarh University with a GATE Exam 2026 qualification can be beneficial for students planning to pursue PhD programs in the future. GATE-qualified students often receive exposure to research-oriented learning, teaching assistantship, and academic mentoring during their M
G
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
Progress of PhD student is periodically evaluated by the Research Assessment Committee (RAC). Regular progress reports are submitted and seminars are conducted to check research direction and findings before final thesis submission.
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
PhD specialisations at DJ Sanghvi include:
- Computer Engineering
- Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Each department focuses on areas such as AI/ML, IoT, and Advanced Manufacturing. If interested, choose one of these programs.
J
Contributor-Level 10
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How is the Management PhD programme at TUM?