The Part-Time PhD program has been designed to cater to the scholarly needs of the students who are doing full-time employment. The program is intended to prepare the participants for research and teaching positions both within and outside academia. To be eligible for undertaking the study of Part-Time PhD programs, candidates must be qualified graduates in the related subject. The candidates who have passed the postgraduate level course are also eligible for this extensive study.
Check:
Part-Time PhD is available in various colleges such as IIT, or JNU and other top Universities in India. The average fee for Part Time PhD is around INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,00,000. Admission to the Part-Time PhD program is based on merit and an entrance test followed by an interview conducted by the various Universities.
See Also: PhD Admission
The scholars are expected to develop a very deep understanding of the areas of research which is selected by them. They also get structured exposure to a range of topics, develop various professional skills, they also participate in academic and other activities.
Table of Content
UGC guidelines for Part-Time PhD
Part-time PhD courses were introduced by the University Grants Commission for working professionals who cannot afford to take long leaves for research purposes. The UGC guidelines as proposed by Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar clearly state that
- The eligibility conditions and assessment of part-time PhD students remain the same.
- Candidates will have to bring a “No Objection Certificate” from their employer stating that the candidate will be given sufficient time to do their research and that the workplace will establish facilities that will aid the candidate in his doctoral research.
- Candidates will also have to attend at least 6 months of course-work full-time.
- Candidates will be guided by a supervisor who will be an Associate Professor/Professor who has at least five research publications in peer-reviewed or refereed journals and can also be supervisors under the proposed norms.
Why study part-time PhD programs?
A part time PhD program is something that has become useful for many individuals who want to pursue PhD along with some other job. It gives flexibility to a student to keep doing something that he/ she loves while studying and researching for a PhD. The other benefits of part time PhD program are listed below:
- The students don’t have to limit their research work to the university/ college. In part time PhD programs, you will be allowed to conduct study and research off-campus.
- In a part-time Ph.D. program, you don’t have to worry about time limitations. You can complete the course and can write the Thesis at your own pace.
- The candidates won’t have to abide by all the decisions made by the faculty and supervisors.
- For individuals who want to teach, a part-time PhD program is highly beneficial as they gain many years of teaching while they finish up their Ph.D. program.
- The course fee of a part time Ph.D. program is less than the full time PhD program.
Part-time PhD: Duration
The enrolled students of the Part-Time Ph.D. program are expected to complete the program in 4 years after the doctoral registration. It may be extended with the due approvals.
- For Category I Candidates: The first year will be spent on the doctoral coursework and the remaining years of the program for completing subsequent steps leading to the doctoral thesis.
- For Category II Candidates: In the first year, the Part-Time Ph.D. program students will be required to attend the domain-related master-level courses that are prescribed by the School Research Committee. The doctoral coursework will commence from the second year onwards.
Part-time PhD: Admission Process
No matter what type of Ph.D. program it is, whether it is a part time or an online accelerated Ph.D. program, they can be competitive and the candidate will want to make sure that their application stands out to the admissions committee. The first step is making sure that you meet the requirements and include all the necessary documentation. The following is the step-by-step admission process with the necessary documents.
- Application and fee: Candidates must fill the application form of their chosen college/university and choose their specialization and field of research.
- College transcripts: Fill out the application form with all the necessary details and upload your transcripts as proof of your graduation and post-graduation.
- Test scores: Many colleges and universities use GRE or GMAT scores to determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in a Ph.D. program. If you’re an international applicant, you may also need TOEFL exam scores to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language.
- Letters of reference: These should come from academic or professional colleagues who can attest to your commitment and character. Nearly two to three letters may be required.
- Personal statement or research proposal: This is your chance to communicate your study goals with the admission faculty. That way, the institute can determine whether your interests align with the expertise of the faculty.
Part-time PhD: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates need to satisfy the following criteria to be eligible for admission to the Part-Time Ph.D. program. Candidates who are not meeting the eligibility criteria need not apply to the school in concern.
- The student should be working in an organization that encourages and facilitates research.
- Candidates must have a bachelor's and master's degree in any stream to be eligible for Part time Ph.D. Admission.
- The candidate should have a minimum of one year of work experience in any related field.
- The aspiring candidate should furnish a "consent & No objection certificate" from his/her parent organization.
Part-time Ph.D.: Top Colleges in India
A significant number of top universities/colleges across the country offer Part-time Ph.D. programs to candidates. Some of the top colleges offering Part-time Ph.D. programs are given below.
| College Name | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Amrita University | 1,50,000 |
| Andhra University College of Law | 3,23,000 |
| Bharathiar University | 26,500 |
| BITS Pilani | 39,800 |
| Delhi Technology University | 1,06,900 |
| Dr. BR Ambedkar University | 48,000 |
| Himalayan University | 3,85,000 |
| ICFAI Business School | 4,80,000 |
| Indian Institute of Technology | 33,170 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | 22,700 |
Part-Time PhD Bangalore
The candidates who intend to pursue PhD must meet the following criteria:
- They must hold a Master’s degree in order to be eligible for admission into a doctoral program.
- To secure admission to reputable universities, the candidate must clear All-India examinations National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET) conducted by NTA. Final year students appearing for the qualifying exam can also apply for the examination provided they submit attested copies of their qualifying degree certificates.
| College Name | PhD Courses available | Average Fees |
| Bangalore University | Engineering, Humanities, Science, Language, Management. | - |
| Indian Institute of Science | Computer Science | 75,000 |
| Institute of Finance and International Management | Management | - |
| Indian Institute of Plantation Management | Management | - |
Part time PhD: IIT
| Name of the Colleges | Course | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar | PhD in Engineering PhD in Science | INR 15,000 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | PhD in Engineering PhD in Science PhD in Humanities | INR 9,100 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | PhD in Engineering PhD in Earth Science | INR 12,700 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Bhilai | PhD in Engineering | - |
Part-Time PhD from IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi offers part-time PhD in 24 courses. Qualification for part-time PhD remains the same as that for full-time PhD, except that the requirement of qualifying for a national exam is waived. To be eligible for part-time PhD from IIT Delhi, a candidate must meet the following criteria:
- Only employees of Public Sector Undertakings or Government Departments Research and Development Organizations, or Private Industries (approved by Faculty Boards) are eligible for admission to these programs.
- There is a certain minimum full-time experience required after obtaining the qualifying degree in part-time PhD as well. It is tabulated below.
| Qualifications | Work Experience (Post-Qualification) |
|---|---|
| M.E./M.Tech or equivalent | Nil |
| B.E/B.Tech or equivalent from CFTIs/Central Universities | 1 year |
| B.E./B.Tech or equivalent and working in IIT Delhi | 1 year |
| B.E./B.Tech or equivalent from institutions other than CFTIs/Central Universities | 2 years |
Part-Time PhD from IIM
Out of all IIMs, part-time PhD is offered only in IIM-Jammu. The admission process is simple:
- A written test is conducted for those who do not have a valid CAT/GRE/GMAT/JRF score
- Then a personal interview is conducted to further screen the number of candidates.
- Following the PI, a merit list is released on the basis of admission criteria and PI evaluation.
The candidate must have the following qualifications in order to be eligible for admission in IIM Jammu:
- A Master's Degree or a 5-year Integrated Master’s Degree in any discipline, with at least 60 percent marks in the Bachelor’s as well as in the Master’s degree.
- A professional qualification like CA, ICWA, CS, with at least 50 percent marks
- A four-year/8 semester Bachelor's degree with at least 6.5 CGPA or equivalent marks.
There is no upper age limit for the candidate. The candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of work experience at the supervisory or above level in Government, autonomous bodies, research centers, PSUs, educational institutes, or private organizations.
Bharathiar university Part-Time PhD
Bharathiar University offers part-time PhD in 36 courses. Admission to Bharathiar University is based on the Common Eligibility Test (CET) conducted by the University between June and July followed by a personal interview.
- Only candidates who have passed from a relevant P.G. degree with 55% aggregate are eligible for admission.
- Candidates who have cleared the UGC NET/CSIR NET/SLET/GATE/SET or are Scientists working in DRDO/ Faculty of Air Force Administrative College, teacher fellowship holders are exempted from giving the CET.
The total fee for a part-time PhD is INR 21,000. The total duration for completing PhD is 4-6 years (for PG students) and 3-5 years (for M.Phil students).
IGNOU Part-Time PhD
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers distance PhD courses in subjects like Anthropology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, French, Psychology and many more. Candidates applying for PhD courses have to fulfill certain eligibility criteria mentioned below for your reference,
- Candidates must have completed post graduation in the relevant discipline.
- Candidates must have secured a minimum of 55% in post-graduation.
- Candidates who have cleared M.Phil, along with the course work or have cleared NET need not appear for the IGNOU entrance exam.
Part-time PhD Courses in India
Some of the Part-Time PhD courses offered by the colleges and universities in India are listed below in the table:
| Course | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| PhD in Computer Science | INR 10,000 to 2,75,000 |
| PhD in Management | INR 10,000 to 2,75,000 |
| PhD in Library and Information Science | INR 3,000 to 25,000 |
| PhD in Engineering | INR 20,000 to 30,000 |
| PhD in English Literature | INR 10,000 to 1,00,000 |
| PhD in Legal Studies | INR 20,000 to 2,50,000 |
| PhD in Mechanical Engineering | 30,000 to 3,00,000 |
| PhD in Chemical Engineering | INR 5,00,000 to 1,60,000 |
| PhD in Hospitality | INR 48,000 to 1,60,000 |
| PhD in History | INR 50,000 to 1,00,000 |
Part time PhD: Computer Science Courses
| Name of the Colleges | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
Part time PhD: Management Courses
| Name of the Colleges | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Institute of Finance and International Management, Bengaluru | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Vishwakarma Institute of Management, Pune | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
Part time PhD Literature Courses
| Name of the Colleges | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Techno University, Kolkata | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Ashoka University, Haryana | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Amity University, Noida | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
| Lovely Professional University, Punjab | 50% aggregate in Post Graduation |
Part-time PhD: Job Opportunities
Executives that earn their doctoral degrees can get hired in the following professions:
| Job Roles | Descriptions | Average Annual Salary Package |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | A Chief Executive Officer is responsible for creating an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the company’s mission, vision, and values. | INR 29,89,350 |
| Chief Operating Officer | Chief Operating Officers design, plan and implements business strategies, plans and procedures, and set comprehensive goals for business growth and success. | INR 29,57,785 |
| Professional Consultant | The duties of a professional consultant include discussing issues with clients, making recommendations, demonstrating favorable results, providing a high standard of customer service, and taking part in client meetings. | INR 3,39,731 |
| Academic Professor | Academic Professors are responsible for developing curricula and delivering course material, conducting research, fieldwork, and investigations, and writing up reports. | INR 16,50,000 |
| Vice President of Marketing | Vice presidents of marketing are responsible to get the word out about their company’s products, services and deals. | INR 1,49,067 |
Part-time PhD: Facilities to Scholars
- The students will be provided accommodation on campus for the first 2 years of the program.
- The residential expenses will have to be paid by the scholars separately as per the prevalent rate, and mess expenses as per the actual.
Part-time PhD: Scope
The scope of the Part-time PhD program is very wide and after completing Part-time PhD program, candidates can get so many best opportunities in many fields anywhere in the world. The scopes of this course are:
- The government, as well as the private sector, has started investing in the area of R&D, so there is a huge scope for the students after doing a program in Part-Time PhD.
- If you want to be in the teaching line then after doing Part-Time PhD you can apply for directors, or for HOD post in any science college
- If you want to go for a government job then you have many options like ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, Researcher, and scientist etc.
- From the financial sector to the public sector, now PhDs are found everywhere as they are not limited to work only in the zone of academia.
Also, there is a chance for Part-Time Ph.D. graduates to work in other countries.
Part Time PhD: FAQs
Ques. Do Part Time PhD Programmes exist?
Ans. Yes, the part time PhD programmes do exist. Universities and colleges know that many people have packed schedules. To accommodate busy students, some institutes give the option of part-time enrollment in the PhD programs online or on-campus.
Ques. How Part Time PhD Degree Programmess do Work?
Ans. To graduate from a part-time doctoral program, a student needs to do the same work that they would for a full-time course of study. They will simply spread the work out over a longer stretch of time. The first portion of your program will likely be devoted to the classes. If a student enrolled on a part-time basis, they will probably keep their course load light instead of taking multiple classes at once.
Ques. How long does it take to do a part time PhD programme?
Ans. How long it takes to complete your part time scheduled PhD programme is largely up to you and how much you can commit to your studies at any point in time.
You may find that there are some seasons in which you’re able to invest a good portion of your time and other seasons as well when you’re only able to do the bare minimum to keep going.
Ques. Should I take on too many part time PhD students?
Ans. Most universities prefer not to take on too many part-time PhD students because statistically, the success rate is very low. With reduced access to the university or college facilities and staff, distractions from work, and so many years in which to lose motivation and direction, most part-time students give up and never achieve their PhD degrees.
Ques. Is it possible to study PhD program part time and work full time?
Ans. Plenty of people do this. However, the students have to be prepared to sacrifice much of your free time. Taking two classes a semester will consume nearly 20 hours of your time, not including travel time. Remember you will be reading up to 200 pages in a week, conducting research, writing papers, making presentations, attending class and participating in the discussion, and take exams. While each class may not include all these factors but many will.
Ques. Is it possible to enter a traditional academic career after the completion of a part time PhD programme?
Ans. Yes, it's possible, but a doctorate is only one element of an academic career. First, only the most dynamic doctorates land academic positions, especially in the research universities and colleges with tenure-track positions, thus it is essential as a doctoral student to cultivate a professional reputation, and that means participating in departmental duties as a teaching and research assistant, and attending and participating in professional conferences.
Ques. Which is better, a part-time PhD with a job or a full-time Ph.D.?
Ans. Do PhD programme when you are fully convinced and ready for the topic and research methodology of research yourself after successful completion of bachelor's or master's degree and project on the same subject or interdisciplinary subject. The foundation of the right education and knowledge is mandatory and very helpful. Asking for a guide for topic and methodology is disastrous. The role of a guide is to supervise the smooth run of the research project and nothing much. Hence, the question of part-time or full time PhD program does not arise.
Ques. What is the schedule of part-time Phd programme students at IIFT Delhi college; do the students have to attend the classes regularly?
Ans. The classes for both full time and part time PhD students happen during the weekends. The full time students of PhD program get an opportunity to carry out field visits and projects during the weekdays.
Ques. When are the classes for a part-time PhD conducted at IIT Delhi college?
Ans. Both part time and full time students study in the same class. The majority of the classes are the part of morning slot from 8 AM to 2 PM, there are classes in the evening as well. Some guest faculties do classes over the weekend.
Ques. Can we do a part time PhD programme in IIT Bombay?
Ans. Yes you can. IIT-Bombay will call two times per year. You can apply for the same and can attend a written test and/or interview.
![Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research - [PGIMER]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/10842_MEDICAL_NEW.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research - [PGIMER]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1715079781Screenshotfrom20240507163242.png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![All India Institute of Medical Sciences - [AIIMS]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1489648101cvr.png?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![All India Institute of Medical Sciences - [AIIMS]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1395485884All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)B.png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![Saveetha Institute of Medical And Technical Sciences - [SIMATS]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25898_SU_NEW.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Saveetha Institute of Medical And Technical Sciences - [SIMATS]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1550657767logo.jpg?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![Gujarat National Law University - [GNLU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1686291726innerbanner1.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Gujarat National Law University - [GNLU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1686292089logoblue122.png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![King George's Medical University - [KGMU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1498220102cvr.png?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![King George's Medical University - [KGMU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1498220102logo.png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![BMS School of Architecture - [BMSSA]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/55973_slide-1.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![BMS School of Architecture - [BMSSA]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1476357748Capture.jpg?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
Comments