PhD Admission 2024: Important Dates, Eligibility Criteria, Entrance Exams, Admission Process, Top Colleges

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Bhaskar Nandi

Updated on - Apr 1, 2024

PhD Admission Quick Update

March 28: DU PhD Admission 2024 Open for Phase III; Apply till Apr 10!

March 28: PhD Admission 2024 to be done based on NET Scores; Check Here!

March 26: IIT Bhubaneswar PhD Admission 2024 Open; Apply till Apr 15

March 26: IIT Kanpur PhD Admission Open; Apply till April 11, 2024!

March 26: IIT KGP PhD Admission Open; Apply till March 29, 2024!

March 26: IIT Bhilai PhD Admission Open; Apply till April 30, 2024!

March 26: IISER Kolkata Integrated PhD Admission Open; Apply till May 03, 2024!

March 15: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad PhD Admission Open till April 20, 2024; Apply Now!

March 15: IIIT Hyderabad PhD Admission 2024 Open till April 01, 2024; Apply Here

March 12: NIT Warangal PhD Application Open; Apply till April 03, 2024

March 12: IIM Kashipur PhD Admission 2024 Open; Apply till March 31, 2024

March 07: IIT Jodhpur Releases PhD Program Application Form; Apply Here!

February 28: IGNOU PhD Entrance Exam Results Announced; Check Scorecard Here!

February 23: RGUHS PhD Admission 2024 Schedule Announced, Entrance Test on April 19 and 20, 2024: Check Here!

January 25: VIT Vellore PhD Admission Open based on VITREE; Apply till April 25!

January 22: IIM Jammu PhD (Working Professionals) Admission 2024 Open; Apply till March 31, 2024

December 27: Register for ICFAI Jaipur PhD Program by July 29, Apply Now!

December 05: Register for IIM Jammu PhD Program by March 31, Apply Now!

PhD Admission 2024 is done based on entrance exams like UGC/CSIR NET, GATE, etc. NTA conducts the NET to offer PhD Admission 2024 in top universities such as JNU, DU, IITs, etc. NTA also conducts a PhD Entrance Exam to offer PhD Admission for DU/JNU/BHU/BBAU for candidates who have not qualified for the UGC NET and JRF. UGC has announced that PhD Admissions will be done based on the National Eligibility Test (NET) scores from 2024 – 2025.

IIT Madras has released the IIT JAM 2024 Answer Key. IIT JAM exam results have been declared, to offer Integrated PhD Admission 2024 in various IITs and the IISc Bangalore. IITs, NITs, NISER, etc. also offer PhD Admissions based on the GATE/NET exam. GATE 2024 result was released on March 16, 2024, to offer PhD Admission 2024 in several leading universities. Additionally, UGC/CSIR NET is conducted in 2 sessions, June and December, to offer PhD Admission in 2024. 

To be eligible for PhD Admission 2024 in Top PhD Colleges, you must have scored a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA score in your postgraduate degree, along with a valid cut-off score in an entrance exam. IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee, IIT Guwahati and other IITs have opened their PhD Admission Process.

Top PhD Colleges: Application Deadline

College Application Deadline
IIM Ahmedabad October 03 – January 29, 2024
IIM Calcutta November 01 – January 30, 2024 
IIT Bombay (IITB)

September 12 – October 20, 2023 (Spring Semester)

March 21 – April 05, 2024 (Autumn Semester)

Indian Institute of Science Bangalore February 05 - March 22, 2024
IIT Delhi Open till October 31, 2023
IIT Madras October 28, 2023
IIT Kharagpur March 29, 2024
IIT Kanpur March 20 – April 11, 2024
University of Delhi March 26 – April 10, 2024
University of Hyderabad December 30 – January 115, 2024
IIT Roorkee November 28 – February 28, 2024
IIT Guwahati January 02, 2024
IIT Jammu September 26 – October 20, 2023
IIT Dhanbad Open till October 30, 2023
IIM Mumbai Open till January 31, 2024
IIM Amritsar Open till February 15, 2024
IIM Bodh Gaya Open till February 29, 2024
IIM Lucknow Open till January 31, 2024
IIT Bhilai March 18 – April 30, 2024

PhD Admission 2024: Important Dates

The table below lists the application form dates for PhD Admission 2024 in top colleges offering different PhD courses:

College Mode of Admission Application Dates
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT Vellore) VITREE

January 25 – April 25, 2024 (July Session)

NIT Silchar  Entrance November – December 20, 2023
IGNOU Entrance December 12 – January 03, 2024
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Entrance December 01 –  December 08, 2023
IISER Kolkata Entrance January - March 2024
NIT Trichy Entrance September 27 – October 31, 2023
TIFR Mumbai Written Test & Interview February 24 – April 30, 2024
IIM Bangalore Entrance July 26, 2023 - January 25, 2024
University of Calcutta Entrance April 2024
University of Lucknow CET & Interview April 2024
IIIT Delhi Written Test & Interview July 2024
IIIT Bangalore Entrance To be announced
IIT Mandi Entrance December 11 – 25, 2024
PGIMER Chandigarh Entrance October 28 – November 17, 2023
BIT Mesra Entrance Open till November 18, 2023
Yenepoya University Entrance September 01 – 20, 2023
XIMB  X-RAT / UGC NET - JRF December 07 – February 29, 2024
ICFAI Jaipur UGC-NET / SLET / ICFAI University Jaipur Entrance Examination December 01 – July 29, 2024
RGUHS Entrance March 23 – April 01, 2024

PhD Entrance Exams 2024

PhD Admission 2024 will be done based on an entrance to several universities. Universities accept the scores of either a national-level entrance examination or a university-level entrance exam. The schedule of various PhD Entrance exams is given below.

PhD Admission 2024: Entrance Exam Schedule 

Candidates can pursue the PhD course in different PhD Specializations like Education, Engineering, Mathematics, Engineering, etc. Exam schedules for the top PhD Entrance Exams in India are given in the below table.

Entrance Exam Registration Date Exam Date
GATE

August 30 - October 12, 2023 (Extended)

August 30 - October 20, 2023 (With a late fee)

February 3, 4, 10 and 11, 2024
IIT JAM

September 05 – October 25, 2023 (Extended)

February 11, 2024
UGC NET March - April 2024 June 10 – 21, 2024
VITREE

September 25 – November 30, 2023 (Jan Session)

January 25 – April 25, 2024 (July Session)

December 10, 2023 (Jan Session)

May 05, 2024 (July Session)

IGNOU PhD Entrance December 12 – January 03, 2023 January 07, 2024
RGUHS Pre PhD Entrance March 23 – April 01, 2024 April 19 – 20, 2024

PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024

  • The syllabus for the PhD Entrance Exams is based on the specialization the candidates have opted for.
  • The entrance exam syllabus for PhD Admission 2024 usually consists of the course that the candidate has studied in their UG and PG degrees.
  • Several universities conduct an interview round to offer PhD Admission in 2024.

PhD Admission 2024: Entrance Exam Preparation Tips

  • Solve as many previous year entrance exams as possible.
  • Prepare according to the syllabus of the PhD entrance exam as per the specialization.
  • Start preparing in advance to have sufficient time for revision. 
  • Practice various mock tests.
  • Be aware of the current affairs.

PhD Admission Process 2024

PhD Admission 2024 can be done based on merit or an entrance exam. The admission process is explained below along with the basic eligibility criteria.

PhD Admission 2024: Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must have completed a PG degree to pursue a PhD Course.
  • They must obtain a minimum of 50 - 55% of marks in their previous degree from a recognised university. 
  • Candidates with work experience in the field of research are highly preferred by universities.

Merit-Based PhD Admission 2024

  • Top institutions offer PhD admission through a merit-based process.
  • For this, the institute may ask for the candidates to submit the outline of the research proposal.
  • This is done mainly for scrutinizing the candidates and the selected candidates are notified after the process.
  • Also, the candidates should fulfill the basic eligibility of 50 - 55% of marks in the PG course.

Entrance Exam Based PhD Admission 2024

  • National wise and institution wise entrance exams are conducted for the admission of PhD courses.
  • Some institutions even organize personal interviews along with the entrance exams for the admission of PhD courses.

PhD Admissions 2024: FAQs

Ques. How to enroll for PhD Admission 2024?

Ans. Candidates must be familiar with the admission process to seek PhD Admission 2024 in their preferred college. They must qualify for an entrance exam for several top universities.

Ques. What is the process of PhD Admission 2024?

Ans. PhD Admission 2024 can be done either on the basis of merit or based on an entrance where the admission is done through the marks scored by the candidates in the entrance exam.

Ques. Is there any age limit to seek PhD Admission 2024?

Ans. There is no specific age limit to pursue PhD courses. 

Ques. What is Direct PhD Admission 2024? Is a direct PhD advisable in India? Can a candidate apply for an assistant professor post after that in India?

Ans. Direct PhD is a program that can be done immediately after completing aundergraduate degree. There is no need to complete a master’s degree. It is devised mainly for the students who want to pursue a career in the research field. Direct PhD Admission is offered in IITs which ca be done directly after the BTech course.

Ques. Is IGNOU PhD Admission 2024 ongoing? Is IGNOU PhD valid?

Ans. Yes, IGNOU PhD Admission has begun. The admission dates for IGNOU PhD Admission is December 12 – 31, 2023. Yes, you can pursue a PhD Course at IGNOU as IGNOU is a recognized University in India. All degrees from IGNOU, including PhD is valid.

Ques. How can I take DU PhD Admission 2024?

Ans. DU PhD Admission can be done on the basis of UGC NET. However, NTA also conducts a university level entrance to offer Phd Admission 2024 at DU/JNU/BHU/BBAU. 

Ph.D. Admission Exams Dates List 2024

Exam NameDatesApplication Fees StateNotification
Cochin University of Science and Technology Common Admission test
5 12 May 2024
1000/- FeesKerala
Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission
26 Apr 2024
exam
Tentative
750/- FeesAll India
ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test
21 Feb 21 Apr 2024
registration
Ongoing
1000/- FeesMadhya Pradesh
Admission DatesPh.D. CollegesTitleCutoff & ExamsState
8 Dec 2023 4 Jun 2024
Ongoing
Christ University, Bangalore
Application Deadline [Ph.D]
Karnataka
1 Mar 19 May 2024
Ongoing
All India Institute of Speech and Hearing - [AIISH], Mysore
Application Timeline (UG, PG & Ph.D Courses)
Karnataka
30 Apr 2024
Tentative
Garden City University - [GCU], Bangalore
Application Timeline [Ph.D in Science]
Karnataka
14 Apr 2024
Upcoming
Indian Institute of Public Health - [IIPH], Gandhinagar
Entrance Examination (Ph.D)
Gujarat
12 May 2024
Indian Statistical Institute - [ISI], Kolkata
ISI Admission Test Date (UG, PG & Ph.D Courses)
West Bengal
4 Apr 2024
Ongoing
Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar
Entrance Exam Date (Ph.D/M.Phil)
Odisha
31 May 2024
Tentative
Teerthanker Mahaveer University, College of Architecture - [TMU COA], Moradabad
Application Deadline (Ph.D in Science)
Uttar Pradesh
1 Mar 30 Apr 2024
Ongoing
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research - [IISER], Kolkata
Application Timeline (Ph.D)
West Bengal
14 Apr 2024
Upcoming
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research - [IISER], Mohali
Last Date to Apply (Ph.D)
Punjab
17 Apr 16 May 2024
Upcoming
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education And Research - [NIPER], Guwahati
Application Timeline (Master's & Ph.D Courses)
Assam
17 Apr 16 May 2024
Upcoming
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research - [NIPER], Mohali
Application Timelibe (Master's and Ph.D Programs)
Punjab
22 Apr 2024
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology - [CCMB], Hyderabad
Date of Written Test (Ph.D)
Telangana
7 Apr 2024
Upcoming
Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences - [IHBAS], New Delhi
Entrance Exam Date (Ph.D/M.Phil)
Delhi NCR
18 Mar 31 May 2024
Ongoing
Birla Institute of Technology - [BIT Mesra], Ranchi
Application Timeline (UG, PG & Ph.D Courses) [NRI Admissions]
Jharkhand
1 Mar 29 Apr 2024
Ongoing
Birla Institute of Technology and Science - [BITS], South Goa
Application Timeline [Ph.D in Science]
Goa
10 Apr 2024
Upcoming
C. V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar
Last Date to Apply [UG, PG & Ph.D Courses] (Phase 1)
Odisha
18 Mar 5 May 2024
Ongoing
Indian Maritime University - [IMU], Kochi
Application Timeline [UG, PG & Ph.D Courses]
Kerala
23 Jun 2024
Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering - [MPSTME], Mumbai
Last Date to Apply [Ph.D]
Maharashtra
31 May 2024
Tentative
Rungta College of Engineering and Technology - [RCET], Bhilai
Application Deadline (UG & PG Courses)
Chhattisgarh
31 May 2024
Tentative
Teerthanker Mahaveer University, College of Engineering - [TMU COE], Moradabad
Application Deadline (UG, PG & Ph.D Courses)
Uttar Pradesh
1 15 Apr 2024
Ongoing
IFMR Graduate School of Business - [IFMR GSB], Sri City
Krea Research Eligibility Assessment (Ph.D)
Andhra Pradesh
31 May 2024
MIT World Peace University - [MIT-WPU], Pune
Application Deadline (Ph.D)
Maharashtra
20 Mar 11 Apr 2024
Ongoing
IIT Hyderabad - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITH], Hyderabad
Application Timeline (Ph.D)
Telangana
7 8 Jun 2024
International Institute of Information Technology - [IIIT], Hyderabad
Ph.D Interviews (IIITH PGEE)
Telangana
16 Apr 2024
Upcoming
NIT Warangal, Warangal
Announcement of shortlisted candidates for Written Test (Ph.D)
Telangana
4 Apr 2024
Ongoing
Assam Down Town University - [ADTU], Guwahati
Result Date [Phase-1] (Ph.D)
Assam
30 Apr 2024
Indira Gandhi National Open University - [IGNOU], New Delhi
Last Date to Submit Online Assignment for June TEE 2024 (All ODL & Online Courses)
Delhi NCR
20 Mar 4 Apr 2024
Ongoing
IIT Delhi - Indian Institute of Technology [IITD], New Delhi
Application Timeline (M.Des, MPP, MS, M.Sc, M.Tech & Ph.D)
Delhi NCR
24 25 Apr 2024
Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences - [ILBS], New Delhi
Departmental Pre-Final Exam
Delhi NCR
30 Apr 2024
Tentative
Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi
Last Date to Apply [Cycle 2] (Ph.D)
Delhi NCR

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

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Ques. Are master's degrees from IGNOU acceptable for admission into Ph.D courses in top universities?

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ans. Yes, IGNOU is UGC approved, so masters degrees from IGNOU are acceptable for Ph.D. courses in top universities.  But to get admission you will have to meet the other eligibility criteria as well. The university will check your marks, rank, average, and age. As IGNOU is an open university, there is no age bar for learning any degree. Read more
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Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ans. Recently, UGC stated that only  Full-time Phd courses will be Valid and distance PhD is no more valid. The new full-time Ph.D. course will be delivered through the New Delhi main Campus of IGNOU. This change in itself has raised the worth and credibility of a Ph.D. from IGNOU. Here are a few Ph.D. programs offered in regular mode by IGNOU Ph.D. in Dairy Science and Technology Ph.D. in Gender and Development Studies Ph.D. in Women's Studies Ph.D. in Arabic Ph.D. in French Ph.D. in Distance Education Ph.D. in Translation Studies Moreover, IGNOU is the largest open university in the world, so the credibility of any degree from here cannot be doubted. What actually matters is the level of effort you put into research in the concerned field. Try to earn your degree and not just get one.Read more
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Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ans. If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT-M, you might be interested in knowing about the similarities and differences between a regular Ph.D. and a direct Ph.D. Here's what you need to know: Selection Procedure: All Ph.D. candidates, whether applying for a regular or direct Ph.D., have to clear a written exam followed by an interview at the institute. Coursework: A regular Ph.D. scholar has to complete four courses, while a direct Ph.D. candidate has to complete eight courses. If you are interested in a dual degree (i.e., MS by research and Ph.D.), you will need to complete two extra courses. Comprehensive Exam: After completing the coursework (usually taking two semesters), every candidate has to undergo a comprehensive exam consisting of a written test and an interview. You will have two chances to clear the comprehensive exam. If you fail to clear the comprehensive exam, you can still obtain an MS degree and get placed or join the Ph.D. program later. The amount and quality of research work by both kinds of Ph.D. candidates are the same. Financial Assistance: A regular Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance once to attend any international conference outside India. A direct Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance twice to attend an international conference outside India. Both regular and direct Ph.D. candidates can attend any national/international conference within India once every semester with full financial assistance. Stipend: The stipend for regular Ph.D. candidates is up to five years. The stipend for direct Ph.D. candidates is up to six years. Pre-Post Doc Fellowship: If you submit your degree within 4.5 years for a regular Ph.D. or 5 years for a direct Ph.D., you are eligible for a pre-postdoc fellowship.Read more
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Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ans. If you want to achieve self-satisfaction by gaining maximum knowledge about your research area, a Ph.D. could be a great way to do so. Consider coming to IIT Bombay if you are always enthusiastic about learning something new and doing something innovative. Your work will depend on your area and how far you can reach in the industry. For example, if your area is controlled, you can reach many consulting firms or industries that deal with automation problems. In fact, my lab deals with many industrial problems related to such issues. Your work will be recognized as an asset for IITB, and research is the foremost thing that every professor looks forward to. Apart from that, you can enjoy a good life as a Ph.D. student here, with the freedom to think in many directions and develop your research skills at your own pace. A Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay is well-recognized. Many of the students, who are doing their Ph. D.s here in controls, are well settled abroad or in India, which proves the worth of this degree.Read more
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Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ans. It’s highly illogical to question why some students in IIT leave high-paying jobs and join graduate schools for Ph.D. This is because some people tend to do whatever makes them happy rather than following the sheep mentality. They don’t consider money as the only source of happiness. And they know that a high-paying job will rob them of mental peace due to a lot of responsibilities they might not even enjoy. So they choose a happier and simpler part which is pursuing a Ph.D. Another major reason why people may pursue a Ph.D. rather than working at a top company is their strong inclination to words academics, and they may not be satisfied with a bachelor's degree and crave higher studies in the form of PhD. Basically, the reason behind such a decision is subjective and depends solely On the particular individual, and cannot be objectified.  The common reason why people make such a decision is that they have more interest in studies and doing a job would hinder that passion. Doing a Ph.D. gives you opportunities to travel and enjoy life generally. That being said, it's not necessary that a Ph.D. is easy for everyone. It strictly depends upon one’s preferences and capabilities.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ans. The placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay is generally poor, according to student feedback and departmental elections. Ph.D. students typically have very specific knowledge that may not be useful to companies, so they may not be recruited by BTech companies. There is no specific body that helps bring companies for Ph.D. students, resulting in a lack of job opportunities for graduates. Ph.D. graduates pursue two directions: Professor in a University or a specified job, but finding a job can be difficult without faculty contacts. The average salary for a Ph.D. student at IIT Bombay ranges from INR 3.4 Lakhs to INR 4.2 Lakhs per year .Read more
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Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ans. PhD from IGNOU is as valuable as from any other university. The UGC has recently ruled that PhD from distance education is no longer valid. This is applicable to every university. PhD is valid only in regular mode. This can be both part-time or full-time. IGNOU offers both so yes PhD from IGNOU is valuable. In fact, it is more valuable than the same degree from Manipal or Lovely Professional University.  PhD from IGNOU is valuable because of the following reasons: Affordable fees  Both part-time and full-time available ( both approved by UGC) Easy distance education Can be pursued alongside a business or profession. What really matters is what you learn during your course and how you apply it.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ans. The table below shows the key placement highlights of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay. Particulars  Statistics  Median Salary INR 55.4 LPA Average Salary INR 17.9 LPA Placement Percentage 66.67% International Offers 58 Top Recruiters  Accenture | Analog Devices | Apple | CITI Bank | Google | Hindustan Unilever | HONEYWELL | IBM | ISRORead more
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Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ans. Well, getting a Ph.D. from IISc is indeed difficult. In my opinion, the true meaning of a Ph.D. is investing your entire efforts, time, and knowledge in one specific region. In India though, Ph.D. is just considered a degree one can achieve by publishing some paper in some conference or journal. The quality of these papers is poor and substandard bringing down the sort of the degree.  However, IISc being a prestigious institute has managed to maintain the dignity and credibility of the degree so far. You need to prepare yourself for committing to hard work and high-level dedication. Know that your next 5-6 years will be spent proving and disproving every hypothesis possible and conducting infinite experiments. As a Ph.D. student, you will be publishing a few journals in top international forums and also writing your own thesis, which will culminate your entire work and present it before other researchers and professors of the institute. You will then be assessed thoroughly. Only after proving your point strongly and convincing them will you be able to get the degree.  During this whole time, you will face many struggles dealing with your PI and securing funds for your research work. But trust me the result will be worth the effort!Read more
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Ques. Which would be better, IIT Delhi or an average US university for a PhD?

● Top Answer By Aditi Banerjee on 03 Apr 23

Ans. For PhD students, their advisors are the determining factors for most of their decisions. The compatibility between the two is crucial for good research work and a PhD degree. IIT Delhi does not have very friendly professors and most of them are not willing to help you. This might hinder your performance. With a good choice of advisor you are likely to succeed at any place be it IIT Delhi or US university. If you opt for a US University, make sure you look through the people you will be working with. The people you work with are more important than the Institute you work at. Being with the right people might make your PhD easier.Read more
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