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Home » Career Guidance » A Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a PhD in India [2024]

A Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a PhD in India [2024]

Quick Summary

• A PhD is a postgraduate research degree in India. It’s the highest academic degree in the country. 
• The cost of a PhD course in India differs based on the kind of university people choose. However, if you take estimates, it can cost you around 80k to 2 lacs.
• For admission in PhD in India, students require a Master’s degree in a relevant field. An overall grade point average of at least 55% (or equivalent) is required.

Table of Contents

Did you know that India produces over 20 thousand PhD holders , making it one of the top 5 countries with the most PhD holders?

Sounds great right?

And this number of PhD holders is only going to increase in upcoming years, with the rise in new technologies and scientific research more and more people will pursue a PhD in India.

If you are also thinking about pursuing PhD degree, then read this article till the end to know all about doing PhD in India. 

PhD in India- Course Highlights

Reasons to pursue a phd in india.

It is known that the purpose of a PhD is to teach individuals how to conduct research in a field. Candidates learn how to write scholarly papers and present findings, along with gaining skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. However, there are career-related reasons to choose PhD course, and these reasons are:

• Getting monthly allowances from the government to fund research.
• A PhD student is seen as an expert in their field, thus, making them eligible for job openings related to teaching and research.
• A chance to go to other countries for Academic Exchange Programs and learn various things.
• Getting complete control over what you want to study and how you wish to continue with your research.
• A PhD student gets to interact and work with the best academicians in their field and the professional experts who will guide them during their research.

Types of PhD Courses in India

There are different types of PhD degrees, some are based on distance and some are based on stream. Here is the list of major types of PhD in India.

Common PhD Degrees

Stream-wise phd degrees.

Major PhD in India Entrance Exams

Every university takes its entrance exam for admission and checks the qualification for a PhD of every applicant. However, some entrance exams are conducted on a national level and have more importance. These are the major PhD course entrance exams.

Have a read at a Comprehensive Guide to Entrance Exams after Graduation .

PhD in India- Eligibility Criteria

Getting admission in PhD course is not an easy task, and if you are trying to get admission to any PhD program, check for these PhD eligibility criteria beforehand.

• The candidate must have completed a Master’s degree i.e. (MTech/ MSc/ MA/ MPhil/ MBA). And it must be a full-time Master’s course from a recognised university by the government.
• The overall grade point average of the candidate’s Master’s program must be at least 55% (or equivalent).
• Candidates under SC, ST, and OBC categories will be given 5%- or 10%-mark relaxations. Applicants must present their reservation certificate to use these benefits.
• The candidate must pass the PhD entrance exam.
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) f rom the educational institution or company where candidates are employed is required. Candidates must have job experience in a related field for a part-time PhD.

PhD Course Structure

1. coursework.

In PhD courses, students take a set have to take core courses or seminars in their field of study to build foundational knowledge. The coursework varies according to university but does includes both required and elective courses.

2. Research proposal

After completing the core courses, students must develop a research proposal outlining the problem they plan to investigate, the research questions they aim to answer, and the methods they will use to collect and analyze data.

3. Comprehensive exams

Before beginning their research for PhD course, students need to pass certain comprehensive exams covering their field of study to demonstrate their competence in the subject matter.

4. Research

Once students have completed their coursework and passed their comprehensive exams, they can begin their research. This typically involves conducting experiments, collecting data, or engaging in other research activities to answer the questions outlined in their research proposal.

5. Dissertation

The final requirement for a PhD course completion is the dissertation, which is a book-length document outlining the student’s research findings, conclusions, and contributions to their field of study. The dissertation has to be defended in front of a committee of faculty members and other experts in the field.

Read more: Complete Guide to Writing a Research Paper

5 Step PhD Course Admission Process

There is Candidates must take the following seven steps to apply for a PhD in India:

Step 1 Find a Mentor

PhD students should find a supervisor willing to support them through their PhD journey. After finding a supervisor, candidates can apply offline or online. Almost all colleges and universities accept online applications now. However, if you wish, you can apply via the offline process by visiting the office of the university.

Step 2 Fill Online Admission Form

Candidates must complete the online PhD admission form before applying on the university or college website. All the needed qualification for PhD is listed on the university’s official website and should be met. The online application is rejected if candidates fail to meet these requirements.

Step 3 Submit Necessary Documents

After completing the online application form, candidates must provide all necessary papers. These documents may include your passing certificate, degree, and migration certificate. Check the list of papers on the website before applying for the PhD admissions.

Step 4 Pass the Entrance Exam

The college/university needs PhD entrance exam. This exam must be taken after completing the application form. Fill out the form for the entrance exam and appear for it.

Step 5 Pass the Interview

Upon passing the PhD entrance exam, candidates will be invited for a doctoral academic interview. Admission is based on the academic doctoral interview and PhD entrance exam results. The institution or college decides the grades of students at each level and after passing the interview and fulfilling some other requirements you get admission.

Top Colleges for PhD in India

Top 10 career options after phd in india.

Source: Ambition Box

Plan Your Career in PhD

Being known as PhD holder is something to be proud of, not just because it’s a symbol of great knowledge but also a great future. If you want a career like this then doing PhD in India is the best choice and if you are confused about how you are going to get admission in PhD, then re-read the article. Do your research, know which specialization you want to choose and excel in your PhD course.

Make sure you carefully explore all your professional options because your career is extremely important. Before making the right decision, look over our  career advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a PhD course in India differs based on the kind of university people choose. However, if you take estimates, it can cost you around 80k to 2 lacs. This figure can go up or down based on whether you choose a private institute or a government one.

A PhD program lasts for three to five years. Candidates have a maximum of five to six years to finish the program. The course length may be different for different institutes and the time taken by student in completing their thesis.

For admission in PhD in India, students require a Master’s degree in a relevant field. An overall grade point average of at least 55% (or equivalent) is required. In addition to this, candidates must know the language in which the course is taught and evaluated. Now, an MPhil degree is not a must for PhD admissions.

Getting a PhD in India is not easy. Candidates pursuing PhDs in India must pass the entrance exams such as NET. This written exam checks if they have the relevant subject knowledge to conduct advanced research. Candidates must further clear a PhD interview exam. Candidates must clear these rounds before pursuing PhDs in their chosen areas of specialization.

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PhD Salary In India

A PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic degree a person can receive after completing a course of study. The word “PhD” comes from the Latin phrase “Philosophiae Doctor” and refers to a competition of solitary research in a particular area of interest. A PhD can take up to 3 Years to complete, with a maximum of 6 Years. A doctorate in research opens doors to a variety of opportunities. Greater employment opportunities are one of the factors that motivate people to pursue PhDs in their chosen fields. 

According to a 2019 study from the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE), the number of PhDs awarded has increased by 60% over the previous five years. In 2019-20, the total number of admissions rose from 1,24,451 to 2,02,5520. The PhD Salary in India varies depending on the various professional options one can choose after obtaining a PhD in a certain field. 

The students keen to apply for PhD programmes are interested in learning about PhD salaries in India in 2023. The given article will help aspirants to learn the salaries for various professions depending on various PhD career alternatives, as well as the PhD Professor salaries in India.

Read about University Grant Commission in the linked article.

Job Opportunities Post PhD

According to their knowledge and interests, students can choose the speciality in which they want to do research. Entrance exams, like the CSIR UGC NET, IIT JAM, and NPAT, are used to get admission to PhD programmes. Candidates who want to enrol in PhD programmes in engineering should take the GATE exam. 

After completing a PhD programme, candidates have access to a wide range of options in both the private and public sectors. Depending on their area of expertise, for example, research scientists, associate professors, economists, historians, etc, candidates can obtain high-paying jobs. The starting salary for candidates is Rs 6 LPA. The highest salary may increase based on experience, knowledge, talents and other factors. 

Some of the best career options to pursue after completing PhD degree are given below:

Interested candidates can also learn about the detailed IAS Salary , in the linked article.

PhD In Different Specialisation

Employment for PhD candidates is also based on the Specialisation in which they have completed their doctoral studies. The PhD programme offers a wide variety of specialisations with various career profiles, including PhDs in Management, PhDs in the Arts, PhDs in Engineering, PhDs in Medicine, PhDs in Legal Studies, etc. The details are given below:

• PhD Medical : Hospital Administrators, Medical Scientists, Professors and Researchers.
• PhD Engineering : Research Scientists, Mechanical Design Engineers and Executive Engineers. 
• PhD Mechanical Engineering : Executive Engineer, Research Scientist, Professor, Mechanical Design Engineer.
• PhD Arts : Content Writer, Economist, Professor and Clinical Psychologist.
• PhD Marketing: Deputy Manager, Marketing Manager, New Product Manager, Marketing Executive.
• PhD Psychology : Research Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Professor, Therapist.
• PhD Management : Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Data Analyst and Human Resource Manager.
• PhD Economics: Professor, Banker,Financial Managers, Accountant and Economists.
• PhD Mathematics: Accountant, Cashier, Finance Manager, Professor, Loan Counsellor.
• PhD Biology : Professor, Microbiologist and Research Biologist
• PhD Computer Science : Website Developer, Software Developer, Hardware Engineer and Network Engineer.
• PhD Chemistry: Forensic Chemist, Junior Scientist, Chemical Researcher, Medical Technologist.

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an organisation that assesses and accredits higher education Institutions (HEIs) in India. Click in the linked article to learn about it in detail.

The specialisation influences the jobs in the private sector. PhD candidates have multiple opportunities in the private sector because they work in practically every field, although their employment is dependent on their area of specialisation. Private universities, Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Infosys are a few of the leading employers in the private sector. In addition to working in the private sector, PhD holders are also recruited in government organisation. After earning a PhD, candidates have a wide range of options to consider, including working for chemical or pharmaceutical businesses, the oil and gas industry, the research sector, NGOs, etc. Both the commercial and public sectors have different salary structures.

To know more about the Current Affairs related information, refer to the linked article.

Related Links:

PhD Salary For Different Professions

The PhD salaries for the various PhD specialisations of the candidates are listed in the table below:

Also, read the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)

Below is information on PhD salaries in India for Professor, Associate Professor and other positions. Candidates can view the table to see what PhD Professors make in India.

Check details related to Government exams after 12th in the given link. 

For help, candidates can turn to BYJU’S if they will be taking the exam for the first time and want some advice on how to prepare and study for the competitive exams. For the Best preparation strategy for competitive exams , candidates can visit the linked article and get detailed study material and preparation tips to excel in the examination.

Related links for Government exams are given in the table below:

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD Salary

Q1. what is the typical pay for lecturers in indian public universities and schools, q2. what is a phd graduate’s highest salary, q3. what is a researcher’s highest annual salary, q4. is an internship necessary to work as a professor, q5. what factors influence the pay of a phd professional, q6. from a financial perspective, is a phd worth it.

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ISRO Scientist Salary 2023: Per Month, In Hand Salary and Allowances

Isro scientist salary 2023: isro has successfully landed chandrayaan 3 on the lunar surface and now it is all set to add another feather to its cap by launching it's first-ever solar mission, aditya l-1 on september 02, 2023.  but do you know how much they get paid for it the initial basic pay falls within a range of rs. 56,100 to rs. 67,700 per month. check the complete salary structure of isro scientist engineer below..

ISRO Scientist Salary 2023

The Indian Space Research organisation is all over the news for the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the Moon’s south pole. Now, it is all set to launch its first solar mission, Aditya-L1 , on September 02, 2023. It will be the first Indian satellite mission to study the Sun. Aditya L-1 will be launched by the PSLV-C57 from the Sriharikota launch pad.

ISRO has announced 65 vacancies for the Scientist Engineer post on its official website - isro.gov.in. Those who are interested in applying for ISRO Recruitment 2023 should acquaint themselves with the ISRO Scientist Engineer Salary 2023 and start their preparation in the full swing.

ISRO Scientist Salary includes various components like basic pay, grade pay, pay level and allowances. Read further to know everything about ISRO Scientist salary in hand after the 7th Pay Commission.

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ISRO Scientist Salary 2023: Overview

Isro scientist engineer salary structure 2023, isro scientist salary per month, isro scientist salary after 7th pay commission, isro scientist in hand salary, isro scientist engineer salary 2023 deductions.

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ISRO Scientist Salary Career Growth

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• What is the inhand salary of ISRO Scientist? + The per month salary of ISRO Scientist is Rs. 84360. However, certain deductions are applied, resulting in an in-hand salary of Rs. 72,360.
• What is the Salary of ISRO Scientist per month? + ISRO Scientist Engineer Monthly salary is Rs. 84,360. However, certain deductions are subtracted from this amount.
• What is ISRO Scientist Salary? + ISRO Scientist Salary 2023 falls within the range of Rs. 56000 to Rs. 67,700, approximately. According to the 7th pay commission, the basic salary of ISRO Scientist is Rs. 56,100 and after including all the allowances, this goes up to Rs. 84360.
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Top 7 Career Opportunities in India after PhD in 2024

A PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic qualification offered to an individual following a course of study. The term PhD originates from the Latin term ‘Philosophiae Doctor’ and represents competition of individual research in a field of interest. The doctoral research degree paves the path for a wide range of opportunities. It is a 3 to 8 years course that helps you become competent at presenting your thesis based on independent research of a topic.

There is a breadth of skills students acquire while pursuing a PhD. It elevates your ability to critically analyse a subject, display intellectual maturity, gain in-depth knowledge of a specific field and publish a valid thesis. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best job opportunities after PhD that are available to students in different industries—academia, government sector, entrepreneurship, consultancy, and so on. If you are looking for PhD admission for 2024, please read further. 

What is the career outlook for PhD holders in 2024?  

Based on my experience and insights, job opportunities after phd in india appear promising in 2024. Their advanced research and analytical skills are in high demand across various sectors. In academia, opportunities abound as they can pursue careers as professors or researchers. The corporate sector offers avenues for success in roles related to research and development, data science, and consulting. Government agencies value their expertise in policy analysis and implementation. Additionally, for those inclined towards entrepreneurship and innovation, there are opportunities to venture into new territories. Overall, the year 2024 presents an encouraging landscape for PhD holders in India, offering diverse career paths and the potential to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.  

Top Job Opportunities after PhD

1. academics, a. faculty position.

One of the most commonly opted choices after a PhD is teaching, primarily due to the uncanny similarity between academia and what an individual must do to acquire the degree. The degree practice and teaching involve teaching, researching, and nurturing your acquired knowledge.

If you are interested in landing a faculty position or taking up the teaching path, plenty of institutions are keen on having a PhD holder in their faculty, especially in developing countries.

The PhD holders have a niche of their own in the domain or topic they have spent time researching about. They have made a good number of contributions to the field of study, so they have a firm hold on the subject.

So the PhD holders as faculty seem to be a natural fit, as they can impart the knowledge mentioned in the curriculum and much beyond that. They can open their students’ minds to concepts they would not usually be exposed to and thus help them develop a frame of mind that is inquisitive and has a strong foundation.

Some of the skills that the faculty must possess to impart the education smoothly are an excellent hold of the subject, communication skills, analytical skills, people management, understanding of human behavior, assessment skills, empathy, etc.

The profession of teaching is considered one of the best, high paying and most successful one. The compensation varies according to the subject, institution, experience, etc. On average, after PhD salary in India of a faculty is  12.0 lakhs per annum. The average salary bracket ranges from 1.3 lakhs per annum to 30.0 lakhs per annum (Source).

b. Post Doctorate

You can also choose to stay in the same university for varying periods (from one to four years) and get an extended project based on the one you did earlier. You might also work on publishing your erstwhile researched product.

The significance of a post-doctorate is many. They take on individual or group research projects that are impactful. Their research and findings help society, government education, industries, etc.

A post-doc has the autonomy of their day. Some of the skills that are required from a post-doc are the nature of being inquisitive, research skills, documentation, verbal and written communication, a good hold of the subject matter, people skills, team management, etc.

The salary for a post-doc may vary depending on factors such as the institution, domain, research topic, experience, etc. On average, a postdoctoral researcher procures the compensation of 10.0 lakhs per annum. The salary ranges from 3.0 lakhs per annum to 40.0 lakhs per annum (Source). People have apprehension about “ What comes after PhD ?” Post-doctorate can be considered an option.

c. Adjunct Position

An adjunct position is a non-tenure position in universities; they are professionals who don’t carry the title of a professor but make valuable contributions to the faculty. In some universities, professionals in Adjunct positions work overtime and bear numerous educational responsibilities.

d. Teaching

PhD holders can teach at institutions offering undergraduate courses where they are looking for staff with a PhD who can carry out practical research.

PhD candidates can be assistant professors by teaching undergraduate courses or being a part of committees that help form academic and organisational policies and perform research to achieve tenure.

There exists a myth that PhD courses are designed to PAVE the path for individuals to become professors at the university level. However, the horizons of a PhD degree spread farther than simply academia, so it’s wrong to assume so. 

Here’s looking at the different verticals where PhD holders can chart a rewarding career. 

2. Government Jobs

The government job sector is ideal for patriotic and passionate people who want to serve the country. Since the government is always on the lookout for creative and skilled people, professionals who love researching and put their skills to good use can rely on the government sector. 

PhD holders carry a unique, innovative perspective that allows them to view complex problems, understand them and make practical, diplomatic choices.

There are several opportunities here, starting from the military sector (e.g. military research). If you are interested in politics, you can opt for a policymaker position in state and central government. You can also be a minister if you can work your way up with innovative diplomatic ideas.

First, the PhD holders are eligible to sit in the government exam. They are highly qualified professionals who give a learned and deeper perspective to the government professionals that helps in better decision-making. They can work in various departments of the government, such as policy making, rural development, transportation, scientific research, military, international relations, etc. One can procure various PhD jobs in India in the government sector.

3. Entrepreneur

In today’s world, the entrepreneurship sector is growing exponentially. Since information and technology are accessible to everyone, there’s a growing shift towards startups, self-employment, and innovation. PhDs holders carry the potential to be first-grade innovators/entrepreneurs.

Research shows that PhDs and entrepreneurial journeys are way more similar than they seem, and hence, students who have PhD degrees are very likely to thrive when they get into entrepreneurship.

Apart from various similarities between the entrepreneurs and PhDs, there is one common similarity between these two, and that is innovation and research skills. Both of these professionals identify a problem persisting in society and develop a model that solves it. So naturally, the PhD holders seem as a fit progression to entrepreneurship.

Some of the skills required for a successful entrepreneur are identifying problems, critical thinking, problem-solving, business management, creativity,  team management, self-starter attitude, communication skills, networking, etc.

4. Consultancy

The skillset required to be a consultant includes maintaining large amounts of data. Plenty of companies rely on MBA professionals and PhD holders for consultancy due to the increasing influence of technology in the real world.

Large consultancy firms hire PhD holders from all different fields. The idea is to leverage valuable data and glean helpful insights to empower business decision-making. 

PhD and other advanced degrees help students shine in consultancy since there is a massive requirement for specialised expertise in today’s age. Therefore, if you have a PhD, consultancy is a very prominent job opportunity that can be highly rewarding.

There are various reasons for being a consultant professional as a PhD holder, as they have a high capacity for critical thinking. They are skillful for effectively and scientifically solving problems. The PhD holders can effectively analyse the data and come to conclusions. The companies hire the PhD holders for the level of expertise they bring. Usually, they are hired at the same level as MBA professionals. This may vary depending on the companies, level of skill sets, location, and other factors.

5. Digital Media Company

The job description is to prepare reports providing a comprehensive analysis and context on various topics. It also includes preparing reports on artistic and cultural events. A PhD course equips you to be an individual with excellent writing and research skills. These are extremely handy when pursuing a writing job opportunity at media company.

Unlike a regular digital marketing professional a PhD holder would come up with a much deeper perspective and understanding. They would be having the in depth knowledge of the funcitonings. 

There is an option available to do PhD in digital marketing, these professionals would come up with understanding on the culture, society, ethnicities, human behaviour and many more. There are various options available fo r phd jobs as   there are various firms and companies that employe the professionals.

6. Research Associate

As the word suggests, a research associate job position requires you to gather data to determine whether consumers or companies find a product or service desirable or appealing.

For this job position, the skills you acquire during your PhD study (presentation and research skills) prove to be highly influential; these are the skills that help you excel in research.

Switching from academic research to corporate research, where the information acquired via research is used well, is a choice most professionals make these days since academic research can get monotonous and underwhelming at times.

The research associates are responsible for various tasks such as gathering of data, preparing data, analysing, reporting, research and may more. They identify the problem and then go about their workf to find solutions for the problem.

It is considered as one of the most sought- after jobs one can go for. There are various industries and fields one can go ahead to make a career fro themselves. These researches make a positive contribution to the society in various fields such as history, science, art and culture, society, policy making, etc.

Usually there is no degree after PhD is required to become a research associate a PhD suffices. Moreover, the profession as a research associate is high paying and is a stable career. 

7. Product Manager

The job profile of a product manager includes overseeing every aspect of the development, growth, maintenance, and improvement of a product.

Companies prefer PhD holders over other UG PG holders for positions that require overseeing or handling end-to-end tasks since a PhD equips you to handle multitasking effortlessly.

The role of a product manager doesn’t stop after product formulation and release. It extends to maintenance, improving product performance, devising marketing strategies, and enhancing product efficiency by bringing in new methods that can replace older ways. Online PhD programs offer you offer flexibility to manage your work and other commitments.

 A product manager is required to be aware of the customer’s needs and manage to address the gap by innovating the product. They are responsible for making the product better that helps in taking the business forward. 

In order to all of that, they are required to be equipped with certain skill sets that understands th ehuman behavioru, mindsets of people coming from different geographies and age groups. And according to various factors, inculcate the innovations in such a way that the product feels relatable to the target audience. But most importantly, they should also be having the business acumen that helps them in aking decisions that benefits the business.

The profession as a product manager is considered as high paying and on average the salary goes up to 16.3 lakhs per annum. The average salary ranges from 6.0 lakhs per annum to 35.0 lakhs per annum (Source). This salary bracket may differ due to various factors such as geographical location, skill sets, experience, type of company, etc.

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The minimum requirement to pursue this degree is a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) or 5+ years of work experience. Don’t wait, sign up and book your seat today!

Is it easier to find a career opportunity with a PhD degree?

Based on my own experience and observations, pursuing a PhD, although demanding in terms of time and effort, can significantly broaden your career horizons. PhD holders are highly esteemed for their specialized knowledge, exceptional research skills, and critical thinking abilities. They find ample opportunities in academia, securing coveted positions as professors and researchers. Moreover, industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology highly value PhDs, often offering them lucrative roles in research and development, data analysis, and leadership.  

However, the ease of finding suitable job opportunities after phd in india can vary based on factors like your field of study and location. In India, PhD graduates can unlock diverse and rewarding career paths with the right set of skills and effective networking. The investment in higher education pays off in the form of fulfilling and promising professional opportunities.

T he landscape of job opportunities after a PhD in India in 2024 appears promising and diverse. The demand for highly skilled and specialized professionals continues to grow across various sectors. Whether you aspire to excel in academia, contribute to cutting-edg e research, or significantly impac t the corporate world, a PhD opens doors to numerou s avenues. The key lies in leveragin g your unique expertis e , networking effectively, and staying attuned to emerging trends in your field. With the right strategy and dedication, you can embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career journey, making your investment in a Ph .D. an asset in the dynamic Indian job market.  

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Communication skills can effectively drive career potential since PhD holders are expected to deliver out-of-the-box thinking, management, and creative ways of solving problems via critical thinking. Developing communication skills is crucial in showcasing and presenting your ideas to technical and non-tech teams convincingly.

PhD holders have the upper hand over Master’s or Bachelors's students across industries due to their high-end skill sets that include critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective decision making. In addition, their unmatched research skills and data management abilities make them an obvious choice for a host of high-profile roles across industries.

The average salary of PhD holders ranges between ₹ 6,00,000 and ₹ 12,00,000 per year, depending on the field of choice, experience, and skillsets. The average base salary for a PhD holder working as a professor is ₹16,73,000 per year, approximately ₹90k per month).

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• 25 April 2024

NIH pay rise for postdocs and PhD students could have US ripple effect

• Amanda Heidt 0

Amanda Heidt is a freelance journalist in southeastern Utah.

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Academic workers on a picket line at the University of California, Los Angeles. Credit: Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Amid a reckoning over poor job prospects and stagnating wages for early-career scientists, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) said this week that it will raise the salaries of thousands of postdoctoral researchers and graduate students who receive a prestigious NIH research fellowship. The move could boost pay for other scientists as well, because academic institutions often follow guidelines set by the NIH.

Beginning immediately, postdocs who hold one of the agency’s Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSAs) will earn at least US$61,008 per year — an 8% increase and the largest year-over-year increase the NIH has implemented since 2017. Postdocs’ salaries, which are adjusted for years of experience, are capped at $74,088 per year. Graduate students’ yearly salaries will rise by $1,000, amounting to an annual salary of $28,224. The agency will also provide an extra $500 in subsidies for childcare and $200 for training-related expenses.

“This is a major step in the right direction and something that the majority will agree is widely needed to retain talent in the biomedical and academic research sectors,” says Francisca Acosta, a biomedical engineer and postdoc at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, who is herself funded through an NRSA.

Postdoc shortage

In 2022, the agency assembled a working group to advise it on how best to retain and cultivate postdoctoral talent , after reports that principal investigators were struggling to fill vacant postdoc positions . In December last year, the panel recommended a minimum salary of $70,000 for postdocs.

The NIH agreed that a salary increase is indeed needed for the more than 17,000 trainees covered by the NRSAs. But in its announcement, the agency acknowledged that the pay rise it has implemented falls short of the council’s recommendation. It cited its tight budget in recent years as a reason.

Canadian science gets biggest boost to PhD and postdoc pay in 20 years

It added that “pending the availability of funds through future appropriations”, the agency would increase salaries to meet the recommended $70,000 target in the next three to five years.

The agency also suggested that NIH-funded institutions could supplement salaries in other ways. That presents a challenge, according to Sharona Gordon, a biophysicist at the University of Washington in Seattle, given that the NIH’s modular R01 grants — one of the main NIH research awards with which principal investigators fund their labs — have remained at $250,000 per year since they were introduced in 1998. Such grants cannot be used to supplement salaries, meaning that lab heads have to pull money from other sources to increase trainees’ pay.

Even scientists who approve of the NIH’s move say it could have unintended consequences. “For institutions such as ours, which mandate that the postdoc minimum salary be set to the NIH minimum, there are some concerns that this increase in personnel costs could be a barrier for labs based on funding levels,” Acosta says.

For some, the five-year timeline for the increase feels insufficient. Haroon Popal, a cognitive-science postdoc at the University of Maryland in College Park whose work is funded by the NIH, says that although he understands the pressures on the agency, the new salary will not be enough to support him as he assumes multiple caring responsibilities. Even with the boost, postdoc salaries in academia fall far short of what researchers could make in government, industry or non-profit positions.

“This is an issue of diversity and equity for me,” he says. “The new postdoc salary is not allowing people like me to be in academia, which is counter to the NIH’s, institutions’ and our scientific community’s goals of increased diversity.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01242-x

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Ph.D Physics Jobs, Scope, Salary in India

Physics PhD jobs are available for graduates in both the public and private sectors. There is a lot of PhD in Physics. Some of the jobs for Phd in Physics graduates are Lab Supervisor, Subject Matter Expert, Researcher & Technician, Teacher & Lecturer, Scientist, Consulting Physicist, Senior Physicist, Technical Writer, Scientific Officer cum Tutor.

Career Prospects and Job Scope for PhD Physics

There are many jobs after PhD in Physics that the students can pursue. The education that the graduates get during their education helps them get the best career options and PhD in Physics jobs. PhD Physics course helps students learn about topics in great detail. Some of the popular PhD Physics jobs in India are listed below:

• Lab Supervisor
• Subject Matter Expert
• Researcher & Technician
• Teacher & Lecturer
• Consulting Physicist
• Senior Physicist
• Technical Writer
• Scientific Officer cum Tutor

Areas of Recruitment for PhD Physics

Jobs after PhD in Physics are available for the graduates in a diverse range of areas of recruitment. The jobs for the graduates are available in both the public and private sectors. PhD in Physics scope and salary is competitive owing to the education and relevancy of the course. Listed below are some of the popular job opportunities for graduates available:

• Research Centers
• Universities

Salary Packages for PhD Physics Graduates

The PhD in Physics salary in India is not fixed and can vary due to many factors. The factors which can affect the scope after Physics PhD salary include designation, education, and location. The average Physics PhD jobs salary is around INR 3 - 5 LPA [Source: PayScale]. Listed below are some of the popular PhD Physics course scope and their salary:

Source: Glassdoor

Government Jobs for PhD Physics Graduates

There are plenty of govt jobs for PhD in Physics graduates available. The PhD Physics government jobs give students a rewarding salary and job satisfaction. The average salary for a graduate according to PayScale is around INR 3.5 LPA.  Listed below are the jobs for PhD Physics graduates along with their average salaries: 

Private Jobs for PhD Physics Graduates

PhD Physics has a job scope in the private sector as well. The salary after PhD Physics in India in the private sector is around INR 3.5 - 5 LPA [Source: Glassdoor]. Listed below are the PhD Physics jobs salary in India along with their job roles.

Job Opportunities Abroad for PhD Physics Graduates

Job opportunities for PhD in Physics graduates are available in India as well as abroad. The jobs for PhD in Physics freshers can be increased if the students gain higher education or by doing certificate courses.

Top Companies

Check the list below for the top organizations that hire PhD Physics graduates:

• Lockheed Martin
• Ford Motor Company

Best Countries

Below are the list of top countries offering job opportunities to PhD Physics graduates:

• New Zealand
• United States

Various Career Designations Abroad for PhD Physics Graduates

There are many interesting job profiles that attract PhD Physics graduates to work abroad:

Famous Physicist

There are many famous physicists and scientists around the world, who have pursued research and created a big impact in the field of science and physics. They have used their knowledge to bring a positive change in the field. Some of the famous hoteliers around the world are listed below:

• Albert Einstein
• Stephen Hawking
• Richard Feynman
• Isaac Newton
• Satyendra Nath Bose

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