Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is a research-level degree program that offers specialised knowledge in the chosen field of study. It is the highest academic qualification that improves aspirants’ employment prospects significantly. So, if you are planning to pursue PhD, here’s valuable information like the admission process in popular universities, the widely-accepted PhD entrance exams in 2023-2024, and more.

Key Highlights

• PhD: Course highlights
• Popular PhD entrance exam 2023-2024
• PhD admission 2023 of top 5 universities
  • IGNOU PhD admission 2023-2024
  • IIT PhD admission 2023-2024
  • Delhi University (DU)
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  • IISc Bengaluru
• PhD notification 2023: Latest updates

Popular PhD entrance exam 2023-2024
Some universities offer merit-based admissions, whereas others assess applicants based on their performances in a national-level or university-level PhD entrance exam. Some of the most popular PhD entrance exams accepted by Indian universities are as follows:

• University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)
• Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for Masters (IIT-JAM)
• Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)
• Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
• Junior Research Fellowship Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (JRF-GATE)

PhD admission 2023-2024 of top 5 universities
 The five best universities and their admission process for PhD programs are mentioned below:

1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
2. Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
3. Delhi University (DU)
4. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
5. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc)

IGNOU PhD admission 2023-2024: The University is famous for providing both part-time and full-time PhD programs in various specialisations. It conducts both an entrance exam and an interview for PhD admission in which 70% weightage is given to the entrance exam and 30% to the interview. In IGNOU, the application forms for admission to a PhD program for the academic year 2024 will be released in November 2023, and the entrance exam will take place in January 2024.  

IIT PhD admission 2023-2024: The admission process in IITs may vary from one institute to another. However, the general admission process consists of clearing the national-level entrance exam (GATE) followed by an interview. The application process for PhD admission for 2024 started in September 2023. IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee, etc., are some of the IITs that offer PhD programs in various specialisations.

Delhi University (DU): Delhi University offers PhD programs in specialisations such as Biochemistry, Physics, and Biology, to name a few. Admission to this doctorate-level program is based on the entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), followed by a personal interview round. In DU, 8 August was the last date to apply for PhD admission for the academic year 2023-2024, and you can visit the university website for the latest updates.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU): BHU, formerly known as Central Hindu College, is a well-known public university in Varanasi. To seek admission to PhD, students need to clear a national-level entrance exam, the Research Eligibility Test (RET). 22 September was the last date to submit the online application form for BHU PhD admission 2023. Once the admission process begins for 2023, the university website will upload the necessary information.

IISc Bengaluru: Clearing an institute-based entrance exam, GATE or NET (JRF), is a mandatory requirement to seek admission in a regular PhD program at IISc Bengaluru. However, students need to clear the JAM exam to enrol on an integrated PhD program.

Pro-Tip: The basic eligibility to a PhD program, the application fee and the last date to apply may vary from one university to another. Therefore, it is advised to check university-specific guidelines before applying.

PhD notification 2023-2024: Latest updates

• NTA has started accepting online applications for PhD entrance exam 2023-2024 for Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University.
• Delhi University will accept admissions for PhD courses through the CUET conducted by the NTA for the upcoming academic year.
• The University Grant Commission announced that from 1 July 2023, PhD qualification will be optional to become an Assistant professor.

Thus, if you are planning to enrol on a PhD program and financial challenges are bothering you, opt for a student loan in India to finance your education independently. Avanse Financial Services offers student loans with multiple benefits, such as 100% financing, quick loan sanctions, flexible repayment options, etc. Contact us today to know the application process and education loan rate of interest.