Research and PhD
A PhD trains you to find new knowledge. It leads to college teaching, research labs and industry R&D, and in many cases you are paid a fellowship while you study.
All courses · After 10th · After 12th · After a degree · Research and PhD · Certifications
Who can start a PhD
| Route | What you need | How you get in |
|---|---|---|
| After a master’s degree | At least 55% or an equivalent grade; relaxation for reserved categories under UGC rules | UGC NET or CSIR NET score, or the university’s own entrance, then an interview |
| After a four-year bachelor’s (honours or honours with research) | At least 75% or an equivalent grade | Same as above |
| Integrated PhD straight after B.Sc or B.Tech | A strong bachelor’s degree | IIT JAM, JEST, GATE or the institute’s own test, at places such as IISc, IISERs and some IITs |
Exams that open research and college teaching
| Exam | Conducted by | What it opens |
|---|---|---|
| UGC NET | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Depending on your score: a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) with PhD admission, or eligibility for Assistant Professor with PhD admission, or PhD admission only |
| CSIR NET | NTA for CSIR | JRF and lectureship in science subjects |
| GATE | IITs and IISc | M.Tech and PhD admission, fellowships, PSU jobs |
| State SET | State agencies | Assistant Professor eligibility in that state |
Subject bodies such as ICMR (medical research) hold their own fellowship exams. Top students at IITs, IISc and other leading institutes can apply for the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship. Fellowship amounts are revised from time to time, so check the latest official notice.
What a PhD looks like
- Coursework: one or two semesters on research methods and your subject.
- Research proposal: you choose a question with your supervisor and present it.
- Research: experiments, fieldwork or study of sources, over three to five years.
- Publish: share your findings in recognised journals or conferences.
- Thesis and viva: write up your work and defend it before examiners.
Where it leads
- Assistant Professor in colleges and universities
- Scientist in national labs and research organisations
- Research and development in industry
- Postdoctoral research in India or abroad
Read the full guide: Research and teaching.
Check before you apply. Exam names, eligibility, fees and seats change every year. Always confirm on the official website or the institution’s own notice. SkilledMuslim never charges anyone and does not arrange admissions.
Research takes patience. Start with a strong master’s and a teacher who will guide you.