PhD Eligibility Criteria in India: Full Requirements

The PhD eligibility criteria in India require candidates to hold a master’s degree or equivalent with at least 55% marks, while reserved categories receive relaxation as per government norms. Many universities also accept national-level exam scores like UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or JRF for admission or fellowship consideration. Some institutions allow candidates with professional degrees such as MTech, MBA, MCA, MD, or LLM to apply. A strong research proposal and clear research objectives further strengthen eligibility. Working professionals may apply for part-time PhD programs, subject to employer consent. The exact eligibility may vary depending on the university and discipline. Meeting the PhD eligibility criteria ensures that candidates are academically prepared and capable of undertaking rigorous research.