Is It Difficult to Get into a Part-Time PhD Program?

The part-time PhD is aimed at students working full-time. It prepares them for research and teaching positions in and outside universities. To become a part of a part-time PhD program, applicants must be graduates in a related field. Individuals with a master's degree are also eligible to apply.

PhD for Working Professionals programs are available in several colleges such as IIT and JNU, and other leading Indian universities. The Part-Time PhD ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,00,000 on average. Admission is merit-based, and there is an entrance test and an interview at the universities.

The participants in the program should thoroughly comprehend their selected area of research. They will also develop skills and participate in academic work.

 UGC Guidelines for Part-Time PhD:

• Part-time PhD programs are designed for professionals who are unable to take extended periods of time off for research, as stipulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

• Candidates need to fulfill the same eligibility and evaluation criteria as full-time Ph.D. candidates.

• They have to obtain a "No Objection Certificate" from their employer, which assures that they will be provided sufficient time to finish their research and that the required facilities will be made available.

• Students must undertake at least 6 months of full-time courses.

• Every student will be assigned a supervisor who is an Associate Professor or Professor with a minimum of five research publications.

Why Go for a Part-Time PhD?

Part-time PhDs assists those who intend to work and study. Here are a few advantages:

•  Researchers have the freedom to work off-campus.

•  Students get to do their studies and prepare their thesis whenever they prefer.

•  Candidates have no restrictions caused by faculty members' decisions.

•  Candidates intended for teaching gain experience while carrying out their PhD.

•  It is often less expensive to enroll in a PhD for Working Professionals than a full-time one.

What is the Part-Time PhD Duration? 

Students are required to complete the Part-Time PhD within approximately 4 years of enrollment. This may be extended with permission.

• For Category I Candidates: The initial year is for coursework, and subsequent years are for the completion of the doctoral thesis.

• For Category II Candidates: The initial year consists of master-level courses, with doctoral coursework beginning in the second year.

Admission Procedure

To apply for a part-time PhD:

1. Application and Fee: Complete the application form of your desired college/university and choose your area of research.

2. College Transcripts: Send in your records of study as evidence of graduation and postgraduation.

3. Test Scores: GRE and GMAT scores may be demanded by some universities. TOEFL scores may be required by international students to demonstrate English language proficiency.

4. Reference: Letters From teachers or peers who can talk about your competence and dedication.

5. Personal Statement or Research Proposal: An opportunity to express your research aspirations.

What are the Eligibility Requirements? 

To be eligible for a PhD for Working Professionals, applicants need to fulfill these requirements:

•  Be employed in an organization with research support.

•  Possess a bachelor's and master's degree in any discipline.

•  Possess a minimum of one year of work experience related to the field.

•  Submit a "consent & No Objection Certificate" from their current employer.

Part-Time PhD at IIM Jammu

IIM Jammu is the only IIM to have a part-time PhD. This is how the admission procedure goes:

• If you do not possess a valid CAT/GRE/GMAT/JRF score, you will need to appear for a written test.

• Following the written test, there will be a personal interview (PI) to further screen candidates.

• There will be an announcement of a merit list based on the performance in the tests and interviews.

To be qualified for admission at IIM Jammu, you require the following:

• A Master's Degree or a 5-year Integrated Master's Degree in any discipline with minimum 60% marks in both your Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

• A professional qualification like CA, ICWA, or CS with minimum 50% marks.

• A four-year Bachelor's degree with at least 6.5 CGPA or equivalent.

• No age bar.

• You should have a minimum of 3 years of work experience in a supervisory capacity or above, in government, research institutions, educational institutions, or private institutions.

Part-Time PhD at Bharathiar University

Part-time PhDs in 36 different disciplines are provided by Bharathiar University. The procedure for admission involves:

• Appearing for the Common Eligibility Test (CET), which the university holds during June-July, and an interview on a personal basis.

Eligibility criteria are as follows:

• You should have a postgraduate degree that is relevant with 55% marks.

• If you have cleared UGC NET, CSIR NET, SLET, GATE, or are a scientist with DRDO, or a holder of teacher fellowship, you are exempt from CET.

The entire fee for a part-time PhD is INR 21,000. You may finish your PhD in 4 to 6 years if you are a postgraduate student or 3 to 5 years if you have an M.Phil.

Part-Time PhD at IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers distance PhD programs in various fields like Anthropology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, French, and Psychology. Below are the eligibility criteria for the applicants:

• You must have a postgraduate degree in the respective subject.

• You should have 55% marks or higher in postgraduate studies.

• If you have completed an M.Phil with course work or have cleared the NET, you are exempted from sitting for the IGNOU entrance exam.

Conclusion 

If you want to avoid taking an entrance exam for a part-time PhD program, then you can opt for an Online DBA program, as it does not require any entrance exam.