Doctor of Philosophy in Physics or PhD Physics is a 3-6 years doctorate course for candidates who want to pursue research in Physics in various domains of physics namely Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Particle Physics, Quantum Optics, Laser Physics, Materials Science, High Energy Physics, Theoretical Physics and so on.
The basic eligibility for PhD Physics is MSc Physics with minimum of 60% marks from a recognized university. As per latest UGC guidelines now a student can join PhD after four years Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.
Admission to PhD Physics is either based on entrance or performance in various entrance exams namely CSIR NET, JEST and GATE etc.
There are verities of job profiles available after completing PhD Physics such as Scientist, Professor or Lecturer, Researcher etc. The average salary offered to candidates holding PhD Physics ranges between INR 2-20 Lakhs per annum in various sectors like Education, Research, and Lab etc.
Most candidates prefer working as Professors in colleges or institutes or coaching centres. Some candidates prefer going for Post Doctorate with reputed international or national institutes.
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PhD Physics: Course Highlights
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| PhD Physics Full Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Physics |
| Course Duration | 3-6 years |
| Course Examination Type | Semester System |
| Course Eligibility | Post Graduation in Physics or related fields |
| Course Admission process | Entrance Based & Merit Based |
| Course Fee | INR 2,000 to INR 6,00,000 |
| Average Placement Salary | INR 2-20 Lakhs per annum |
| Top Recruiters | CSIR Labs, Lecturer or Professor in various universities & colleges |
| Job Position | Lecturer & Professor, Physicist, Research Scientist, Research Fellows |
PhD Physics Top Institutes
Some of the top institutes in India providing PhD Physics are:
| IISC Bangalore |
| TIFR |
| CSIR Labs |
| IITs |
| NITs |
| IISERs |
| Central Universities (JNU, UoH, DU etc.) |
| State Universities |
PhD Physics: Distance Education
PhD Physics distance education is not valid as per the UGC Guidelines. You can go for part time PhD if you are employed. There are many institutes including the top ones which offer part time PhD programs.
PhD Physics Course Structure and Syllabus
Student admitted into PhD in Physics course has to do coursework before starting their research works.
Some Common Papers in PhD in Physics Coursework
- Research Methodology
- Theoretical Physics
- Experimental Physics
- Research and Technical Communication
- Departmental Elective (Depends on institutes)
- Research field related Subjects (As per your field of research)
After Coursework candidates has to do research work on their area of interest.
PhD Physics Admission Process
Most of the universities conduct their own PhD entrance exam or they shortlist candidates based on performance in entrance examinations namely CSIR NET, JEST and GATE etc.
Shortlisted candidates have to appear for interview for PhD in Physics selection.
Steps for Merit-Based Admission or Entrance Exempted Catgory:
- Colleges publish notice of PhD admission on their website.
- Check notification and if you meet the minimum eligibility criteria fill the application form.
- Colleges declare and publish merit lists based on cut-off marks in various National Exams like CSIR NET, JEST and GATE etc. on their website.
- Shortlisted candidates would have a personal round of interviews based on subject specialization.
- After the interview they will publish list for final admission.
Steps for Entrance Based Admission:
- The university/college publish dates of entrance examination, application form, admit card download etc. on their respective websites.
- Candidates satisfying minimum eligibility criteria must fill up the application form and appear foe entrance exam.
- The exam conducting body publishes the list of successful candidates with their respective marks on the website.
- Successful candidates are called for interview for further selection process.
- After that they publish list for final admission.
PhD Physics Eligibility Criteria
Every institute/university may have different eligibility criteria, some common are
- Candidates who have completed their post-graduation in Physics or relevant subjects from a recognized university.
- Candidates with M.Phil. in Physics or related subjects are eligible to apply.
- Candidates must hold a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
Every institute/university releases their eligibility criteria when the admission notification is released.
PhD Physics Entrance Exams
Some of the important PhD in Physics Entrance Exams are –
PhD Physics Admission Notifications
Latest PhD Admissions notification –
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Career Options after PhD Physics
After successful completion of the PhD in Physics there are many career options. They can seek employment in sectors like Research, Medical, Healthcare, Chemical, Educational, Engineering, or can be employed in areas like research administration, university administration, science reporting, technical management, and marketing, etc.
Most Preferred Jobs after PhD Physics are
- School Lecturer
- College/ university Lecturer
- Lecturer in Coaching Centres
- Researcher/Scientist
Some of the major job profiles associated with the PhD in Physics, along with the average salary are as follows:
| Job Role | Job Responsibilities | Average Salary |
| Research Scientist | Their main task is exploration, advancement and configuration work, exploration as a researcher, etc. | INR 3 – 8 LPA |
| Physicist | Their main tasks are to conduct studies of the universe and formulate scientific theories, use their expert knowledge to help product designers and engineers develop new scientific equipment, creation of software used to model data, publish scholarly journals detailing their research. | INR 5 – 8 LPA |
| Physics Professor | Teaching and Reserch | INR 5 – 12 LPA |