PhD Course - Doctor of Philosophy Salary in India

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Sep 24, 2024 21:15PM IST

PhD graduates can expect a lucrative salary ranging from INR 8-10 LPA. The salary of PhD graduates depends on several factors such as field of study, country, industry or choice of profiles. Earnings usually vary based on the field and role. Even in academics, there are multiple positions such as Research Assistants and Assistant Professors at the entry level but the salary package is different. Data Scientists, Researchers are also paid well as compared to market standards. Government and private sectors both provide rewarding opportunities, ensuring PhD holders are well-compensated for their expertise and contributions.  


 

PhD Salary Overview

PhD salary can vary significantly based on several factors, such as the country, field of study, institution, funding source, and individual circumstances. The average annual salary of a PhD graduate is INR 10LPA. PhD graduates are offered with a wide variety of jobs. Some of the top paying jobs include Research Analysts, Professors, Data Scientist, etc.

A PhD graduate’s greatest pay ranges from INR 12 - 26 LPA while their monthly salary ranges from INR 90K - INR 92.5 K. A doctorate in research opens doors to a variety of opportunities. Greater employment opportunities are one of the factors that motivate people to pursue PhDs in their chosen fields. 

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What is the Average Salary of a PhD Graduate?

The average annual salary of a PhD graduate is INR 10LPA. However, the salary of a PhD graduate varies with regards to the specialisation, city of work, organisation, experience, etc.

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Salary of a PhD Graduate- Specialisation Wise

The various specialisations offered in a PhD help enhance the conceptual capacity of a student. The salary of a PhD graduate differs with the different specialisations they have pursued. The following table depicts the same:

PhD SpecialisationAverage Annual Salary
PhD EnglishINR 4L - INR 12 LPA
PhD Economics
PhD History
PhD Sociology
PhD Psychology
PhD ITINR 5L - INR 13.5 LPA
PhD Mechanical Engineering
PhD Biomedical Engineering
PhD Legal StudiesINR 4L - INR 11 LPA
PhD Law
PhD PhysiotherapyINR 4.5L - INR 12.5 LPA
PhD Neuroscience
PhD Pathology
PhD Computer ScienceINR 5L - INR 12.5 LPA
PhD Chemistry
PhD Biology
PhD MathematicsINR 3L - INR 10 LPA
PhD HRMINR 5L - INR 12 LPA
PhD Marketing
PhD Finance
PhD Business Management

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

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Salary of a PhD Graduate- Designation Wise

The salary of a PhD graduate differs with the designation of each and every individual. Following is a table that shows the salary of a PhD graduate according to their varied designation:

Job ProfileAverage Annual Salary
ConsultantINR 9 LPA
Research AssistantINR 7.5 LPA
ProfessorINR 7.8L - INR 15 LPA
Computer EngineerINR 4L - INR 9 LPA
Senior WriterINR 10L - INR 14 LPA
Associate ProfessorINR 6L - INR 7.5 LPA
Assistant ProfessorINR 7.5 LPA
Legal AssistantINR 4L - INR 8 LPA

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

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Salary of a PhD Graduate - Company Wise

Different companies hire students who have PhD degrees according to their skills and knowledge about the same. Factors like the location and reputation of a company help determine the salary of a PhD graduate.

Following is a table that shows the salary of a PhD graduate on the basis of the company he/she is hired by:

Institution/OrganisationAverage Annual Salary
IIT KanpurINR 8.7 LPA
Delhi UniversityINR 15.5 LPA
Fortis HealthcareINR 3.08N LPA
GoogleINR 14 LPA
Novozymes Biologicals Inc.INR 4.25 LPA
Samsung Electronics Ltd.INR 25.49 LPA
TVS GroupINR 14.5 LPA
The Mathworks Inc.INR 16 LPA
Natco Group Inc. INR 13.41 LPA
NovartisINR 8 LPA

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

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Job Opportunities after PhD in India

PhD graduates are offered with a wide variety of jobs. Some of the top paying jobs include Research Analysts, Professors, Data Scientist, etc.

Following is a table of a few job profiles of PhD graduates with a brief description:

Job ProfilesJob Description
Patent AnalystPatent Analysts sit under the intellectual property umbrella and their job is to review potential patent applications. They work for companies that are developing products, often before a new product is created, to see if the company’s products or potential products can be patented. 
Data ScientistData Scientists use statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to solve complex problems and drive data-driven business strategies.
Medical or Scientific WriterThis includes writing articles and blogs about a research topic or a medical expedition.
LecturerLecturer delivers lectures, creates lesson plans, and provides guidance to students in a specialised academic field.
Application ScientistAn Application Scientist, acts as a liaison between a company that produces a medical device, and a company that buys this medical device. 
Medical TechnologistMedical Technologist carries out lab tests, examines samples, provides a diagnosis, and treats medical disorders. 
Computer EngineerComputer Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer hardware and software systems in order to improve performance.
Product ManagerA Product Manager manages the entire lifecycle of a product developed by a company. They could also be managing an entire product portfolio. 
Chief Research ManagerChief Research Manager leads scientific research and supervises research projects in order to accomplish goals. 
Public ProsecutorThe Public Prosecutor represents the government in criminal cases, does legal research, and makes arguments in court.
Regulatory Affairs SpecialistThese Specialists investigate laws, guidelines, and processes. They  review data, update documents, check products, observe staff, and even write and record documents. They ensure that the company’s internal teams are functioning and oversee the organisation cross-departmentally to ensure that all relevant regulations are followed.  
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Jobs after a PhD- Government and Private

Students with a PhD degree can find work in both the public and private sectors, with both providing a good salary after graduation. Here are some of the best after PhD job options:

PhD Government Jobs

The government jobs in India offer PhD graduates a lucrative prospect for their careers due to continuous research and infrastructural development.

Below is a list of Government jobs for graduates pursuing PhD-

Job ProfileDescriptionAverage Annual Salary
ProfessorA Professor is responsible for teaching students at the college/university level and providing them study material and guidance through their project work.INR 5L - INR 7 LPA
ResearcherResearchers gather data during the project life cycle, analyse the data and publish the findings to aid new research, enrich scholarly literature and improve the decision-making process.INR 7.5 LPA
Public ProsecutorThe Public Prosecutor represents the government in criminal cases, does legal research, and makes arguments in court.INR 4.5L - INR 6 LPA

PhD Private Jobs

There are several job opportunities in the private sector as global companies have been investing in the science & technology industry. Below is the list of jobs for PhD graduates in the private sector:

Job ProfileDescriptionAverage Annual Salary
Corporate LawyerA corporate lawyer works on various legal issues related to corporate business practices. They often handle business, legal and financial functions for their clients.INR 6L - INR 7 LPA
Computer EngineerComputer Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer hardware and software systems in order to improve performance.INR 3L - INR 4.5 LPA
ProfessorA Professor is responsible for teaching students at the college/university level and providing them study material and guidance through their project work.INR 5L - INR 7 LPA
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Top Recruiters for a PhD Graduate

Some of the top companies that hire PhD graduates are as follows:

  • Blue Ocean Marketing
  • BNP Paribas India
  • Deloitte Consulting
  • TCS Innovations Labs
  • Accenture
  • HP
  • HDFC
  • RBI
  • HSBC
  • American Express
  • Genpact 
  • Indian Market Research Bureau
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IITs)
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIMs)
  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
  • Wipro
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FAQs about PhD Salary

Is an internship necessary to become a professor?

No, it is not necessary to take up an internship to become a professor.
 

What are some of the top skills required to pursue a PhD?

Some of the top skills every individual should focus on to pursue a PhD are as follows:

  • Analysis & Problem-Solving
  • Interpersonal & Leadership Skills
  • Project Management & Organization
  • Research & Information Management
  • Self-Management & Work Habits
  • Written & Oral Communication
     

How does the salary of a PhD graduate change with experience?

 The salary of a PhD graduate can change significantly with experience. As individuals gain more experience and expertise in their field, they become more valuable to employers, which often leads to higher compensation.
 

What is the highest salary of a PhD graduate?

A PhD graduate’s greatest pay ranges from INR 12-26 LPA.
 

What are the top paying companies that employ PhD graduates?

Some of the top companies that hire PhD graduates are as follows:

  • Deloitte Consulting
  • TCS Innovations Labs
  • Accenture
  • HP
  • RBI
  • HSBC
  • American Express
  • Genpact 
  • Indian Market Research Bureau
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IITs)
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIMs)
  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
  • Wipro
     

What is the monthly salary of a PhD graduate?

The monthly salary of a PhD graduate ranges from INR 90,000- INR 92,500.
 

Is doing a PhD a good career option?

A PhD degree opens a lot of doors career-wise. It's generally indispensable for an academic career. Having a PhD makes you extremely specialised in a certain field which results in higher career prospects and higher salary. Thus, a PhD is a good career option.

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