PhD in History: Colleges, Jobs, Fees & More

A PhD in History offers rewarding career opportunities in think tanks, academia, media and other sectors. Read all about this course including syllabus, fees, colleges, job options and more.

For individuals passionate about delving into the past, pursuing a PhD in History in India can be a highly rewarding endeavor. The program offers a comprehensive exploration of historical events, figures, and cultural movements. It typically spans 5-6 years for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and 5-5.5 years for those with a Master’s degree. A PhD in History equips students with a deep understanding of historical contexts, research methodologies, and critical analysis skills, making them versatile professionals with a wide range of career prospects.

To be eligible for a PhD in History in India, you generally need a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks. You’ll also need to clear national or state-level entrance exams such as UGC NET, State SET, or university-level exams like LPUNEST or JMI Entrance Exam. The fees for PhD programs in History can vary significantly, ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 15 lakhs, depending on the institution and its location. Because of this variability, research colleges offering PhD in History, their fees, syllabus, and placement records to make an informed decision.

This article provides a detailed overview of the PhD in History program in India, covering aspects such as the top colleges, fees, eligibility criteria, and career paths.

PhD in History: Course Overview

The PhD in History program in India typically lasts for 5-6 years for full-time students and 6-7 years for part-time students. Here is a quick overview of the course:

Feature	Details
Duration	5-6 years (full-time), 6-7 years (part-time)
Average Fees	Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 15 lakhs per year
Eligibility	Master’s degree in History or related field with 55% marks
Specializations	Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History, Economic History, Social History, Cultural History
Career Prospects	Academia, Research, Writing, Editing, Conservation, Museum Curation, Historical Preservation
Top Colleges	Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, University of Mumbai, Ashoka University, Desh Bhagat University
Recognition	UGC, AICTE
Entrance Exams	UGC NET, State SET, University-specific exams
Salary Range	Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 12 lakhs per year

PhD in History Eligibility Criteria: Detailed Requirements for Indian Students

To pursue a PhD in History in India, you typically need a Master’s degree in History or a related field, with a minimum of 55% for general category students. Some universities may require a higher percentage, such as 60% or more. You may also need to clear entrance exams like UGC NET or State SET, or appear for university-specific exams. Take a detailed overview below

Degree Required	Minimum Percentage/CGPA	Entrance Exam
Master’s Degree in History or related field	55% for General category, 50% for SC/ST/OBC	UGC NET or State SET
Master’s Degree with a minimum of 60% marks	60% for General category, 55% for SC/ST/OBC	University-specific entrance exam
NET/SET qualification	Not applicable	UGC NET or State SET
Research Proposal	Not applicable	University-specific research proposal evaluation
MPhil in History or related field	55% for General category, 50% for SC/ST/OBC	University-specific entrance exam
Postgraduation with 55% marks	55% for General category, 50% for SC/ST/OBC	PhD Entrance Test (PET)
Master’s degree with 55% marks and 2 years of work experience	55% for General category, 50% for SC/ST/OBC	University-specific entrance exam
Master’s degree with 60% marks and a valid GATE score	60% for General category, 55% for SC/ST/OBC	GATE
Master’s degree with 55% marks and a valid CSIR-UGC NET score	55% for General category, 50% for SC/ST/OBC	CSIR-UGC NET

NET Qualification Details for PhD in History

The UGC NET (National Eligibility Test), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission, has become the primary national-level examination for PhD admissions in History (and other subjects) in India. Following UGC’s landmark decision implemented from June 2024 onwards and continuing through 2025-26, universities are directed to use UGC NET scores for PhD admissions in place of conducting separate institution-specific entrance tests. This streamlines the process, reduces the burden of multiple exams, and aligns with the National Education Policy 2020. For History, qualifying in UGC NET (in the relevant subject) is now the standard route for eligibility, with NET-qualified candidates often exempted from university-level written entrance exams and prioritized for admission based on their scores combined with interview performance.

UGC NET results declare candidates in three categories, each determining different levels of eligibility:

Category 1: Eligible for admission to PhD with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and appointment as Assistant Professor. This top-tier category offers the JRF stipend for full-time research funding (typically ₹37,000 per month plus contingencies) and is the most competitive, often leading to priority/shortlisted admission with fellowship support.
Category 2: Eligible for admission to PhD (without JRF) and appointment as Assistant Professor. Qualifiers here can pursue PhD and teaching positions but do not receive the JRF fellowship.
Category 3: Eligible for admission to PhD only. This category, introduced specifically for PhD pathways, allows candidates to use their NET scores for doctoral admission without qualifying for JRF or Assistant Professor roles.

For Categories 2 and 3, most universities assign 70% weightage to the NET score (or percentile/marks) and 30% to the interview/viva voce for final PhD selection. JRF qualifiers (Category 1) often proceed directly based on interview performance.

PhD in History Admission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Universities

The admission process for PhD in History programs in Indian universities involves several steps, starting with meeting the minimum eligibility criteria, which typically includes a Master’s degree with a minimum percentage. Here is a step by step admission guide:

Meet the minimum eligibility criteria (Master’s degree with a minimum percentage of 55%).
Appear for relevant entrance exams (UGC NET, State SET, University-specific exams like LPUNEST or JMI Entrance Exam).
Clear the entrance exam cut-off, which varies by university and exam.
Submit the application form to the chosen university, ensuring all required documents are attached.
Attend an interview (if required by the university), where candidates are assessed on their research aptitude and knowledge.
Receive an admission offer, which is typically based on performance in the entrance exam and interview.
Pay the admission fees to confirm your seat, which can range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 15 lakhs depending on the university.
Submit a research proposal outlining the topic, objectives, and methodology of the proposed research.
Present a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) that highlights the candidate’s research interests and goals.

Entrance Exams for PhD in History in India: Exam Details and Eligibility

The table below lists the common entrance exams accepted for admission to PhD in History programs in India. These exams are a crucial part of the admission process, assessing a candidate’s knowledge, research aptitude, and eligibility for a doctoral program.

Exam Name	Eligible Colleges/Universities (Examples)	Typically Conducted During
UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) – History Subject	Most central/state universities: JNU (New Delhi), DU (Delhi), BHU (Varanasi), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), University of Hyderabad, Pondicherry University, Panjab University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jadavpur University, and many others (primary route per UGC)	Twice a year: June session and December session
UGC NET JRF (Junior Research Fellowship category)	Same as above; prioritized at top institutions like JNU, DU, BHU, JMI (offers fellowship + direct/shortlisted admission)	Same as UGC NET: June and December sessions
State SET/SLET (e.g., Maha SET, TN SET, etc.)	State universities and some central ones in respective states (e.g., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka; accepted where UGC NET is not mandatory)	Varies by state; usually 1-2 times a year
University-Specific Entrance Test/RET (Research Entrance Test)	BHU (BHU RET, if not using NET fully), Pondicherry University (university entrance exam), some private/state unis like Lovely Professional University (LPU NEST), Amity, or others not fully NET-aligned	Varies: Often December-January or June-July
JNU PhD Entrance (if applicable for rare cases)	Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) — now primarily UGC NET-based; own test only if NET not conducted for specific sub-fields	Previously through NTA; now aligned with NET

Top Government Colleges for PhD in History in India

The table below lists the top government colleges in India that offer PhD programs in History, along with their fees, location and admission mode:

College Name (City)	Total Course Fees (Approx.)	Admission Mode
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi	₹1,000 – ₹5,000	UGC NET scores + Interview (JRF prioritized)
University of Delhi (DU), New Delhi	₹20,000 – ₹30,000	UGC NET scores + Departmental Interview
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi	₹10,000 – ₹40,000	UGC NET scores + Interview/University process
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi	₹15,000 – ₹50,000	UGC NET scores + Interview
Jadavpur University, Kolkata	₹10,000 – ₹30,000	UGC NET scores or University entrance + Interview
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh	₹20,000 – ₹50,000	UGC NET scores + Departmental test/Interview
Pondicherry University, Puducherry	₹20,000 – ₹60,000	UGC NET scores + Interview
Panjab University, Chandigarh	₹15,000 – ₹40,000	UGC NET scores + Interview
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD)	₹20,000 – ₹50,000	UGC NET scores + Research proposal/Interview
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad	₹10,000 – ₹30,000	UGC NET scores + Interview

Top Private Colleges for PhD in History in India

The following table lists top private colleges in India offering PhD in History programs, along with their fees, location and admission mode:

College Name (City)	Total Course Fees (Approx.)	Admission Mode
Ashoka University, Sonipat (near Delhi)	₹5 – ₹10 lakhs	University application + Research proposal + Interview (NET preferred)
Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida	₹3 – ₹6 lakhs	UGC NET or University entrance + Interview
Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar	₹3 – ₹4 lakhs	University entrance (LPU NEST) or NET + Interview
Amity University, Noida	₹2 – ₹5 lakhs	Entrance test/NET + Interview
Christ University, Bangalore (or Lavasa)	₹2 – ₹4 lakhs	University entrance + Interview/NET
OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat	₹4 – ₹8 lakhs	University-specific process + Interview (NET advantageous)
Flame University, Pune	₹3 – ₹6 lakhs	Application + Interview (NET scores considered)

Top International Colleges for PhD in History

Students willing to pursue a PhD in History from abroad can explore the following options:

College Name (City)	Total Course Fees (Approx.)	Admission Mode
Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, USA)	$50,000–$55,000 per year (often fully funded)	Application with research proposal, writing sample, letters + Interview (full funding common)
University of Oxford (Oxford, UK)	£28,000–£32,000 per year (~$35,000–$40,000) (funding via scholarships like Rhodes/Clarendon available)	DPhil application + research proposal, references + Interview (funding competitive)
University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK)	£30,000–£36,000 per year (~$38,000–$46,000) (funding via Gates/Trust scholarships)	PhD application + proposal, writing sample + Interview (funding often available)
Yale University (New Haven, CT, USA)	$50,000+ per year (fully funded for admitted students)	Application, writing sample, letters + potential interview (full funding package standard)
Princeton University (Princeton, NJ, USA)	$55,000–$60,000 per year (fully funded)	Application with proposal, sample + Interview (full funding with stipend)
Stanford University (Stanford, CA, USA)	$60,000–$65,000 per year (fully funded for 5 years)	Online application, proposal, sample + Interview (Knight-Hennessy or departmental funding)
University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA, USA)	$30,000–$40,000 per year (non-resident; often funded)	Application + proposal, letters (funding via fellowships/TAships common)
University of Chicago (Chicago, IL, USA)	$60,000+ per year (fully funded)	Application via Social Sciences Division + proposal, sample (full fellowship support)
Columbia University (New York, NY, USA)	$60,000+ per year (funded packages available)	Application, writing sample + Interview (funding competitive)
Peking University (Beijing, China)	$10,000–$15,000 per year (scholarships for internationals)	Application + proposal, entrance/interview (CSC scholarships common for internationals)

PhD in History Subjects and Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown for Indian Universities

The PhD in History program in Indian universities is a comprehensive and structured course that spans over 5-6 years for candidates with a BA degree and 5-5.5 years for those with an MA degree. The program provides students with a deep understanding of historical events, theories, and methodologies. The program also includes a dissertation component, where students conduct original research and submit a thesis. The table below provides a year-wise breakdown of the typical syllabus for a PhD in History program in India, including semester numbers, core subjects, elective subjects, research methodology courses, and dissertation requirements:

Year / Phase	Semester / Stage	Core Subjects / Components	Elective Subjects (Examples)	Research / Dissertation Requirements
Year 1 (Coursework Phase)	Semester 1	– Research Methodology in History – Historiography (Trends & Approaches) – Research & Publication Ethics (RPE, mandatory per UGC) – Academic Writing & Computer Applications (optional in some)	– Sources of Indian History (Ancient/Medieval/Modern) – Concepts in Modern Indian History – Environmental/Economic/Gender History (introductory)	– Literature Review initiation – Pilot Study / Synopsis Preparation
Year 1	Semester 2	– Advanced Research Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative Methods) – Review of Literature & Proposal Development – Discipline-Specific Theories (e.g., Marxist, Subaltern, Post-Colonial)	– Themes in Early Indian History – Debates in Modern Indian History – World/Regional History Approaches – Archaeology/Epigraphy/Numismatics (if specialized)	– Research Proposal Submission & Presentation – Comprehensive Exam / Qualifying Exam
Year 2	Ongoing Research Phase	– Seminar Presentations – Progress Reports (bi-annual) – Publication Ethics Application	– Specialized Electives (e.g., Colonial/Post-Colonial India, Intellectual History, Social/Cultural History)	– Data Collection – Chapter Drafting- Mid-Term Review by Supervisor/RAC
Year 3	Thesis Development	– Advanced Seminars (optional) – Conference Presentations	– Sub-field Deep Dive (e.g., Gender in History, Environmental History in India)	– Full Thesis Writing – Pre-Submission Seminar – Draft Thesis Submission
Year 4-6 (if extended)	Final Phase & Submission	– Viva Preparation & Defense Skills	– Emerging Issues (e.g., Digital Humanities, Global History)	– Thesis Submission – Final Viva-Voce Examination – Revisions

Key Specialisations in PhD in History

Here is a detailed overview of key specialisations in PhD in History:

Subject Name (Specialisation)	Subject Description
Ancient Indian History	Explores pre-historic to early medieval India, including archaeology, epigraphy, societies, religions, and state formation.
Medieval Indian History	Focuses on the period from early medieval to Mughal/early modern eras, covering statecraft, empires, cultural synthesis, and socio-economic changes.
Modern Indian History	Examines colonial rule, freedom struggle, nationalism, post-independence developments, and socio-political transformations from the 18th century onward.
World/Global History	Studies transnational connections, comparative histories, empires, international relations, and global processes beyond India-centric views.
Economic History	Analyzes trade, agriculture, industrialization, commercialization, and economic structures across historical periods.
Social & Cultural History	Investigates everyday life, caste, gender, family, religion, art, literature, and cultural practices in historical contexts.
Environmental History	Examines human-environment interactions, ecology, resource use, climate impacts, and sustainability in Indian and global pasts.
Gender History	Focuses on women’s roles, gender dynamics, patriarchy, feminism, and sexuality in historical societies and movements.
Intellectual History	Traces ideas, philosophies, ideologies, knowledge production, and intellectual traditions across eras and regions.
Archaeology & Heritage Studies	Involves material culture, excavations, conservation, museums, and interpreting physical remains for historical reconstruction.
Historiography & Historical Methods	Critically studies approaches to writing history, theories, debates, and methodologies in historical scholarship.
Regional Studies	Concentrates on specific regions (e.g., South India, Northeast India, Bengal, or maritime histories) with local contexts and sources.

PhD in History Fee Structure: Comparing Government and Private Colleges in India

The fee structure for PhD in History programs in India varies significantly between government and private colleges. Here is a side by side comparison:

College Type	Average Annual Fees (INR)	Hostel Fees (INR)	Other Costs (INR)	Scholarship Opportunities
Ashoka University (Private)	₹1,50,000	₹1,00,000	₹30,000	Merit-cum-need scholarships, ₹15,000 per month
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) (Government)	₹25,000	₹60,000	₹15,000	Merit-based scholarships, ₹8,000 per month
Shoolini University (Private)	₹1,20,000	₹90,000	₹25,000	Need-based scholarships, ₹12,000 per month
Panjab University (Government)	₹30,000	₹70,000	₹10,000	Merit-based scholarships, ₹6,000 per month
Desh Bhagat University (Private)	₹1,00,000	₹80,000	₹20,000	Merit-cum-need scholarships, ₹10,000 per month
Jamia Millia Islamia (Government)	₹20,000	₹50,000	₹12,000	Merit-based scholarships, ₹5,000 per month

Top Job Roles & Salaries After PhD in History

PhD History scholars can comfortably explore the following job options:

Job Role	Job Description	Salary Range (INR per Annum)
Assistant Professor / Lecturer	Teach undergraduate/postgraduate courses, guide research, and publish academic work in universities/colleges.	₹6–15 LPA
Associate Professor / Professor	Senior academic role involving advanced teaching, departmental leadership, research supervision, and policy input.	₹12–30 LPA
Historian / Research Historian	Conduct in-depth research on historical events, analyze sources, and produce reports/books for institutions or publications.	₹5–15 LPA
Archaeologist / Heritage Specialist	Excavate sites, preserve artifacts, and interpret cultural heritage for ASI, museums, or conservation bodies.	₹6–12 LPA
Museum Curator / Archivist	Manage collections, curate exhibits, conduct research, and preserve historical documents/artifacts in museums/archives.	₹5–12 LPA
Policy Analyst / Think Tank Researcher	Analyze historical contexts to inform public policy, write reports, and advise government/NGOs/think tanks.	₹8–18 LPA
Civil Services / Government Officer (e.g., IAS/IFS via UPSC)	Use historical knowledge for administrative roles in bureaucracy, diplomacy, or cultural ministries.	₹10–25 LPA
Content Writer / Academic Writer / Editor	Create educational content, books, articles, or edit historical publications for media, publishers, or online platforms.	₹4–12 LPA
Consultant (Cultural/Education)	Provide expertise on heritage projects, curriculum development, or cultural tourism for NGOs, government, or private firms.	₹6–15 LPA
Postdoctoral Researcher / Fellow	Pursue advanced research projects (often funded) in universities or institutes before permanent roles.	₹5–10 LPA

Top Recruiters for PhD in History

Here are the top recruiters to target for each job role:

Industry/Sector	Top Recruiters
Higher Education / Academia	Central Universities (e.g., JNU, DU, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia), State Universities, Private Universities (e.g., Ashoka University, Shiv Nadar University, FLAME University)
Government Research & Heritage	Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), National Archives of India, Ministry of Culture (Government of India)
Museums & Cultural Institutions	National Museum (Delhi), Victoria Memorial (Kolkata), Salar Jung Museum (Hyderabad), State Archaeology Departments
Think Tanks & Policy Research	Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Centre for Policy Research (CPR), Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), Nehru Memorial Museum & Library
Publishing & Media	Oxford University Press India, Penguin Random House India, The Hindu Group, Academic Journals/Publishers (e.g., Sage, Routledge India)
Emerging / Corporate (Data/Content)	TELUS Digital (AI/data annotation projects), Apex Data Sciences, Crossing Hurdles (freelance PhD experts), Other edtech/content firms (e.g., for history curation)

Popular Books/ Study Material for PhD History Students

Some of the popular study material for PhD History students can be found in the table below:

Book Name	Author(s)
What Is History?	E.H. Carr
The Historian’s Craft	Marc Bloch
A Textbook of Historiography: 500 BC to AD 2000	E. Sreedharan
In Defense of History	Richard J. Evans
India’s Ancient Past	R.S. Sharma
A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century	Upinder Singh
History of Medieval India	Satish Chandra
History of Modern India	Bipan Chandra
From Plassey to Partition: A History of Modern India	Sekhar Bandyopadhyay
India After Gandhi: The History of the World’s Largest Democracy	Ramachandra Guha
A Concise History of Modern India	Barbara D. Metcalf & Thomas R. Metcalf
The Discovery of India	Jawaharlal Nehru
Subaltern Studies (various volumes, e.g., Vol. 1)	Ranajit Guha (editor)
Provincializing Europe: Postcolonial Thought and Historical Difference	Dipesh Chakrabarty
The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity	Amartya Sen

Stipends and Financial Support for PhD History Students

Pursuing a PhD in History in India is made financially accessible through various government-backed fellowships, stipends, and grants. These supports help cover living expenses, research costs (such as travel to archives, books, digitization, or fieldwork), and contingencies during the typical 3-6 year program. As of February 2026, funding remains aligned with UGC guidelines and other agency norms, with no major revisions announced since the last hike effective from January 2023.

The primary and most sought-after source for PhD History students is the UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), awarded to qualifiers in the History subject (or related Humanities/Social Sciences). UGC NET has become the dominant admission pathway since 2024, with JRF holders receiving priority, often exemptions from university entrance tests, and direct funding.

Monthly stipend: ₹37,000 for the first 2 years (as JRF) + ₹42,000 per month thereafter (as Senior Research Fellowship/SRF, subject to satisfactory progress review and supervisor recommendation).
Additional benefits: House Rent Allowance (HRA) if no university hostel is provided (typically 8-30% of stipend depending on city classification—e.g., higher in metros like Delhi); annual contingency grant of ₹10,000–₹20,000 (for books, travel, stationery); medical facilities in some cases.
Duration: Up to 5 years total (2 years JRF + 3 years SRF), extendable in exceptional cases.
This fellowship is widely available at central universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), University of Hyderabad, and others.

For History-specific support, the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Junior Research Fellowship is a targeted option:

Monthly stipend: ₹17,600.
Annual contingency grant: ₹16,500.
Duration: 2 years (extendable by 1 year without additional financial support in some cases).
Eligibility: PhD registration in History or allied fields (e.g., archaeology, epigraphy); awarded via ICHR’s selection process (application, written test/interview).
Limited slots (around 80 annually nationwide), but valuable for supplementing UGC support or as an alternative; often criticized for being lower than UGC JRF, with calls for revision.

Other common supports include Non NET Fellowship and University Specific Aids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the duration of a PhD in History program in India?

The program duration is 5-6 years for candidates with a BA degree and 5-5.5 years for those with an MA degree.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing a PhD in History in India?

Candidates must have a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks to be eligible for a PhD in History program in India.

Q3. What is the fee structure for a PhD in History program in India?

The fees for a PhD in History program in India range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 15 lakhs, which is a general range and may vary depending on the institution.

Q4. What are the entrance exams required for admission to a PhD in History program in India?

Candidates must appear for entrance exams such as UGC NET, State SET, LPUNEST, or university-specific exams like JMI Entrance Exam or PhD Entrance Test (PET), depending on the institution they are applying to.

Q5. What is the minimum credit hours requirement for a PhD in History program in India?

The minimum credit hours required for a PhD in History program in India is 84 credit hours.

Written by Aayush Kukreja

Aayush is a writer and content strategist who turns personal stories into brand narratives. With an experience spanning diverse industries, rely on his writing for simplifying complex subjects & get in-depth insights - always with sharp wit.

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