A PhD in Business Administration is a doctoral-level degree that is focused on in-depth research and expertise in various areas of managing a business. The program provides students with knowledge of advanced business concepts, research methodologies so that they can contribute to the body of knowledge in business administration.
To be eligible for a PhD in Business Administration, candidates must have completed a Master's degree from any discipline with 50-55% marks from a recognised university. Candidates also have to qualify for entrance exams such as UGC-NET or CAT.
The average course fee for PhD Business Administration in India ranges between INR 11,000-4,00,000. During the course, students also receive stipends as per university norms and guidelines. Some of the reputed universities are Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, MIT World Peace University, IIBM Institute of Business Management, CMR Institute of Technology, Mahindra University, and NIT Kurukshetra.
PhD in Business Administration graduates can work as Business and Management Research Writer, Associate Professor- Management, Academic Coordinator, Assistant Professor-BBA, Assistant Professor-MBA, HOD, and various other roles. They can earn an average salary of INR 6-24 LPA, depending on job position and experience gained during their course of work.
- PhD in Business Administration Course Highlights
- What is a PhD in Business Administration?
- Why Pursue PhD in Business Administration?
- Who Should Pursue PhD in Business Administration?
- PhD in Business Administration Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Business Administration Entrance Exams
- PhD in Business Administration Colleges and Fees
- PhD in Business Administration Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Business Administration Syllabus
- PhD in Business Administration Jobs and Salary
- PhD in Business Administration Vs PhD in Business Management
- PhD in Business Administration FAQs
PhD in Business Administration Course Highlights
Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the PhD in Business Administration:
What is a PhD in Business Administration?
The Business Administration PhD, which is concerned with advanced course, research work, and theory development on most business subjects e.g. finance, marketing, management, and organizational behavior.
- The program normally takes 3-5 years and comprises tough coursework, extensive exams and a dissertation which builds new knowledge in the business field.
- Students develop an extensive substantive body of knowledge in their area of concentration as well as research methodology and analytical skills that prepares them to work in educational institutions, research, consulting and upper management professions.
Why Pursue PhD in Business Administration?
Major advantages of studying a PhD in Business Administration relate to an individual becoming a specialist in the field of business theory and practice, taking part in cutting-edge research and becoming able to enter a field as a faculty member of the academic industry or senior executive in business.
- It improves critical and problem-solving, and business skills necessary in business innovation.
- The degree also offers a competitive advantage in the labor market and even high remuneration.
- This doctorate is a rewarding and elevated qualification to those who seek to influence business practices, policies, or train future business leaders.
Who Should Pursue PhD in Business Administration?
The Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration is most recommended to those individuals who have a keen interest in applied research into business and an academic career or pursuit.
- Those interested in growing their careers within related fields such as in developing into university professors or researchers and those in need of education opportunities to lead the strategic and executive aspects of business entity organizations.
- It is best suited to individuals interested in thinking analytically, developing new business models, finding solutions to tough organizational issues and adding to the business management body of knowledge.
- As well, this program can be considered by skilled practitioners who seek to pursue a further theoretical engagement and have an impact on business practices through research.
PhD in Business Administration Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for taking admission into a PhD BA are as follows:
- Have a Master’s degree in any discipline, MCom Business Management with 50-55% marks from recognised universities. However, candidates from business or related fields get more priority.
- Qualification in the applicable entrance examinations
PhD in Business Administration Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for enrolling in the PhD Business Administration course are listed below:
PhD in Business Administration Colleges and Fees
Some of the reputed institutions in India offering a PhD in Business Administration course are listed below:
PhD in Business Administration Admission Process 2025
The admission process for taking admission in the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration course at JNU is as follows:
Step 1: First, the candidates are required to register themselves for the entrance examinations like UGC NET or CAT.
Step 2: Now, the candidates need to appear for the exam and wait for the results.
Step 3: Once the results are declared by the conducting body, the candidates need to apply for the desired university.
Step 4: The university will release the cut-off for the course and the merit list of the selected candidates.
Step 5: If selected, the candidates will be required to appear for the interview process at the university.
Step 6: The university will shortlist applicants based on their academic performance, work experience, and the quality of the research proposal submitted.
PhD in Business Administration Syllabus
The syllabus for Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration may vary depending on the institution offering the course, however, the core courses remain almost the same in all. The core subjects covered during the course are mentioned below:
PhD in Business Administration Jobs and Salary
Some of the jobs available for Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration graduates in India are listed below:
PhD in Business Administration Vs PhD in Business Management
PhD in Business Administration covers a wider scope of business disciplines, whereas PhD in Business Management is more focused on management theory and practice.
PhD in Business Administration FAQs
What is the usual duration for completing a PhD in Business Administration?
In common, the PhD is offered for the duration of 3 years. However, it depends on the research area chosen by the candidates and the time taken in conducting the research and formulating the thesis. So, with this, the PhD can be extended to 8 to 10 years.
How PhD in Business Administration different from the DBA, Doctor of Business Administration?
The PhD in Business Administration focuses on providing research opportunities and career growth in academic careers. Whereas, DBA focuses more on the practical aspects of Business Analytics, Operations, Administration, etc, which helps the students in gaining practical knowledge.
Is a DBA better than a PhD Business Administration?
The PhD is more of a certificate when one wants to indulge in newer theories and academic research work and is therefore most suited to an academic or a research-intensive profession. Instead, a DBA is a professional doctorate that usually has a business practical focus with a goal placed on solving real business problems with practical business theories, which is likely to suit a mid-career professional who wants to get senior leadership or to move into senior consultancy positions. In most cases, DBAs assist someone in developing practical skills and business leadership abilities.
Is it better to have a PhD Business Administration or MBA?
MBA aims to advance the skills needed by a business manager or managerial skills along with leadership qualities which many people do who want to be engaged in business practically in field of management or business of their own. It would normally take 1-2 years to accomplish and has a focus on applied learning. A PhD, however, is a research degree on its edge (dedicated to original contributions of knowledge), and a graduate is ready to do academic, research, or some expert consulting work.
Is it possible to pursue a PhD in Business Administration part-time or online?
Some universities do provide part-time or online options, though traditional programs are often full-time and necessitate in-person engagement in research and teaching. However, a traditional PhD is much better as it provides better research and field work.
