Ph.D Business Economics: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Jul 31, 2025, by Sachin Jaiswal

Ph.D Business Economics is a rigorous 3-5 year doctoral program that equips candidates with advanced economic theory, quantitative methods, and research skills. They acquire the skills of econometrics, policy analysis, and financial modelling, which are based on real-life markets and regulatory issues. The focus on original research in the program provides a reason why graduates of engineering are enrolled in the program to enhance their analytical skills.

 

The eligibility is to have a master's degree in economics, business economics, finance or any such related field with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks (50 % in reserved categories). The candidates must also have valid UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, GATE (Economics) or institute-level Research Entrance Tests. An interview and a written examination follow the short listing, whereby the applicants are required to hand in a proposal for the research they undertake.

 

Depending on the institution, annual fees are INR 28,000 to INR 2,50,000. The best schools that do this program include University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Sharda University and others.

 

Successful graduates can work in positions like Assistant Professor, Policy Analyst, Economic Consultant, Senior Researcher in banks or think tanks. These jobs utilise the doctorate-level skills to make an impact on academia, government and business strategy. They can earn an average salary of INR 8-15 LPA.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Ph.D Business Economics Course Highlights
  2. What Is a Ph.D Business Economics?
  3. Why Study Ph.D Business Economics?
  4. Who Should Study Ph.D Business Economics?
  5. Ph.D Business Economics Eligibility Criteria
  6. Ph.D Business Economics Entrance Exams 2025
  7. Ph.D Business Economics Best Colleges in India
  8. Ph.D Business Economics Admission Process 2025.
  9. Ph.D Business Economics Syllabus
  10. Ph.D Business Economics Job Opportunities in India
  11. Ph.D Business Economics FAQs

 

Ph.D Business Economics Course Highlights

They key highlights about Ph.D Business Economics course is given below:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Ph.D Business Economics (Doctor of Philosophy in Business Economics)

Course Level

Doctorate

Duration

3–5 years

Course Type

Full-time / Part-time

Admission Process

Entrance-exam-based or merit-based selection

Eligibility Criteria

Master’s in Business Economics or allied field with ≥55% aggregate

Course Fees

INR 28,000 – INR 2,50,000

Subjects

Research Methodology, Advanced Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, International Business, Accounting & Finance, Electives

Top Colleges

University of Delhi, Sharda University, Banaras Hindu University

Job Profiles

Business Analyst, Professor, Policy Analyst, Researcher

Top Recruiters

World Bank, RBI, KPMG, IMF, CRISIL

Average Salary in India

INR 8–15 LPA

 

What Is a Ph.D Business Economics?

A Ph.D Business Economics is the highest academic qualification awarded for original research at the intersection of economic theory and business practice. The Doctor of Philosophy students proceeded through further preparation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative methods, then developed a research proposal under the guidance of the expert staff.

 

The programme promotes the inculcation of self-inquiry into the study of issues that deal with the economy in a business-like market structure, policies, and finances, and ends with a written dissertation study, adding value to both the learning field and the industry. The graduates come out prepared to work as professors in universities, policy analysts, economic consultants, and senior researchers in government and corporate companies.

 

Why Study Ph.D Business Economics?

Embarking on a Ph.D Business Economics deepens your expertise at the nexus of theory and practice. It develops extreme study, analytical, and quantitative expertise necessary in high-impact jobs. Few reasons to pursue this degree are:

  • High-level Research Skills: Learn the art of econometric work, quantitative analysis, original dissertation research, and aim to become a thought leader in economic research.
  • Influencing Public Policy: Participate in the targeting of evidence-based policymaking in government and international organizations and affect economic and business policies.
  • Possible Career Pathways: Eligibility for faculty jobs at universities and business schools, where they will be teaching and mentoring future economists and managers.
  • Leadership in Industry: Be eligible to work in top management of consulting firms, financial institutions, and multinational organizations where a sound understanding of the economy determines overall strategic directions.

 

Who Should Study Ph.D Business Economics?

Pursuing a Ph.D Business Economics demands strong analytical skills, research aptitude, and a passion for economic inquiry. The perfect candidates for this course are:

  • Master's degree graduates in Economics or a Related Subject: Persons with a master's degree in economics, finance, statistics, or business with good grades and mathematical training.
  • Research-Oriented Professionals: Applicants who want to pursue high-impact research work in think tanks, government organizations, or international agencies in areas of policy, market, and financial regulation studies.
  • Long-Term Industry Leaders: Management trained to offer thorough economic perspectives that can be used in strategic decision-making of multinational companies or as an economic consultant.
  • Policy Advocates and Economists: People interested in developing government policy using evidence collected in central banks, ministries, or NGOs.

 

Ph.D Business Economics Eligibility Criteria

Embarking on a Ph.D Business Economics requires strong academic credentials and research aptitude. The applicants should qualify according to certain educational and examination rubrics. Further screening is done by review of proposals and interviews with shortlisted applicants.

  • Academic Qualification: Master's degree in Business Economics, Economics, or related subject from a recognized college and University with minimum 55% aggregate marks (50% in case of SC/ST).
  • Other Qualification: Four-year bachelor level (one year research) degree in Economics or equivalent with an aggregate of 55% plus a valid score in UGC-NET/JRF/GATE.
  • Entrance Examination: Pass in a national or university-level test, e.g., UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/JRF, GATE Economics, or institute-admission research entrance tests (RET).
  • Research Proposal: A detailed research proposal presenting objectives, methodology, and anticipated contributions.
  • No Age Restriction: No age limit is prescribed to take admission into the Ph.D program.

 

Ph.D Business Economics Entrance Exams 2025

Multiple entrance examinations facilitate Ph.D Business Economics admissions nationwide. These exams assess candidates' research aptitude comprehensively. The details of the entrance exam are given below:

Exam Name

Application Date (Tentative)

Exam Date (Tentative)

Application Fee

UGC NET (June Session)

March 2026 (3rd week)

June 2026 (2nd week)

INR 1,000 – INR 1,800

UGC NET (December Session)

September 2025 (3rd week)

January 2026 (1st–3rd week)

INR 1,000 – INR 1,800

 

Ph.D Business Economics Best Colleges in India

Leading institutions across India offer exceptional doctoral programs in business economics and related fields. These universities provide comprehensive research opportunities and distinguished faculty guidance. Admission processes vary by institution, with specific eligibility requirements.

Institution

Location

Annual Fees (INR)

Entrance Requirement

Delhi University

New Delhi

INR 4,450

UGC-NET / DU-RET

Sharda University

Greater Noida

-

PG (≥ 55%) + Sharda University Ph.D. Entrance Test

Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University

Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh

-

PUCRET (Purvanchal University Combined Entrance Test)

Presidency University

Bangalore, Karnataka

-

UGC-NET

Also read about Ph.D Finance & Accounts

 

Ph.D Business Economics Admission Process 2025.

The admission process to enroll into a Ph.D course is almost the same in all colleges. For reference, the admission process at Delhi University is given below:

 

Step 1: Register online on the University of Delhi’s Ph.D. admission portal and fill out the application form. Along with the application, submit a 1500-word synopsis of your proposed research topic.

 

Step 2: Appear for the entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is based on the CUET (Ph.D.) pattern. The entrance exam tests research aptitude and domain knowledge, and candidates must score at least 50% (with relaxation to 45% for reserved categories) to qualify.

 

Step 3: Based on entrance exam results, a shortlist of candidates is announced.

 

Step 4: Shortlisted candidates then appear for a second-stage assessment consisting of a written test and an oral interview focused on research aptitude and subject expertise in Business Economics. The synopsis submitted earlier is also evaluated during this stage.

 

Required Documents:

  • Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • NET/JRF/GATE scorecard or DUET admit card
  • Research proposal (1,500–2,000 words)
  • Passport-size photograph & signature

 

Ph.D Business Economics Syllabus

The Ph.D Business Economics curriculum comprises a coursework sequence followed by focused research phases. The core topic covered at Presidency University is given below:

Topics Covered

Research Methodology in Economics

Advanced Econometrics

Advanced Economic Theory

Topics in Development Economics

Topics in Mathematical Economics

Topics in Financial Economics

Econometric Methods

-

Read about Ph.D Operation Management

 

Ph.D Business Economics Job Opportunities in India

Embarking on a Ph.D Business Economics unlocks diverse high-impact career paths across academia, government, consulting, and industry. Some of the job roles available for them are given below:

Job Profile

Experience

Top Recruiters

Average Salary

Assistant Professor

0–3 years

Delhi School of Economics, IIMs, DU

INR 5-7 LPA

Economist

3–5 years

RBI, World Bank, IMF, Deloitte

INR 10-12 LPA

Economic Consultant

3–5 years

KPMG, EY, CRISIL, McKinsey

INR 7-9 LPA

Policy Analyst

5+ years

NITI Aayog, Ministry of Finance, UN agencies

INR 8-10 LPA

Research Analyst

0–3 years

CRISIL, ICRA, NielsenIQ

INR 8-10 LPA

Financial Economist

3–5 years

HSBC, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley

INR 10-13 LPA

Economic Advisor

5+ years

Shell, FICCI, CII

INR 18-20 LPA

Research Fellow

0–3 years

IIMs, Ashoka University, Think Tanks

INR 4-6 LPA

 

Ph.D Business Economics FAQs

What funding and fellowship opportunities are available for a Ph.D? Business Economics candidates?

UGC-JRF and CSIR-JRF are offered by the universities and vary between INR 25,000 and INR 42,000 per month. Other scholarships can be provided within research initiatives, foreign scholarships (e.g., Commonwealth, Fulbright), and industry-sponsored assistantships.

Can candidates pursue a part-time or external Ph.D Business Economics?

Many institutions have part-time registrations or what is called the external registrations, and under this arrangement, the professional carries out the research as they practice. The eligibility is usually in the form of minimum credits of on-campus coursework and review by the advisory committee at certain intervals.

What is the procedure for selecting a Ph.D supervisor in Business Economics?

Assess faculty research interests, recent (and current) publications, and grant portfolios. Go to departmental seminars, talk to current doctoral students, and discuss your suggested topic with the supervisor regarding his or her expertise and resources.

Are publications required during the Ph.D Business Economics?

Several programs require a minimum of one article (or paper) accepted in a peer-reviewed journal publication or one presentation at a conference prior to defending the dissertation. Publication at an early age shows the ability to research and enhance post-doctoral and academic employment applications.

Is multidisciplinary research promoted in Business Economics doctorate studies?

Yes. It is common that candidates incorporate finance, data science, public policy, or behavioral economics in their dissertations. The interdisciplinary projects could get extra funding and inter-departmental mentors.

What opportunities for international cooperation and communications are there?

Elite institutions enable visiting researcher programs, co-supervision with foreign universities, and conference travel, which is funded. Such platforms as Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, and university MoUs facilitate semester exchange and workshops.

Exam Accepting

Online|
PG|
IITs and IISc|
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ExamFeb 1, 2025
ResultMar 19, 2025
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PG|
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)|
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ExamNov 30, 2025
ResultDec 19, 2025
Online|
PG|
Xavier Labour Relations Institute|
Business & Management Studies
ExamJan 5, 2025
ResultJan 17, 2025
Online|
PG|
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies|
Business & Management Studies
ExamNov 5, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025
ResultNov 5, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025
Online|
UG|
Consortium of National Law Universities|
Law
ExamDec 1, 2024
ResultMay 17, 2025
Online|
PG|
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)|
Design
ExamJan 19, 2025
ResultMar 5, 2025
Online|
PG|
CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
ExamJul 25, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024
ResultSep 12, 2024
Online/Offline|
UG|
All India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam-
Result
Online|
PG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Business & Management Studies
ExamJan 25, 2025
ResultFeb 13, 2025
Online|
PG|
Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra|
Business & Management Studies
ExamApr 1, 2025 - Apr 3, 2025
Result

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