PhD Disaster Management: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  20 Aug, 2025 by Hafsha Qureshi

PhD Disaster Management is a three-to-five-year full-time doctorate in the field of disaster risk reduction, crisis response, and environmental management. PhD Disaster Management program's eligibility requirements include a qualifying Master's degree or M.Phil in the relevant field with a minimum aggregate of 55% from a recognized university.

 

Admission to PhD in Disaster Management is based on the entrance exam scores of the candidates. Aspirants are expected to pass state and national level examinations administered by various institutions, which will be followed by Group Discussions/Personal interviews by the respective colleges. Before the personal interview, they must also submit a thesis proposal. The course can be taken full-time or part-time. PhD in Disaster Management program focuses on environmental management and the numerous procedures required to avoid disasters and preserve a healthy ecosystem.

 

Ph.D in Disaster Management program fees ranges from INR 49,500 – 2,00,000 depending on the institute type. After completing the PhD Disaster Management degree, graduates can pursue career prospects in sectors such as natural disaster control, defense, insurance, mining, drought management, chemical industries, and others. Professionals who complete the program receive an average annual salary ranging from INR 2.5 LPA to 12 LPA.

 

Table of Contents

  1. PhD Disaster Management Highlights
  2. What is a PhD Disaster Management?
  3. Why Study PhD in Disaster Management?
  4. Who Should Study PhD in Disaster Management?
  5. PhD Disaster Management Eligibility Criteria
  6. PhD Disaster Management Entrance Exams 2025
  7. PhD Disaster Management Colleges in India
  8. PhD Disaster Management Admission Process 2025
  9. PhD Disaster Management Syllabus
  10. PhD Disaster Management Job Opportunities in India
  11. PhD Disaster Management Vs PhD Environmental Science
  12. PhD Disaster Management FAQs

 

PhD Disaster Management Highlights

The table below provides a quick overview of PhD Disaster Management program in India:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

PhD Disaster Management

Course Level

Doctoral (PhD)

Duration

3–5 years

Course Type

Full-Time, Part-Time

Admission Process

Entrance exam-based, followed by an interview

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifying Master's and M.Phil in the relevant stream with an aggregate of 55% from a recognized university/ Entrance Test like PET, NET, etc.,/ Group Discussion/ Personal Interview

Course Fees

INR 50,000–2,00,000 per year (varies by college)

Top Colleges

Jamsetji Tata School of Disaster Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Amity Institute of Disaster Management

Job Profiles

Disaster Management Officer, Environmental Specialist, Rehabilitation Expert, Homeland Security Analyst

Top Recruiters

Research Institutions, Pharma Companies, Government Health Departments, Academic Institutions

Average Salary

INR 6–12 LPA (Freshers)

 

INR 13–19 LPA (Mid-level)

 

INR 21–36 LPA (Experienced)

 

What is a PhD Disaster Management?

PhD Disaster Management is a research-oriented program that focuses on the planning, response, and recovery from natural and man-made catastrophes.

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Disaster Management program covers a variety of topics, including risk assessment, mitigation measures, and sustainable management practices.
  • Students learn about the consequences of disasters on communities, ecosystems, and economies, as well as how to develop practical solutions to mitigate the negative effects of catastrophes on society.

 

Why Study PhD in Disaster Management?

Candidates pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Disaster Management program might get a more in-depth understanding of catastrophes and their complexities. They are taught how to use the resources available to them, such as financial, material, and human resources, during a casualty. They are also taught how to work as a team, organize camps, communicate with the public, and perform rescues.

  • The primary goal is to develop the student's whole personality by teaching them how to handle situations with serenity and patience.
  • Doctor of Philosophy Disaster Management program provides candidates with the required skill sets and training to help them become recognized professionals in their area.
  • After completing the curriculum, students will have a variety of job options in defense, drought management, insurance, the chemical industry, and other fields.
  • Ph D in Disaster Management course offers extensive knowledge and research skills in catastrophe risk management, urban resilience, and crisis communication.
  • It prepares students to influence policymaking and implementation at the local, national, and international levels.

 

Who Should Study PhD in Disaster Management?

Pursuing a PhD in Disaster Management is suitable for those interested in studying and reducing the impact of natural and manmade disasters. PhD in Disaster Management is ideal for anyone who wants to help establish long-term, successful catastrophe preparedness, response, and recovery methods. Ph D in Disaster Management program is suitable for:

  • Those interested in conducting an in-depth study on novel disaster management technology, risk assessment approaches, and the social and environmental consequences of disasters.
  • The candidates who have done postgraduation in related stream, like MBA Disaster Management.
  • People working in the disaster response and recovery sectors who want to expand their expertise and contribute to large-scale disaster management methods.
  • Government and non-governmental organization (NGO) professionals are those active in disaster management policymaking, planning, and implementation at the national and international levels.

 

PhD Disaster Management Eligibility Criteria

Given below are the detailed eligibility criteria for the Doctor of Philosophy in Disaster Management. The candidates must be eligible first in order to pursue the course:

  • Candidates must hold a Master's degree or M.Phil in the relevant discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of 55% or above.
  • Candidates must pass the entrance exams administered by various institutions and universities.

 

PhD Disaster Management Entrance Exams 2025

The cumulative scores received in the qualifying exam, personal interview, and admission test are used to determine the merit percentage by the specific college, which may vary between colleges. To be admitted to Disaster Management PhD program, candidates must pass an admission exam administered by the UGC, the state, or a university.

 

The list of entrance examinations conducted for admission to the Ph D in Disaster Management program is as follows:

Exam Name

Application Period (Tentative)

Exam Date / Window

Cut-off

Application Fee

UGC-NET

March–April 2026

June 2026

Disaster Management:

 

UR: 172+

 

OBC: 156+

 

SC/ST: 150+

General/OBC: INR 1150SC/ST/PwD: INR 575

GATE (Engineering/Environment)

August–September 2025

February 2026

UR: 26.1

 

OBC: 23.4

 

SC/ST: 17.4

EWS/General/OBC: INR 1500SC/ST/PwD/XS: INR 750

CSIR-NET (Life/Physical Sciences)

February–March 2026

June 2026 (two sessions)

UR: 99.0846682

 

OBC: 96.5223413

 

EWS: 96.4460997

 

SC: 91.7864773

General/OBC/EWS: INR 1000SC/ST/PwD: INR 500

TISS RAT (Research Aptitude Test)

November–December 2025

January 2026

-

INR 1030 (All categories)

Symbiosis PhD Entrance Test (PET)

December 2025–January 2026

February 2026

-

All categories: INR 1200

 

PhD Disaster Management Colleges in India

Here are the top colleges that offer a PhD in Disaster Management for your consideration. The list of Disaster Management PhD colleges shows the entrance process, location, and the average fee charged for this course:

College Name

Location

Total Fees (Approx.)

NIRF Ranking (2024, Category)

Admission Process

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

Mumbai, Maharashtra

INR 1,00,000 - INR 1,50,000

6 (Social Work)

TISSNET or a personal interview

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut

Calicut, Kerala

INR 5,37,600

50 (Engineering)

Institute-specific entrance exam, Interview

Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI)

New Delhi, Delhi

INR 1,50,000 - INR 2,00,000

11 (University)

JMI Entrance Exam, Personal Interview

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

New Delhi, Delhi

INR 50,000 - INR 1,00,000

Not ranked

Direct Admission, Personal Interview

 

PhD Disaster Management Admission Process 2025

Admission to PhD in Disaster Management is based on the entrance exams scores. For your reference, given below is the step-by-step admission process for the PhD in Disaster Management for the Banaras Hindu University (BHU):

 

Step 1: Appear for the UGC NET exam and wait for the results.

 

Step 2: Once results are declared, go to the official BHU website and create an account by entering personal, academic, and contact information.

 

Step 3: Log in to your account, fill out the online application form, and submit the required papers, such as your academic transcripts, identity proof, and category certificate. Pay the application fee according to the guidelines.

 

Step 4: The selected candidates will be called for the interview.

 

Step 5: Candidates will be shortlisted for interviews based on their exam results. The interview will cover your research interests, academic background, and motivation for pursuing a PhD in Disaster Management.

 

Step 6: Following the interview, selected candidates will be asked to provide original papers for verification. Once verified, pay the PhD Disaster Management program fees according to the university's timetable.

 

Documents Required

  • Educational Mark Sheets (Undergraduate/Postgraduate)
  • Transfer Certificate from the last attended institution
  • Character Certificate from the last attended institution
  • Category Certificate (If applicable, SC/ST/OBC)
  • Passport-sized Photographs (As per prescribed format)
  • Government-issued ID Proof (Aadhar card, Passport, or any other valid ID)
  • Entrance Exam Admit Card and Scorecard
  • Statement of Purpose (If required by the institution)

 

PhD Disaster Management Syllabus

Disaster Management PhD course syllabus includes research topics such as post-disaster reconstruction, response and reconstruction, women's empowerment and vulnerability prevention, stakeholder management, corporate social responsibility, process management, waste management strategy, performance management, and much more. PhD in Disaster Management course is designed to teach candidates the fundamentals of disaster management and how to continue the process.

 

This structure is based on the common PhD Disaster Management syllabus followed by institutions like TISS.

Semester I

Semester II

Introduction to Disaster Management

Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning

Research Methodology for Disaster Studies

Disaster Policy and Governance

Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

Climate Change and Disaster Management

Fieldwork Preparation and Ethics in Research

Literature Review and Research Framework

Disaster Impact Analysis

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategies

Semester III

Semester IV

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Recovery

Crisis Communication in Disaster Management

Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction

Dissertation Proposal Development

Advanced Research Methods in Disaster Management

Advanced Disaster Management Techniques

Fieldwork in Disaster-Prone Areas

Disaster Management and Humanitarian Law

Data Collection and Analysis Techniques

Disaster Management Ethics

Semester V

Semester VI

Independent Research Work

Final Thesis Writing and Dissertation Defense

Peer Review of Research Papers

Thesis Completion and Final Submission

Specialization Elective (Urban/Rural Disasters)

Research Presentation and Seminar Participation

Advanced Data Analysis Techniques

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

Disaster Management in Post-Conflict Areas

Future Trends in Disaster Management Research

 

PhD Disaster Management Job Opportunities in India

Candidates who successfully complete Disaster Management PhD course have numerous options to explore other aspects of life.

 

Graduates of disaster management courses often find employment in fire departments, law enforcement agencies, drought management departments, insurance companies, the petroleum and chemical industries, and the mining sector.

 

Take a look at the table for a wage breakdown depending on the many employment options available after PhD Disaster Management course.

Job Title

Recruiters

Experience Level

Average Salary (INR)

Disaster Management Consultant

UNDP, World Bank, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

5-10 years

8-12 LPA

Research Associate

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

2-5 years

6-8 LPA

Disaster Response Coordinator

Indian Red Cross Society, Government Agencies

5+ years

7-10 LPA

Humanitarian Aid Worker

WHO, Oxfam India, MSF

3-7 years

6-9 LPA

Risk and Safety Manager

Reliance Industries, Tata Group, BPCL

4-8 years

9-14 LPA

Policy Advisor in Disaster Management

UN, Government of India, NGOs

5-12 years

10-15 LPA

Crisis Communication Manager

NGOs, Media Companies, Government Agencies

4-7 years

7-11 LPA

Disaster Management Officer

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Disaster Management Authorities

5-10 years

8-12 LPA

Project Manager - Disaster Recovery

Red Cross, Government NGOs, Private Companies

6+ years

9-13 LPA

Environmental Risk Consultant

Greenpeace, Wipro, Infosys, Deloitte

3-8 years

7-10 LPA

 

PhD Disaster Management Vs PhD Environmental Science

Here is a comparison table between PhD in Disaster Management and PhD in Environmental Science:

Parameter

PhD Disaster Management

PhD Environmental Science

Focus Area

Focuses on disaster preparedness, risk reduction, response, and recovery from natural and man-made disasters.

Focuses on understanding environmental processes, pollution, conservation, climate change, and ecological balance.

Duration

Typically 3 to 5 years

Typically 3 to 5 years

Eligibility

Master's degree in related fields like MA Disaster Management, environmental science, or social sciences

Master's degree, MA Environmental Studies or related disciplines

Coursework

Includes risk assessment, disaster risk management, emergency planning, resilience building, and policy analysis

Covers ecology, environmental chemistry, pollution control, biodiversity, and environmental laws and regulations

Research Scope

Disaster risk reduction, disaster resilience, emergency response systems, recovery strategies

Environmental pollution impact, sustainable development, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation

Career Opportunities

Disaster management agencies, government emergency services, NGOs, policy makers, academia

Environmental consultancies, research institutes, government environmental departments, conservation agencies

Skills Developed

Crisis management, hazard analysis, emergency planning, risk communication

Environmental monitoring, data analysis, ecological impact assessment, environmental policy formulation

Employment Sectors

Government disaster management authorities, international relief organizations, urban planning agencies

Environmental research organizations, wildlife conservation, pollution control boards, academia

Application

Useful in managing disasters, hazards, urban resilience, climate adaptation

Useful in environmental protection, sustainable resource management, climate research

 

PhD Disaster Management FAQs

Who qualifies for a PhD in disaster management?

A Master's degree in Disaster Management, Environmental Science, or a related discipline with a minimum grade of 55% is typically required for admission to a PhD program. Some colleges may demand a valid entrance exam score, followed by an interview. Furthermore, a compelling research proposal and prior academic achievements may be required for selection.

What is the stipend for a PhD Disaster Management?

The income for a PhD Disaster Management varies according to the job and experience. Professionals can make an average of INR 7-15 LPA. Senior roles in government agencies, NGOs, and commercial organizations may pay between INR 15-25 LPA, particularly for experienced experts with skills in disaster recovery, research, or policy formulation.

What is the salary of PhD Disaster Management in India?

On average, professional in India earns INR 30,000 to 50,000 per month. As basic jobs, they usually the salary is between INR 3 to 6 LPA in government and private organizations. As a professional, mid-level or senior jobs have salaries of INR 10 to 25 LPA.

What is the standard entrance exam for PhD Disaster Management?

National exams such as the UGC NET, university-specific exams, and unique institutional tests administered by universities providing the program are examples of common entry exams for PhD Disaster Management. Some institutions may require that a research proposal be submitted along with the entrance exam application.

How to obtain a PhD in disaster management?

To pursue a PhD Disaster Management, one must first get a Master's degree in a relevant discipline. After passing an entrance exam (such as the UGC NET or one unique to your university), you must submit a research project. The procedure begins with coursework, followed by substantial research, thesis writing, and defense of the dissertation in front of an academic panel.

Can I finish my PhD Disaster Management in two years?

Completing a PhD Disaster Management in two years is extremely unlikely due to the significant research, thesis writing, and examination process involved. Most PhD programs last at least 3-5 years, while some students may complete their studies sooner if they have an existing project or funding.

Exam Accepting

Online|
PG|
IITs and IISc|
Engineering
Exam2 Feb, 2025
Result19 Mar, 2025
Online|
PG|
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)|
Management
Exam30 Nov, 2025
Result19 Dec, 2025
Online|
PG|
Xavier Labour Relations Institute|
Management
Exam4 Jan, 2026
Result17 Jan, 2025
Online|
PG|
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies|
Management
Exam5 Nov, 2025 - 23 Dec, 2025
Result5 Nov, 2025 - 24 Dec, 2025
Online|
UG|
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)|
Management
Exam1 Oct, 2025 - 30 Oct, 2025
Result
Online|
UG|
Consortium of National Law Universities|
Law
Exam7 Dec, 2025
Result17 May, 2025
Online/Offline|
UG|
All India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam-
Result
Online|
PG|
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)|
Design
Exam18 Jan, 2026
Result5 Mar, 2025
Online|
UG|
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology|
Engineering
Exam16 Apr, 2025 - 20 Apr, 2025
Result2 May, 2025
Online|
UG|
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Exam-
Result

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