PhD in Environmental Science: Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees, Job & Salary

PhD Environmental Science is a doctorate course for a period of 3 to 6 years, depending on research progress. The course aims to produce a deep understanding of climate change, sustainable development, environmental pollution, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

To be eligible for a PhD in Environmental Science, candidates must have a master's degree in a related field and a minimum grade of 55%. Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Environmental Science include UGC-NET, GATE, and CUET-PG.  

PhD in Environmental Science provides candidates with the knowledge in biodiversity conservation, ecology, environmental chemistry, climate change, pollution control and sustainable resource management. Some of the job roles available for them are Natural Resource Specialist, Microbiologist, Environmentalist, Wildlife Biologist and many more.

Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Environmental Science can expect an average package in the range of INR 6 - 12 LPA.

PhD in Environmental Science Course Highlights

The basic details of a PhD in Environmental Science are as follows:

What is a PhD in Environmental Science?

PhD Environmental Science is a 3 to 6 year doctorate course that provides knowledge to the students in research and study aspects of climate change, biodiversity conservation and pollution control. Like, a candidate studies the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, which helps to develop solutions for waste management and protecting ocean ecosystems.

It focuses on research that studies the environment and how to address environmental issues. It provides individuals with in-depth expertise, strong research capabilities and enhanced critical thinking skills.

Why Study PhD in Environmental Science?

A PhD in Environmental Science is a study that opens up various career opportunities in research and academia. The course provides in-depth knowledge of ecosystem conservation, climate change mitigation, and pollution control.

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science is in demand because there is a high need for experts to address challenges like pollution, climate change, and sustainable resource management.

PhD in Environmental Science Eligibility

Students should have the following eligibility to take admission in the PhD Environmental Science:

• The candidates must have a master's degree in a related field and a minimum grade of 55%.
• Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like UGC-NET, GATE, and CUET-PG.

PhD in Environmental Science Entrance Exams

Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD Environmental Science include UGC-NET, GATE, and CUET-PG.

Top Colleges in India for PhD in Environmental Science

Some of the top colleges for a PhD Environmental Science, based on the NIRF Ranking 2024, are as follows:

PhD in Environmental Science VS PhD in Environmental Studies

A PhD Environmental Science provides students with the knowledge in research of environmental processes, natural resource management, and environmental technologies. Students can pursue careers as environmental scientists, researchers, policy advisors, or in the development of environmental technologies in a variety of industries after finishing the course, including government agencies, non-profits, research institutions, environmental consulting, and the energy and pharmaceutical sectors.

A PhD in Environmental Studies provides students with the knowledge in the environment, sustainability, environmental justice, policy-making, and community-based solutions to environmental challenges. After the course, candidates can pursue careers in academia, environmental advocacy, policy analysis, government agencies, NGO, and international organisations, where they can work as environmental policy experts, consultants, sustainability managers or environmental educators.

PhD in Environmental Science Jobs

The basic details of jobs after a PhD in Environmental Science are as follows:

• Industry: A PhD in Environmental Science can lead to jobs in academia or government and private sectors or related fields.
• Employment Demand: The course is in high demand, offering jobs like Natural Resource Specialist, Microbiologist, Environmentalist and Wildlife Biologist.
• Average Salary: The average salary after a PhD in Environmental Science varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The average salary is between INR 6- 12 LPA.

There are various job roles available for PhD holders in Environmental Science. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience are mentioned in the table below:

PhD in Environmental Science FAQs