PhD Finance is a doctoral course for a period of 3 to 6 years that aims to provide candidates with advanced knowledge of finance through complex financial theories. The course focuses on advanced topics like financial markets, investment strategies, corporate finance, and risk management. Students learn to conduct original research, analyze complex financial data, and develop theories or models to solve real-world financial problems.
The eligibility criteria for the PhD in Finance are that the 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 Finance include CSIR-NET, GATE, ICMR JRF, and UGC-NET.
The average course fees for the Ph.D in Finance range between INR 50,000 – 1,00,000, depending on the institute type. Some of the famous institutes offering the Ph D in Finance include Amity University, Sanskriti University, MIT Solan, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, OP Jindal Global University.
A Doctorate degree in Finance provides candidates with the knowledge of financial markets, corporate finance, investments, financial modelling, and risk management. Some of the job roles available for them are Investment strategist, University professor, Corporate financial analyst, Accounting consultant, and many more. Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Finance can expect an average package in the range of INR 7 - 15 LPA.
- PhD in Finance Course Highlights
- What is a PhD in Finance?
- Why Study PhD in Finance?
- Who Should Pursue a Ph.D in Finance?
- PhD in Finance Eligibility
- PhD in Finance Entrance Exams
- PhD in Finance Best Colleges in India
- PhD in Finance Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Finance Syllabus
- PhD in Finance Vs PhD in Economics Course Comparison
- PhD in Finance Jobs
- PhD in Finance FAQs
PhD in Finance Course Highlights
The basic details of a PhD degree in Finance are as follows:
What is a PhD in Finance?
PhD Finance is a 3 to 6-year doctorate course that involves research, innovative quantitative methods and a deep understanding of financial frameworks and markets. Candidates understand topics such as corporate finance, investment strategies and techniques to solve real-world problems.
Like, a PhD researcher analyzes how changes in central bank interest rates affect stock prices across different sectors by using advanced statistical methods to understand. This type of research helps investors make decisions and also allows policymakers to understand how their actions influence financial markets.
Why Study PhD in Finance?
PhD Finance is actually a study that opens up a lot of career paths in research and scholarly activities. The course delves very deeply into corporate finance, investment strategies, and financial markets. There is demand for a PhD degree in finance because more and more institutions, businesses, and governments recognise a need for higher degrees of quantitative and analytical skills for financial decision-making.
With risk, investment strategies, and financial products hotly contested topics brought to the fore by financial institutions, corporate entities, or even governments, there is much need for finance talent with comprehensive knowledge in the field. PhD-level finance professionals have been relied upon to study complex risk models, evaluate systemic risks, and devise strategies for recovery.
Who Should Pursue a Ph.D in Finance?
Given below are some of the points on why one should pursue a PhD in Finance:
- Individuals who wish to build a career in academia as professors or researchers in finance and economics.
- Professionals aiming to contribute original research to the fields of corporate finance, investment, or financial markets.
- Those interested in high-level policy-making roles in government agencies, central banks, or financial regulatory bodies.
- Candidates seeking advanced analytical and quantitative skills for roles in think tanks, global institutions, or consulting firms.
- Finance graduates who want to specialize deeply in topics like asset pricing, risk management, or financial modeling.
PhD in Finance Eligibility
Candidates should have the following eligibility to take admission in the PhD Finance degree:
- The candidates must have a master's degree, such as MSc/M.Tech/M.A./MBA in Finance with an aggregate score of 55% marks from a recognized university.
- Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like CSIR-NET, GATE, ICMR JRF, and UGC-NET.
PhD in Finance Entrance Exams
Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD degree in Finance include CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE and ICMR JRF.
PhD in Finance Best Colleges in India
Given below are some of the top colleges for a PhD in Finance degree in India:
PhD in Finance Admission Process 2025
The PhD Finance admission process is similar in most universities; however, the admission process of Amity University is mentioned below:
Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of Amity University
Step 2: The Student needs to fill out the online application form with the required information and attachments. After filling out the form, submit the form and pay the application fees.
Step 3: Check the online admission microsite to see application status and shortlisting updates.
Step 4: Anyone who wants to pursue a PhD in Finance course from Amity University needs to give the Amity PhD Entrance Test (APET), unless an exemption is granted based on merit in a national-level examination.
Step 5: The university will shortlist some candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam. If shortlisted, the student will need to appear for a personal interview.
Step 6: Upon acceptance of the admission offer letter, complete the admission formalities.
PhD in Finance Syllabus
The finance doctorate programs are mostly similar for most of the colleges; however, the syllabus for the Doctorate Degree in Finance at Amity University is mentioned below:
PhD in Finance Vs PhD in Economics Course Comparison
Given below is the detailed course comparison for the PhD in Finance and PhD in Economics courses for the candidates:
PhD in Finance Jobs
There are various job roles available for a Doctorate Degree in Finance. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience is mentioned in the table below:
PhD in Finance FAQs
Is a PhD in Finance Useful?
A Ph.D. in Finance is beneficial in case you are interested in teaching, research, or high-level analysis in finance. It assists in establishing an in-depth understanding of how markets operate, how organizations make monetary decisions, and how risks are handled. The graduates may be employed in universities, government institutions, banks, or any other international institution that requires experts to analyze and find solutions to complex issues related to money. This might not be needed in a typical finance job, but it is useful in careers that involve substantial research and expertise.
Can I do a Ph.D. in Finance with just a Bachelor’s degree?
The majority of universities prefer individuals with a prior Master of Science in Finance, Economics or a similar field. However, a very good academic achievement, and research ability can enable one to be permitted to join some universities immediately after a Bachelor degree, though this is not as common.
What subjects will I study in a Finance Ph.D.?
Students are typically introduced to more advanced areas of study including corporate finance, investment theories, risk management, financial markets and research methods. The first half of the program is devoted to the classes and exams, and then students proceed with the independent research program which is called a dissertation.
Is it hard to join a Ph.D in Finance if my background isn’t in finance or math?
It may be difficult. Ph.D. programs in finance demand a decent understanding of math and statistics comprising calculus and algebra. The coursework is also challenging when there are no such skills. Some of the students do additional courses in math or statistics prior to their application in order to ease the transition.
How long will it take to finish a Ph.D. in Finance?
A Ph.D. in Finance can take 4-6 years fulltime. Two years will be academic time and the other years are to conduct research and type out your thesis. It takes 4 years to take a degree and it depends on the rate at which the students are able to fulfill their research works.