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. To be eligible for a PhD in Finance, 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.
A Doctorate 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
The basic details of a PhD degree in Finance are as follows:
Particulars | Course Details |
Course Name | PhD in Finance |
Duration | 3 - 6 Years |
Eligibility | Candidates must have a master's degree in a related field, and a minimum grade of 55% |
Admission Process | Entrance Based |
Entrance Examinations | CSIR-NET/ UGC-NET/GATE/ICMR JRF |
Average Course Fees | INR 50,000 - 1,00,000 |
Career Prospects | Corporate financial analyst, Investment strategist, Financial researcher, University Professor |
Average Package after PhD | INR 7 - 15 LPA |
What is a PhD in Finance?
PhD Finance is a 3 to 6-year doctorate course that involvesresearch, 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 analyses 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.
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 in a related field and a minimum grade of 55%.
- Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like CSIR-NET, GATE, ICMR JRF and UGC-NET.
PhD in Finance Admission Process
The PhD Finance admission process is similar in most universities; however, the admission process of Amity University is mentioned below:
- Visit the official website of Amity University
- Complete the online application form with required attachments and payment.
- Check the online admission microsite to see application status and shortlisting updates.
- Sit for the Amity PhD Entrance Test (APET), unless exemption is granted based on merit in a national-level examination.
- If shortlisted, appear for a personal interview.
- Upon acceptance of the admission offer letter, complete the admission formalities.
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.
Entrance Examination | Registration Date | Date of Examination |
UGC NET 2025 | May 12, 2025 | June 1 to 30, 2025 |
CSIR NET 2025 | TBA | June 16 to 22, 2025 |
Amity PhD Entrance Test 2025 | May 31, 2025 | June 16, 2025 |
ICMR JRF 2025 | April 21, 2025 | July 2025 |
GATE 2026 | October 2025 | February 2026 |
Top Colleges in India for PhD in Finance
Some of the top colleges for a PhD degree in Finance are as follows:
Type of Course | College Name | City, State | Annual Fees |
PhD Finance | Amity University | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | INR 1,00,000 |
PhD Finance | Sanskriti University | Mathura, Uttar Pradesh | INR 85,000 |
PhD Finance | MIT Solan | Solapur, Maharashtra | - |
PhD Finance & Banking | KJ Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai, Maharashtra | INR 50,000 |
PhD Finance | OP Jindal Global University | Sonepat, Haryana | INR 1,00,000 |
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:
Category | Course Name |
Core Course | Advanced Research Methodology |
Quantitative Applications in Management | |
Research and Publication Ethics | |
Specialisation Elective | Advance Commercial Banking |
Mandatory Course | Comprehensive Examinations and Viva |
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:
Job Roles | Entry level | Experience level |
University Professor | INR 5-6 LPA | INR 7-9 LPA |
Financial researcher | INR 5-6 LPA | INR 8-12 LPA |
Investment strategist | INR 8-10 LPA | INR 12-15 LPA |
Corporate financial analyst | INR 6-10 LPA | INR 12-15 LPA |
Auditor | INR 6-8 LPA | INR 10-12 LPA |
PhD in Finance FAQs
Can someone get a PhD in finance while working full-time?
Yes, it is possible to get a PhD degree in finance while working full-time, however, it will require a lot of dedication.
Is it worth doing a PhD in finance degree?
Yes, a PhD in finance is worth doing if one wants to pursue their career in universities, banks or finance firms.
Can one pursue a PhD degree in finance after an MBA?
Yes, after an MBA in finance, one can pursue a Finance Doctorate Program to become a University Professor, a Financial researcher or an Investment strategist.
What is the scope of a PhD in finance?
A PhD in finance provides employment opportunities as a researcher in Finance in the government and private sectors, and also in international organisations like the World Bank, etc.
