PhD in Finance: Admissions 2025, Eligibility, Fees, Salary, Jobs and Scope

• Updated on  Aug 14, 2025, by Kirti Mehendiratta

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.

 

Table of Contents
  1. PhD in Finance Course Highlights
  2. What is a PhD in Finance?
  3. Why Study PhD in Finance?
  4. Who Should Pursue a Ph.D in Finance?
  5. PhD in Finance Eligibility
  6. PhD in Finance Entrance Exams
  7. PhD in Finance Best Colleges in India
  8. PhD in Finance Admission Process 2025
  9. PhD in Finance Syllabus
  10. PhD in Finance Vs PhD in Economics Course Comparison
  11. PhD in Finance Jobs
  12. PhD in Finance FAQs

 

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 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.

Entrances

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fees

UGC NET 2026

April - May 2026

June 2026

General: INR 1,150

 

OBC-NCL/EWS: INR 600

 

SC/ST/PWD: INR 325

GATE 2026

September 2025

February 2026

Female/SC/ST/PWD Candidates Registration Fee: INR 900

 

INR 1800 for all candidates, including foreign nationals

 

Extended registration period with late fee (INR 1400, INR 2300)

CSIR NET 2026

June 2026

July 2026

General/EWS: INR 1150

 

OBC-NCL: INR 600

 

SC/ST/PWD: INR 325

 

PhD in Finance Best Colleges in India

Given below are some of the top colleges for a PhD in Finance degree in India:

College Name

City, State

NIRF Ranking 2024 (Universities)

Annual Fees

Amity University

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

32

INR 1,00,000

Sanskriti University

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

-

INR 85,000

MIT Solan

Solapur, Maharashtra

-

-

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management

Mumbai, Maharashtra

-

INR 50,000

OP
Jindal
Global University

Sonepat, Haryana

-

INR 1,00,000

 

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:

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 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:

Parameter

Ph.D. in Finance

Ph.D. in Economics

Course Level

Doctorate (Research)

Doctorate (Research)

Duration

3 – 6 years

3 – 6 years

Eligibility

Master’s in Finance, Economics, Commerce, or related field with at least 55% marks (5% relaxation for reserved categories)

Master’s in Economics or related field with at least 55% marks (5% relaxation for reserved categories)

Admission Process

Based on UGC-NET / university-level entrance exam + interview

Based on UGC-NET / university-level entrance exam + interview

Average Course Fees

INR 60,000 – 3 Lakhs

INR 50,000 – 2 Lakhs

Curriculum Focus

Corporate finance, investment analysis, asset pricing, risk management, financial modeling, and market microstructure

Microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics, international economics, and public policy

Research Component

Emphasis on developing financial models, studying market behavior, and solving corporate finance problems

Focus on economic theories, statistical models, and economic policy research

Average Salary Range

INR 6 LPA – 15 LPA

INR 6 LPA – 14 LPA

Career Options

University professor, investment strategist, financial analyst, policy advisor, quantitative researcher

University professor, economist, policy analyst, research consultant, development expert

Top Recruiters

Universities, investment banks, financial institutions, consulting firms, research organizations

Universities, government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, consulting firms

Best For

Students wanting to specialize in financial markets, corporate finance, and investment research

Students aiming to study economic systems, policy impacts, and economic development issues

 

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

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.

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ResultMar 19, 2025
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Xavier Labour Relations Institute|
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ExamJan 5, 2025
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Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies|
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ExamNov 5, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025
ResultNov 5, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025
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UG|
Consortium of National Law Universities|
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ExamDec 1, 2024
ResultMay 17, 2025
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PG|
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)|
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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|
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All India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam-
Result
Online|
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National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Business & Management Studies
ExamJan 25, 2025
ResultFeb 13, 2025
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Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra|
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ExamApr 1, 2025 - Apr 3, 2025
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