PhD Geography: Courses, Admissions, Eligibility Criteria, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, Top Recruiters, Jobs, Salary

PhD in Geography is a 3 to 5-year course in the speciality of physical, human, and environmental geography research. The applicants should have a postgraduate degree in Geography or an allied subject from a recognised institution with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.

Admission normally takes place by clearing national-level entrance exams such as UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or state-level SET. Once the exam is cleared, the candidates must submit an advanced research proposal and face an interview procedure. The program focuses on independent research, field work, spatial analysis, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing methods. The typical fee for a PhD in Geography in India is between INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 annually, based on the institution.

Upon successful graduation, the graduates can work in academia, research institutions, government departments, and environmental consultancies. Some examples of job posts include geographer, Assistant Professor, Researcher, Cartographer, Urban Planner, GIS Professional, and Nature Conservation Officer. The program also provides access to global research careers, policy career options, and interdisciplinary careers that address global environmental and socio-economic issues.

PhD Geography Course Highlights

Given below are the highlights of the PhD Geography course:

What is a PhD in Geography?

A PhD in Geography is a research-based doctoral degree that investigates higher-level themes in physical, human, and environmental geography. It entails comprehensive study and primary research in topics like climate change, urban planning, population dynamics, geomorphology, and geographic information systems (GIS). The program usually lasts 3 to 5 years and asks applicants to have a postgraduate degree in Geography or an allied discipline with at least 55% marks. With a blend of coursework, field work, and dissertation writing, the PhD trains students in analysing, researching, and acquiring technical skills for careers in academics, government or consultancy.

Why Pursue a PhD in Geography?

A PhD in Geography facilitates more specialisation in human, environmental, or physical geography. Given below are the benefits of pursuing a PhD in Geography:

• These degrees offer career prospects in research institutes, think tanks, and academia.
• Acquires advanced-level capability in research, analysis, and fieldwork.
• Helps solve problems of everyday life, such as climate change, urbanisation, and resource management.
• Provides opportunities for national and international research funding as well as collaboration.
• Strengthens qualification for senior positions in the government, policymaking, and environmental consultancy.

PhD Geography Eligibility Criteria

The list of eligibility criteria that must be fulfilled to be able to pursue PhD geography courses is listed below for your reference.

• Candidates must complete their graduation such as a BSc in Geography and postgraduation with an aggregate score of 55% and above or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised university
• 5% relaxation on the total aggregate score is given to students from reserved categories such as SC/ST/OBC/PwD
• They must then clear entrance exams such as UGC NET or CSIR UGC NET, followed by presenting their research topic, which, after presenting, if it gets selected, candidates can start their PhD geography courses.

PhD Geography Admission Procedure

The admission procedure for PhD Geography courses at the Presidency University, Kolkata, is discussed below in detail for your reference.

• Visit the official website and look for the PhD admission notification for the geography program
• Make an account and complete the online application by entering all the necessary details
• Pay the non-refundable application fee using the SBI Collect Portal using the application number that the system produced
• Candidates are required to compile the required paperwork, such as report cards and mark sheets, certifications, and an overview of the topic they want to study
• A hard copy of the application, the necessary paperwork, and a copy of the payment receipt should be sent or dropped off at the Secretary, Faculty Councils, Presidency University, 86/1, College Street, Kolkata-700073.
• An all-India PhD Entrance Test (RET) will be administered by the university.
• To be eligible for the interview or viva voce, candidates must receive at least 50% of the possible points on the admission exam.
• The department will call the selected candidates for an interview or viva voce if they clear the admission exam.

Documents Required

The list of crucial documents that must be presented for securing admission at the Presidency University Kolkata for PhD Geography courses is listed below for your reference.

• Self-attested copies of the 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Self-attested copies of Graduation and post-graduation marksheets
• Self-attested copies of MPhil or other relevant exam mark sheets
• Migration Certificate
• Details of the NET or other qualified exam
• Employment Certificate

PhD Geography Entrance Exams and Application Deadlines

The list of various entrance exams conducted for PhD geography courses is tabulated below for your reference.

PhD Geography Syllabus

The detailed course curriculum for PhD Geography courses from Aligarh Muslim University is tabulated below for your reference.

PhD Geography Top Colleges

The list of top colleges as per NIRF, along with their fees for PhD geography courses, is tabulated below for your reference.

PhD Geography Jobs and Salary

The various job profiles along with the tentative salaries offered after completing PhD geography courses are tabulated below for your reference.

PhD Geography FAQs