A PhD in History is a research-intensive doctoral program with a duration of 3-6 years. The minimum duration to complete a PhD program is 3 years; however, it can be extended up to 6 years in some cases. A PhD in History focuses on the study of past events, historiography and historical trends. The doctoral program helps the candidates develop analytical and research skills during the course.
Aspirants with a postgraduate degree in history or a relevant field are eligible for PhD in History admission. Most universities accept UGC NET or CSIR-UGC NET exam scores for admission. However, institutes like VIT conducted their entrance test, VITREE, for PhD admission. LPU offers a PhD in part-time and full-time modes. Candidates can register for the LPUNEST for scholarship/ admission to the PhD in History.
PhD in History scholars have diverse job opportunities in academia, research institutions or publishing houses. During the PhD program, candidates gain hands-on research experience that enables them to disclose facts through publication or teaching. Working as a professor, a PhD in History scholar can earn an average salary of INR 22 LPA, depending on the experience.
- PhD in History Highlights
- What is a PhD in History?
- Why Pursue PhD in History?
- PhD in History Admission Process
- PhD in History Eligibility
- PhD in History Entrance Exam
- PhD in History Syllabus
- Top Colleges in India for PhD in History
- PhD in History Jobs
- PhD in History Future Scopes
- PhD in History FAQ
PhD in History Highlights
PhD in History course details are mentioned below:
Category | Details |
Course Name | PhD in History |
Duration | 3-6 years |
Eligibility | Master’s degree in history or a related field from a recognised university |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam/ Merit-based, followed by a Personal Interview |
Entrance Exams | CSIR-UGC NET, UGC NET, JEST, GATE, VITREE, etc |
Average Course Fee | INR 35,000 - INR 1,00,000 |
Career Prospects | Historian, Professor, Research Analyst, Museum Curator, Author, etc |
Top institutions to work at | BBC History, National Geographic, Ashoka University, LPU, etc |
What is a PhD in History?
A PhD in History provides in-depth knowledge about historical events, cultural studies and historiography. The PhD program is designed in such a way that helps the candidates to learn new perspectives regarding historical studies. Students mainly focus on extensive research throughout the program to learn more about history.
Candidates with a background in history or humanities are eligible to apply for the doctoral program in history. With the advancement of historical research tools and digital archives, PhD in History holders have the opportunity for long-term growth in their careers. Further, a PhD in History holder can earn up to INR 22 LPA depending on the job role and experience.
Why Pursue PhD in History?
A PhD in History degree is a prestigious qualification for individuals having an interest in historical research. This doctoral Program is curated in such a way that candidates learn analytical and research skills. A candidate with a PhD degree in history can contribute more to society by writing books or research papers.
Further, scholars with a PhD in history can collaborate with the government to discover more historical facts. As technology advances every day, historical data analysis is becoming easier and thus ensures job guarantee/stability in the long run.
PhD in History Admission Process
The PhD History admission procedure is undertaken primarily online by universities. Suitable candidates may apply by logging into the official university website and submitting their application form online.
- For instance, the admission procedure at Lovely Professional University (LPU) is undertaken by following the following steps:
- Log on to the official website of LPU and register by filling up the required details.
- Appear for and qualify for the LPUNEST entrance exam, which tests the research aptitude of the candidate.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview to test their research proposal as well as academic readiness.
- Candidates clearing the interview must fill up the admission formalities and pay the fees within the time frame specified to confirm their admissions.
PhD in History Eligibility
Candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in History must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Completed a post-graduation degree in history or a related field such as from a recognised university
- Candidates must have a minimum of 55 to 60% marks in aggregate
- A valid score in UGC-NET/CSIR-NET or equivalent
PhD in History Entrance Exam
Admission to a PhD in History is based on an entrance exam like UGC NET, AIIMS PhD Entrance Test, JEST, GATE, etc. Pondicherry University and Ashoka University conduct their entrance test for admission to the PhD in History program. More test details are mentioned below:
Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
UGC NET | March 2025 | June 2025 |
CSIR-UGC NET | May 2025 | July 2025 |
LPUNEST | May 7, 2025 | May 9 & May 11, 2025 |
JEST | Ongoing | April 6, 2025 |
VITREE | March 31, 2025 | April 20 & April 24, 2025 |
PhD in History Syllabus
The curriculum for the PhD in History is almost similar for the majority of the colleges. However, the syllabus of the PhD in History offered by the University of Mysore is mentioned below:
Course I: Advanced Research Methodology and Theory in History
- Basic Principles of Historical Method
- Qualitative methods of cliometrics
- Archival research - modalities of oral history
- Historiography: the scientific revolution and its impact
- Ranke’s methods of history
- Karl Marx and materialist interpretation
- Theories of Spengler and Toynbee, annals and subaltern schools
Course II: Review of Literature
- Medieval Administrative Networks
- Colonialism-Colonial Exploitation
- Nationalism/National Struggle
- History of the Princely States
- Economic History / Economic Development
- Art, Architecture and Painting
- Indian Feudalism- Feudal socio-economic relations, Feudal culture-Feudal art
- Artisans, Craftsman and the guild system
- State formation and its regional variations in Indian History
- Agrarian History-land relations
- Patterns of Revenue Assessment/Revenue Collection
- Peasant Rebellions-Colonial Land Revenue System
- Urbanisation/Urban Studies
- Non-Brahmin Movements, Dalit Movements
- Social History/Social Movement
Top Colleges in India for PhD in History
Aspirants looking for admission to a PhD in History can check out the top colleges listed below:
NIRF Ranking | College Name | Fees |
#90
(Overall) | Christ University | INR 65,000 |
#45 (Overall)
#27 (University) | Lovely Professional University | INR 50,000 |
- | Pondicherry University | INR 23,301 |
#1 (Overall)
#2 (Research Institutions) | IIT Madras | INR 15,650 |
#1(private universities) | Ashoka University | INR 75,000 |
NIRF #67 University | Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur | INR 1,04,500 |
- | Jaipur National University | INR 1,15,500 |
- | Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University | INR 35,000 |
PhD in History Jobs
PhD in History graduates can avail of several job roles in the government and private sectors. Individuals with a PhD in History are highly valued in the job market as they have strong analytical and research skills. Some of the job roles one can opt for after a PhD in History are mentioned below:
Job Roles | Experience- 1 - 3 Yr | Experience 4 - 7 Years | Experience 8+ years |
Professor | INR 12.7 LPA | INR 17.9 LPA | INR 22.6 LPA |
Research Fellow | INR 3.06 LPA | INR 3.6 LPA | INR 4 LPA |
Museum Curator | INR 8.8 LPA | INR 12.2 LPA | INR 15.3 LPA |
Historian | INR 8.5 LPA | INR 11.71 LPA | INR 14.69 LPA |
PhD in History Future Scopes
After completing a PhD in history, candidates can explore various career options such as professors at private and government institutes/universities. Apart from these, some other options are listed below:
- The individuals can write books or research papers
- Candidates can apply for the faculty position
- Individuals can carry out postdoctoral research
- Candidates can also work as a Curator or an Archivist at the museums
PhD in History FAQ
Which topic is best for a PhD in History?
Candidates can select from a variety of topics for a PhD in history. Classical art, the Civil War, the First World War, and the Second World War are some topics that can be selected for the PhD programs. One of the benefits of choosing these topics is that the candidates will get plenty of resources that are already available.
Is the PhD in History course difficult?
A PhD in History is one of the most prestigious degrees that can be earned by an individual. The difficulty level of the course depends on the research and analytical skills of the person pursuing the program.
Can I pursue a PhD in History online?
Yes. Many institutions offer a PhD in History through an online mode. Candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in History in online mode can apply to the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
How can I do a PhD in IIT without GATE?
Aspirants who have a CGPA of more than 8 can get admission to the PhD in History program at IIT Madras. However, the department head will evaluate the application and necessary documents for admission without a GATE score.
Is the entrance test mandatory for PhD in History Admission at IGNOU?
Yes. Candidates need to appear for the IGNOU entrance test for admission to the PhD in History. However, candidates with JRF/NET qualifications are exempted from the entrance exam.
