A PhD in Home Science is a research-intensive doctoral program that can take up to 3-6 years to complete. The minimum duration to complete a PhD Home Science program is 3 years; however, it can be extended up to 6 years depending on the research progress. A PhD in Home Science focuses on human development, family studies, nutrition, and family resource management.
Students interested in the Home Science PhD course must have completed their master’s degree in a relevant field. PhD admission in Home Science is based on the score of UGC NET, ICAR, etc. Banaras Hindu University and Aligarh Muslim University are a few PhD in Home Science colleges.
Home Science PhD scholars have diverse job opportunities in Government Agencies, NGOs, Research Institutions, and International Organisations. Candidates gain hands-on research experience during their PhD in Home Science helps them to contribute to the family welfare and sustainable living practices. The PhD in Home Science average package can range between INR 2.8 LPA and INR 4.5 LPA.
- PhD Home Science Course Highlights
- What is PhD Home Science?
- Who Can Pursue a PhD in Home Science?
- Why Study PhD Home Science?
- PhD Home Science Eligibility
- PhD Home Science Entrance Exam
- Top Colleges in India for PhD Home Science
- PhD Home Science Syllabus
- PhD Home Science: Admission Process
- PhD Home Science: Job Opportunities
- PhD Home Science: Future Prospects
- PhD Home Science FAQ
- PhD Home Science Course Highlights
- What is PhD Home Science?
- Who Can Pursue a PhD in Home Science?
- Why Study PhD Home Science?
- PhD Home Science Eligibility
- PhD Home Science Entrance Exam
- Top Colleges in India for PhD Home Science
- PhD Home Science Syllabus
- PhD Home Science: Admission Process
- PhD Home Science: Job Opportunities
- PhD Home Science: Future Prospects
- PhD Home Science FAQ
PhD Home Science Course Highlights
The table has some important key highlights that the students should know before applying for the Home Science PhD. The table below shows the course highlights:
Category | Details |
Course Name | PhD in Home Science |
Duration | 3-6 years |
Eligibility | Master’s degree in Home Science or related field from a recognised university. |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam/Merit-based, followed by a Personal Interview. |
Entrance Exams | UGC NET, ICAR AIEEA, etc. |
Average Course Fee | INR 8,368 - INR 119,000 |
College | Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Rama Devi Women's University, Banaras Hindu University, etc |
Career Prospects | Researcher, Policy Analyst, Home Economics Educator, Nutritionist, Healthcare Consultant, Social Welfare Officer, etc. |
Average Package | INR 2.8 - 4.5 LPA |
Top Institutions to Work At | National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Lady Irwin College, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), etc. |
What is PhD Home Science?
A PhD in Home Science is a doctoral program focusing on the scientific study of home management and its associated disciplines. The Doctor of Philosophy in Home Science program aims to develop scholars who can conduct research in areas such as:
- Food and Nutrition: Understanding dietary needs, food safety, and nutrition education.
- Textiles and Apparel: Exploring the science of textiles, fashion design, and consumer behavior.
- Human Development: Studying psychological and social aspects of human growth across the lifespan.
- Family Resource Management: Analyzing how families manage resources effectively for optimal living conditions.
- Community Living: Investigating community dynamics and strategies for enhancing communal well-being.
Who Can Pursue a PhD in Home Science?
A PhD in Home Science is an advanced degree. It focuses on in-depth research within various areas of home science. This degree is for those who want to contribute new knowledge to the field. It prepares students for research and academic roles.
Here's who can pursue a PhD in Home Science:
- Students with a Master's degree in Home Science.
- Students with a Master's degree in a related field.
- Students who want to do in-depth research.
- Students interested in academia.
- Students who want to work in research institutions.
- Students who are passionate about specific home science areas.
- Students with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Students with good writing and communication abilities.
Why Study PhD Home Science?
A PhD in Home Science opens diverse career options for candidates. The PhD in Home Science professionals can explore careers in research institutions, government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, etc. A few reasons to pursue a PhD in Home Science are listed below:
- PhD in Home Science professionals have the opportunity to work in a research role in family welfare, human development, nutrition, and sustainable living.
- A PhD in Home Science helps candidates enhance their skills in developing policies related to family welfare, which contributes to societal well-being.
PhD Home Science Eligibility
PhD in Home Science eligibility criteria can vary for different institutions. Aspirants with a graduate degree are eligible for the Doctor of Philosophy in Home Science. The eligibility criteria for the PhD in Home Science at Bangalore City University are mentioned below:
- Candidates must have completed a Master's degree in Home Science or a related field from a recognised university with at least 45-50% marks.
- Candidates must have appeared in entrance exams such as NET/SET or equivalent tests conducted by specific universities.
- There is generally no upper age limit for Home Science PhD applicants.
PhD Home Science Entrance Exam
There are many entrance exams for PhD Home Science. The students need to appear for them to get PhD admission in Home Science into the course. The table below shows the PhD Home Science entrance exam that is accepted for admission to the course:
Exam Name | Application Date (General) | Exam Date (2025) | Application Fee (General) |
CSIR UGC NET | To be notified (expected Apr/May) | To be notified (mid 2025) | INR 1150 |
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF (PGS) | Feb–Apr 2025 (expected) | June 2025 (expected) | INR 1900 |
Christ University Entrance Test | Jan–March 2025 (expected) | April 2025 (expected) | INR 1500 |
AMU Entrance Exam | Feb–March 2025 (expected) | April/May 2025 (expected) | INR 700 |
Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance | March–April 2025 (expected) | May 2025 (expected) | INR 700 |
Top Colleges in India for PhD Home Science
There are some top institutes that offer this course and doing PhD from these colleges which have reputed status of your degree. The table below shows the list of PhD Home Science colleges along with their annual course fee:
College Name | Location | Fees (Approx.) | NIRF Ranking 2024 | Admission Process |
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | INR 699–INR 1,182 | 2 | CSIR NET JRF |
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | New Delhi | INR 5,700–INR 31,810 | 6 | CSIR NET + Interview |
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, UP | INR 8,000–INR 12,000 | 11 | UGC NET + Interview |
Delhi University (DU) | Delhi | INR 10,000–INR 15,000 | 11 | CSIR NET + Interview |
Calcutta University | Kolkata, WB | INR 5,400–INR 10,000 | 12 | University Entrance + Interview |
Punjab Agricultural University | Ludhiana, PB | INR 15,000–INR 20,000 | 34 | ICAR + Interview |
PhD Home Science Syllabus
Knowing the syllabus helps the interested students to a major extent. They can learn about the course even before getting admission into the course. Here is the syllabus for PhD in Home Science from IGNOU:
Community Resource Management & Extension - 1 Year |
Research Methodology - 1 Year |
PhD Home Science: Admission Process
PhD Home Science admission is merit/ entrance-based. The PhD admission in Home Science is mostly the same for all institutions; however, the detailed steps are mentioned below:
- Entrance Exams: Candidates must have passed entrance exams like CSIR NET conducted by universities or national bodies.
- Application Submission: Aspirants must submit the online applications through the university portals.
- Interview/Screening: Shortlisted candidates shall appear for the interviews or screening processes.
- Final Selection: A Merit list will be prepared based on academic performance and entrance exam results
Documents Required:
- Master’s degree mark sheets and certificate
- Bachelor’s degree mark sheets and certificate
- Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
- Entrance exam scorecard (UGC NET, CSIR NET, university entrance, etc.), if applicable
- Admit card for the entrance exam (if applicable)
- Migration certificate
- Transfer certificate or college leaving certificate
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applying under reserved category
- Experience certificate
- Research proposal or synopsis
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer (for employed candidates, if required)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Photo identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or passport)
PhD Home Science: Job Opportunities
After completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Home Science, graduates can explore a variety of job prospects such as Family Resource Manager, Research Scientist, Dietitian and much more. Some of the PhD Home Science job roles, along with the average package, are mentioned below:
Job Role | Average Salary (LPA) | Experience (Years) (LPA) |
Research Scientist | INR 3 - INR 5 | INR 1-INR 3 |
University Professor | INR 4 - INR 8 | INR 3-INR 5 |
Nutrition Consultant | INR 2.5 -INR 4.5 | INR 1-INR 3 |
Family Resource Manager | INR 3.5 - INR 6 | INR 2-INR 5 |
Community Development Officer | INR 3 - INR 5.5 | INR 2-INR 4 |
Dietitian | INR 2.8 - INR 4.5 | INR 2 |
PhD Home Science: Future Prospects
After completing a PhD in Home Science, individuals can explore various career options such as professors at private and government institutes/universities. Apart from these, some other options are listed below:
- Candidates who pursued a PhD in Home Science can work for international organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and FAO.
- Individuals with a PhD in Home Science can contribute to research in the fields of nutrition and family welfare.
- After pursuing a PhD in Home Science, one can lead or manage programs for women and child development or nutrition advocacy.
PhD Home Science FAQ
Can I pursue a PhD in Home Science part-time?
Yes. Candidates can pursue a PhD in Home Science on a part-time basis. Many institutes offer a PhD in Home Science for working professionals to pursue the PhD course on a part-time basis. Banasthali Vidyapith offers a PhD in Home Science on a part-time basis, however, candidates must submit a “No Objection Certificate” from their employer.
What is the scope of a PhD Home Science?
A PhD in Home Science offers research opportunities to individuals in areas like human development and family dynamics. Furthermore, PhD professionals can work as professors at private or public institutions.
Can I pursue a PhD Home Science from IGNOU?
Yes. IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) offers a PhD in Home Science. Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Home Science or a related field. The total course fee is INR 16,800.
Is a PhD in Home Science stressful?
A PhD can be stressful at times, as it requires research, analysis and producing high-quality work. However, the level of stress depends on various factors like research topic, time management skills and support from the guide. One can complete a PhD degree in time with proper planning.