PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences is a doctoral-level research degree that focuses on comprehending and studying human behavior, social structures, and cultural processes. Students do original research to provide new insights into their chosen fields. PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences programs are primarily research-based, allowing students to gain competence in their field.

The eligibility criteria for the PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences is that the candidate must have completed a Master's degree in a relevant discipline with at least 55% marks. The admission to this course is based on the entrance exams, such as the UGC NET/CSIR NET/GATE or institutional-specific assessments.

The PhD Humanities and Social Sciences average fee ranges between INR 50,000 and INR 2,00,000, depending on the university and its facilities. Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and University of Hyderabad are some of the best colleges for the course.

Graduates of the PhD in Humanities and Social Science can work in academia as professors or researchers. Ph.D. in Humanities career opportunities are as university professors, researchers, policy analysts, social workers, anthropologists, human rights consultants, sociologists, and journalists. The average salary graduates of PhD in Humanities and Social Science can expect is between INR 6 – 8 LPA. The future scope includes additional academic research, policy formation, and consultancy in various industries.

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences Highlights

Mentioned below are some of the basic course highlights for the PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences:

What is PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences?

Ph.D in Humanities and Social Sciences is a graduate research degree that focuses on the in-depth study of human behavior, culture, society, and history. Doctorate in Humanities and Social Sciences covers sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, literature, and philosophy. Students do original research to address complex societal issues, with the goal of advancing knowledge and policy in fields such as social justice, education, and human development.

PhD candidates in Humanities and Social Science gain skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, allowing them to investigate a wide range of themes such as human rights, cultural dynamics, and social policy.

Why Study PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences?

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences equips students with advanced research techniques to enable them to tackle international issues as well as assist in developing society.

• PhD in Humanities and Social Science gives you a chance to study complex human behavior, social structures, and cultures. We will find out about the social, political, and historical powers that build our world.
• The Humanities and Social Science PhD has several opportunities where one can do innovative work in sociology, political science, psychology and literature. You will be able to discuss important topics such as social justice, inequality, and world issues.
• In the academic, government, and non-profit sectors, graduates may pursue a career as a university professor, researcher, policy consultant, or social scientist.
• This kind of research can lead to societal contributions. Graduate Ph.D. students studying social systems and education and human development help create better policies and programs that can foster social welfare.
• A research degree in Humanities and Social Science allows you to have a career in higher education or research institutions with international recognition as an authority on your topic.
• Ph.D in Humanities and Social Sciences trains you in skills of thinking critically, carrying out research, and communication highly valued in any sector, and thus renders you versatile to diverse working scenarios.

Who Should Study PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences?

Ph.D in Humanities and Social Sciences is a great option in case you need to teach and make your contribution to the academic world. It equips individuals to become professors in universities so they can guide aspiring scholars and researchers.

• Humanities and Social Science research suits individuals who desire to conduct thorough research in human behavior, cultural, and societal issues.
• It would be perfect for those who need to know more about complex sociology, psychology, and political themes.
• Ph.D. HSS helps to influence public policies, social institutions, and educational frameworks. Major contributions to the government policy and activities of the society can be made by the graduates.
• Individuals who are interested in social justice, equality, and humanitarian efforts will find the Humanities and Social Science Ph.D program an attractive solution.
• Humanities research of Ph.D Program focuses on the global problems in Human rights, gender equality, and community development.
• As long as you are drawn to the human culture, human history, or literature, having a Doctoral degree in Humanities and Social Science would enable you to research fields of literature, historical studies, and cultural anthropology.
• People engaged in non-governmental organizations or social services will gain important research, analytical, and policy-making skills that will help them make a bigger impact on the communities they serve.

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences Eligibility Criteria

Given below is the detailed eligibility criteria for the PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences course. Students must meet a certain criteria if they wish to pursue the course from renowned colleges.

• The candidate must hold a Master’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
• The qualifying degree should be obtained with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade; a relaxation of up to 5% is permitted for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), PwD, and other reserved categories as per government norms.
• Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. in a relevant subject are also eligible, provided they meet the minimum marks requirement.
• The candidate must have qualified in a national-level entrance examination such as UGC-NET/UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, or an equivalent test recognized by the university; some institutions may also accept results from state-level or university-specific entrance tests.

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Exams 2025

Given below are some of the entrance exams for the PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences. Students need to have a valid score in either of them in order to pursue the course.

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences Colleges in India

Mentioned below are some of the best colleges, along with their NIRF rankings, Humanities and Social Science Ph.D. fee structure, and admission procedures:

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences Admission Process 2025

The admission to the PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences is based on the entrance exam scores. Students need to have a valid entrance exam score in CSIR NET/UGC NET, etc.

For your reference, given below is the step-by-step admission process for the BITS Pilani, Rajasthan.

Step 1: Visit the official BITS Pilani website to register for the Ph.D. program in Humanities and Social Science. Complete your registration by providing personal and academic details.

Step 2: Fill out the Ph.D. application form with your academic qualifications, achievements, research interests, and professional aspirations. Upload your transcripts, degree certificates, passport-sized photo, and any relevant category certificates.

Step 3: Submit your PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences application through the official BITS Pilani portal.

Step 4: BITS Pilani uses an entrance-based Humanities and Social Science Ph.D. admissions process. Applicants must take the BITS Pilani Ph.D. Entrance Test (also called the BITS HD Entrance Exam). Depending on the findings, an interview round may also be held.

Step 5: The shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. During the interview, the panel will evaluate the applicant's research proposal, academic background, and research potential in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Step 6: Following the interview, BITS Pilani will provide the final list of selected candidates, along with the interview and application details. Candidates will be invited to counseling, where their final selection will be confirmed.

Step 7: Following selection, you will get an admission notice via email that includes information regarding the Doctorate in Humanities and Social Sciences fees, accommodations, and orientation schedule.

Required Documents:

• 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Master’s degree mark sheets
• Research proposal (if applicable)
• Identity proof (Aadhar card, Passport)
• Transfer certificate
• Character certificate
• Medical certificate
• Category certificate (if applicable)

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences Syllabus

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum equips students with in-depth knowledge and research abilities in a variety of humanities and social scientific subjects.

Given below is the PhD Humanities and Social Sciences syllabus followed at the Central University of Jharkhand

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences Job Opportunities in India

The table below presents the top Humanities and Social Science job profiles, required experience, prominent recruiters, and typical salaries for PhD holders in this field.

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences FAQs