PhD in International Relations: Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees & Salary

• Updated on  20 Aug, 2025 by Kirti Mehendiratta

PhD International Relations is a doctorate course for a period of 3 to 6 years, offering knowledge in International Trade, International Relations Dynamics, and Epistemology in Geopolitics.

 

To be eligible for a Ph.D. in International Relations, candidates must have a Master's degree or a professional degree recognized as equivalent to a Master's by the appropriate regulatory authority, with at least 55% marks in aggregate. Some of the popular entrance exams for a Ph.D. in International Relations include UGC NET.

 

A Ph.D. in International Relations equips students with advanced leadership, strategy, and research skills, opening doors to international consulting, research, entrepreneurship, and academic careers. Some of the job roles available for them are international consultants, Policy Analyst, and Public Relations Specialist. Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in International Relations can expect an average package in the range of INR 20-24 lakhs per annum.

 

Table of Contents
  1. PhD in International Relations Course Highlights
  2. What is a Ph.D. International Relations?
  3. Why Study Ph.D. International Relations?
  4. Who Should Study Ph.D. International Relations?
  5. Ph.D. International Relations Eligibility
  6. Ph.D. International Relations Entrance Exams
  7. PhD in International Relations Syllabus
  8. Top Colleges in India for PhD in International Relations
  9. PhD in International Relations Admission Process
  10. PhD in International Relations Vs PhD Public Administration
  11. PhD in International Relations Jobs
  12. PhD in International Relations FAQs

 

PhD in International Relations Course Highlights

The basic details of a Ph.D. in International Relations are as follows:

Particulars

Course Details

Course Name

Ph.D. International Relations

Duration

3 - 6 Years

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a Master's degree or an equivalent professional degree recognized by the relevant authority, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks, and should have cleared entrance exams.

Admission Process

Entrance examinations

Entrance Examinations

UGC NET and CSIR NET

Average Course Fees

INR 40,000-60,000

Career Prospects

International Consultants, Policy Analyst, and Public Relations Specialist

Average Package after Graduation

INR 8 -10 lakhs per annum

 

What is a Ph.D. International Relations?

A Ph.D. in International Relations is an academic degree that provides a focus on studying global issues, diplomacy, international conflicts, economics, and global governance.

  • The course provides in-depth knowledge on how countries interact with each other and how policies affect global peace and security.
  • The course covers important topics like international law, human rights, global trade, and foreign policy.
  • After a Ph.D. in International Relations, one can pursue a career as a university professor, researcher, international consultant, and policy analyst. After completion of the course, one can work in international organizations like the UN or the World Bank.

 

Why Study Ph.D. International Relations?

A Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations is a field of study that opens diverse career opportunities in academia, government organizations, international NGOs, and private-sector firms.

  • With the increase of global issues like climate change, security threats, and international trade, the demand for experts is also rising.
  • After completion of the course, one can lead a career in foreign policy, contributing to organizations like the United Nations or international media outlets. As global interconnectedness grows, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is also rising.
  • The candidates can opt for an advanced career in the education, research, and analysis sector.

 

Who Should Study Ph.D. International Relations?

Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations is most appropriate in the case of a person in whom there is a deep-rooted interest in global politics, diplomacy, international law, and global governance. Specifically, individuals interested in doing original research to unravel the highly intricate relationships between international affairs, conflicts and trade as well as cooperation amongst nations, should look at this doctoral degree.

  • It suits well all those students with career goals of becoming an academician or a policy researcher, diplomats, analysts, and professionals to work in global organizations, government and think tanks or international institutions.
  • The program is also highly demanding and requires not only critical thinking abilities and good research skills but also passion in the study of global political phenomena and the international system in a profound manner.
  • It can also benefit those who wish to pursue teaching or high profile counseling responsibilities in the field of foreign policy and international studies.

 

Ph.D. International Relations Eligibility

Students should have the following eligibility to take admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations:

  • The candidates must have a Master's degree, like MA Political Science or a professional degree recognized as equivalent to a Master's by the appropriate regulatory authority, with at least 55% marks in aggregate.
  • Some of the popular entrance exams for a Ph.D. in International Relations include UGC NET.

 

Ph.D. International Relations Entrance Exams

Some of the popular entrance exams for a Ph.D. International Relations include UGC NET.

Entrance Examination

Registration Date (Tentative)

Date of Examination (Tentative)

Cut-off

UGC NET 2026

November- December, 2025

January 2026

UR: 184+

 

OBC: 164+

 

SC/ST: 150+

 

PhD in International Relations Syllabus

Ph.D. in International Relations syllabus include the fundamental and research-focused subjects.

Core Subjects

Research Methodology

Foreign Policy Analysis

International Law and Diplomacy

Theories of International Relations

International Political Economy

Global Political Economy

Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

 

Top Colleges in India for PhD in International Relations

Some of the top colleges for Ph.D. International Relations based on NIRF Ranking 2024 is as follows:

NIRF Ranking 2024

College Name

City, State

Yearly Fees

10

Jawaharlal Nehru University

New Delhi

INR 400-986 (approx)

17

Jadavpur University

Kolkata, West Bengal

-

49

Amity University

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

INR 4,60,000

90

Christ University

Bangalore, Karnataka

INR 60,000

95

Shiv Nadar University

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

INR 60,000

-

South Asian University

New Delhi

-

 

PhD in International Relations Admission Process

The PhD International Relations admission process at JNU is given below:

 

Step 1: The candidates need to visit the official website of the JNU for the admission process.

 

Step 2: Fill out the online application form by the stipulated dates. Submit the document like a photograph, signature, mark sheets, category certificate (where required), and migration and transfer certificate.

 

Step 3: Appear for the UGC NET entrance exam and the selected candidates will be called for the interview process.

 

Step 4: Merit lists are published on various phases, then the selected candidates are asked to pay the fees and receive their documents.

 

Step 5: Shortlisted candidates are required to visit the campus for physical verification within the granted deadlines by the university.

 

PhD in International Relations Vs PhD Public Administration

PhD International Relations emphasizes international systems and diplomacy, whereas PhD Public Administration emphasizes domestic governance, policy implementation, and public management.

Parameter

PhD in International Relations

PhD in Public Administration

Focus Area

Studies global politics, diplomacy, international law, security, and foreign policy

Focuses on governance, public policy implementation, organizational management, and public sector administration

Research Topics

International conflicts, global cooperation, international organizations, human rights

Public policy analysis, administrative law, organizational theory, public finance, and leadership in public sector

Career Paths

Diplomat, international analyst, policy advisor, researcher, academic in global affairs

Public administrator, policy analyst, urban planner, government official, academic in public management

Program Duration

Typically 3 to 5 years

Typically 3 to 5 years

Skills Developed

Global policy analysis, diplomatic negotiation, cross-cultural communication, international law

Policy formulation, program evaluation, organizational leadership, public budgeting

Eligibility

Master’s in political science, MA international relations, or related fields

Master in public administration, political science, or related disciplines

Job Sectors

Diplomatic corps, think tanks, international NGOs, academia

Government agencies, non-profits, municipal bodies, educational institutions

Course Structure

Theoretical and applied aspects of international politics, treaties, global issues

Management of public programs, governance theories, ethics, budgeting, human resources

Research Impact

Influences international policies, global governance, conflict resolution

Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector institutions and policies

 

PhD in International Relations Jobs

The basic details of jobs after a Ph.D. in International Relations are as follows:

  • Industry: A Ph.D. in International Relations can lead to jobs in a variety of sectors, including academic research, government, international organizations, and NGOs.
  • Employment Demand: A Ph.D. in International Relations is in high demand, offering job opportunities in academia, government, and international organizations as Policy Analyst, International Consultant, and Public Relations Specialist.
  • Average Salary: The average salary after a PhD in International Relations varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The entry-level positions offer a salary range of INR 8-10 lakhs per annum.

There are various job roles available for a PhD in International Relations. 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

Experienced/Senior Level

International Consultant

INR 8-10 LPA

INR 30-35 LPA

Policy Analyst

INR 8-10 LPA

INR 12-15 LPA

Public Relations Specialist

INR 3-5 LPA

INR 8-10 LPA

 

PhD in International Relations FAQs

What is the highest-paying job in international relations?

Public Relations Specialist, International Consultant, and Intelligence Analyst are the highest-paying jobs in international relations. Overall, IR graduates can expect steady growth upon successful completion of a PhD in IR.

Is there any scope in International Relations?

International Relations is a growing and vibrant discipline that covers a wide area in the field of diplomacy, international organization, research, policy study and international business. Government agencies, embassies, think tanks, NGOs, multinationals and In educational institutions seek professionals in this area. The profession presents many chances to deal with universal subjects like security, trade, human rights, and environmental policy.

How many years is PhD in International Relations?

The duration of the course of a PhD in International Relations usually lasts between 3-5 years as dictated by the university and the research work. Coursework has been structured during the first one or two years and then followed by focussed research and thesis writing at some institutions. Typical full-time programs take between 3-4 years, and the part time or distance learning variants may take as long as 5 years or more.

What is the salary of a foreign diplomat in India?

A foreign diplomat salary in India depends on the experience, rank, and their country of origin. Ambassadorship, consulship, attach, or other forms of diplomatic appointment come with combined tax-free salaries, house allowances, and other allowances. Foreign diplomats can have a variable amount of earnings in India ranging between INR 10-20 LPA.

Is International Relations in high demand?

International Relations is in high demand as there is an increase in global issues like climate change, security threats, and international trade, which has created the demand for experts.

What are the challenges of international relations?

International relations involve the issue of power, identity, security, and economic development. The main challenge of international relations is that it

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