PhD Public Administration: Eligibility, Colleges & Admission 2025

• Updated on  19 Aug, 2025 by Akangsha Das

PhD Public Administration typically takes 3 - 5 years to complete, depending on the university, research topic, and whether you enroll as a full-time or part-time student. The PhD Public Administration course offers a thorough study of governance, public policy, and administrative processes.

 

The eligibility criteria for the PhD in Public Administration are that the candidate must have completed their master’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks. Admission to the course is based on the entrance exam score; students must have a valid entrance exam score in CSIR NET/UGC NET/GATE.

 

The average course fees for the Ph D Public Administration range from INR 40,000 – 1,50,000 depending on the institution type. Some of the famous colleges offering a Ph.D in Public Administration are JNU, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), LPU, Panjab University, University of Madras, and Osmania University.

 

The graduates have the opportunity to find career opportunities in Research. The students can be employed as University Professor/ Lecturer, Research Analyst, District Administrator, etc. The average starting salary package of a PhD Public Administration fresher is INR 5 LPA to INR 12 LPA.

 

Table of Contents

  1. PhD Public Administration Highlights
  2. What is a PhD Public Administration?
  3. Why choose a PhD Public Administration?
  4. PhD Public Administration Eligibility
  5. Ph D in Public Administration Entrance Exams
  6. PhD Public Administration Colleges in India
  7. PhD Public Administration Admission Process
  8. PhD Public Administration Syllabus
  9. PhD Public Administration Vs PhD in Political Science Vs PhD in Management Course Comparison
  10. PhD Public Administration Job Profiles
  11. PhD Public Administration FAQs

 

PhD Public Administration Highlights

Given below are the highlights of the Doctorate in Public Administration course:

Feature

Details

Course Name

PhD in Public Administration

Duration

3 - 5 years

Eligibility

Master’s degree in Public Administration or a related field with at least 50% marks

Admission Process

Merit-based or entrance exam-based (varies by university)

Top Colleges

Punjab University, University of Madras, Osmania University, JNU, and Rajasthan University

Career Opportunities

Research Institutes, Educational Institutes, Law Enforcement, Government Agencies

Job Roles

University Professor, Research Analyst, District Administrator, Policy Advisor

Average Salary

INR 5 LPA - INR 12 LPA

 

What is a PhD Public Administration?

PhD Public Administration is a doctoral programme that offers a systematic study of governance, public policy, and administrative processes. It includes modules like governance, public policy, administrative processes, and research methodologies. This degree is ideal for scholars seeking a career in law enforcement or public administration. International organisations such as Interpol are constantly on the look out for Public Administration professionals.

 

Why choose a PhD Public Administration?

The candidates can get multiple benefits upon enrolling in the PhD in Public Administration course. Some of the benefits are as follows:

  • Career opportunities in law enforcement institutions, public administration departments, private security firms, and law firms
  • Extensive range of job opportunities, from government agencies to NGOs and corporate management bodies
  • Freshers are provided with INR 5-12 LPA, with immense scope for growth in various sectors.
  • Organisations like UNODC and multinational corporations seek Public Administration experts for policy research and security roles. Multinational corporations seek Public Administration experts for policy research and security roles.

 

PhD Public Administration Eligibility

Given below is the detailed eligibility criteria for the Ph.D in Public Administration. Students must meet a certain criterion when applying for the course:

  • Candidates must have completed a Master’s degree in Public Administration, such as M.A Public Administration or a closely related discipline, such as Political Science, Governance, or Management from a recognized university.
  • A minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in the Master’s degree is required; reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) may receive a 5% relaxation as per university rules.
  • Candidates are generally required to qualify in the university’s PhD entrance examination or hold UGC-NET/JRF or an equivalent research qualification.
  • Applicants must submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of study, demonstrating originality, feasibility, and relevance to Public Administration.
  • Shortlisted candidates are usually required to attend a personal interview or viva voce, assessing their subject knowledge, research aptitude, and motivation.

 

Ph D in Public Administration Entrance Exams

Admission to the Ph D in Public Administration is based on the entrance exam scores of the candidate. Students must have a valid score in the entrance exams conducted by the government authorities. Mentioned below are some of the entrance exams along with their details such as Application & Exam Date and Application Fees.

Entrances

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fees

UGC NET 2026

April - May 2026

June 2026

General: INR 1,150

 

OBC-NCL/EWS: INR 600

 

SC/ST/PWD: INR 325

GATE 2026

September 2025

February 2026

Female/SC/ST/PWD Candidates Registration Fee: INR 900

 

INR 1800 for all candidates, including foreign nationals

 

Extended registration period with late fee (INR 1400, INR 2300)

CSIR NET 2026

June 2026

July 2026

General/EWS: INR 1150

 

OBC-NCL: INR 600

 

SC/ST/PWD: INR 325

 

PhD Public Administration Colleges in India

Given below is a list of Doctorate in Public Administration colleges along with their location and course fees:

University Name

Location

NIRF Ranking 2024

Total Course Fees (INR)

JNU

New Delhi

2

-

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

5

4,000

LPU

Punjab

27

3,00,000- 6,00,000

Panjab University

Chandigarh

38

5,000

University of Madras

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

39

8,000

Osmania University

Hyderabad, Telangana

43

9,000

TISS Mumbai

Mumbai

58

1,77,000

Rajasthan University

Jaipur, Rajasthan

-

40,000

Arunachal University of Studies

Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh

-

1,50,000

Himachal Pradesh University

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

-

15,800

IGNOU

New Delhi

-

6,000

 

PhD Public Administration Admission Process

Ph D in Public Administration admission process is based on entrance exam scores. Renowned universities offer admission solely based on valid scores in exams such as CSIR NET/UGC NET/GATE etc.

 

For your reference, given below is the step by step admission process for the University of Madras.

 

Step 1: The candidates need to start by visiting the official website of the University and then head to the admissions page.

 

Step 2: Now, the candidates need to fill out the application form by entering their personal and educational details.

 

Step 3: The candidates have to upload the documents and pay the application fee. After filling out the application form, submit the form. Your candidature will be transferred to the university.

 

Step 4: The selection will be based on the scores in qualifying exams such as CSIR NET/UGC NET etc. So make sure you have a valid score in them.

 

Step 5: After getting shortlisted, the university will contact you regarding a personal interview round in which they’ll simply ask questions related to the topic of research you are going to pick.

 

Step 6: After getting shortlisted in the interview, you will be required to pay the fees for the course and will need to submit some documents related to your academic qualifications. After successfully completing all the process, admission will be given.

 

PhD Public Administration Syllabus

The PhD in Public Administration is a 3 - 5 year doctoral program that provides in-depth knowledge of crime policies and justice systems, preparing students for a career in Public Administration.

 

Given below is the Ph.D Public Administration syllabus followed at the University of Madras for a 3-year program, but it might vary based on research areas:

Year

Phase

1

Coursework and Preparation

2

Research and Data Collection

3

Dissertation Writing and Defence

 

PhD Public Administration Vs PhD in Political Science Vs PhD in Management Course Comparison

Given below is the detailed course comparison for the Ph D Public Administration Vs Ph D in Political Science Vs Ph.D in Management courses for students.

Aspect

PhD in Public Administration

PhD in Political Science

PhD in Management (Governance/Policy)

Focus Area

Advanced study of public policies, governance systems, administrative theories, and implementation processes

Study of political systems, theories, institutions, and political behavior

Focus on management principles applied to public policy, organizational governance, and administrative reforms

Eligibility

Master’s in Public Administration or related field; entrance exam or UGC-NET/JRF; research proposal

Master’s in Political Science or related field; entrance exam; research proposal

Master’s in Management, Public Policy, or related field; entrance exam; research proposal

Research Scope

Policy analysis, governance models, bureaucratic efficiency, and administrative reforms

Political theory, comparative politics, international relations, political behavior

Public sector management, policy implementation, governance strategies, and organizational effectiveness

Course Duration

3–5 years (full-time)

3–5 years (full-time)

3–5 years (full-time)

Key Skills Developed

Policy evaluation, administrative research, leadership, governance analysis

Critical thinking, political analysis, and research methodology

Strategic planning, policy management, organizational analysis, and decision-making

Career Opportunities

University professor, policy analyst, government researcher, administrative consultant, public sector executive

Political analyst, academic researcher, policy advisor, international relations expert

Governance consultant, public policy manager, think-tank researcher, administrative leader

Top Recruiters / Recruiting Areas

Government departments, research institutes, NGOs, policy think-tanks

Universities, political research organizations, and international bodies

Government agencies, public sector undertakings, policy consultancies

 

PhD Public Administration Job Profiles

Given below is an overview of career opportunities and starting salary ranges for professionals post the completion of a PhD in Public Administration:

Job Profile

Job Description

Average Annual Salary (INR)

University Professor

Educates students in public administration and conducts research.

6,00,000 – 12,00,000

Policy Analyst

Develops and evaluates public policies for government and private organizations.

5,50,000 – 10,50,000

Administrative Officer

Oversees and implements policies in government and public sector institutions.

5,00,000 – 9,50,000

Management Analyst

Improves efficiency and effectiveness in public sector organizations.

5,50,000 – 11,00,000

Consultant

Advises on governance strategies and policy execution for organizations.

6,00,000 – 12,00,000

Research Analyst

Conducts in-depth research on public administration and policy issues.

5,00,000 – 9,00,000

 

PhD Public Administration FAQs

What are the PhD Public Administration coursework requirements?

A PhD in Public Administration is typically defined by senior research techniques, theory of Public Administration, and policy analysis. Coursework varies institution to institution but typically includes core courses, electives, and a dissertation.

Is the PhD Public Administration theoretical research-based or field-based?

Most PhD programs in Public Administration provide field research, case studies, or empirical studies to evaluate administrative patterns and justice systems. Field research is required to develop information for policymaking and law enforcement, and administration.

Can a PhD in Public Administration be pursued with Psychology or Sociology as the background?

Yes, there are those graduates in Sociology or Psychology who can apply for a PhD in Public Administration, provided they qualify according to the requirements. Since Public Administration is a discipline whose cross-overs are found in the behavioral sciences, interdisciplinary study would be useful.

Is there any career opportunity for PhD in Public Administration recipients at the international level?

A PhD Public Administration holds international career opportunities in research, academia, policymaking, and law enforcement. The UN and Interpol likewise require the skills of Public Administration experts for public administration as well as setting justice in direction.

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