PhD in Sociology: Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees, Job & Salary

A PhD in Sociology is a doctorate course for a period of 3 to 5 years, depending on research progress. The course aims to produce research scholars who are capable of creative and critical engagement with the contemporary world through their research.

PhD in Sociology eligibility is that the candidates must have a Master's degree in sociology, with at least 55% marks in aggregate. Some of the entrance exams for a PhD in Sociology include UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, SLET, ICMR JRF, and GPAT.

PhD in Sociology equips students with a deep understanding of social structures, human behavior analysis, research methods and advanced skills in critical thinking. Some of the job roles available for them are Social Researcher, University Professor, Public Opinion Researcher, Policy Analyst, Program Evaluator, Community Development Specialist, Market Research Analyst or Consultant.

Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Sociology can expect an average package in the range of INR 5 - 10 lakhs per annum.

PhD in Sociology Course Highlights

The basic details of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology are as follows:

What is PhD in Sociology?

PhD in Sociology is a 3-5 year program that prepares students to conduct the highest level of sociological research. The course provides in depth knowledge of society and social behaviour.

Like, a PhD student researches on how farmers in India used social media to implement their protests against new agricultural laws. The study would analyze how digital platforms helped overcome government censorship, both local and international support and bring global attention to the issue.

Why Study PhD in Sociology?

PhD Sociology is a field of study that opens up diverse career opportunities in research, social work, academia, community development, policy-making and government agencies. The course is well designed providing new knowledge, theories, or methodologies. PhD Sociology is in demand in private clinics, consulting firms, hospitals, industrial laboratories and cosmetic industries.

PhD in Sociology Eligibility

Students should have the following eligibility to take admission in PhDSociology:

• The candidates must have a Master's degree in sociology, with at least 55% marks in aggregate.
• Candidate must have cleared an entrance exams from these UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, SLET, ICMR JRF or GPAT.

PhD in Sociology Entrance Exams

Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Sociology include UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, SLET, ICMR JRF and GPAT.

PhD in Sociology Admission Procedure

PhD in Sociology admission process is based on the entrance exams conducted by the state or university. For your reference, provided below is the step by step admission process followed at the Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara.

Step 1: The student need to visit the official website of the Lovely professional University. Click on “Admissions”, then click on Doctoral programs, navigate to the PhD in sociology course and click on it. The website will redirect you to the course, where you can browse about the course.

Step 2: LPU takes PhD students on the basis of entrance, the students need to fill out the application form for the LPUNEST (PhD) in order to pursue the course. Click on “Admissions” and fill out the application form by providing the required information.

Step 3: The next step is to appear for the LPUNEST (PhD) exam. Now, the students need to wait for the LPU to declare their list of selected candidates, the score would be on the basis of the entrance exam results.

Step 4: The shortlisted candidates may have to appear for a short interview decided by the university. The final selection will be made on the basis of your performance during the interview and academic performance.

Step 5: Finally, the student needs to submit their course fees. After the university has received the payment, they’ll release the confirmation mail, which will include the orientation and commencement of the course.

PhD in Sociology Top Colleges in India

Given below are some of the top colleges for the PhD in Sociology course based on the NIRF Ranking 2024 is as follows:

PhD in Sociology Jobs

The basic details of jobs after PhD in Sociology are as follows:

• Industry: A PhD in Sociology can lead to jobs in a variety of sectors, including management consulting, market research, policy analysis and academia.
• Employment Demand: A PhD in Sociology is in high demand, offering job opportunities in academia, business and consulting, driven by the growing economy and the need for skilled professionals with advanced research and strategic skills.

• Average Salary: The average salary after PhD Sociology varies depending on experience, industry, and location. However, the average salary ranges between INR 5-10 LPA.

There are various job roles available for PhD holders in Sociology. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience are mentioned in the table below:

PhD in Sociology FAQs