PhD Degree in Healthcare Management - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The PhD programme in Hospital Administration is a comprehensive three-year doctoral journey designed for professionals who aspire to lead, research, and innovate within modern healthcare systems. This programme offers advanced training in core public health concepts, healthcare theories, and research methodologies, while integrating social sciences and managerial practices. It places strong emphasis on developing leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills essential for managing complex hospital and health service environments.

At its core, the PhD in Hospital Administration focuses on key thematic areas such as hospital and health services management, quality assurance, patient safety, and healthcare supply chain management. These domains reflect the real-world challenges faced by hospitals and healthcare organizations, ensuring that scholars gain both academic depth and practical relevance. The curriculum is aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, preparing candidates to address operational efficiency, patient-centered care, and system-wide improvements.

The healthcare industry is one of the most dynamic and critical sectors globally. Rapid population growth, technological advancements, and emerging public health challenges are reshaping how healthcare is delivered and managed. As this transformation continues, the demand for highly skilled healthcare leaders and researchers has grown significantly. A PhD in Healthcare or Hospital Administration equips scholars to step into influential roles across academia, research institutions, policy-making bodies, and senior executive positions within healthcare organizations.

The PhD journey is largely self-driven, encouraging independent thinking and original research. Supervisors play a supportive yet crucial role by guiding scholars, fostering a positive research environment, and motivating them to achieve academic excellence. At MGUMST, this approach nurtures self-discipline, commitment, and a strong work ethic among doctoral candidates.

Given the time-intensive and intellectually demanding nature of a PhD, effective supervision and a structured induction process make a meaningful difference. Positive mentorship, academic events, and research-focused activities help scholars refine their work, enhance research quality, and grow both professionally and personally. This balanced blend of guidance and independence ensures a rewarding and impactful doctoral experience.

Eligibility

Candidates seeking admission to the Ph.D. programme must possess the required academic qualifications in the relevant discipline and meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the University.

Applicants should have completed a Master’s degree in the appropriate field from a recognized University or Institute, or hold an equivalent qualification. A minimum of 55% aggregate marks (calculated across all years or semesters) is required where marks are awarded, or an equivalent Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as defined by AICTE, UGC, or any other competent authority. For candidates holding postgraduate diplomas such as PGDHM, PGDBM, PGDM, PGDRM, or PGDPM, equivalence to an MBA certified by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is mandatory.

As per UGC norms, a relaxation of 5% in the minimum qualifying marks, or an equivalent relaxation in grade points, is applicable to candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Differently Abled categories, or any other category specified by the UGC. This relaxation is also applicable to candidates who obtained their Master’s degree prior to 19 September 1991. It is important to note that the eligibility requirement of 55% marks and the permissible relaxation are calculated strictly on the basis of qualifying examination marks, without considering any grace marks.

Candidates who have successfully completed M.Phil. coursework with at least 55% aggregate marks, or an equivalent Grade ‘B’ under the UGC 7-point grading scale (or equivalent grading system), and have been awarded the M.Phil. degree, are eligible to continue research work leading to a Ph.D. degree in the same institution under an integrated programme. The same 5% relaxation in eligibility marks applies to candidates from reserved and specified categories, in accordance with UGC guidelines.

PhD Degree in Healthcare Management Admission Process

The admission process at University is designed to identify research-oriented candidates with strong academic grounding, analytical ability, and a clear research vision. It follows a structured three-stage approach that ensures fairness, transparency, and academic rigor at every level. These stages include application screening, the Research Aptitude Test (IRAT), and a personal interview conducted by the Departmental Research Committee.

The first step involves a detailed screening of applications to verify eligibility and academic suitability. Only candidates who meet the prescribed criteria and demonstrate potential for advanced research are shortlisted for the next phase. This initial evaluation helps ensure that applicants moving forward are aligned with the institution’s research standards and focus areas.

The second stage is the Research Aptitude Test (IRAT), which is qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% marks to progress further. The test is thoughtfully structured to assess both theoretical understanding and practical aptitude. The syllabus is evenly divided, with 50% dedicated to research methodology and the remaining 50% covering subject-specific knowledge. This includes English language proficiency, logical reasoning, basic quantitative analysis, and overall research aptitude. The examination consists of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions, allowing for a comprehensive and balanced evaluation of the candidate’s research readiness.

Candidates who qualify in IRAT are invited for the final stage: the personal interview or viva-voce. During this interaction, applicants present and discuss their proposed research area before the Departmental Research Committee. The panel carefully evaluates the candidate’s research competence, clarity of thought, and academic motivation. It also assesses whether the proposed research can be effectively undertaken within the institution’s available resources and expertise, and whether the researc

h topic has the potential to contribute new or additional knowledge to the field.

Future Scope

Ph.D. holders in Hospital Administration can explore diverse job profiles such as Marketing Executive, Hospital Administration Manager, Organ Transplant Program Manager, Clinical Administration Manager, Administrative Executive, Quality Management Executive, and Patient Administration Specialist. With experience and proven leadership skills, they can further progress to senior positions like Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Clinical Officer (CCO), and Clinical Nurse Manager. These roles not only offer professional growth but also provide opportunities to influence healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes, and drive organizational excellence.

A key strength of the institution lies in its strong emphasis on personalized career support. The Career Center plays a proactive role in guiding scholars through one-on-one counseling sessions that focus on individual goals, strengths, and interests. Through personalized mentorship and expert advice, students receive clarity in career planning and are supported in making informed decisions that align with their long-term professional aspirations in healthcare administration.

In addition to individualized guidance, the Career Center actively promotes industry exposure and professional networking. It regularly organizes industry-focused events, workshops, and seminars that bring together healthcare professionals, industry experts, alumni, and academic leaders. These interactions help students stay updated on current industry trends, understand emerging career opportunities, and gain real-world insights into the healthcare management landscape. By fostering meaningful professional connections, the Career Center equips Ph.D. scholars with a competitive edge and prepares them for impactful careers in the evolving healthcare sector.