About This Course

Ph.D. Programme: Financial Support and Structure

All full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to the programme are eligible for a comprehensive Doctoral Award, which includes:

Tuition fee waiver: ₹60,000
Hostel fee waiver: ₹60,000
Monthly stipend:
₹45,000 for the first two years
₹50,000 for the subsequent three years

Continuation of this award is based on consistent academic performance, adherence to University regulations, and satisfactory progress evaluated on an ongoing basis. Additionally, the University extends financial support for presenting research at national and international conferences, enabling scholars to disseminate their work widely.

Ph.D. in Economics: Programme Overview

The Ph.D. programme in Economics is designed to provide comprehensive and rigorous training in both theoretical and empirical economics. The goal is to develop researchers who are capable of engaging with a range of disciplinary traditions, understanding their interconnections, and applying these insights to real-world economic challenges. Scholars are trained to:

Address key substantive economic questions
Apply economic theory effectively
Employ advanced empirical and statistical methods
Connect economic thinking with broader social sciences

Coursework Structure (18 Credits, First Year)

The coursework spans two semesters and comprises 18 credits:

Semester I (8 Credits)

One core course
One optional course

Semester II (10 Credits)

One core course
One optional course
One Directed Readings course (2 credits), including the development of a research paper and an open seminar presentation

Core Courses

1. Advanced Economic Theory (Semester I)

This core course is divided into three modules:

a) Topics in Microeconomic Theory

b) Topics in Macroeconomic Theory

c) Topics in Development Economics

2. Research Methodology (Semester II)

Modules include:

a) Methodology of Inquiry

b) Survey Design and Data Collection Methods

c) Econometrics and Advanced Statistical Techniques

Directed Readings and Research Presentation

In Semester II, students undertake a 2-credit Directed Readings course, during which they explore a chosen research area under supervision, draft a research paper, and deliver an open seminar based on their findings.

Departmental Philosophy and Research Environment

The Department of Economics seeks to admit students with strong academic foundations who are motivated to pursue high-quality research across diverse areas of economics. The environment encourages scholarly growth through:

Intensive coursework
Methodological and theoretical training
Research mentorship
Engagement with current debates in economic theory and applied economics

This prepares scholars for careers in academia, research institutions, industry, policy-making, and development agencies.

Specialized Tracks and Advanced Training

The Ph.D. programme offers specialized tracks such as:

Econometrics
Public Policy & Governance

Students receive training in advanced quantitative and analytical methods through subjects like:

Advanced Econometrics
SPSS
R Programming
Excel for Data Analysis
Behavioural Economics
Gender Economics

This combination of rigorous coursework and practical training fosters highly skilled economists capable of addressing contemporary economic issues.

Economics: A Discipline with Impact

Economics is indispensable for understanding and solving societal challenges. It explores how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions when resources are limited. Economists contribute to policy design, development strategies, and informed decision-making in complex environments.

MSc Economics (One-Year Programme)

The one-year MSc in Economics is designed to nurture analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making. Students learn to evaluate economic policies and form logical judgments in situations involving high stakes and uncertainty. The programme equips learners with applied skills that prepare them for careers in research, industry, and governance.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:

1. Postgraduate Degree Route

A Master’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent letter grade,
OR
Completion of M.Phil. coursework with at least 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade), including candidates whose M.Phil. dissertation has been evaluated but the viva-voce is pending.

2. Four-Year Undergraduate Degree Route

A four-year undergraduate (Honours) degree with a minimum of 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale.
A 5% relaxation applies for candidates from SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/EWS categories as per UGC norms.
Students scoring between 55% and 75% in a four-year UG programme may become eligible after completing:
A one-year master’s degree, or
A bridging programme of 36–40 credits.

3. Three-Year Undergraduate Degree Route

Students from a three-year bachelor’s programme must complete a bridging programme (36–40 credits) along with the prescribed Ph.D. coursework to qualify for admission.

4. Foreign Degrees

Applicants holding foreign postgraduate or M.Phil.-equivalent degrees must have achieved minimum 55% marks (or equivalent grade).
Admission is subject to clearance from the Equivalence Committee of the University or the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as applicable.

5. Provisional Admission

Applicants awaiting the results of their qualifying master’s degree examination may be granted provisional admission, provided they meet all other requirements.
They must submit proof of having earned 55% marks (or equivalent grade) within three months of admission; otherwise, the admission will stand cancelled.

6. Reservation Policy

Admission of candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories will follow the regulations prescribed by the Government of India and State authorities, wherever applicable.

7. Entrance Test Requirements

A Ph.D. Entrance Test followed by an Interview is mandatory unless exempted under UGC regulations.

Exemptions from Entrance Test

Candidates who meet any of the following conditions may directly appear for the interview:

Qualified UGC-NET / UGC-JRF / CSIR-NET / CSIR-JRF
Hold a valid GATE, GPAT, or equivalent national-level score
Completed an M.Phil. degree (Regular mode only)
Qualified SLET/SET (as applicable under UGC guidelines)

8. CU-Ph.D. Entrance Test Requirement

For universities following the CU-Ph.D. admission structure:

Eligible master’s degree holders (1-year or 2-year programmes depending on UG background) with minimum 55% marks / 5.5 CGPA must qualify the CU-Ph.D. Entrance Test followed by an Interview.
Candidates with 4-year UG degrees scoring 75% or 7.5 CGPA may directly qualify for interview after the CU-Ph.D. test.

Economics PhD Admission Process

Step 1: Begin Your Application

Start your application by visiting the University’s official admissions portal.

Step 2: Application Fee

The application cost for each programme is listed on the respective programme’s Admissions page.

Click on Apply Online to access the application form.

Step 3: Payment Confirmation

After completing the payment, you will receive an acknowledgment email confirming that your application fee has been successfully received.

Step 4: Schedule the Alliance Selection Process

Applicants must choose a date for the Alliance Selection Process, a full-day immersive assessment where candidates work on real-life problem-solving tasks.

Your performance will be evaluated by a panel based on overall engagement, analytical abilities, teamwork, communication, and other relevant competencies.

This process is designed to help us understand your potential while giving you insight into our unique teaching, learning, and evaluation methodology.

Step 5: Admission Decision

Following the completion of the Alliance Selection Process, the Admissions Team will assess each applicant’s profile. Results are announced on the same day, with candidates placed into one of the following categories:

Selected
Waitlisted
Rejected*

*Candidates who are rejected cannot reapply for the same programme within the same admission year.

Evaluation Criteria

All applications undergo comprehensive review by the selection committee. Candidates are assessed on:

Performance in national entrance exams or the Alliance Entrance Exam
Academic record from school through undergraduate studies
Participation in extracurricular activities
Overall performance during the Alliance Selection Process

General Academic Eligibility

Applicants must hold one of the following credentials:

An undergraduate/bachelor’s degree (grado/laurea) or equivalent from an accredited university
(For Bologna Process countries, a minimum of 180 ECTS credits is required.)
Preferably, a university diploma or degree in Economics, Finance, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or Business Administration.
However, students from other academic backgrounds may also be considered.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate advanced proficiency in English through one of the following:

TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90
IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 6.5
Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120

Additional Admission Criteria

Candidates will also be evaluated on:

Outstanding academic performance
Strong quantitative and analytical skills
High-quality reference letters

Future Scope

If you are someone who is eager to broaden your career horizons, is the ideal destination for you. Our commitment goes beyond academic excellence—we focus on shaping well-rounded professionals. We nurture students by strengthening their skills through specialized training programs, including Industry Placements, preparation for Higher Studies, and targeted coaching for Government, Civil Services, and Banking examinations.

At the same time, we ensure equal growth opportunities for our staff through Internal Job Postings (IJP), International Faculty Exchange Programs, Research initiatives, and various professional development avenues.

Our dedicated Career Services team offers students and alumni a comprehensive suite of resources designed to support their career advancement and guide them toward their next professional milestone.

We also collaborate closely with employers across multiple industries to create meaningful placement opportunities that align with the quality and capabilities of our Master’s graduates.

The Department of Economics is globally recognized for its practical, industry-relevant teaching approach and impactful research contributions. Its reputation is further strengthened by the diverse knowledge, analytical strength, and dedication of its postgraduate community.

Through the analytical, quantitative, and interpersonal skills you develop at Durham, you will be fully equipped to pursue advanced research or build a fulfilling and dynamic career in various industries.

Our Economics postgraduates have successfully moved into prominent roles across sectors such as Consultancy, Technology, Financial Services, and Government.

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