To be eligible for a PhD program, candidates typically need a relevant master's degree, and some institutions may require an MPhil or a UGC NET clearance. Various categories of PhD candidates include full-time research scholars, self-financed applicants, and sponsored candidates, each with specific admission criteria and funding options. Additionally, foreign candidates may need sponsorship from their governments to apply for PhD programs in India.

1. PhD Eligibility Criteria www.writekraft.com
Aspirants are eligible to pursue a PhD course only if they have completed their master’s degree in a
similar course/ field/ stream in which they want to pursue a PhD. Some colleges also specify that
candidates need to have completed an MPhil to pursue a PhD course offered by them.
Apart from this, many colleges state that candidates meet the eligibility criteria for PhD programmes
offered by them if they have cleared UGC NET. Candidates who want to pursue a PhD in
Engineering need to possess a valid GATE score.
There are various categories of PhD candidates. Some of the types of PhD candidates are listed
below:
Full Time Research Scholars
Government/ Semi Government Fellowship Recipients
PhD scholars who fall under this category are offered financial assistance under Government/ Semi
Government fellowship schemes.
Institute research Scholars with Teaching Assistance
Aspirants falling under this category of PhD scholars are offered Institute Teaching Assistantship as
specified by the MHRD.
Self-financed Candidates (Indian/ Foreign)
Indian self-financed candidates are offered a seat in doctoral programmes offered at institutes
depending on their track record and experience. Such candidates are offered admission in PhD
programmes offered by the institute by taking part in the normal admission process for PhD courses
but such candidates do not receive any financial assistance from the institute.
Foreign self-financed candidates are offered admission through the embassy of their respective
country only after they get the necessary 'no objection certificate' from MHRD, Govt of India and
other necessary approvals from India's Ministry of External Affairs.
Sponsored Candidates
Aspirants falling under this category of PhD scholars are sponsored by (recognised) Research and
Development organisations to do full time research at the concerned institute.
Study Leave Candidates
Aspirants falling under this category are given study leave by Government institutes/ companies/
educational institutes for a time duration of less than three years to perform research work at the
specified institute. A letter of leave provided by the candidate's institute/ company is necessary to
secure admission as a PhD scholar in this category.
ICCR Awardees
Foreign candidates who are sponsored by their respective government are awarded a seat in a PhD
course under Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) award holders’ category if they have been
awarded the scholarship by their government.