A PhD in Commerce is that type of doctorate program for individuals who intend to further carry out research in different areas of commerce and business. During its execution, the program usually ends with the presentation of a thesis, which proves the candidate's ability to make original contributions and results in their field of interest.
Also read - PhD After MBA
PhD in Commerce: An Overview
A PhD in Commerce is a 3-6-year doctoral program. It focuses on fields that include academics, research, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Students can pursue jobs as assistant professionals, finance analysts, or trading managers. A PhD in commerce is a fantastic choice if a student wants to specialize in commerce. The syllabus includes topics such as accounting, marketing, taxes, human resources, and finance, among other related fields.
- PhD in Commerce eligibility means that a student must have earned at least 55% on their master's in commerce or MPhil from a recognized university. In some universities, to pursue a PhD in commerce, candidates must also pass the UGC-NET exam. PhD in Commerce admission is done through the eligibility criteria, which is a master’s degree in commerce or philosophy with an average of 55% through a recognized university.
- PhD in Commerce job profiles include those of university professors, researchers, economists, corporate strategists, and many more.
- The average fees for a PhD in Commerce range from INR 20,000–2,00,000. Some of the top colleges that give admission to PhDs in commerce are Jamia Milia Islamia, BHU and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University.
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PhD in Commerce Course Highlights
The following table shows the PhD in commerce highlights in a glance -
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | PhD in Commerce |
Course Level | Doctor of Philosophy |
Course Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce |
Course Duration | 3-6 Years |
Course Types | Full time/Distance Education |
Admission Process | Merit and Entrance Based |
Eligibility Criteria | Must have a qualifying master’s degree in commerce, MBA, or M. Phil or equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 55% or higher. |
Course Fees | INR 20,000-2,00,000 |
Top Colleges | Jamia Milia Islamia, BHU and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University |
Average Salary in India | INR 6 – 40 LPA |
Job Profiles | University Professors, Researchers, Economist, Corporate Strategists. |
Why pursue PhD in Commerce?
A PhD in commerce is specifically focused on business and commerce research. It is connected to human resources and management disciplines as well as industries like agriculture, retail, product production, tourism, hospitality, science, and engineering.
- Career Advancement: Provides opportunities for top academic and corporate jobs.
- Research Expertise: Enhances the skills of scholars in conducting advanced research.
- Personal Fulfillment: Brings intellectual satisfaction and recognition as an expert.
- Higher Salaries: PhD holders command higher salaries both in academia and industry.
PhD in Commerce: Eligibility
Ordinarily, eligibility for a PhD in Commerce calls for candidates to have -
- Master's degree in Commerce, Management, or related fields with at least 55% marks.
- Qualifying scores in entrance exams like UGC NET, SET, or a university-specific test.
- Some universities also demand work experience or prior research experience
PhD in Commerce: Career Scope
A PhD degree in Commerce opens a wide range of career scope, which includes:
| Career Path | Role Examples | Salary Range (INR) |
| Academia | Professors, Lecturers, Academic Researcher | INR 6,00,000 - INR 12,00,000 |
| Corporate Sector | Financial Analyst, Consultant, Policy Advisor | INR 8,00,000 - INR 15,00,000 |
| Government and NGOs | Policy-making, Advisory Roles | INR 7,00,000 - INR 14,00,000 |
| Entrepreneurship | Research Firms, Consulting Ventures | INR 6,00,000 - INR 15,00,000 (varies based on venture success) |
PhD in Commerce: How long does a PhD in Commerce take?
Usually, a PhD in Commerce takes a period of about 3-5 years. Nonetheless, the timeframe may be protracted depending on the complexity and the requirements pertaining to the research and thesis presentation.
PhD in Commerce vs MBA
Also read - MBA Salary
PhD in Commerce: Fee Structure
PhD in Commerce in India normally costs anywhere between INR 20,000-2,00,000. Depending on the university, college, and region, different PhD in Commerce programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course.
- Government Colleges/Universities: In comparison to private colleges, the cost of an PhD in Commerce at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 50,000 – 2.5 Lakhs per year.
- Private Colleges/Universities: The fee in a private institution is generally higher and can also vary depending on the college's standing and location. The costs typically range from INR 80,000 - 40 Lakhs or more.
Note: Students in the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may pay less in tuition or be eligible for fee exemptions or grants in both government and private institutions.
The typical fees for a PhD in Commerce in India are around INR 50,000 to INR 3,00,000 for the entire program, based on the university and the availability of funding. Scholarships and stipends are usually also offered to some candidates.
PhD in Commerce Application Deadlines
Application deadlines to the PhD in Commerce programs vary with regard to the university, country, and intake cycles.
1. Indian Universities
In India, most universities follow a two-cycle admission process for PhD programs:
Process:
- Announcements are made on university websites and newspapers.
- Candidates submit their applications online or offline.
- Entrance exams, if required, are conducted a month or two after the application deadline.
2. International Universities
Top global universities like the Rotman School of Management (Canada) and NCCU College of Commerce (Taiwan) often have a single intake per year.
Process:
- Applications are typically submitted through an online portal.
- Supporting documents include GRE/GMAT scores, SOP, and research proposals.
- Admissions decisions are commonly made 3-4 months before the start of the program.
PhD in Commerce: Job Roles and Salaries
PhD in Commerce: Thesis Topics
Popular thesis topics include:
- Impact of Digitalization on Financial Reporting.
- Comparative Analysis of Taxation Policies in Emerging Economies.
- Role of Corporate Governance in Enhancing Firm Performance.
- Behavioral Finance and Investment Decisions.
- Sustainability Practices in International Trade.
PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges
Given below is a list of the top colleges that offer PhD in Commerce in India along with their fees:
Name of the College/University | Average Annual Fees |
INR 7,730 | |
INR 1,22,000 | |
INR 90,000 | |
INR 36,000 | |
INR 1,02,000 | |
INR 16,000 | |
INR 1,01,600 | |
INR 1,50,000 | |
INR 12,500 | |
INR 3,52,000 |
PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Ambedkar University Delhi
- Department of Financial Studies
- Delhi Technological University
- Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Mumbai
- HR College Of Commerce and Economics
- RA Podar College of Commerce and Economics
- KJ Somaiya College Of Arts And Commerce (KJSCAC)
- KPB Hinduja College of Commerce
- Mithibai College Of Arts
PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Bangalore
- Christ University
- Mount Carmel College
- CMR university
- Reva University
- GITAM University
- ST. Joseph’s Institute of Management
- Dayanand Sagar University
- M.S Ramaiah University of Applied Science
- School of Research and Innovation
- Indian Statistical Institute
PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Kolkata
- University Of Calcutta
- St. Xavier's College
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology
- Techno India University
- Aliah University Kolkata
PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Chennai
- Loyola College
- Madras Christian College
- Guru Nanak College
- Presidency College
- VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advance Studies
- Meenakshi College For Women
PhD in Commerce: Admission Process
It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their postgraduate examinations and prepare well for the entrance exam. Given below is an overview of the admission process for PhD in Commerce:
- An aspirant should score more than 50-55% marks in their postgraduate examinations to be applicable for PhD in Commerce.
- Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
- Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degree, Aadhar Card, Photographs etc.) in hand.
- Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal amount of application fee.
- The University may conduct NET, DET, MAT, DAT CSIR-UGC NET, UGC NET, DBT JRF Biotech Entrance Test, JRF-GATE, and IISC PhD Entrance Exam etc, or any state/national level entrance exam which the candidate must clear.
- It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam and entrance exam syllabus.
- Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center, and timings.
- The college/university will then publish lists according to their cutoff and seat availability.
- Some Universities may conduct a Group Discussion followed by a Personal Interview to filter potential students.
- If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation/counselling organized by the college for further information.
PhD in Commerce: Entrance Exams
PhD in Commerce: Entrance Exam Syllabus
PhD in Commerce entrance exam syllabus may vary slightly depending on the college or university. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the syllabus:
Subjects | Topics |
Research Methodology | Knowledge of research methodologies, research design, data collection, and data analysis techniques. |
Financial Management | Principles of financial management, financial analysis, capital budgeting, and financial decision-making. |
Marketing Management | Concepts in marketing, consumer behaviour, marketing strategies, and marketing research. |
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics | Concepts and theories related to microeconomics (individual economic agents) and macroeconomics (economy as a whole). |
Quantitative Techniques | Mathematical and statistical tools used in commerce research, including regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and probability. |
Organizational Behavior | understanding human behavior in organizations, motivation, leadership, and group dynamics |
Accounting and Auditing | Financial accounting principles, auditing standards, and corporate financial reporting. |
E-commerce and Information Technology | Concepts related to electronic commerce, digital marketing, and information technology in commerce. |
PhD in Commerce: Subjects
A PhD in Commerce program typically offers a range of subjects and areas of specialization that can vary based on the university, faculty expertise, and research. Here are some common subjects and areas of specialization that one might find in a PhD in Commerce program:
Subject | Topic |
Accounting | Financial Accounting Managerial Accounting Auditing and Assurance Accounting Information Systems International Accounting Standards |
Finance | Corporate Finance Investment Management Financial Markets and Institutions Behavioral Finance Derivatives and Risk Management |
Marketing | Consumer Behavior Brand Management Digital Marketing Marketing Research International Marketing |
Management | Strategic Management Organizational Behavior Human Resource Management Operations Management Entrepreneurship |
Economics | Microeconomics Macroeconomics Economic Development International Trade and Finance Applied Economics |
Supply Chain Management | Logistics and Distribution Supply Chain Strategy Inventory Management Procurement and Sourcing |
Business Ethics and Corporate Governance | Ethical Issues in Business Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Governance Practices |
E-Commerce and Information Systems | E-Commerce Strategies Information Systems Management Business Analytics and Big Data |
International Business | Cross-Cultural Management International Trade Policies Global Supply Chain Management |
Taxation | Direct Taxation Indirect Taxation International Taxation |
Sustainability and Green Business | Sustainable Business Practices Environmental Management Green Marketing |
PhD in Commerce Syllabus
PhD in Commerce syllabus will vary from college to college; however, given below is an overview of the topics in each semester and year:
PhD in Commerce Syllabus: 1st Year | |
Semester – 1 | Semester – 2 |
Data Analyst for the Research Method | Literature Review |
Introduction to Research Methodology | Writing Research Proposal |
Research report writing | Presentation |
Data collection and Sampling | - |
PhD in Commerce Syllabus: 2nd Year | |
Semester – 3 | Semester – 4 |
Contemporary Research in Accounting | Contemporary Management Theory |
Capital Market Theories | Classical Management Theory |
Accounting Theory | Theory of Entrepreneurship I |
Basic Economic Concepts | Theory of Entrepreneurship II |
Corporate Finance Theories | - |
PhD in Commerce Syllabus: 3rd Year | |
Semester – 5 | Semester – 6 |
Research Project | Research Project |
Research Project | Research Project |
PhD in Commerce: Recommended Books
Given below are the names of some recognized books along with their authors in the field of Commerce that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course:
Name of the Book | Author’s Name |
Principles of Operations Management | Jay Heizer and Barry Render |
Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases | William H. Shaw |
Principles of Marketing | Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong |
Financial Management: Theory and Practice | Eugene F. Brigham and Michael C. Ehrhardt |
Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques | C.R. Kothari |
Business Research Methods | Donald R. Cooper and Pamela S. Schindler |
International Economics" | Paul Krugman and Maurice Obstfeld |
Organizational Behavior | Stephen P. Robbins and Timothy A. Judge |
Managerial Economics | William F. Samuelson and Stephen G. Marks |
Quantitative Techniques for Managerial Decisions | R.S. Sharma |
Human Resource Management | Gary Dessler |
Business Law: Text and Cases | Kenneth W. Clarkson and Roger LeRoy Miller |
PhD in Commerce: Top Recruiters
Given below is a list of the top recruiters for PhD in Commerce graduates in India:
- Nurture Galileo India Pvt Ltd.
- Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd.
- Universities & Institutes
- Delhivery Pvt Ltd.
- IBM Pvt Ltd.
- Amazon Development Centre
- Vedantu Innovations Pvt Ltd.
