PhD in Public Administration: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
PhD in Public Administration is a three-year-long doctorate program that deals with expert knowledge in public administration and its related fields. This course graduate can get many job roles such as Social Worker, Corporate Manager, Teacher, Professor, Customs Inspector, Revenue Inspector, Consultant, Administrative Officer, etc.
Table of Contents
- About PhD in Public Administration
- Who Should Pursue a PhD in Public Administration Course?
- When to do a PhD in Public Administration Course?
- How To Get Admission for PhD in Public Administration?
- Types of PhD in Public Administration Courses
- Popular Entrance Exams for PhD in Public Administration
- Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in India
- Study PhD in Public Administration in Abroad
- Fee Structure for PhD in Public Administration
- Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Public Administration
- Why Choose PhD in Public Administration Course?
- PhD in Public Administration Course Comparison
- Preparation Tips for PhD in Public Administration Course
- Salary of a PhD in Public Administration Graduates
- Career Options After PhD in Public Administration
- Skills That Make You The Best PhD in Public Administration Graduates
PhD in Public Administration Course Details
| Degree | Doctorate |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration |
| Duration | 3 Months |
| Age | There is no age limit for the students for taking admission to this course. |
| Entrance Exam | UGC NET, SET, PET, GATE, IGNOU PET |
| Subjects Required | Masters in Public Administration or anyone |
| Minimum Percentage | A minimum mark of 55% of the total aggregate |
| Average Fees | ₹10K - 2 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 4 to 8 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Assistant Manager, Events Executive, Administration Manager, Public Administrative Executive, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Government of India, WHO, UNESCO |
About PhD in Public Administration
PhD Public Administration is a research-based course of 3 - 5 years. The course aims to create graduates with a highly skilled analytical understanding of Public principles. It deals with new methodologies in Public policy, administration, and Government functions. The main objectives of the course are to bring principles of theoretical methodology to Public inquiry, development of analytical skills, and research public policy. There is also a focus on understanding and improving measurement, scaling, and sampling methods which are the core tools of the Public.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Public Administration
Those students who want to take enrollment in this doctorate program have to qualify for the eligibility criteria i.e one should have a minimum mark of 55% in any of the available postgraduate programs. As all the students know how respectful a PhD in Public Administration course is, that’s why it’s quite difficult to get admitted into their respective interested universities.
There are few PhD Public Administration entrance exams that have cutoffs to qualify. There is no age limit for the students to take admission to this course.
Who Should Pursue a PhD in Public Administration Course?
A PhD in Public Administration is a three years doctorate program that makes a student’s career in the public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors. A PhD in Public Administration degree gives a variety of job opportunities to graduates. One of the most sought-after jobs for a PhD in Public Administration degree holder is of a lecturer or a professor in a university or a researcher in most fields.
Candidates will have in-depth knowledge and develop mastery over the subjects they have chosen for specialization, which will be extremely useful for them in their careers. Those learners who are interested in these specializations should pursue this course.
When to do a PhD in Public Administration Course?
Aspirants are eligible to pursue a PhD in Public Administration course only if they have completed their master's degree in a similar course/ field/ stream in which they want to pursue a PhD in Public Administration. Some colleges also specify that candidates need to have completed a postgraduate program to pursue a PhD in Public Administration course offered to them.
How To Get Admission for PhD in Public Administration?
Admission to the PhD in Public Administration course is not impossible if the students ensure that they research the details well. The universities follow the process of entrance-based admissions. The admission process with respect to admission through exams varies from college to college. Online and offline both facilities are available to the students for enrollment. The students are guided to check the college website to get detailed information.
How to Apply?
There are two ways to apply for admission to the PhD in Public Administration course. Either online by visiting the college website and following the steps given there or offline by visiting the university's office. There are certain colleges that take interviews for checking the knowledge and communication skills of the candidates.
Selection Process
The selection process of the candidates for getting admission in the respective PhD in Public Administration course ends with an interview. The students who have cracked the entrance exams with good marks can give interviews for the further joining process. The last step of the admission procedure decides whether the student is eligible to take admission or not.
Types of PhD in Public Administration Courses
A PhD in Public Administration is a research-based doctorate program and that's the reason this course can be done in any of three modes i.e full-time, part-time, and distance learning mode. Aspirants can pursue the PhD in Public Administration course at many top universities.
Full-Time PhD in Public Administration
A full-time PhD in Public Administration program duration is three to six years that is provided by many top respected colleges or universities. This full-time course is all about classroom-based studying, research projects, and assignments. There are no limitations on the age for taking admissions.
Part-Time PhD in Public Administration
A part-time PhD in Public Administration program is for 5 years. This course is created for students who are working somewhere or are professionals. A part-time mode is all about having limited classes. Part-time PhD is mainly focused on research for the development of the company rather than individual research work.
Distance PhD in Public Administration
A distance course in public Administration in India program is quite easy for getting knowledge at any time from anywhere. Many people believe in pursuing this course because of no issue of being physically present at the universities. The objective behind the creation of this distance learning program is to provide the degree along with the knowledge while working. PhD courses are not available through distance.
Popular Entrance Exams for PhD in Public Administration
Various institutes and testing agencies conduct PhD in Public Administration entrance exams for admissions regarding PhD in Public Administration and Technology. The following are some of these entrance examinations:
A Quick Glance at the PhD in Public Administration Entrance Exams
Students can access the PhD in Public Administration course details by going to the college's official website to which they are interested in applying. The specialization plays a vital role in the college's approach to the entrance exam. Below listed are some of the general guidelines for the PhD in Public Administration entrance examinations:
- The exam pattern includes common topics from 10+2, graduation and postgraduation level i.e. public policy, Indian politics, English, and administration.
- The papers are objective and MCQ-based.
- The syllabus, mode of examination, and question pattern may change according to a university/conducting body.
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in India
India is home to some of the PhD in Public Administration colleges in the world. Aspirants have many options to choose from in terms of the best PhD in Public Administration course as per their preferences. Depending on the type of PhD in Public Administration programs offered, candidates will have to make the appropriate choice. Below is the list of the top best PhD in Public Administration colleges in the country:
| SL. NO. | NAME OF THE COLLEGES | Average Fees |
| 1 | BHU, Varanasi | INR 4,000 PA |
| 2 | Presidency College, Chennai | INR 1.8 LPA |
| 3 | UniPune | INR 12,000 PA |
| 4 | Banasthali Vidyapeeth University, Jaipur | INR 2.62 LPA |
| 5 | MDU, Rohtak | INR 15,000 PA |
| 6 | FMS, Delhi | INR 10,480 PA |
| 7 | IGNOU, Delhi | INR 16,800 PA |
| 8 | JMI, New Delhi | INR 15,000 PA |
| 9 | Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi | INR 1.28 LPA |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in New Delhi
Delhi, the educational hub of India, stands in the fourth position in producing PhD in Public Administration candidates. Here are the top 5 PhD in Public Administration Colleges in New Delhi:
| SL. NO. | Institution |
| 1 | University Of Delhi |
| 2 | Hindu College |
| 3 | JNU |
| 4 | Lady Shri Ram College |
| 5 | PGDAV |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Mumbai
Below is the list of colleges which are the top PhD in Public Administration colleges in Mumbai:
| SL.NO. | Institutions |
| 1 | Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College |
| 2 | Kishinchand Chellaram College |
| 3 | NMIMS Mumbai |
| 4 | Elphinstone College |
| 5 | Amity University |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Pune
Below is the list of colleges which are the top colleges for PhD in Public Administration in Pune:
| SL.NO. | Institution |
| 1 | Vishwakarma University |
| 2 | Fergusson College |
| 3 | Dr DY Patil Arts Science and Commerce College |
| 4 | Annasaheb Magar College |
| 5 | NIMS University |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Chennai
The top 5 PhD in Public Administration Colleges of Chennai are given below:
| SL.NO. | Institution |
| 1 | Annamalai University |
| 2 | Loyola College |
| 3 | Madras Christian College |
| 4 | IIT Madras |
| 5 | Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Bangalore
Banglore city has some of the best colleges for PhD in Public Administration courses in India. Here is the list of top colleges for PhD in Public Administration in Bangalore:
| SL. NO. | Institution |
| 1 | Mount Carmel College |
| 2 | Christ university |
| 3 | Bangalore university |
| 4 | Christ University |
| 5 | Reva University |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Kolkata
Check the Table below for the top colleges in Kolkata:
| SL.NO. | Institution |
| 1 | St. Xavier's College |
| 2 | NSHM Knowledge Campus |
| 3 | Presidency University |
| 4 | Maulana Azad College |
| 5 | LBS |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Hyderabad
The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for PhD in Public Administration courses in India. Check the table below for the top PhD in Public Administration colleges in Hyderabad:
| SL.NO. | Institutions |
| 1 | NMIMS University |
| 2 | Nizam College |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Management and Commerce |
| 4 | Osmania University |
| 5 | University of Hyderabad |
Top PhD in Public Administration Government Colleges
There are several top Government Colleges offering quality PhD in Public Administration programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top PhD in Public Administration government colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | IGNOU, New Delhi |
| 2 | DU, New Delhi |
| 3 | University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad |
| 4 | AMU, Aligarh |
| 5 | Gujarat University, Ahmedabad |
Top PhD in Public Administration Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PhD in Public Administration private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top PhD in Public Administration private colleges in India:
| SL.NO. | Institutions |
| 1 | MIT WPU, Pune |
| 2 | Manipal University, Jaipur |
| 3 | Amity University, Noida |
| 4 | Singhania University, Jhunjunu |
| 5 | OPJS University, Rajgarh |
Study PhD in Public Administration in Abroad
Students can opt to study a PhD in Public Administration course abroad if they can afford it. The PhD in Public Administration course abroad is upto 5-8 years, depending on the type of course, college and country. The benefits of studying a PhD in Public Administration course abroad are access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculties, apart from worldwide exposure in terms of subject matter and other cultures.
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges Abroad
The table below contains the list of some of the best colleges abroad for PhD in Public Administration:
| Institution | Fees |
| Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | USD 20,000 |
| University Of Cambridge, UK | USD 30,100 |
| Stanford University, USA | USD 50,200 |
| University Of California, USA | AUD 18,000 |
| Yale University, USA | USD 33,250 |
| University of Chicago, USA | USD 66,096 |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in USA
The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PhD in Public Administration programmes in the world. The US is the best country for PhD in Public Administration studies and settling abroad. It's a PhD in Public Administration level that the USA really shines through. The table below contains the list of top colleges for PhD in Public Administration in the USA:
| SL.NO. | Institution |
| 1 | Stanford University |
| 2 | University Of California |
| 3 | Yale University |
| 4 | University of Chicago |
| 5 | Cornell University |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in the UK
A PhD in Public Administration is a research degree and is the highest award available at universities in the UK. The study is based on a substantial research project on an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis which then must be defended in an oral examination in front of a panel of experts.
The table below contains the list of top colleges for PhD in Public Administration in the Uk:
| SL.NO. | Institutions |
| 1 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | University Of Cambridge |
| 3 | Imperial College London |
| 4 | King’s College London |
| 5 | University College of London |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Canada
An increasingly attractive and multicultural study destination, Canada is a great option to consider for your PhD in Public Administration studies, offering a wealth of research opportunities to help you expand your expertise. Here are the top universities for PhD in Public Administration in Canada:
| SL.NO. | Institution |
| 1 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | University of Manitoba |
| 3 | McGill University |
| 4 | McMaster University |
| 5 | University of Montreal |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Australia
A PhD in Public Administration in Australia means that you will develop your knowledge and skills, which ultimately increases your chances for employment within Australia and in any country. According to the UN's Education Index, Australia's education system ranks first. The table below shows the top universities for PhD in Public Administration in Australia:
| SL.NO. | Institution |
| 1 | University of Queensland |
| 2 | Monash University |
| 3 | University of Melbourne |
| 4 | University of Sydney |
| 5 | University of New South Wales |
Top PhD in Public Administration Colleges in Germany
It is much easier to get a PhD in Public Administration in a European university, which takes about 3-4 years in a good university in Europe. The PhD in Public Administration from Germany enjoys an outstanding reputation. Germany's research institutions, universities and companies welcome international researchers and offer excellent opportunities for doctoral students. The table below shows the top universities in Germany colleges of PhD in Public Administration:
| SL.NO. | Institution |
| 1 | Technical University of Munich |
| 2 | Heidelberg University |
| 3 | Free University of Berlin |
| 4 | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Fee Structure for PhD in Public Administration
The fee structure for PhD in Public Administration varies for different Universities. Also, the fee structure varies following the course and University. Students can download the admission brochure as well as the course curriculum to get the details of PhD in Public Administration admission and fee structure.
The average PhD in Public Administration fee in India is INR 55,000 - 25 LPA. Read below to know about the fee structure of different universities.
| Name of the college | Fees Structure (INR) |
| BHU, Varanasi | 8 LPA |
| Presidency College, Chennai | 22 LPA |
| UniPune University | 20 LPA |
| Banasthali Vidyapeeth University, Jaipur | 1.4 LPA |
Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Public Administration
PhD in Public Administration is a doctorate course in Public Administration The course may have a duration of 3 years and it is a full-time course. It is a research-based course. In the PhD in Public Administration duration, the candidates get to learn the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data.
This course mainly covers areas like improving measurement, scaling, and sampling methods which are the core tools for the Public, etc. The students come to know about the fundamentals of Public management. Though the actual course offerings might differ from one university to another, here is a list of major subjects which are commonly studied under a PhD in Public Administration:
- Scientific Approach to Research
- Methods of Data Collection
- Research Design
- Analysis of Data and use of Computers
- Report Writing
- Public Policy: Theoretical Perspectives
- Institutional Framework for Fighting Corruption
- Governance
- Emerging Trends
- Public Administration: Theoretical Perspectives
Read More: PhD in Public Administration Subjects and syllabus
Why Choose PhD in Public Administration Course?
When students decide to pursue the PhD in Public Administration qualification, they should research PhD in Public Administration course details to ensure that they know the course they are enrolled in. Some of the common queries that students encounter are, "What is PhD in Public Administration" and "Why PhD in Public Administration?". To understand the answer to these questions, we can make it simpler by breaking it down into the following three short questions:
What is PhD in Public Administration All About?
A PhD in Public Administration or Doctor of Philosophy is a doctoral research degree and is normally the highest level of academic qualification one can achieve. A PhD in Public Administration degree holder can get a job at APCO Worldwide Limited, Cognizant, IBM, GCS, Gail India, Logica Pvt. Ltd., Ramboll-IMI Soft Private Limited, etc. The course has a specialization that deals with Public administration research. The Students need to check the PhD in Public Administration course outline perfectly.
What does PhD in Public Administration graduate do?
Students can select the subjects of their choice depending on their interest in job prospects available in the specific field. Since graduates with a PhD in Public Administration degree possess skills in various subjects, there are career opportunities available in multiple fields for them.
In addition, there are many responsibilities that graduates of this role have to undertake, which makes the role very dynamic and diverse.
Social Worker: They are responsible for aiding people around them. They raise their voices against any injustice prevailing in society. They organize formal meetings and listen to people regarding their problems.
Professor: A professor is responsible for education and training methods adopted for imparting valuable knowledge to the students.
Reasons Why PhD in Public Administration Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
PhD in Public Administration courses are a very reflective and exciting stream of education. Students can gauge the intrinsic worth of a PhD in Public Administration course because it offers more avenues of employment opportunities than any other stream. Thus, the PhD in Public Administration job scope is forever widening and appealing.
Diversity in Job roles: There is a diverse range of job roles available for the graduates of this course. Since the specializations available to the students are very flexible, it enables the students to pursue a wide range of roles in their careers.
Read More: PhD in Public Administration Jobs and Scope
PhD in Public Administration Course Comparison
PhD in Public Administration stands for Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and is typically catered to students interested in and inclined towards research-based degrees and professional Public administration. Here is a course comparison of PhD in Public Administration with another course:
PhD in Public Administration vs PhD in Social Work
Below is a comparison of PhD Public and Business Administration:
| Course | Doctorate | Doctorate |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration | Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work |
| Stream | Paramedical | Arts |
| Duration | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | Any course with a minimum of 55% marks | M.Phil course with a minimum of 55% marks |
| Entrance Exams | UGC NET, SET, PET, GATE, IGNOU PET | UGC-NET, IBSAT, JET, LPUNEST, CUCET, |
| Top Colleges | Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Presidency College, and Savitribai Phule Pune University-[SPPU] | Banaras Hindu University, Shantiniketan University, Presidency University, St. Xavier's University, Christ University |
| Fees | INR 10,000- 2 LPA | INR 15,000 - 2 LPA |
Read More: PhD Social Work
Preparation Tips for PhD in Public Administration Course
There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a PhD in Public Administration degree. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles.
Improve Vocabulary: Improving vocabulary is very necessary as the PhD in Public Administration course deals with many writing and reading activities. So having excellent communication and writing skills are a plus for the student studying the PhD in Public Administration course.
Read and Practice More: Being up to date with the syllabus every day is very important. Practising and reading more will help the student be thorough with the syllabus and do well in the exams.
Have Intrinsic Knowledge and Interest in Subjects: Having intrinsic knowledge about the subject and having the same interest will keep the student motivated to learn more than what's in the syllabus.
Revise Methodically: Revising from time to time can be a key to scoring well in the final exam. Keep revising regularly and understand the subject properly. Revision is the key to scoring good marks.
Salary of a PhD in Public Administration Graduates
The salary depends on the kind of job you get/you choose to do, what your PhD in Public Administration research area is and where you are employed.No prior experience is required to be a PhD in Public Administration Student. The average Salary of a PhD in Public Administration graduate starts from INR 7 - INR 17 LPA (Source: Payscale), depending on the stream you belong from.
Read More: PhD in Public Administration Salary
Career Options After PhD in Public Administration
A PhD in Public Administration degree is pursued by a majority of students because it offers better career options, for example, in the field of academics and research. PhD in Public Administration in itself is a broad term, it has many specializations that have different career options and jobs. PhD in Public Administration Jobs includes:
- Social Worker
- Corporate Manager
- Researcher
- Professor
- Customs Inspector
- Revenue Inspector
- Consultant
- Administrative Officer
Skills That Make You The Best PhD in Public Administration Graduates
For studying a course like PhD in Public Administration, there are so many skills that a student needs to have. The skills help the students to get well-maintained dignity, respect, and so much attention. So, that’s why the students need to put their efforts to come out of their comfort zones and earn respect as much as possible. Some of these skills include:
- Education institutions
- Public Works
- Corporate Management
- Tribal Administration
- Revenue department
- Indian Civil Services