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Shivam Kumar

Updated on 29th February, 2024 , 8 min read

PhD in Commerce: Fees, Syllabus, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Salary 2024

Course

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

PhD in Commerce: Course Highlights 

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. 

Management Skills: It focuses on forging connections, managing challenging situations, and maintaining the company's financial stability.

Obtain a competitive edge: Your employment will improve, and you'll be able to stand out from the crowd thanks to this training.

Develop your abilities You can learn how to manage people in a more connected, international society by earning a doctorate in management. 

Develop your talents as a scholar-practitioner. A PhD in management will offer you the knowledge and confidence to attend academic conferences and give presentations there. 

Who Should pursue PhD in Commerce?

PhD in Commerce will be suitable for the following people:

  • A student with a postgraduate degree.
  • A person with a wide commerce background can pursue a PhD in Commerce
  • If one wants to do a specialized degree, then one can turn towards PhD in Commerce
  • The course is open to anybody interested in working in politics, economic analysis, or policy-making positions related to trade and commerce.

PhD in Commerce: Course Duration

A PhD in Commerce is a prestigious and advanced academic program that offers in-depth exploration and expertise in various aspects of commerce, economics, business, and related fields. This program is designed for individuals who aspire to make significant contributions to the field through original research, critical analysis, and scholarly inquiry. The course duration for a PhD in Commerce in India typically ranges from 3 to 6 years, during which students engage in a comprehensive journey of learning, discovery, and intellectual growth.

PhD in Commerce: Fees

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.

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

Calicut University

INR 7,730

Career Point University

INR 1,22,000

Mangalayatan University

INR 90,000

Manipal University

INR 36,000

Apex University

INR 1,02,000

SRM University

INR 16,000

University of Technology

INR 1,01,600

AL-Falah University

INR 1,50,000

West Bengal State University

INR 12,500

Kalinga University

INR 3,52,000

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: Eligibility

  • Candidates must have completed a postgraduate degree in Commerce/equivalent or an M.Phil. degree from a recognized university listed under the UGC/AIU with a minimum aggregate of 55 percent and above.
  • It is advantageous to the program if you have 4 years of relevant professional experience in either teaching or administration.
  • Group Discussions and Personal Interviews will also be held at some reputable institutions and universities.

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 Colleges in Delhi

PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Mumbai

PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Bangalore

PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Kolkata

PhD in Commerce: Top Colleges in Chennai

PhD in Commerce: Jobs 

A PhD in Commerce opens a wide range of job opportunities in business and related fields. Given below is an overview of some of the key job roles that PhD in Commerce graduates can explore:

Job Profile

Job Description

Professor/Assistant Professor/Associate Professor

Teach, conduct research, and publish scholarly work in universities and colleges.

Business Consultant

Provide expert advice to businesses on various aspects, such as strategy, management, and operations

Financial Analyst

Analyze financial data, trends, and investment opportunities to guide decision-making.

Market Research Analyst

Study consumer behavior, market trends, and competition to inform marketing strategies.

Research Scientist

Engage in advanced research projects, contribute to publications, and collaborate with research institutions.

International Trade Specialist

 

Assist organizations in navigating international trade regulations, agreements, and expansion.

Entrepreneur/Startup Founder

Start and lead your own business venture, leveraging your commerce expertise and innovative ideas.

PhD in Commerce: Salary

PhD in Commerce salary ranges from INR 6 – 40 LPA. This can vary widely based on factors such as job role, years of experience, geographical location, company size, and industry sector. Below is a general salary overview for some key job roles in holding a PhD in Commerce: 

Job Profile

Average Salary

Professor/Assistant Professor/Associate Professor

INR 8 – 15 LPA

Business Consultant

INR 5 – 15 LPA

Financial Analyst

INR 3 – 10 LPA

Market Research Analyst

INR 3 – 8 LPA

Research Scientist

INR 6 – 12 LPA

International Trade Specialist

INR 4 – 12 LPA

Entrepreneur/Startup Founder

Depends on the growth and success of the startup or business.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is PhD in Commerce?

PhD in Commerce is a research-based doctoral course that can be pursued after completing a master’s degree. The actual length of the course depends on the research.

How many years is a PhD in commerce?

PhD in Commerce takes a minimum of 3 years of duration to get completed and can be studied up to a maximum of 6 years.

What is the Salary of a PhD in Commerce?

The average salary of a PhD in Commerce holder may vary depending on the industry and profile but the average salary ranges INR 6,00,000 to INR 12,00,000/year.

Which subject is best for PhD in commerce?

You can choose a subfield including, Accounting, Marketing, Taxation, Human Resources, Strategy, IT Management, Consulting, and Finance.

Is a PhD in commerce worth it?

Yes, it is worth it. You may have a fantastic career chance if you pursue a specialization-based PhD in commerce. For business majors who have a desire for conducting an in-depth study on a subject relating to business, economics, or commerce, this is an advanced-level degree program.

Does IGNOU provide PhD in Commerce?

Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, Provides a distance mode Doctorate degree in various specializations such as English, Hindi, Psychology, Economics, Commerce, Science etc. The PhD degree in commerce program is of three years duration.

Can I do PhD in Commerce after MBA?

Yes, In Fact it is a good idea to do PhD after completing your master’s degree If you're interested in the arena of academics.

What is the Eligibility for PhD in commerce?

The eligibility criteria for a PhD in Commerce is that the student must have completed a master’s degree in commerce or a master’s degree in Philosophy with a minimum of 55% through a recognized university.

Can I do PhD in Commerce without master’s?

No, the eligibility criteria itself states that the student must have done a master’s degree in commerce with 55% through a recognized college.

Are there any entrance exams for a PhD in Commerce?

In some universities students must clear the entrance examinations such as UGC NET, BHU RET, SLET, etc. There is no age limit to enroll in the course.

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