Is a 1-Year Ph.D. in India Possible for an MBA Graduate Specializing in HRD?

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to know if a 1-year Ph.D. is available in India. My friend is an MBA graduate and is an HRD Trainer and Counselor specializing in Soft Skills Training. As he cannot spare a whole 2 years for studying and research, he wants to inquire about the availability of a 1-year Ph.D. program in India. He does not hold an M.Phil degree but has guided several MBA, M.Phil, and Ph.D. scholars during their studies.

It would be very helpful if you could provide insight into this matter.

Hi Surekha,

No, it's not possible in one year or even valid as the regular one. In India, a Master's degree is required to gain admission to a doctoral program. In some subjects, doing a Master's in Philosophy (M.Phil) is a prerequisite to start a Ph.D.

In some prestigious universities, it is required to qualify for the all India-level examinations such as the 'National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET)' conducted by the 'University Grants Commission' (UGC), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). These selected candidates, based on their performance in the above examinations, are awarded scholarships in the form of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for the first two years of Ph.D., followed by the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for the next two/three years.

I hope it's helpful or visit some sites on Google for more in-depth information.

No, my friend. A Ph.D. in 1 or 2 years is not possible. It has to be a minimum of 5 years, and it can last for a maximum of 8 years. If it were possible in 1-2 years, I would have been the first person to opt for it.

Gone are the days of waiting for a Ph.D. for such a lengthy duration. Please try to get updates about it. It seems your assumption is not correct. I have come across a few universities, like Mysore in the south... The minimum duration is 2-3 years, I believe. Please try once if I am right. If so, don't miss out as you quoted it, "I would have been the first person to opt for it."

Hi,

For a Ph.D., it is possible to complete it in 2 years. The duration generally allowed in universities in India is a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 5 years. Your friend can opt for a Ph.D. from IGNOU or other institutions offering distance mode courses.

Regards,