If you are planning to pursue a PhD degree, then appearing for the PhD Entrance Exam can be the first step. It checks your eligibility to pursue a PhD degree by assessing your subject-specific knowledge, your research skills and General Aptitude & Reasoning skills.
Many students find themselves confused because of not know the University-based PhD entrance exam syllabus and its exam pattern. It can also happen due to the extreme popularity of other entrance exams like UGC-NET and GATE. In many cases, it becomes important to understand what topics it focuses on and what the structure of the paper is.
In this blog, we will be breaking down the common University-based PhD entrance exam syllabus in a simple stream-wise format to cover humanities, commerce and science subjects, also, we will share some preparation tips with you to help you crack the exam.
These courses help students build expertise in finance, accounting, taxation, and business management, opening doors to better career opportunities in the corporate and financial sectors.
Before choosing a program, ensure that the university is recognized and suits your learning style. A well-structured Online M.Com in Mumbai can help you achieve your academic and professional goals without compromising on flexibility. If you have any doubt then feel free to contact us as MapMyCourse.
What is the PhD Entrance Exam?
A PhD entrance exam is a test that helps universities to test your eligibility for a PhD program. One thing you need to keep in mind, a PhD exam is not about how much you studied, but it is all about how well you understand your subject, how much you think critically.
In India, most universities require you to clear an entrance test before you start your PhD career. Some of the popular exams are UGC NET (especially for humanities and social sciences), CSIR NET (for science subjects), GATE (for engineering and technology), and so on. Also, some universities even have their entrance exams to check students’ eligibility.
Usually, the exam is followed by an interview or research proposal presentation. So, cracking the entrance test is just the first step, but it is an important step. And knowing the syllabus can help you start your preparation with clarity and confidence.
Also Read:- PhD Stipend In India
PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus
Core Areas Covered in Most PhD Entrance Exams
It doesn’t matter for which subject or university you are applying to, most of the PhD entrance exams in India have a similar exam pattern, which usually tests you on 3 core areas these are as follows:
- Research subject
This part will test your research ability from forming a research question to choosing the right methods for data collection and analysis. It covers main topics like:
- Types of research (qualitative vs quantitative)
- Research design
- Sampling techniques
- Hypothesis testing
- Data interpretation
- Referencing styles (APA, MLA, etc.)
- Subject-Specific Knowledge
This part will test your subject-specific knowledge. For revision, you can go back to your postgraduation syllabus. The questions here test your depth of understanding and your ability to apply concepts. For example:
- A commerce student might get questions related to financial management, accounting standards, or business law.
- A history student might have to attempt questions about historical sources, key events, or important movements.
- General Aptitude & Reasoning
This section checks your analytical and logical thinking. You might see:
- Reading comprehension
- Basic maths (like percentages, ratios, and averages)
- Logical puzzles
- Data interpretation
- Verbal reasoning
PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus for Humanities Subjects
English Literature
Unit –1 | Drama |
Unit –2 | Poetry |
Unit –3 | Fiction, short story |
Unit –4 | Non-Fictional Prose |
Unit –5 | Language: Basic concepts, theories and pedagogy. English in Use. |
Unit –6 | English in India: history, evolution and futures |
Unit –7 | Cultural Studies |
Unit –8 | Literary Criticism |
Unit –9 | Literary Theory Post-World War II |
Unit –10 | Research Methods and Materials in English |
Note:- The first four units must also be tested through comprehension passages to assess critical reading, critical thinking and writing skills. These four units will cover all literature in English.
2. History
Historiography & Historical Methods (Common Section) |
|
Ancient Indian History: |
|
Medieval Indian History |
|
Modern Indian History |
|
3. Political Science
Unit –1 | Political Theory |
Unit –2 | Political Thought |
Unit –3 | Indian Political Thought |
Unit –4 | Comparative Political Analysis |
Unit –5 | International Relations |
Unit –6 | India’s Foreign Policy |
Unit –7 | Political Institutions in India |
Unit –8 | Political Processes in India |
Unit –9 | Public Administration |
Unit –10 | Governance and Public Policy in India |
4. Sociology
Unit –1 | Classical Sociological Theory |
Unit –2 | Modern Sociological Theory |
Unit –3 | Social Research Method |
Unit –4 | Sociology of India |
Unit –5 | Social Stratification |
Unit –6 | Economy and Society |
Unit –7 | Political Sociology |
Unit –8 | Sociology of Development |
Unit –9 | Family, Kinship and Marriage |
5. Psychology
Unit –1 | Foundations of Psychology |
Unit –2 | Biological Bases of Behavior |
Unit –3 | Cognitive Psychology |
Unit –4 | Developmental Psychology |
Unit –5 | Social Psychology |
Unit –6 | Personality Psychology |
Unit –7 | Psychopathology |
Unit –8 | Applied Psychology |
Unit –9 | Emerging Areas in Psychology |
Unit –10 | Research Proposal Writing and Presentation |
PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus for Commerce
Unit –1 | Business Environment and International Business |
Unit –2 | Accounting and Auditing |
Unit –3 | Business Economics |
Unit –4 | Business Finance |
Unit –5 | Business Statistics and Research Methods |
Unit –6 | Business Management and Human Resource Management |
Unit –7 | Banking and Financial Institutions |
Unit –8 | Marketing Management |
Unit –9 | Legal Aspects of Business |
Unit –10 | Income-tax and Corporate Tax Planning |
PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus for Science Subjects
1. Physics
Unit –1 | Mathematical physics |
Unit –2 | Classical mechanics |
Unit –3 | Electromagnetic theory |
Unit –4 | Quantum mechanics |
Unit –5 | Thermodynamics and statistical physics |
Unit –6 | Electronics and experimental methods |
Unit –7 | Atomic, molecular and laser physics |
Unit –8 | Condensed matter physics |
Unit –9 | Nuclear physics |
Unit –10 | Particle physics |
2. Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry |
|
Organic Chemistry |
|
Physical Chemistry |
|
Analytical Chemistry |
|
3. Biology
Unit –1 | Biomolecules and catalysis |
Unit –2 | Biochemical and Biophysical Techniques |
Unit –3 | Immune system |
Unit –4 | Cell Organisation and Function |
Unit –5 | Recombinant DNA Technology |
Unit –6 | Developmental Biology |
Unit –7 | Inheritance Biology |
Unit –8 | Bioinformatics |
4. Life Sciences
Unit –1 | Cell Biology |
Unit –2 | Microbiology |
Unit –3 | Biochemistry |
Unit –4 | Molecular Biology |
Unit –5 | Botany |
Unit –6 | Zoology |
Unit –7 | Developmental Biology |
Unit –8 | Bioanalytical Techniques |
Unit –9 | Biodiversity and Environment |
Unit –10 | Ecological Principles |
Unit –11 | Immunology |
Unit –12 | Genetics |
Unit –13 | Genetic Engineering |
Unit –14 | Bioinformatics |
Unit –15 | Research Methodology |
5. Environmental Science
Unit –1 | Environmental Geo-Science and Atmosphere |
Unit –2 | Ecosystem Concepts And Population Dynamics, and Natural Resources |
Unit –3 | Disasters |
Unit –4 | Environmental Pollutionglobal Warming, Greenhouse Effect And Acid Rain |
Unit –5 | Environmental Chemistry And Green Technology |
Unit –6 | Ecotoxicology And Environmental Health |
Unit –7 | Environmental Impact Assessment |
Unit –8 | Research Methodology And Statistics |
Unit –9 | Techniques In Environmental Monitoring |
Unit –10 | Environmental Law, Governance, Policyenvironmental Treaties And Conventions |
How to Prepare for the PhD Entrance Exam?
Preparing for a PhD entrance exam can feel a bit challenging at first, but with the right strategy, you can crack it. The key is to break things down and set the right approach to your preparation rather than trying to study everything at once:
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly:
Before you start your studies, understand the whole syllabus. Know about the core topics of your subject. Doing this helps save you from wasting time.
- Gather the Right Study Materials:
Use standard books and reliable resources. UGC NET-level books can be a good starting point, especially for theory-heavy subjects. For science-based topics, refer to books used in postgraduate courses. Also, check if the university you’re applying to has shared previous years’ question papers or sample papers or not.
- Make a Study Plan:
Create a daily or weekly schedule that allows you to revise core topics first. Schedule time for mock tests and revision. Don’t make the mistake of studying everything randomly—structure is key. - Practice Mock Tests & Solve Previous Papers:
This part is important. Many students study the whole syllabus but don’t practice the actual paper format. Solving previous years’ question papers helps you understand the pattern and manage your time better during the exam. - Focus on Conceptual Clarity:
PhD entrance exams often test how well you understand a concept, not just subject knowledge. So instead of rote learning, make sure you really understood the logic and reasoning behind each topic. - Revise Smartly:
Don’t leave revision for the last week. Keep revising regularly, especially formulas, definitions, and diagrams if they apply to your subject. - Take Care of Yourself:
This may sound unrelated, but maintaining a healthy routine (with decent sleep and breaks) can make a big difference in how well you study and retain information.
Check Out Our Blogs
Final Words
Preparing for a PhD entrance exam might seem like a big challenge, but with the right mindset and planning, it is possible. You can start by understanding the PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus properly, it’s your roadmap and will help you focus on what truly matters. The exam isn’t just about remembering facts; it’s about showing your understanding and readiness for research.
This is just the beginning of a long and rewarding academic journey. So, be consistent, believe in your preparation, and keep reminding yourself why you chose this path and what the reward will be.
FAQs
Q.1 How do I prepare for a PhD entrance?
Ans:The best way to prepare for PhD entrance exams is to study your undergraduate syllabus thoroughly. Make sure you go through all concepts from a basic level and do not leave any topic midway or incomplete.
Q.2 Who is eligible for a PhD?
Ans:To be eligible for a PhD program in India, you generally need a Master's degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 55% research (or equivalent CGPA) and may need to clear entrance exams like UGC NET or GATE, and potentially an interview.
Q.3 What are the common topics covered in the PhD entrance exam syllabus?
Ans:Common topics covered in the PhD entrance exam syllabus include research methods, General Aptitude & Reasoning, and subject-specific knowledge.
Q.4 What is the exam pattern for the PhD entrance exam?
Ans:The exam pattern for PhD entrance exams varies by university, but typically includes a written test, interview, and/or presentation.
Q.5 What is the weightage of research methodology in the PhD entrance exam?
Ans:The weightage of research methodology in PhD entrance exams varies by university and discipline, but typically ranges from 20-50%.