Which One To Choose: PhD For Working Professionals In India Or Abroad?

A PhD or doctorate is one of the most aspired degrees among Indians. Be it in any field, this educational level is highly valued by the recruiters as well. However, considering the full-time dedication that this program demands, it is quite difficult for working professionals to opt for a PhD program. Thus, a modified version of PhD is introduced by universities in the name of PhD for Working Professionals that is specifically designed for mid and senior-level executives.

A PhD for working professionals is offered by both Indian and foreign universities. However, there is a vast difference between the two in terms of the mode of delivery. At foreign institutions, a PhD for working professionals is offered in online mode but at Indian institutions, you need to attend the program in physical mode. Apart from this, there are a lot of other differences between an “online PhD for working professionals” and a “PhD for working professionals” which have been discussed in this article in detail.

Points Of Difference Between A PhD For Working Professionals In India And Abroad

• To start with the points of differences between an “online PhD for working professionals” and a “PhD for working professionals,” let’s start with the names of these programs that are being addressed in the industry. At foreign universities, it is referred to as an online doctorate program or more specifically online DBA. At Indian universities, this modified PhD is famous by the name of “PhD for working professionals” or “Doctoral Program for Working Professionals.” 

• At Indian universities, you need to pass tests like GMAT, GRE, CAT, GATE, or JRF (NET) to be eligible for this program but to apply for an online PhD for working professionals at foreign universities, you do not require any test score.

• In India, the duration of a PhD for working professionals ranges between 4 and 6 years but in abroad the online version of this program is for 3 years. This period is quite short compared to the regular PhD program and is highly suitable for the hectic schedule of executives.

• Indian universities/institutions demand both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from a UGC-recognized university for a PhD for working professionals. However, the same program can be taken up in online mode from an international university right after graduation with 3+ years of work experience.

• If you consider the cost of the program, at prestigious Indian institutions like IIMs, it starts at around INR 10 lakhs but at international universities, this range gets lowered at INR 7 lakhs. However, this value keeps on changing with your choice of university.

• After completion of an online PhD for working professionals from abroad, you will get the alumni tag of an international university. This tag in itself is a symbol of global recognition which will help you land your dream job in the country you have been planning to settle in. With a PhD for working professionals from India, you will be eligible for this benefit provided you have completed your doctorate from premium Indian institutions like IIMs.

Is Part-time PhD the Same As A PhD For Working Professionals?

A part-time PhD is another name for the doctorate programs designed for working professionals. The only difference between a full-time and a part-time PhD program is in the duration which is longer for the part-time PhD program. Another fact is that part-time PhD candidates are not eligible for a fellowship or stipend. 

Coming to its comparison with a PhD for working professionals, it can be said that both of them are similar to a large extent. In both the programs, the main target audience is the working group which needs more time to complete a PhD along with their jobs. However, at some universities, you might get these two programs listed separately with a difference in the eligibility criteria.

How Is College Vidya Playing A Role?

College Vidya is one of those online education platforms that not only provides you with a list of authorized online Indian universities but also international ones. On this platform, you can navigate all about the universities offering online PhD for working professionals. Their academic counselors can guide you about the approvals you should look for and the benefits you will be getting on choosing a particular international university. Not only the university, College Vidya even provides you with a detailed comparison of 30+ factors like student reviews, placement packages, fees, etc. among the best universities offering an online doctorate course. After taking the admission, you can even avail of the post-admission services of College Vidya which will be like your support system throughout your online learning journey.

Conclusion

A PhD is not only a degree, it is a reflection of your expertise in a particular field. So, do not just enroll in it for the sake of adding a “Dr.” title to your name but go with the one that not only strengthens your foundation knowledge but also equips you with global industry trends. Choose an online PhD for working professionals from abroad to give your career the wings it has been dragging for!