Ph.D. Environmental Science : Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees, Job & Salary

Updated on Mar 19, 2025

Kirti Mehendiratta

Ph.D. Environmental Science is a doctorate course for a period of 3 to 6 years depending on research progress. The course aims to produce a deep understanding of climate change, sustainable development, environmental pollution, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

To be eligible for a Ph.D in Environmental Science, candidates must have a master's degree in a related field, and a minimum grade of 55%. Some of the popular entrance exams for a Ph.D in Environmental Science include UGC-NET, GATE and CUET-PG.

Ph.D in Environmental Science provides candidates with the knowledge in biodiversity conservation, ecology, environmental chemistry,climate change, pollution control and sustainable resource management. Some of the job roles available for them are Natural Resource Specialist, Microbiologist, Environmentalist, Wildlife Biologist and many more.

Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Environmental Science can expect an average package in the range of INR 6 - 12 lakhs per annum.

PhD in Environmental Science Course Highlights

The basic details of PhD in Environmental Science are as follows:

Particulars	Course Details
Course Name	PhD Environmental Science
Duration	3 - 6 Years
Eligibility	Candidates must have a master's degree in a related field, and a minimum grade of 55% and should have cleared entrance exams like UGC-NET, GATE,CUET-PG.
Admission Process	Entrance Based
Entrance Examinations	GATE/ UGC-NET/CUET (PG)
Average Course Fees	-
Career Prospects	Microbiologist, Environmentalist, Natural Resource Specialist and Wildlife Biologist
Average Package after PhD	INR 6 - 12 lakhs per annum

What is a PhD in Environmental Science ?

PhD in Environmental Science is a 3 to 6 year doctorate course that involves research and study aspects of climate change, biodiversity conservation and pollution control.

Like, a candidate studies the impact of plastic pollution on marine life which helps to develop solutions for waste management and protecting ocean ecosystems.

A PhD in Environmental Science focuses on research that studies the environment and how to address environmental issues. It provides individuals with in-depth expertise, strong research capabilities and enhanced critical thinking skills.

Why Study Environmental Science?

PhD Environmental Science is a field of study that opens up diverse career opportunities in research and academia. The course provides in-depth knowledge of ecosystem conservation, climate change mitigation and pollution control.

A PhD in Environmental Science is in high demand because there is a need for experts to address challenges like pollution, climate change and sustainable resource management.

PhD in Environmental Science Eligibility

Students should have the following eligibility to take admission in PhD Environmental Science:

The candidates must have a master's degree in a related field and a minimum grade of 55%.
Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like UGC-NET, GATE and CUET-PG.

PhD in Environmental Science Entrance Exams

Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Environmental Science include UGC-NET, GATE and CUET-PG.

Entrance Examination	Registration Date	Date of Examination
UGC NET	19 November to December 10 2024	3 to 16 January 2025
GATE	28 August to 11 October 2024	1, 2, 15, 16 February 2025
CUET (PG)	2 January to 8 February 2025	13 March to 1 April 2025

Top Colleges in India for PhD in Environmental Science

Some of the top colleges for PhD in Environmental Science based on NIRF Ranking 2024 is as follows:

NIRF Ranking 2024 (Overall)	College Name	City, State	Semester Fees
45	Lovely Professional University	Phagwara, Punjab	-
49	Amity University	Noida, Uttar Pradesh	INR 50,000
-	SGT University	Gurugram, Haryana	-
-	SRM University	Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh	INR 75,000
-	University of Rajasthan	Jaipur, Rajasthan	-

PhD in Environmental Science VS PhD in Environmental Studies

A PhD in Environmental Science involves research into environmental processes, natural resource management and environmental technologies. After the course, candidates can pursue their career in various fields including environmental consulting, research institutions, governmental agencies, non-profits and industries such as energy and pharmaceuticals, where candidates can work as environmental scientists, researchers, policy advisors or in environmental technology development.

On the other hand, a PhD in Environmental Studies focuses on the environment, sustainability, environmental justice, policy-making and community-based solutions to environmental challenges. After the course, candidates can pursue careers in academia, environmental advocacy, policy analysis, government agencies, NGOs and international organizations, where they can work as environmental policy experts, consultants, sustainability managers or environmental educators.

PhD in Environmental Science Jobs

The basic details of jobs after PhD in Environmental Science are as follows:

Industry: A PhD in Environmental Science can lead to jobs in academia or government and private sectors or related fields.
Employment Demand: A PhD in Environmental Science is in high demand, offering jobs like Natural Resource Specialist, Microbiologist, Environmentalist and Wildlife Biologist.
Average Salary: The average salary after PhD Environmental Science varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The average salary is between INR 6- 12 lakhs per annum.

There are various job roles available for PhD holders in Environmental Science. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience are mentioned in the table below:

Job Roles	Entry level	Experience level
Microbiologist	INR 3-5 LPA	INR 6-8 LPA
Wildlife Biologist	INR 3-5 LPA	INR 6-9 LPA
Natural Resource Specialist	INR 6-8 LPA	INR 10-12 LPA
Environmentalist	INR 4-6 LPA	INR 8-10 LPA

PhD in Environmental Science FAQs

Is it worth getting a PhD in environmental science?

Yes, it’s definitely worth pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science especially for the one who wants to have an in-depth understanding of ecosystem management, sustainable development, environmental pollution and biodiversity conservation ecosystem management.

What are the career options available after PhD in environmental science?

After PhD in environmental science, one can pursue a career as Environmentalist, Natural Resource Specialist, Microbiologist and Wildlife Biologist.

Can one pursue PhD in environmental science after doing Msc. Zoology?

Yes, one can pursue a PhD in Environmental Science after completing an MSc in Zoology, as Zoology provides a good understanding in ecological principles and animal biology, which are related to many environmental science research areas.

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