PhD in Sociology: Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees, Job & Salary

A PhD in Sociology is a doctorate course for a period of 3 to 5 years, depending on research progress. The course aims to produce research scholars who are capable of creative and critical engagement with the contemporary world through their research.

PhD in Sociology eligibility is that the candidates must have a Master's degree in sociology, with at least 55% marks in aggregate. Some of the entrance exams for a PhD in Sociology include UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, SLET, ICMR JRF, and GPAT.

A PhD in Sociology equips students with a deep understanding of social structures, human behavior analysis, research methods and advanced skills in critical thinking. Some of the job roles available for them are Social Researcher, University Professor, Public Opinion Researcher, Policy Analyst, Program Evaluator, Community Development Specialist, Market Research Analyst or Consultant.

Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Sociology can expect an average package in the range of INR 5 - 10 LPA.

PhD in Sociology Course Highlights

The basic details of the Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology are as follows:

What is a PhD in Sociology?

A PhD Sociology is a 3-5 year program that prepares students to conduct the highest level of sociological research. The course provides in-depth knowledge of society and social behaviour.

• The program provides the candidates with the knowledge of how to analyze the ways in which societies are constituted, determinate, and transformed along with the influences of social forces on individuals and groups.
• It entails studying sociological theories, research methods (both qualitative and quantitative), and higher criticism of social phenomena at various levels, whether at small-group level, big institutions, or whole societies.

Why Study PhD in Sociology?

PhD Sociology is a field of study that opens up diverse career opportunities in research, social work, academia, community development, policy-making, and government agencies.

• A PhD degree in Sociology is taken by people with strong desires to deeply understand social structures, the behavior of people, and cultural trends, and be able to do high-level research to solve problems facing a complex society.
• The course provides essential analytical and research skills to scholars so that they are able to effectively examine social interactions, cultural diversity, and systemic inequalities as a whole.
• It has a broad range of career path possibilities in academia, teaching, social policy, community development, research agencies, government agencies, NGOs, and social consultants.
• With this degree, they can hold a position where they get the opportunity to affect the social policies, come up with effective community programs, and even work towards social justice and equity efforts.

Who Should Pursue PhD in Sociology?

The PhD Sociology course is an ideal option for candidates who want advanced research skills to have an advanced career. The ideal candidates for this course are:

• Students and professionals interested in driving positive influences in society based on research and policies, individuals who want to pursue careers in academia and teaching, social researchers, policy analysts, and social change proponents are examples of people who should pursue a Ph.D. in Sociology.
• The candidates who have done BA Sociology or postgraduation, and want to opt for advanced research-based careers.
• It would be suitable for people who have a deep interest in social sciences, critical thinking, qualitative and quantitative research methodology, and interdisciplinary studies in human societies.
• A Ph.D. in Sociology would serve as a stepping stone to candidates who intend to specialize in gender studies, race and ethnicity, aging, urban studies, and social welfare, among others.

PhD in Sociology Eligibility

Students should have the following eligibility to take admission in Ph.D. Sociology:

• The candidates must have an MA Sociology, with at least 55% marks in aggregate.
• Candidate must have cleared an entrance exams as UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, SLET, ICMR JRF or GPAT.

PhD in Sociology Entrance Exams

Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD degree in Sociology include UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, SLET, ICMR JRF, and GPAT.

PhD in Sociology Admission Procedure

The PhD Sociology admission process is based on the entrance exams conducted by the state or university. For your reference, provided below is the step-by-step admission process followed at the JNU Delhi.

Step 1: The candidates need to fulfill the eligibility criteria.

Step 2: The institute offers an online option to apply via its official JNU website, which requires users to create an account using their mobile number and email IDs, then fill in the application form, upload documents, pay the fees, and submit the form.

Step 3: UGC NET/CSIR NET candidates holding Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) are evaluated 100 percent in Viva Voce & they do not require appearing for the entrance exam.

Step 4: Selection of the candidates short-listed in the UGC NET, as well as those with valid NET scores (without JRF) is has to appear for the viva, which has a weightage of 30 percent, and the rest of 70 percent is based on the NET merit.

Step 5: The next process is Viva Voce (interview), which is administered once prospective candidates have been shortlisted through the application.

Step 6: On evaluation, merit lists are formed and published, and the selected candidates have to move with the admission process, payment of fee, etc.

Step 7: The selected candidates have to visit the campus for the document verification process.

Step 8: Once the document verification is done, the candidates need to pay the course fee to confirm their admission.

PhD in Sociology Top Colleges in India

Given below are some of the top colleges for the Sociology PhD course based on the NIRF Ranking 2024 is as follows:

PhD in Sociology Jobs

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

• Industry: A Sociology PhD can lead to jobs in a variety of sectors, including management consulting, market research, policy analysis and academia.
• Employment Demand: A PhD Sociology is in high demand, offering job opportunities in academia, business and consulting, driven by the growing economy and the need for skilled professionals with advanced research and strategic skills.
• Average Salary: The average salary after a PhD Sociology jobs varies depending on experience, industry, and location. However, the average salary ranges between INR 5-10 LPA.

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

PhD in Sociology Vs PhD Social Work

PhD in Sociology is more inclusive covering structures of the society, whereas the PhD in Social Work is more inclined and related to social work theories, policies and research connected with practice.

PhD in Sociology FAQs