A Ph.D. in Arts is a three-year doctoral programme that allows students to specialize in either Humanities courses such as psychology, history, or journalism, or Performing Arts such as music, or Visual Arts such as video, animation, and filmmaking. Students who have earned a Master’s or equivalent degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 55 percent aggregate are eligible for the Ph.D. Arts programme.
The admissions procedure varies from institution to college and is based on merit or an entrance exam. Students will also be subjected to a personal interview in which they will be questioned about their study idea.
Course Highlights:
Course Level | Doctoral |
Full-Form | Doctoral degree in Arts |
Duration | 3 years |
Eligibility | Maters or M.Phil. in the relevant subject. |
Course fees | From INR 15,000 to INR 2,00,000 |
Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 |
Job position | Researcher, Art Consultant, Art therapist, Sculptor |
Eligibility Criteria:
- A master’s degree or equivalent in the appropriate discipline from a recognised college or university is required of the applicant.
- The applicant must have received a minimum of 55 percent in their overall grade.
- To be considered for the course, the applicant must pass national or university-level entrance exams.
Admission Process:
- Most universities accept students who score well on UGC-recognized entrance exams or national level assessments such as UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR-NET, DBT (JRF), ICMR, and others.
- When applying for merit-based admission, the result is normally announced after the application has been processed and the qualifying exams have been completed.
- Admission is determined by the candidate’s performance on the entrance exam in the case of entrance exams. This is calculated after the entrance exam is completed.
- There will be a personal interview round for ultimate selection in both circumstances. The candidate will have to describe his research project to the panel in this stage. If the panel approves the candidate, he or she will be admitted to the programme.
Syllabus:
- Indian History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern
- History of Photography
- Indian Culture and its Heritage
- Socio-economic Aspects of Medieval India
- Research Methodology
- Prose Fiction
- Data Collection and Survey Methods
- Women’s Literature
- Colonial Literature
- Literature in the Twentieth Century
- Political Philosophy
- Indian Administration
- Political History
- Psychological Process
- Development of Human Behaviour
- Psychological Methods
- History of Indian Music
- The World History
- Advanced Research on Psychological Disorders
- International Economics: Theories and Policies
- The Art of Thesis Writing
- Research Idea and Viva – Voce
Business doctoral programs:
Performing arts, sculpting, and animation are just a few of the options available to students. Jewelry design, printmaking, and political art are examples of areas they could pursue. Students pursuing a doctorate in art studies are frequently creative individuals who have big dreams and a passion for colour.
Business research:
Topics and procedures of creative study regulate the Artistic Research PhD Program (PhD in Art). Contesting and reflecting on specific methodologies and production processes in the context of one’s own artistic endeavour is an important aspect of the research process.
Top Entrance Examinations:
- UGC NET
- NTA
- IIS RET
- IISU
- Savitribai Phule Pune University Exam
Cutoff:
Expected
Unreserved (UR) | 99-100% |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 98-100% |
Other Backward Caste (OBC) | 98-100% |
Scheduled Caste (SC) | 99-100% |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 98-100% |
Persons with Benchmarked Disabilities (PwBD) | 98-100% |
Kashmiri Migrants (KM) | 98-99% |
Scope:
- Art Therapist
- Gallery Manager
- Researcher
- Journalist
- Writer
- Historian
Top Recruiters:
- Art galleries
- Colleges
- Boutiques
- Fashion Houses
- Textile Industry etc.
Annual salary:

Benefits of Studying :
To begin with, PhDs are an essential part of the knowledge economy. Completing a PhD is all about creating fresh knowledge, discovering new things and developing new skills. It is a degree meant for those who seek greater depth of knowledge in a specific area.
Top Institutes:
KJ Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce |
St. Xavier’s College |
Kishinchand Chellaram College |
Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College |
Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women |
Loyola College Chennai |
Christ University |
Madras Christian College |
Mithibai College of Arts |
Women’s Christian College |
FAQ’s:
Is there a PhD in Arts entrance exam? |
Yes, you will be required to take an admission exam in order to enrol in a PhD programme in the arts. |
Which examinations should I take in order to be admitted to this programme? |
You can take the UGC NET, CET, and other tests, and most universities have their own exams as well, but you must first determine if you are eligible to take them. |
What are the typical yearly fees associated with completing the degree? |
The costs would range from INR 24,000 to INR 1,50,000 on average. |
What is the course’s duration? |
The course lasts around 2-3 years, however some universities allow students to complete it in as little as 6 years. |
What professional alternatives are available after completing a PhD in Visual Arts? |
Photojournalist, screenwriter, film director, actor, graphic designer, art therapist, and so on are examples of professions. |
Is it a smart idea to take this course? |
Yes, particularly if you are enthusiastic about art and want to build a name for yourself in the industry. Furthermore, it opens possibilities for you both academically and professionally. |
What is the cost of this course? |
No, the degree is not prohibitively costly, with annual costs ranging from INR 20,000 to 2 lakhs on average. |
Why aren’t more individuals interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts? |
Mostly owing to the erroneous belief that the pay is poor. |