PhD in Commerce: Requirements, Salary, and More

A PhD in Commerce is one of the highest academic qualifications in the commerce field. The duration of a PhD in Commerce is 3 years, and the basic eligibility is a master’s degree in a closely related discipline. Some universities might also ask for scores of certain entrance exams like UGC-NET. The major universities and colleges for PhD in Commerce in India include the University of Delhi, IGNOU, Jamia Milia Islamia, etc., while you can explore top universities abroad as well. Read this blog to know all about a doctorate in Commerce, its eligibility, specialisations and topics, subjects, top universities, salary, jobs and more.

Degree	Doctorate Level
Duration	3 years
Basic Eligibility	A master’s degree
Entrance Exam	UGC-NET, SLET, GATE, GRE, etc.
Average Fees (India & Abroad)	INR 20,000 to upto 50 Lakhs
Salary	INR 979,592 (Payscale)
Jobs	Business Analyst Operations and Research Analyst Chief Financial Officer Technical Writing Academician

What is PhD in Commerce?

PhD in Commerce is amongst the popular courses for commerce students, where you can choose a subfield in Accounting, Marketing, Taxation, Human Resources, Strategy, IT Management, Consulting, and Finance. Furthermore, since these commerce subjects are quite vast in themselves, you are required to pick a deep-lying and relevant topic of research. While the duration of a PhD varies according to the institution, most have an average length of 3-8 years. Important components in this respect include:

• Research Projects
• Relevant Coursework
• Teaching Practicum
• Examinations
• Fieldwork
• Surveys, which together contribute towards the preparation of a long and comprehensive dissertation.

Must Read: PhD After MCA

PhD in Commerce Specialisations

While the topics chosen by a PhD in Commerce student may differ as per their inclinations, here are a few broad topics/specialisation choices you can expect to explore during your course:

• International Financial Reporting
• Strategic Cost Management
• Business Forensics
• Accounting Information Systems
• Audit Technology
• Capital Markets-based Accounting Approach
• Revenue Management
• Business Intelligence
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Market Volatility

PhD in Commerce Colleges in India

PhD in Commerce is a popular course in India and is offered by many top colleges and universities such as the University of Delhi, IGNOU, Rama University, and more. Let’s first take a look at the popular universities and colleges for a PhD in Commerce in India:

• University of Delhi
• Indira Gandhi University of Open Learning (IGNOU)
• Delhi School of Economics
• Amity University, Jaipur
• SRM University, Delhi
• Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
• St.Xavier’s College, Kolkata
• Loyola College
• Christ University, Bangalore

PhD in Commerce Colleges Abroad

A PhD in Commerce often falls under broader business or management doctoral programs. Here are some universities abroad known for their strong research programs that align with Commerce and focus on areas like finance, accounting, economics, and international business:

University	Location	PhD in Commerce Courses
University of California, San Diego	USA	PhD in Management
The University of Melbourne	Australia	PhD in Accounting PhD in Actuarial Studies PhD in Management PhD in Marketing
The University of British Columbia	Canada	PhD in Business Administration in Accounting PhD in Business Administration in Finance PhD in Business Administration in Management Information Systems
The University of Hong Kong	Hong Kong	PhD {Faculty of Business & Economics}
King’s College London	UK	PhD Management Research
Georgia Institute of Technology	USA	PhD in Management
University of Manchester	UK	PhD in Business & Management PhD in Developmental Policy & Management PhD Fashion Marketing & Management
Erasmus University Rotterdam	Netherlands	PhD in Management
University of New South Wales	Australia	PhD in Management PhD in Accounting PhD in Banking & Finance PhD in Marketing PhD in Risk & Actuarial Studies PhD in Taxation & Business Law

Requirements for a PhD in Commerce

Here are the major requirements for a PhD in Commerce in India:

• The student must have completed a master’s degree in Commerce or an MPhil with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognised university.
• Many universities in India also require applicants to qualify for the UGC-NET exam for admission into a PhD in the specialisation of Commerce.
• Work experience of 2-4 years is also preferred, though not mandatory.

In order to study abroad in a PhD in Commerce program, one is required to follow a few steps.

• If the university requires, you may have to get in touch with the prospective supervisor or professor beforehand whom you intend to work.
• In addition to that, preparing a strong research proposal that underlines your future research inclinations is also important.
• Official GRE or GMAT and IELTS or TOEFL scores, along with copies of official transcripts, CV, SOP, and LOR, may also be required.
• If you are planning to pursue a dual degree, then you can read our blog on Integrated Ph.D. to know more.

Also Read: Study Abroad After 12th Commerce

PhD in Commerce: Career and Salary

From Academia to Private companies, the employment opportunities after obtaining a PhD in Commerce largely depend on the specialisation you choose. Some of the popular work areas and profiles have been given a rundown below:

Areas of Employment

• Commercial Banks
• Insurance Companies
• Financial Institutions like SIDBI, EXIM Banks, etc.
• Brokerage Firms
• Stock Exchanges
• Regulatory Bodies
• Insurance Corporations
• FMCGs
• International Organisations like the World Bank, the IMF, the Asian Development Bank, etc.

Jobs Roles

• Business Analyst
• Lecturer/Professor/Academician
• Operations and Research Analyst
• Chief Financial Officer
• Technical Writing
• Big Data Analyst
• Investment Banker
• Portfolio Management Specialist
• Financial Analyst
• Statistician
• Risk Analyst
• Equity Research Analyst

Salary

The average salary of a PhD in Commerce graduate is INR 979,592, i.e. around 9.8 Lakhs approx. per annum in India. While the average stipend for a PhD abroad is INR 35-45 Lakh per annum. Here’s a general overview of potential salary ranges:

Role/Sector	Average Starting Salary (USD/year)	Average Experienced Salary (USD/year)
Academia (Assistant Professor)	USD 70,000 – USD 100,000	USD 120,000 – USD 200,000+
Financial Analyst/Economist	USD 80,000 – USD 110,000	USD 130,000 – USD 180,000+
Management Consultant	USD 90,000 – USD 130,000	USD 150,000 – USD 250,000+
Market Research Lead	USD 75,000 – USD 105,000	USD 120,000 – USD 170,000+

A PhD in Commerce offers diverse career opportunities in academia, research, and industry. It helps graduates with advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, leading to influential roles and competitive salaries, making it a valuable path for those passionate about business field.

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FAQs

If you intend to pursue a PhD in Commerce but feel hesitant as to how to go about the whole process, consult our team of experts. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.