PhD in Geography is a research based doctoral course in Geography which is devoted to the study of lands, features, inhabitants and phenomena of the earth & planets. The minimum duration of a PhD Geography course is 3 years, but can be extended depending on research duration.The basic eligibility for this course is completing Post Graduation in Geography from a recognized university. Though minimum marks required vary from college to college, most of the reputed colleges demand minimum 55% marks in their masters’ degree and a minimum of 60% marks in their graduation. The program typically involves advanced coursework in topics such as environmental science, land use planning, urban geography, and social and cultural geography. Students may also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as sustainable development, climate change, or urban planning.
Course | PhD Geography |
Level | Doctorate |
Duration | 3 years |
Eligibility | Post Graduation in any stream |
Admission Process | Entrance test followed by Personal Interview |
Top recruiting areas | Businesses, Community, Social & Personal Service, Diplomacy, Publishing Houses, Geography Departments, Health & Social Work, Divinity, Hotels & Restaurants, Insurance Industry, Public Service, Research, Public Administration, Retail Sector Student Affairs, Teaching etc. |
Top Job Profiles | Water Conservation specialist, Geomorphologist, Geospatial analyst, Hydrologist, Oceanographer, Geographer, Professor, Teachers, etc. |
The specific entrance exam requirements may vary depending on the university, but most programs require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as part of the application process.
Entrance Exam |
CSIR UGC NET (July/December Session) |
UGC NET ( July/December Session) |
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF |
Merit Based Admission
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Entrance Based Admission
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The student must obtain a minimum of 55% marks in their master’s degree and a minimum of 60% marks in their graduation. |
The above two criteria are the basic requirements for the students who wish to study this PhD Geography. |
The next important requirement is that a student must clear either UGC or CSIR NET in order to be a part of this course. This requirement is mandatory. Any student not fulfilling this, will not be called for the PhD Interview. |
The duration of a Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies PhD. program varies, but it typically takes four to six years to complete, depending on the student's research progress.
Selection criteria for admission to a Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies PhD. program typically include academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, and the quality of the research proposal.
To apply for a Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies Ph.D. program, students should check the specific requirements of the university they wish to apply to. |
Generally, students will need to submit an application form, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and scores from the GRE. |
Some universities may require additional materials, such as a writing sample or a resume. |
Students should carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each program they are interested in and submit their application materials accordingly. |
The application form and process for a Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies Ph.D. program may vary depending on the institution, but generally, students should submit their application materials online through the university's graduate admissions portal. Application materials typically include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a research proposal, and GRE scores. Some universities may also require additional materials, such as a writing sample or a resume.
The application fee for a Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies Ph.D. program may vary depending on the institution, but typically ranges from notify Soon.
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Jobs | Description |
Geographical Information System Officer | As a GIS officer, you'll be involved in the collection of geographical and spatial information and its storage, analysis and presentation. You'll need to: use a range of GPS tools in the field to capture the location of 'assets' such as bridges, street lights, road barriers and flood defenses. |
Environmental Consultant | Environmental consultants provide expert assessment and advisory services for their clients on matters pertaining to the management of environmental issues. Furthermore, you'll be responsible for making sure that revised environmental policies and procedures comply with environmental laws and regulations. |
Cartographer | Cartographers are concerned with all aspects of map-making (scientific, technological and artistic). They are responsible for: researching, collecting, storing, retrieving, evaluating and manipulating data, designing maps. |
Nature Conservation Officer | As a nature conservation officer you'll work to protect, manage and enhance the local environment. This can include grassland, woodland, forests, coastal areas, moorland, mountains and rivers. Depending on the region, you might also work in marine habitats. |
Human Resources Specialist | The role of a Human Resource (HR) Specialist is to recruit, support, train, and place employees of a company. Depending on the company's size, a human resource department may have multiple specialists to perform specific tasks including overseeing performance reviews and maintaining employee records. |
There are numerous career opportunities available for graduates of a Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies Ph.D. program, including:
Academic positions: | Graduates can pursue careers as professors or researchers in universities and research institutions. |
Government agencies: | Graduates can work in government agencies at the local, state, or federal level, conducting research and advising policymakers on environmental and urban issues. |
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): | Graduates can work for NGOs, such as environmental advocacy groups or international development organizations, to address environmental and urban challenges |
Private sector: | Graduates can work in the private sector, providing consulting services to businesses on environmental and urban issues. |
Some of the top colleges for a Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies Ph.D. program include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.
NOTE:- Students are requested to note that their application will not be considered for admission if the above certificates are not enclosed with their application.
Given below are few of the important highlights of the program.
Program Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Geography |
Program Level | Doctorate Degree Courses |
Duration of the Program | 3 Years |
Examination Type | Year |
Eligibility | Postgraduate Degree in a Relevant Discipline With Minimum 55% Marks ( 50% for SC/ST Candidates ) |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam and Merit Based |
Average Program Fee | Rs. 3 Lakh - Rs. 4 Lakh |
Mentioned below are some states in India that offer the program.