PhD in Sociology Eligibility Admission Syllabus Colleges Fees Career Scope | Updates | Search Shiksha
PhD in Sociology Eligibility Admission Syllabus Colleges Fees Career Scope

PhD in Sociology Eligibility Admission Syllabus Colleges Fees Career Scope

Category: Admission Updates
16Nov, 2025

A PhD in Sociology is a research-based program that focuses on study of human society, culture, social behavior, institutions, development, inequality and social change. Sociology helps us understand how people live, interact, behave and organize life.

 

What is PhD in Sociology?

PhD in Sociology is a degree that takes three to eight years of work. Students learn about social groups, family ways, crime, sex issues, schools, health, globalization, migration and many more topics.

Students know how to do survey's, interviews, studies, data and studies that are based on numbers and facts, and how to know about a topic that they choose to write about.

Students work with guides, send their research papers in journals, and write a paper about a social issue that they choose.

Popular research areas include:

Social inequality and caste studies

Gender and women studies

Crime and deviance

Education and development

Urban and rural sociology

Population and migration

Social psychology

Culture and communication

Media and society

Political sociology

This program will help students really learn about the world and give them new ideas for solve issues in the world.

 

Why Choose PhD in Sociology

There are many good reasons to take this major.

 High need for social researchers

The government and aid groups want experts to research law and society.

 Wide research opportunities

Sociology include family, crime, health, education, culture, caste, gender and more.

 Strong academic demand

Colleges and universities need to have professors that know sociology

 Opportunities in international organizations

Jobs you can work for unicef who un dp unicef and global think tanks.

 Impactful career

Direct work make a better world and help for develop programs.

 

Eligibility for PhD in Sociology

To be eligible for this program, candidates must have:

A Master’s degree in Sociology or related subjects such as Social Work, Anthropology, Psychology or Humanities

Minimum 50 to 55 percent marks in post-graduation

A valid score in UGC NET or university level entrance exam

A strong research proposal on a relevant sociological topic

Certain colleges favor students with practical experience, or internships or research experience.

 

Entrance Exams for PhD in Sociology

Mostly entrance exams admissions here are common exams:

UGC NET Sociology

The most accepted exam for PhD admission.
Paper 1 includes research aptitude and paper 2 is subject specific.

University Entrance Exams

Many schools do their own tests on sociology ideas and research skill

Institute Level Tests and Interviews

However, some schools also do interviews, presentation and discussion.

 

PhD in Sociology Admission Process

The admission procedure includes the following steps:

1. Select University and Research Topic

Select universities aligned with your passion and academic focus.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements

Check max marks, subject ideas and test needs.

3. Fill Application Form

Submit documents such as:

Mark sheets

ID proof

Entrance exam score

Research proposal

Certificates

4. Entrance Exam

try for ugc net or university exam.

5. Personal Interview

Shortlisted students discuss their research interest and academic background.

6. Final Selection

Based on exam score, interview and academic performance.

7. Enrollment

Pay fees and begin coursework or research training.

 

Syllabus of PhD in Sociology

Course content includes: Extensive sociological theories, concepts, and research methods. Typical subjects include:

Core Subjects

Classical Sociological Theory

Contemporary Sociological Theory

Indian Society and Culture

Social Stratification and Inequality

Gender Studies

Sociology of Development

Research Based Subjects

Research Methodology

Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research

Data Analysis

Thesis Work

Seminars and Field Studies

Elective Areas

Urban Sociology

Rural Sociology

Criminology

Sociology of Education

Health and Society

Environmental Sociology

For their research students do field work surveys case studies and interviews.

 

Top Colleges for PhD in Sociology

popular schools have this courses in:

  1. University of Delhi
  2. Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
  3. Banaras Hindu University Varanasi
  4. University of Hyderabad
  5. Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai
  6. Jadavpur University Kolkata
  7. Pondicherry University
  8. Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi

They have good research buildings, teachers and levels of learnings.

 

Job Roles after PhD in Sociology

PhD students can find jobs at colleges, towns and state offices, nonprofit groups, TV and news buros, study offices and big co.

Common job roles include:

Sociology Professor

Research Scientist

Social Policy Analyst

Development Consultant

NGO Project Director

Community Development Officer

Social Researcher

Human Resource Specialist

Public Health Researcher

Cultural Research Analyst

One is the weathlyest career, banker or finance.

 

Top Recruiters

Universities and Colleges

Ministry of Social Justice

National Sample Survey Office

National Family Health Survey

UNICEF

UNDP

WHO

Research Agencies

NGOs and Social Service Organizations

Media and Advertising Companies

 

Salary after PhD in Sociology

Salary depends on job role and experience:

Job Role

Expected Salary

Sociology Professor

₹6 LPA to ₹12 LPA

Research Scientist

₹8 LPA to ₹15 LPA

Policy Analyst

₹10 LPA to ₹20 LPA

NGO Project Head

₹6 LPA to ₹14 LPA

Public Health Researcher

₹7 LPA to ₹16 LPA

International organizations offer higher packages.

 

Career Scope of PhD in Sociology

Sociology has a lot of chances in school and in work. People with a degree can work in:

Government research projects

Rural and urban development programs

Family and gender research

Public health organizations

International development agencies

Corporate policy units

Media and communication research

Students can also be teachers and help new guys do research.

 

FAQs

Q. What is the duration of PhD in Sociology
A. The duration is usually three to eight years.

Q. Is UGC NET required for PhD in Sociology
A. Many universities prefer UGC NET, but some conduct their own entrance exam.

Q. What is the average fee for this program
A. The fee ranges between two lakh and five lakh depending on the university.

Q. What job can I get after a PhD in Sociology
A. You can work as professor, researcher, policy analyst, social worker, consultant or development officer.

Be Updated

Get latest updates on your email

© 2025 | All rights reserved | Search Shiksha