- There are many great reasons to choose a distance learning Ph.D. program in India. The top reason is cost. Pursuing an online or distance learning program is much cheaper than attending a university, and the distance learning programs allow you to complete your schoolwork on your schedule without having to go to class. This format makes distance learning Ph.D. programs popular with nontraditional students including working parents, working students and those who lack transportation to school. Finally, an Indian distance learning Ph.D. is a top choice for Americans, because English is the national language of India.
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The prerequisites for admission vary depending on the school. Many schools require a certain amount of coursework in a given subject before they will admit you. Some additionally require you to submit and defend an academic thesis before an appointed board.
Currently, most programs require you to hold a masters in philosophy or M.phil before accepting you to a distance learning Ph.D. program. Many of these same universities offer distance learning M.phil programs so you can complete all of your coursework at one institution. -
While the types of degrees awarded is constantly changing, in mid 2009, the popular Indhira Gandhi National Open University offered Ph.D. distance learning programs in education, economics, history, tourism studies, sociology, political science, library and information studies, public administration, and mathematics and physics.
In mid 2009, the Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University offered Ph.D. distance learning programs in educational communication.
Distance education institutes (see Resources) offers a comprehensive list of distance learning programs in India and the types of bachelors, masters and Ph.D. programs each offers. If you need to take any prerequisite classes before applying for an Indian distance learning Ph.D. program, you should be able to take the prerequisites at another Indian university or at your local community college.
