With the completion of a PhD in India, the gateway to careers in different sectors and industries unlocks with greater opportunities. It has been observed traditionally how individuals used to pursue careers related to academic and teaching roles, but in modern times, there has been an increasing shift and extension of the wide variety of care.
Table Of Content |
- Pursuing a Career in Universities and Higher Institutes
- Pursuing a Career in Government Research Institutes
- Pursuing a Career in Corporate R&D
- Pursuing a Career in Think Tanks and Policy Roles
- Pursuing a Career in Postdoctoral Research
- Pursuing a Career as Starting your Own Business or Startup
- Conclusion
Researchers who have completed their doctoral degree are currently in high demand in sectors including data science, artificial intelligence, policy analysis, biotechnology, and corporate research & development. Many of the individuals with a PhD in India also find fulfilling roles and opportunities in the government sector and international agencies.
Many PhD students in India are pondering over their choices after their doctorate. But, with the growing demands and a high emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven industries, there has been a further enhancement of PhD degree holders in India. In this blog, we will talk about some of the most important Career choices for researchers with the completion of a PhD in India.

Pursuing a Career in Universities and Higher Institutes
One of the most demanding careers is the teaching prospect as a professor or lecturer in universities and colleges. One can work as a professor or as a researcher in the university or institutes by either conducting a lecture or helping the PhD students with the completion of their PhD course and research work.
Pursuing a profession of teaching and guiding students is a well-paying profession with an abundance of benefits. One can pursue professional courses and degrees for training in order to enhance your expertise as educators. This would help an individual in getting good career opportunities at prestigious institutions such as IITs.
Pursuing a Career in Government Research Institutes
Pursuing a career in government research institutes is one of the most stable and respected options with the completion of a PhD in India. Various institutions, including ICMR, DRDO, ISRO, and CSIR, offer some of the better opportunities for scientific exploration and innovation. One can carry out research in the fields of science & technology, health, and the space industry.
Researchers can also publish their findings and collaborate internationally for submission in reputed journals. Government research careers provide an individual with excellent job security, structured career growth, and access to world-class technology to enhance their skillset.
Pursuing a Career in Corporate R&D
Big organizations require individuals with excellent and established research backgrounds. An individual can work as a researcher for the company if they have a doctorate degree in science, engineering, or data science. Opportunities for career growth with a PhD in India are available in some Indian companies like TCS, Infosys, Reliance, and Dr. Reddy’s.
For an individual to be a professional, they should take short courses in professional education in data analysis, project management, or knowledge related to business. These courses help make the workforce much less challenging.
Pursuing a Career in Think Tanks and Policy Roles
If your dissertation project relating to doctoral study is in economics, education, or social sciences, you might work as a think tank. These are institutions that make studies for the purpose of helping create quality policies and regulations for the state.
There are institutions such as the NITI Aayog Centre for Policy Research and the ORF, which are some of the great choices. Good writing and thinking capabilities are required in this field. Some PhD holders also provide career counseling to assist students in decision-making.
Pursuing a Career in Postdoctoral Research
If you’re interested in doing research only, you may go for postdoctoral studies. It implies carrying out further research after finishing your doctoral program. You can do it in India or elsewhere.
The best institutions to study at in India include IISc Bangalore, TIFR, and IITs. It is a great chance to get good research experience before going for an academic job on a permanent basis.
Pursuing a Career as Starting your Own Business or Startup
PhD students can even start their own company. If your research ideas are applicable to the solution of real-world issues, then it is possible to come up with a product or service from your research.
An individual can pursue courses for enhancing their knowledge in the field of startup. One can also learn with the enrollment of classes in business or innovation to help you run an enterprise of your own. It’s a fascinating and exciting career choice.
Conclusion
A path to obtaining a PhD degree is not necessarily an end-all-be-all; it is the beginning of a new path. There are many lucrative careers that PhD students can have in India today. You can instruct, conduct studies, and work for companies or assist in policy making or even become a business owner.