A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest academic degree awarded by universities and is primarily focused on advanced, original research in a specific field of study. It typically takes between 3 to 6 years to complete and involves extensive research work, the writing of a doctoral thesis or dissertation, and a viva voce (oral defense) of the research. Ph.D. programs are available in diverse disciplines such as science, technology, humanities, social sciences, management, and law. To be eligible, candidates usually need a master’s degree in a related subject, although some programs allow direct admission after a 4-year undergraduate course. Admission is often based on entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE, or university-specific tests, followed by an interview. The Ph.D. journey emphasizes critical thinking, originality, and deep subject knowledge, preparing candidates for careers as academicians, researchers, industry experts, or policy advisors. This degree is essential for those who wish to pursue teaching at the university level, lead research projects, or contribute to academic and scientific advancement in their field.