byDinesh
Updated on - 23 May, 2024
Doctor of Philosophy in Accountancy or Ph.D. Accountancy is the terminal degree that can be accorded to a student in the discipline of accountancy. The time that is usually taken to complete a Ph.D in Accountancy ranges from 3-5 academic years. It emphasizes the acquisition of certain special skills as the ability to conduct independent research, or become an expert in specific fields or specialized in the current accounting techniques and regulations. To ensure that students of the FAC have adequate preparation in advanced accounting concepts, quantitative methods, academic writing, and research methodology, they are required to complete the following comprehensive coursework during the first two years of their study. After that the students submit their thesis or the dissertation in the 3rd year which is the outcome of their research work which is published in national or international referred journals.
The universities or institutes accepting the students for the Ph.D Accountancy have the UGC NET, SET, CAT, GATE and sometimes their own test. In general the exam notification starts 6 months before the exam date can be given. For instance, the UGC NET notification for the candidates planning to apply for Admission in 2023 will be released by June 2022 along with the last date for application and the exam date. As in the case of other examination schedules or application deadlines, they are also made available to the public by the respective bodies that conduct the examination. The admission process begins immediately after the results of a particular course are released.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy (Accountancy) |
| Duration | 3 - 5 years (full-time), longer for part-time |
| Course Level | Doctoral |
| Eligibility | Master's degree in Commerce, Management, or a related field with a strong foundation in accounting. |
| Top Colleges (India) | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta), University of Delhi (Faculty of Commerce), The Milligan Institute (Mumbai), Madras School of Economics (Chennai), Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (Mumbai) |
| Entrance Exam | University/Institute specific entrance exams (e.g., JNU Ph.D. Entrance Exam, DUET) |
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | Master's degree in Commerce, Management, or a closely related field (e.g., Finance, Accounting) from a recognized university. |
| Strong Accounting Foundation | A strong academic background in accounting is essential. This might be demonstrated through coursework, research experience, or professional qualifications. |
| Minimum CGPA/Percentage | Specific CGPA or percentage requirements vary depending on the university/institute. Generally, a minimum of 55% - 60% in Master's and Bachelor's degrees is expected (check official websites for details). |
| Entrance Exams | Most universities require you to pass an entrance exam specific to their Ph.D. program. |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| National Level Exams (Less Common) | UGC NET (Commerce) - Scores might be considered by some universities for Ph.D. admissions. |
| University/Institute Specific Exams (Most Common) | JNU Ph.D. Entrance Exam (University Specific) * DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test) - Ph.D. (Accountancy) * IIM Calcutta Ph.D. Entrance Exam (Management) - Likely to assess quantitative & research aptitude along with accounting knowledge. |
| Career Path | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Researcher | Conduct research in accounting, publish in academic journals, and potentially teach at universities. |
| University Professor | Teach accounting courses at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. |
| Research Analyst (Industry/Government) | Conduct research in accounting-related fields for consultancies, financial institutions, or government agencies. |
| Policy Analyst | Analyze financial data and develop policies related to accounting standards or regulations. |