Almost 7 years back, I was having a dream about doing Ph.D. But due to circumstances, I pursued my career as a government employee.
Now after doing the repetative job for all these time, I feel that I should have taken the way of research.

Ok..!. Now the problem is, I lost touch with the academics.

Other personal things that stop me from taking a risk are as follows.

1. I am having a central government job, which is considered as a secured job(in India).
2. I am a mother to a two-year-old.


My plan is to leave the job once I got a good research opportunity. I do not care to do it in any international countries.

Stated above are the things in my mind when i think about doing a research.
I am 29 years old now. I don't know where to start and what to do when. Please advise.


Area of research: Commerce.

It's probably quite difficult for us to advise you here, because we are mostly from the UK/studying in the UK and aren't familiar with the system and opportunities in India.

I agree. I think you need to somehow get in touch with some postgraduate students / staff in India and ask them for advice. Or check out the websites of some of the potential institutes?

Oh!!. I'm sorry. I thought it is a common forum. Thanks for the information.

It is! Someone might be able to help. But it is worth looking elsewhere for advice too. All the best!

Hi Niturusaranya, I live in Australia, so again the process may not be the same as in India. However, if you do want to do a PhD, and have had a bit of a gap between your previous studies and the PhD, you need to start as the other posters have mentioned.

Think about the universities that you would like to attend (Eg, do they need to be in a particular city or region? etc)
Go on their websites and read the information posted about higher research degrees (PhD's and Masters of Research or MPHILs).
Look at the application process and opportunities for funding for a fee scholarship and/or a living stipend.
Then follow the processes the universities outline for applying for both a PhD and/or grants as well.

All universities (in my experience, I am currently at my third university for the PhD), have very detailed processes for how to apply.
Often if you have had a substantial gap between previous studies and starting a PhD, they will often require evidence that you are suitable. This evidence may include a reference from a previous lecturer or supervisor (honours or Masters).
Usually, they wish you to have a stronger idea of what you would like to research. Thus, not only an area (such as commerce or education) but a specific topic, issue or process within that area. You usually have to develop this further for your research proposal.

It is a good idea once you do have your information and understanding of the process sorted, to apply for more than one university, scholarship and PhD. In applying, you have to follow the process outlined by that university and usually there will be advisors who will discuss the process with you and outline what you have to do.

The whole process of locating, applying for and being placed on a PhD does take some time and quite a bit of work before you even get to hear whether you have an offer from a university. So it can be a while between deciding to go for a PhD, and actually commencing one.

You may also find that you may be offered a Phd with different levels of funding. Some are entirely self funded, some offer fee scholarships but no living stipend. Some offer fee free and a living stipend (very basic) and some very prestigious PhD scholarships exist which are quite rare, very hard to achieve, and these are generous scholarships that are offered to special topics in areas that the university or state or region which to support.

Doing a PhD can be a great experience, and a wonderful life achievement, as well as leading to an academic career if you are prepared to go further and are both lucky and talented. It is a major step though and there are many things to think about before and while you are applying.

Best wishes

P