Ph.D.

Ph.D. in FINANCE

RESEARCH PROGRAM

About The Program

JGU’s Ph.D. programme in Finance is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in modern finance, including theoretical, empirical, and behavioural tools. The programme prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and industry at top institutions around the world. The programme covers traditional finance topics like Corporate Finance, Global Finance Financial Markets and Instruments, Asset Pricing, and Portfolio Management, while also exploring emerging areas such as behavioural finance, entrepreneurial finance, FinTech, Decentralized Finance, and digital currencies.

What Makes It Different at JGU

Ph.D. students in Finance at JGU have the freedom to explore and cultivate their research interests from the beginning of the program, providing them with the skills to conduct meaningful research that contributes to knowledge creation and application in real-world settings. The programme equips students with the tools to achieve academic and professional success upon graduation. Candidates with undergraduate training in economics, finance, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and other quantitative disciplines are well-suited for doctoral studies in finance.

JGU provides a limited number of fellowships for full-time Ph.D. positions, ensuring that scholars have access to financial support to pursue their studies. Additionally, Ph.D. scholars at JGU are entitled to various benefits such as Research Publication Award, Conference Grant, and Contingency Grant, which can aid them in conducting their research and presenting it to a wider audience.
Full-time Ph.D. scholars at JGU are also provided with complimentary health insurance coverage, ensuring that their physical well-being is taken care of during their academic pursuits. Moreover, they have 24x7 access to JGU's extensive library resources, including over 69,300 print volumes, 4,79,400 e-books, 14,600 e-journals, and 780+ media resources, both on-campus and online.

The minimum eligibility for the Ph.D. programme in Finance at JGU requires applicants to hold a postgraduate degree with at least 55% or equivalent grade in related fields such as commerce, economics, business, psychology, behavioural sciences, mathematics, engineering or related areas. A Post Graduate Diploma in Management recognized as equivalent to MBA by AICTE with 55% marks or equivalent grade is also accepted. The admission process includes the JGU Research Aptitude Test (RAT), with exemptions as per the UGC Act, and a personal interview. Applicants with work experience in related domains are preferred.

The target audience for the Ph.D. programme includes working finance professionals, policy makers, teachers and technocrats, and those who wish to transition to industry research or academics in the areas of finance. Applicants with work experience in related domains are preferred, and the programme aims to provide a solid foundation in the theoretical, empirical, and behavioural tools of modern finance to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, and industry at the world’s leading institutions.

Selection Criteria:
Applicants are selected through a holistic admissions process conducted over three rounds. 

Round 1: Screening of an Application form (includes supplemental answers, extracurricular activities and performance in class Xth, XIth, XIIth)

Round 2: Qualify in an Entrance examination (Jindal Scholastic Aptitude Test – JSAT/ SAT/ ACT/ UGAT/ CUET)

Round 3: Online Interview

The Ph.D. programme at JGU in Finance requires candidates to have a post-graduate degree with at least 55% or equivalent grade in related areas. Work experience in related domains is preferred. All candidates are required to complete a course work in the first 12 months (for full-time) or 18 months (for part-time) of the program, with a minimum credit load of 11 and a maximum of 16. The course work comprises both credit and audit courses, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, financial mathematics, econometrics for finance, and more.

In the second year, students will have 18 months (24 months for non-residential students) to work on the proposal for their Ph.D. dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor/supervisor(s). The proposal must be presented to a committee for approval before moving on to the next phase. Once approved, candidates will work on their comprehensive thesis which includes research, literature review, data collection, analysis, publication of research paper(s), conference presentation, and writing of the thesis.

Ph.D. students will have the opportunity to take courses specific to their research topic as advised by their Research Advisory Committee (RAC) or advisor. They can also choose elective courses from any of the schools at JGU, with prior approval of the faculty advisor.

The Ph.D. programme in Finance at JGU offers a wide range of research areas for scholars to explore. These areas include alternative investments, asset pricing models, banking, behavioural economics and finance, blockchain and cryptocurrency, financial technology, financial regulation and performance, and more. The programme also has research centers dedicated to various fields like victimology and psychological studies, leadership and change, criminology and forensic studies, and finance and accounting society.

Ph.D. students will have the opportunity to conduct comprehensive research in their areas of interest and develop a deep understanding of various topics related to finance. The course curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in theoretical, empirical, and behavioral tools of modern finance. Students will have the opportunity to explore new areas relating to behavioral finance, FinTech, decentralized finance, and new forms of digital currency.

A Ph.D. in Finance can open up a wide range of career opportunities in academia, research, and industry. Here are some potential career paths for Ph.D. graduates in Finance:

  1. Academia: Ph.D. graduates in Finance can pursue a career in academia as professors, lecturers, or researchers. They can work in universities, colleges, and research institutions, and may be involved in teaching, research, and consulting.

  2. Research: Ph.D. graduates in Finance can work as researchers in think tanks, consulting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They can conduct research on a wide range of topics related to finance, economics, and business.

  3. Industry: Ph.D. graduates in Finance can work in the financial services industry as analysts, consultants, or advisors. They can also work in other industries such as technology, healthcare, and energy, where finance skills are in high demand.

  4. Government: Ph.D. graduates in Finance can work for the government in various roles such as policy analysts, regulators, and advisors. They can work for government agencies such as the Federal Reserve, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Department of Treasury.

  5. Entrepreneurship: Ph.D. graduates in Finance can start their own businesses or work for start-ups in the financial technology (fintech) sector. They can use their expertise to develop innovative financial products and services that address the needs of consumers and businesses.

JGU boasts a variety of specialized laboratories and equipment to support students’ learning and research needs. The Brain Behaviour Laboratory is equipped with digital and manual tools to assess human performance, such as electroencephalogram and neuro feedback, as well as paper-pencil assessments of mental health, well-being, and personality. The Forensic Science Laboratory offers training sessions on various forensic analyses and procedural requirements for a fair trial. The Financial Crimes Lab seeks to increase awareness of white collar crimes worldwide by integrating psychological, legal, victimological, and criminological perspectives in its training and research activities. These labs provide unique opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and enhance their skills in their respective fields.