PhD in Planning is an academic course of study lasting at least 3 Years. The course basically deals with urban planning or the design and organization of urban spaces based on the conditions set for the community. The PhD in Planning curriculum is divided into coursework and research work during which a thesis is prepared under supervision. The subject integrates arts, science, and technology and requires the development of an interdisciplinary range of skills that build on elements of mathematics and engineering, combining imagination and awareness of contemporary technologies, social issues, and cultural patterns. Admission to this course is based on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam and personal interview. To get admission to a PhD program, you need to appear for a national-level entrance exam like UGC NET/GATE/SLET or a university-level exam. Upon completion of this course, you can get jobs like Construction Manager, Design Engineer, Architect, Project Manager, etc in fields like Planning, Design, Urban Planning, City Planning, and Architecture.
Eligibility Criteria of PhD in Planning Course
Candidates seeking to enroll in the PhD in Planning should have a postgraduate degree in Planning and related fields, have secured at least 55% marks from a recognized university, and have passed the national or university-level entrance examination. The national level entrance examination such as UGC NET / UGC CSIR NET / GATE / SLET or university entrance exam consists of a written test and a personal interview. |
Logo | Name | Address | Total Courses | Fees |
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![]() | Indira Gandhi National Open University - IGNOU | 93, Maidan Garhi Rd, Prajapati mohalla, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, Delhi | 615 | Full Fees Detail |
![]() | University of Delhi | Benito Juarez Marg, South Campus, South Moti Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110021 | 555 | Full Fees Detail |
![]() | Jamia Millia Islamia | Jamia Nagar, New Delhi | 511 | Full Fees Detail |
![]() | Jawaharlal Nehru University - JNU | Delhi / Delhi | 418 | Full Fees Detail |
![]() | South Asian University - SAU | South Asian University Rajpur Road Maidan Garhi New Delhi 110 068 | 386 | Full Fees Detail |
![]() | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University - GGSIU | Sector - 16C, Dwarka, New Delhi | 320 | Full Fees Detail |
![]() | Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women - IGDTUFW | James Church, New Church Rd, Opp. St, Kashmere Gate, New Delhi, Delhi | 237 | Full Fees Detail |
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Course Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Planning |
Course Name | PhD in Planning |
Eligibility Criteria | Postgraduate Degree in a Relevant Discipline With Minimum 55% Marks ( 50% for SC/ST Candidates ) |
Course Duration | 3 Years |
Course Type | Master Degree Courses |
Fee Structure | 25000 |
Job Profiles | Architectural Manager, Design Engineer, Architect, etc. |
Admission Process for PhD in Planning Course
Entrance Based Admission | Merit Based Admission |
Candidates need to register on the official website by providing their email id, mobile number, and password. Fill the online application form. On the given exam date, candidates will have to appear for the entrance exam. Results will be announced based on the marks obtained by the students and institutes cut off, seats and academic records of the candidate. Afterwards, seats are allocated. Candidates who have appeared and qualified National level entrance exams are exempted from university-level exams but they have to appear for a personal interview round. | Admission applications are available on the website/college sales counter. The application should be filled with personal details and academic details with required documents and submit the same with the application fee. Institute / College may specify a higher credit requirement for their PhD program. The Selection Committee will call eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications and satisfying score in the entrance exam and satisfying additional and stiffer criteria set from time to time, for an interview and/or test. Based on the academic record and the performance of the candidates in selection criteria, candidates found suitable for admission will be accepted. |
CSIR UGC NET UGC NET IIT JAM GPAT VITMEE |
Required Documents for PhD in Planning Course Admission
Passport size Photograph Application form Secondary School (Class 10th) Mark Sheet Pass Certificate of Class 10th Senior Secondary School (Class 12th ) Mark sheet or equivalent Pass Certificate of Class 12th Valid Certificate for proof of Date of Birth Graduation Marks Sheet or equivalent, If applicable Graduation Degree certificate, If applicable Postgraduate Mark Sheet or equivalent Postgraduate Degree certificate Migration Certificate (Original+2 Xerox) School Leaving Certificate/Transfer Certificate/College Leaving Certificate, as applicable Caste Certificates (ST/SC/OBC-NCL), EWS Certificates |
Semester 1: Foundational Courses and Research Preparation | Semester 2: Core Planning Topics and Specialization Courses | Semester 3: Research and Advanced Topic Engagement |
Research Methodology in Planning Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data collection techniques: surveys, interviews, case studies, GIS, etc. Statistical tools for planning research. Ethical considerations in research. Urban and Regional Planning Theories Overview of planning theories and approaches. Historical development of planning paradigms. Contemporary theories in urban and regional planning. The role of planning in shaping cities and regions. Planning and Development Policy Analysis of urban and regional development policies. Role of government in spatial planning. Evaluation of policies on housing, transportation, and sustainability. Seminar on Current Trends in Planning Seminar series with guest lectures, case study presentations, and discussions on current trends in planning. Critical engagement with ongoing urban planning challenges. Review of Literature and Research Proposal Development How to conduct an effective literature review. Developing a PhD research proposal. Identifying gaps in existing literature. Crafting the research problem and objectives. | Urban Governance and Planning Institutions Governance structures in urban planning. Role of local and regional governments. Public participation in planning decisions. Comparative governance models. Sustainable Urban Development Concepts of sustainability in urban planning. Planning for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Green infrastructure and energy-efficient urban design. Urban resilience and sustainability metrics. Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques for urban and regional planning. Spatial data analysis, modeling, and visualization. GIS in land use planning, transport planning, and environmental management. Urban Design and Built Environment Principles of urban design. Designing livable and inclusive urban spaces. The role of public spaces and community engagement in urban design. Quantitative Analysis in Planning Advanced statistics for urban and regional planning. Econometric modeling in planning. Techniques for forecasting and scenario planning. | Advanced Topics in Transportation Planning Transportation systems and their integration with urban planning. Sustainable transport solutions and smart mobility. Modeling transport demand and infrastructure planning. Land Use and Housing Policy Land use planning techniques and regulations. Housing markets, affordability, and policy interventions. Zoning, land tenure, and property rights in urban planning. Environmental Planning and Management Managing environmental resources in urban settings. Planning for ecological sustainability. Climate adaptation strategies for cities. Urbanization and Global Development Urbanization trends and their global implications. The role of planning in managing rapid urbanization in developing countries. Globalization and its effects on local planning practices. Research Work and Proposal Refinement Continuing with literature review and initial data collection. Refining the research question and methodology. Preparing for the qualifying exam or candidacy exam. |
Semester 4: Comprehensive Exam and Field Work | Semester 5: Research and Thesis Development | Semester 6: Final Thesis Work and Defense |
Comprehensive Qualifying Exam Exam covering core areas in urban planning, policy, and research methods. This exam usually assesses knowledge in both theoretical and practical aspects of planning. Field Work/Case Study Research Collecting data and conducting research through fieldwork. Conducting interviews, surveys, or observational studies in a real-world context. Participating in urban or regional planning projects. Planning for Smart Cities Exploring the concept and technologies behind smart cities. The role of data, IoT (Internet of Things), and automation in urban planning. Case studies on smart city development. | Thesis Writing I Structuring the PhD dissertation. Literature review and theoretical framework development. Data analysis and interpretation. Writing techniques for academic papers and theses. Urban Social Issues and Planning Addressing social inequalities in urban spaces. Planning for marginalized communities. Gender, class, and race in urban development. Advanced Urban and Regional Planning Techniques Techniques in spatial modeling, simulation, and forecasting. Case studies on city planning interventions and their outcomes. Thesis Research & Discussion Ongoing dissertation work with regular meetings with supervisors. Presentation and feedback on research findings. Peer review and critical discussions. | Thesis Writing II Finalizing dissertation chapters. Polishing the thesis for submission. Preparing for the viva voce or defense. Public Policy and Planning Practice Linking research findings to practical planning applications. Engaging with policymakers, urban practitioners, and other stakeholders. Communicating research results effectively to a non-academic audience. Thesis Defense and Viva Voce Formal defense of the PhD thesis. Oral examination by a panel of experts in the field. Final revisions based on feedback from the defense. |
Logo | Name | Address | Total Courses | Fees |
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![]() | University Grants Commission - UGC - UGCU | Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002 | 1935 | Full Fees Detail |
Architect Planner: Manage the design, planning, and execution of building projects. Develop and execute master plans for building projects including new or existing renovations. |
Researcher: Researchers are responsible for communicating their work, partnering with others where appropriate, and sharing and leveraging information for the good of the company, the community, and the entire society. |
Architectural Manager: Architectural managers are responsible for creating the general design of a new product or for addressing the technical problems that prohibit a project from being completed. |
Design Engineer: Design Engineers apply their experience of architectural and construction methods, architecture management strategies, application-building, and project design. |
Architect: Architects build prototypes for existing, altered, and redeveloped building projects. They use their professional expertise in construction and high-level drawing skills to design practical, healthy, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing buildings. |
Project manager: Project Managers must plan, design, and create projects. They design the goals of the project and the progress metrics and decide how to assess and track progress. |
PhD in Planning: FAQs
What is a PhD in Planning?
A PhD in Planning is a type of doctoral degree that focuses on research. It helps students prepare for jobs in teaching, research, or high-level work in policy and consulting. The program covers topics like urban, regional, environmental, or transportation planning, and often uses knowledge from many different fields.
What are the typical admission requirements?
A master’s degree in planning, urban studies, geography, architecture, or a related field (some programs accept exceptional students with only a bachelor’s degree).
Strong academic record
Research proposal outlining intended dissertation topic.
Letters of recommendation (preferably from academic mentors).
GRE scores (some programs have waived this requirement post-COVID).
Writing sample (e.g., thesis, published paper, or research report).
Statement of Purpose (explaining research interests and fit with the program).
What are common research areas in PhD in Planning?
Urban & Regional Development
Housing & Community Planning
Transportation & Infrastructure
Environmental & Sustainability Planning
GIS & Spatial Analysis
Disaster Resilience & Climate Adaptation
International Development Planning
Social Equity & Justice in Planning
What career paths can I pursue after a PhD in Planning?
Academia (professor, researcher).
Research Institutions (think tanks, policy institutes).
Government & Public Policy (urban planning agencies, UN, World Bank).
Private Sector (consulting firms, real estate development).
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) (sustainability, housing advocacy).