PhD Degree in Climate Science - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

A PhD in Climate Science offers an exceptional opportunity for scholars who are passionate about understanding the Earth’s climate system and contributing meaningful solutions to one of the most critical challenges of our time—climate change. This advanced research degree focuses on the physical processes that govern climate patterns, variability, and long-term change. Doctoral researchers may explore the history of climate change, model its future trajectories, assess the vulnerability of human societies and natural ecosystems, or develop practical, science-based policy and mitigation strategies to address the global climate crisis.

Closely aligned with this field, the PhD programme in Atmospheric Sciences is designed for highly motivated students aiming for a career in research, academia, or advanced scientific leadership. The programme emphasizes rigorous theoretical foundations combined with data-driven analysis, preparing scholars to make original contributions to atmospheric and climate science at both national and global levels.

In India, institutions such as the Department of Sustainable Engineering (DSE) at TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS) provide a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment for PhD aspirants. The doctoral programme at TERI SAS is structured under the “TERI School of Advanced Studies Ph.D. Regulations-2019” and promotes academic excellence of international standards. While maintaining strong disciplinary depth, the programme strongly encourages interdisciplinary research across key areas such as energy systems, urban development, climate science, and environmental resources, fostering independent, analytical, and critical thinking.

Similarly, the PhD in Environmental Science at the Department of Environmental Studies, MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, adopts a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex environmental challenges. With a curriculum grounded in cutting-edge research, scholars gain advanced expertise in climate change studies, biodiversity conservation, pollution control technologies, and sustainable development. Supported by experienced faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities, students are encouraged to innovate, think critically, and develop solutions with real-world impact.

Eligibility

PhD Programme Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking admission to the PhD programme must meet one of the following eligibility requirements, as prescribed by the concerned regulatory authorities:

1. Educational Qualification

Applicants should have completed any one of the following:

A 1-year (2-semester) Master’s degree after a 4-year (8-semester) Bachelor’s degree, or

A 2-year (4-semester) Master’s degree after a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, or

Any other qualification declared equivalent to a Master’s degree by the relevant statutory or regulatory body.

Candidates must have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade (wherever a grading system is followed). Degrees obtained from foreign universities are also accepted, provided the institution is accredited by a recognized authority responsible for quality assurance in its home country.

A 5% relaxation in marks (or equivalent grade) is applicable for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories, as per prevailing government or commission norms.

Admission through Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree Route

Candidates applying directly after completing a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree programme must have obtained at least 75% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. A 5% relaxation in marks is applicable for reserved categories, as per rules.

2. M.Phil Qualification

Candidates who have completed an M.Phil programme with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade are also eligible. A 5% relaxation applies to candidates from reserved categories, as per applicable norms.

Reservation Policy

Reservation benefits are applicable only to candidates with Maharashtra domicile, subject to the submission of valid and required documents before the interview stage. Candidates from outside Maharashtra will be considered under the open category.

PhD Degree in Climate Science Admission Process

PhD Admission Process and Regulations

Entrance Test Requirement

Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria will be required to appear for the PhD Entrance Test conducted by MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU). However, candidates who have qualified in UGC-NET / UGC-CSIR NET / GATE (valid score) / CEED / GPAT (valid score) or other equivalent national-level examinations are exempted from appearing in the PhD entrance test.

Qualifying Criteria for Entrance Test

The PhD entrance test is of a qualifying nature, with a minimum qualifying mark of 50%. A relaxation is provided, reducing the qualifying marks to 45% for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other reserved categories, as per applicable norms.

The test syllabus comprises 50% Research Methodology and 50% Subject-Specific content.

Interview / Viva-Voce

Candidates who qualify for the entrance test will be called for an Interview/Viva-Voce conducted by the University. The final selection will be based on a weightage of 70% for the entrance test and 30% for the interview/viva-voce.

For candidates qualified through GATE/NET/JRF/SET/GPAT/CEED, the selection will be based solely on the interview/viva-voce.

Provisional Admission

Selected candidates will be informed of their selection through email and will be offered provisional admission to the PhD programme.

Verification of Eligibility

The eligibility of candidates is provisional and subject to verification of educational qualifications, minimum eligibility conditions, and reservation documents (if applicable). Any discrepancy may lead to cancellation of admission.

Cancellation of Admission

The University reserves the right to cancel admission in cases of misconduct, unsatisfactory academic progress, absence in two consecutive progress seminars, failure in PhD-related examinations, submission of false documents, ineligibility, or involvement in plagiarism.

No Guarantee of Admission

Provisional eligibility to appear in the selection process does not guarantee admission to the PhD programme.

Stipend

Full-time PhD scholars may be provided a stipend as per MIT-WPU norms.

Duration of PhD Programme

Admission will be confirmed after successful completion of coursework with a minimum of 55% marks, as per UGC norms. The PhD programme must be completed within a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years, including coursework.

Extension of Duration

An additional two years may be granted through re-registration, provided the total duration does not exceed eight years from the date of admission.

Special Relaxation

Female scholars and Persons with Disabilities (more than 40% disability) may be granted an additional relaxation of two years, allowing a maximum duration of ten years to complete the PhD programme.

Leave Provisions

Female PhD scholars are eligible for Maternity Leave and/or Child Care Leave for up to 240 days during the entire duration of the PhD programme, as per University and UGC guidelines..

Future Scope

Climate scientists play a vital role in addressing some of the most urgent and complex challenges facing humanity today. By advancing our understanding of climate systems and climate change, they contribute directly to solutions that protect ecosystems, economies, and human well-being. As climate-related risks continue to grow worldwide, the demand for skilled climate science professionals is higher than ever.

Career opportunities for climate scientists span a wide range of sectors. Many choose to work with local, state, or national governments, supporting evidence-based decision-making, climate adaptation planning, and environmental regulation. Others find impactful roles in environmental consultancies, where they assess climate risks, develop sustainability strategies, and advise organizations on mitigation and resilience measures. Careers in conservation organizations and non-governmental institutions allow climate scientists to work on protecting natural resources and biodiversity, while roles in policy analysis and advocacy enable them to translate scientific research into actionable climate policies.

For those passionate about discovery and teaching, climate science also offers a rewarding academic and research career. Scientists can continue their work through postdoctoral research and long-term faculty positions at universities and research institutes, contributing original research, mentoring future scientists, and influencing global climate discourse.