To gain admission to a doctoral program, clearing a PhD entrance exam is often mandatory in India. Common exams include UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, and university-specific tests. These exams assess subject knowledge and research aptitude. Some universities may waive the exam requirement for candidates with fellowships or MPhil degrees. Understanding the PhD entrance exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria helps candidates plan and prepare better. Successful performance in the exam is a crucial step toward securing a seat in a reputed PhD program.