PhD in Politics (Doctor of Philosophy in Politics)

PhD in Politics Admission About

PhD in Politics, also known as Doctor of Philosophy in Politics is a doctoral level course. The duration of this program is 1-3 years but for part time Politics scholars, the duration gets extended by up to 5 years. The PhD course in Politics offers a wide array of subjects that is distributed among various topics such as human rights, international politics, political theory, political economy and so on.

The basic eligibility to pursue PhD in Politics is to have a PG or a Master degree in related discipline with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized college or university in India. Along with this, candidates also need to have prior assistantship, research and paper publication experience under a professor. A professional experience in teaching is also preferable.

Students willing to take admission in PhD in Politics should first qualify National or Institutional level entrance examinations that are held every year. Furthermore, they should also sit for counseling as well as interviews for final selection. NET or National Eligibility Test or NET is the most common and famous entrance exam for PhD courses. Other than the NET exam, RET, PET and CRET are also some of the entrance examinations conducted by colleges and universities in order to give admission to the candidates.

Some of the colleges offering PhD in Politics in India are Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Hyderabad, Banasthali Vidyapith University, etc. The average fees for a doctorate in Politics range from INR 25,000 to INR 6,00,000 depending on the university and college.

After the successful completion of PhD in Politics, one can opt for a career in media and journalism, political firms, civil services, and also in different government offices. The salary ranges from INR 4 lakh to INR 15 lakh per annum and even more depending on the job profile and the company. Some of the job roles that PhD in Politics candidates are offered include Public Relations Specialist, Professor, Research Analyst, Journalist, Political Scientist and so on.

PhD in Politics Highlights

PhD in Politics Eligibility Criteria

Colleges and Universities in India have a few basic eligibility criteria for conducting admissions into PhD Politics. These selection criteria include:

Students should have scored at least 55% marks in their PG or Master's degree from a recognized college or university.

Qualifying for the entrance examination is also mandatory.

For PhD admission in Central universities, the minimum UG/PG marks is around 80%.

Duration of PhD in Politics 

• The duration of a political research program can vary depending on the level of study and the institution. A master's program may take 1-2 years to complete, while a doctoral program may take 3-5 years or more.

Admission Process for PhD in Politics

Admissions to PhD Politics are done either through different entrance exams or on merit basis. But many colleges and universities prefer admission through entrance examinations over merit based as PhD is a tough course and an entrance exam helps assess the knowledge and academic track records of the candidates.

Some universities like Delhi University (DU) conduct their own entrance exam for PhDs, however, other colleges select students based on common entrance exams like PET and RET. Students who have already qualified for NET and JRF need not appear for any other university-level exams, but they need to appear for counseling and interview rounds.

PhD in Politics Entrance Exam

RET

PET

UGC NET

DUET

CRET

PhD in Politics Selection Criteria

Admission to a politics research program is typically based on a combination of factors, including academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Institutions may also consider factors such as language proficiency, relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities.

PhD in Politics How to Apply

To apply for a politics research program, applicants typically need to complete an online application and provide supporting documentation, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Some institutions may also require applicants to submit a writing sample or take part in an interview as part of the selection process.

PhD in Politics Application Form

To apply for a politics research program, applicants typically need to fill out an online application form on the institution's website. The form may require personal information, academic history, and the submission of supporting documents such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.

PhD in Politics Application Process

The application process for a politics research program typically involves several steps, including filling out the application form, submitting supporting documents, and possibly participating in an interview. Some institutions may also require applicants to take an entrance exam such as the GRE.

Fee Structure for PhD in Politics

There is usually a fee associated with applying to a politics research program. The fee amount may vary depending on the institution and program, and some institutions may offer fee waivers or reductions for certain applicants.

Syllabus of PhD in Politics

1. Research Methods Survey
2. Approaches, Foundations, and Epistemologies of Political Science Research
3. Research Design
4. Statistics and Data Collection
5. Political and economic Challenges
6. Contextualizing South Asia
7. Foreign Policies of South Asian Countries and Regional Cooperation Initiatives
8. Human Security, Protracted Disputes, Environmental Issues
9. Party System in India
10. Approaches and Perspective to Indian Political System
11. Structural Concerns
12. Protection for Minorities and Deprived Groups
13. Decentralisation and Community Empowerment
14. Participation and Local Development
15. Decentralisation and Development in India
16. Participation and Local Development
17. Land Reforms in India
18. Public Policy Analysis
19. Political Economy
20. International and Multilateral Economic Institutions and Developing Countries

Job Scope after PhD in Politics

Career Opportunities after PhD in Politics

Graduates of a politics research program can pursue a variety of career paths, including academic positions such as professor or researcher, government positions such as policy analyst or diplomat, non-profit positions such as advocate or researcher, or private sector positions such as consultant or analyst.

PhD in Politics Top Colleges

Harvard University

Princeton University

Stanford University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

London School of Economics and Political Science.

Admission Process for PhD in Politics

• Application for the entrance exam 
• Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre-Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by the University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required for PhD in Politics

1. Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in the form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - What will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.