PhD in Political Science (Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science)

PhD in Political Science About

PhD in Political Science or Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science is a 1-3 years duration doctoral-level course in India. But probably, this duration gets extended for Part-time Political Science scholars up to 5 years. For regular, it is a maximum of 3 years. The basic eligibility to take up a Doctoral in Political Science is holding a PG degree in allied arts discipline since Political Science comes under the aegis of Arts. The candidates should also have a minimum of 55% in PG from a recognized institution in India with a good academic record if needed. The PG course graduate candidates could get admission to these courses by taking up national or institute level entrance exams, counselling or interviews as made valid by the affiliated university.

PhD in Political Science Course Highlights

PhD in Political Science Entrance Exam

Most universities require applicants to take a standardized test such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Some schools may also require the TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers.

PhD in Political Science Admission Process

Admission to a Ph.D. program in Political Science is highly competitive and typically requires a strong academic background, including a bachelor's and/or master's degree in political science or a related field, a high GPA, letters of recommendation, and a well-written personal statement outlining research interests and career goals.

PhD in Political Science Eligibility Criteria

• The candidates facing their PhD Political Science admission should possess at least 55% in PG/UG from any of the recognizable institutions in the nation.
• Central universities and other esteemed arts colleges set the minimum eligible marks in PG/UG to be around 80%.
• Academic excellence and research expertise are the factors considered by some institutions in India towards the PhD Political Science admission.

PhD in Political Science Duration

The duration of a PhD. program in Political Science typically ranges from 4 to 7 years, depending on the program and the student's progress. Some programs may offer accelerated options, while others may offer part-time or flexible scheduling for students who work full-time or have other obligations.

PhD in Political Science Selection Criteria

Admission decisions are typically based on a combination of factors, including academic performance, research experience and potential, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Many programs also consider factors such as diversity, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

PhD in Political Science How to Apply

• To apply for a Ph.D. program in Political Science, students should research potential programs and their admission requirements.
• The application process typically includes submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, a personal statement, and a research proposal.
• Applicants should also be prepared to pay application fees and meet application deadlines.
• Many universities have online application portals that streamline the application process.

PhD in Political Science Application Process

• To apply for a Ph.D. program in Political Science, students typically need to complete an online application form or download and fill out a paper form.
• The application process usually involves submitting transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a research proposal.
• Students should carefully follow the instructions provided by the university to ensure that their application is complete and submitted on time.

PhD in Political Science Fee Structure

Most universities charge an application fee, which typically ranges will be Coming soon, per application. However, some universities may waive the fee for certain applicants or offer fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need.

PhD in Political Science Syllabus

Job Scope After Completed for PhD in Political Science

Graduates of a Ph.D. program in Political Science are well-positioned to pursue careers as professors, researchers, policymakers, and consultants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for postsecondary political science teachers in the United States was $85,600 as of May 2021. However, salaries vary depending on factors such as geographic location, level of experience, and type of employer.

PhD in Political Science Career Opportunities

Ph.D. graduates in Political Science have many career options, including:

• Professor or researcher in a university or research institution
  
• Policy analyst or consultant in government or non-profit organizations
• Political commentator or journalist
• Foreign service officer or diplomat
• International development specialist or aid worker
• Think-tank analyst or researcher
• Political campaign strategist or consultant

PhD in Political Science Top Colleges

Some top colleges for PhD in Political Science program include:

1. Harvard University
   
2. Princeton University
3. Stanford University
4. University of California, Berkeley
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
6. Columbia University
7. University of Chicago
8. Yale University
9. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
10. Duke University

PhD in Political Science Admission Process

• 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 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.

PhD in Political Science Documents Checklist 

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 PhD in Political Science

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD 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 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 - How 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.