Institute for Social and Economic Change: Admission 2025, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Bengaluru Campus Life

Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru, is widely recognized for its profound contributions to social science research and policy analysis in India. Established in 1972, this autonomous institution operates under the patronage of the Government of Karnataka and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. It holds a distinguished position as a leading research centre, offering M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs across various disciplines, formally affiliated with the University of Mysore.

The institute''s academic prowess is channeled through nine specialized departments, encompassing areas like Agricultural Development, Human Resource Development, Economics, Population Studies, Public Policy, and Urban Studies. ISEC''s rigorous research-oriented programs attract dedicated scholars, with a current enrollment of 131 Ph.D. and M.Phil. students, maintaining a favorable faculty-student ratio of 1:4.85. Admissions typically involve an ISEC Written Test, though candidates with valid UGC-NET or JRF qualifications are exempted from the test, proceeding directly to interviews.

Situated on a sprawling 16-acre campus in Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru, ISEC provides a serene and conducive environment for advanced study and scholarly pursuits. The campus ecosystem supports extensive research activities, seminars, and collaborative projects. ISEC actively engages in international collaborations, fostering global perspectives through partnerships with institutions such as the University of Guelph, Canada, The Open University, UK, and Murdoch University, Australia. Graduates from ISEC are well-prepared for impactful careers in academia, policy-making, research organizations, and government, leveraging their specialized knowledge to address complex societal challenges. The institution stands as a beacon for interdisciplinary social and economic research, shaping future leaders and thinkers.