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PHD in Economics at Alliance University
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Alliance University Bengaluru?
This PhD in Economics program at Alliance University focuses on providing rigorous training in economic fundamentals and fostering cutting-edge research. It equips scholars to delve into advanced theoretical and empirical analyses, contributing significantly to academic and policy discourse in India and globally. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in quantitative techniques and contemporary economic thought to analyze real-world phenomena.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong academic record in Economics or related fields, aspiring researchers, and early-career faculty members seeking to deepen their expertise and contribute original research. It caters to individuals passionate about theoretical and empirical economic research, aiming for careers in academia, policy think tanks, research organizations, or economic consulting firms within the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers as economists in leading universities, government bodies like the RBI or NITI Aayog, or international organizations focused on India. They will be equipped for roles in advanced economic research, policy formulation, and high-level consulting within India''''s dynamic economic landscape. Potential entry-level salaries for PhDs in specialized research roles can range from INR 8-15 LPA, with substantial growth potential based on experience and impact.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Research Methodology- (Semester 1)
Engage deeply with the Research Methodology coursework, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Actively participate in discussions, complete assignments rigorously, and seek clarification on complex concepts to build a strong theoretical and practical foundation for your doctoral research.
Tools & Resources
Research Methodology textbooks (e.g., Kothari), Statistical software (R, Python, Stata, EViews), Academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science)
Career Connection
A solid grasp of diverse research methods is fundamental for any research-oriented career, enabling robust, data-driven analysis and impactful academic contributions.
Identify and Refine Research Interests- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the initial coursework phase to explore various sub-fields within Economics. Attend department seminars, engage in extensive literature review, and interact with faculty members to identify compelling research gaps and refine your initial research proposal for its novelty and feasibility.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (Indian Economic Review, Economic and Political Weekly), Faculty research profiles, Departmental research presentations
Career Connection
Early identification and refinement of a strong, focused research area are crucial for a successful PhD journey and for establishing expertise in a specific domain for future career opportunities in academia or research.
Build a Strong Academic Network- (Semester 1-2)
Actively connect with fellow PhD scholars, faculty members, and visiting researchers through formal and informal channels. Participate in study groups and academic events to exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback on your nascent research ideas, and build a supportive intellectual community within the university and beyond.
Tools & Resources
University department events, LinkedIn for academic networking, Academic conferences and workshops (even as an attendee)
Career Connection
A robust academic network can open doors to collaborative research, mentorship opportunities, and future career prospects in academia, think tanks, or research institutions across India.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Econometric and Quantitative Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond foundational coursework, dedicate significant time to self-study and practical application of advanced econometric modeling, machine learning for economics, and large-scale data analysis techniques. Work on small-scale empirical projects to apply theoretical knowledge and gain proficiency in handling diverse real-world economic datasets relevant to India.
Tools & Resources
Specialized econometrics textbooks (e.g., Wooldridge, Greene), Online courses (Coursera, edX for advanced statistics/ML), Data repositories (World Bank, NSSO, CMIE, Open Government Data Platform India)
Career Connection
Advanced quantitative and computational skills are highly valued in academic research, economic policy analysis, and roles as data scientists or quantitative analysts in various Indian industries and consulting firms.
Present Research at Workshops and Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Once your research proposal is robust and you have initial findings, actively seek opportunities to present your work at internal university workshops, national PhD colloquia, and specialized conferences. This provides invaluable feedback from experts, helps in refining your arguments, and significantly improves your presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research workshops, Indian Econometric Society Conference, PhD consortia organized by various institutes
Career Connection
Presenting builds your academic profile, helps network with leading economists, and critically prepares you for the rigor of thesis defense and academic job market presentations, both in India and internationally.
Engage Actively in Academic Writing and Publication- (Semester 4-6)
Start drafting sections of your thesis early and aim to convert well-developed chapters or independent research papers into publishable articles. Collaborate closely with your supervisor to identify and target appropriate peer-reviewed journals, focusing initially on reputable Indian journals to gain crucial publication experience and visibility.
Tools & Resources
Reference management software (Mendeley/Zotero), Academic writing tools (Grammarly), UGC CARE List journals, Scopus/Web of Science for journal indexing
Career Connection
Publications are paramount for academic career progression and significantly enhance your credibility and marketability for research positions in universities, think tanks, and other research-intensive organizations in India.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Completion and Robust Defense Preparation- (Semester 6 onwards)
Allocate dedicated and focused time for thesis writing, ensuring all chapters are coherent, methodologically sound, and contribute significantly to economic literature. Work closely with your supervisor to meticulously prepare for your pre-submission colloquium and the final viva voce examination, anticipating potential questions and refining your responses.
Tools & Resources
Thesis templates, Academic proofreading services, Mock viva sessions with senior faculty members and peers
Career Connection
Successfully completing and defending your thesis is the ultimate goal, leading to the conferral of the PhD degree and opening doors to all advanced research and academic career paths.
Strategically Prepare for the Academic Job Market- (Final year (Semester 5-6))
If pursuing an academic career, proactively develop a strong teaching portfolio, a compelling research statement, and an updated CV tailored for university positions. Practice mock interviews and job talks, and actively identify relevant academic positions in Indian universities, colleges, and research institutions through various job portals.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., JGU, Ashoka University, IIMs career pages), University career services, Mentorship from faculty who have recently navigated the job market
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic job market preparation ensures a smooth and successful transition into a faculty or research role post-PhD, which is a highly sought-after career path for economics PhDs in India.
Explore Postdoctoral and Policy Research Opportunities- (Final year and post-PhD)
Investigate postdoctoral fellowships at leading research institutions in India (e.g., IGIDR, NCAER, ISB) or explore roles in government think tanks (e.g., NITI Aayog, various ministries). Tailor your research profile, publications, and networking to align with these specific opportunities for continued research impact and policy influence.
Tools & Resources
Fellowship portals (DBT, ICSSR, SERB), Institutional websites for research positions, Participation in policy dialogues and workshops
Career Connection
Postdoctoral research enhances specialization and competitiveness for senior academic roles, while policy research offers direct influence on national economic development and social welfare, both highly valued by PhDs in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Economics or an allied subject with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade). A 5% relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer/PwD candidates. Candidates qualified in UGC-NET (JRF), UGC-CSIR NET (JRF), SLET, GATE, Teacher Fellowship or holding an M.Phil. Degree are exempted from the entrance test (AURAT) but must appear for the interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: 10-14 credits for coursework (minimum 8 credits for core coursework + 2 credits for Research and Publication Ethics) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-RM-001 | Research Methodology | Core (Mandatory for all PhD Scholars) | 4 | Identification of Research Problem, Techniques for Literature Review, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis for Research (Descriptive & Inferential), Academic Report Writing and Presentation Skills |
| PHD-RPE-001 | Research and Publication Ethics | Core (Mandatory for all PhD Scholars) | 2 | Philosophy and Ethics of Research, Scientific Conduct and Research Integrity, Publication Ethics (Plagiarism, Authorship), Intellectual Property Rights and Patents, Research Misconduct and Responsible Conduct of Research |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-EC-001 | Advanced Topics in Economics I | Elective (Domain-Specific, determined by DAC) | 4 | Advanced Microeconomic Theory and Applications, Contemporary Macroeconomic Models and Policy, Econometric Methods and their Assumptions, Financial Economics Concepts and Markets, International Trade Theories and Policies, Perspectives in Development Economics |
| PHD-EC-002 | Advanced Topics in Economics II | Elective (Domain-Specific, determined by DAC) | 4 | Applied Econometrics and Time Series Analysis, Monetary and Fiscal Policy Analysis in Open Economies, Game Theory and Strategic Interactions in Economics, Public Economics and Welfare Analysis, Environmental Economics and Sustainability Issues, Industrial Organization and Market Structures |
