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PHD in Commerce at C.P. Patel & F.H. Shah Commerce College
Anand, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Commerce at C.P. Patel & F.H. Shah Commerce College Anand?
This PhD in Commerce program at C.P. Patel & F.H. Shah Commerce College, affiliated with Sardar Patel University, focuses on developing advanced research capabilities in various domains of commerce. The program emphasizes original research contribution, critical analysis, and scholarly writing relevant to the evolving Indian economic landscape. It aims to address contemporary business challenges and contribute to academic knowledge and practical solutions, catering to the growing demand for research expertise in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for academic aspirants seeking careers as professors or researchers, professionals looking to deepen their analytical and research skills for policy-making or advanced corporate roles, and M.Com/MBA graduates with a strong inclination towards scholarly inquiry. Candidates with a proven academic record and a desire to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge in commerce are particularly suited for this rigorous research degree.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue fulfilling careers in academia, research institutions, and consulting roles across India. Career paths include Assistant Professor, Research Scientist, Business Analyst, or Economist, with potential entry-level salaries ranging from INR 6-12 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program equips scholars to contribute to public policy, drive innovation in business practices, and align with national research priorities, enhancing their growth trajectory.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Pre-PhD Coursework and Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Dedicate intensive effort to understanding research methodology and quantitative techniques. Actively participate in seminars, complete assignments meticulously, and prepare thoroughly for coursework examinations to build a strong theoretical base for your research journey.
Tools & Resources
SPU Library Resources, Research papers on SPU website, NPTEL courses on research methods, Statistical software tutorials (e.g., SPSS, R)
Career Connection
A solid foundation is critical for framing a robust research problem and will directly impact the quality and acceptance of your PhD synopsis and subsequent thesis, paving the way for academic credibility.
Identify a Research Gap and Formulate a Problem- (Semester 1-2)
Engage in extensive literature review, attend departmental research colloquia, and discuss potential research areas with your supervisor. Focus on identifying a significant, unexplored area in Commerce with Indian context, leading to a clearly defined research problem and objectives.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List Journals, Shodhganga (Indian research repository), Google Scholar, Departmental faculty for guidance
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem demonstrates critical thinking and originality, which are highly valued in both academic and corporate research roles, distinguishing your scholarly contribution.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice academic writing, focusing on clarity, coherence, and adherence to scholarly conventions. Present your research ideas and preliminary findings in departmental workshops or internal seminars to receive constructive feedback and improve communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Academic writing guides, Presentation software (PowerPoint/Google Slides), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Strong writing and presentation skills are indispensable for publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and effectively communicating your research findings during the final viva, crucial for academic positions.
Intermediate Stage
Conduct Rigorous Data Collection and Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Implement your research design to collect primary or secondary data methodically. Apply appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques. Maintain meticulous records of data and analysis steps to ensure integrity and reproducibility of your findings.
Tools & Resources
SurveyMonkey/Google Forms, SPSS/Stata/R for quantitative data, NVivo/Atlas.ti for qualitative data, University research labs/computer centres
Career Connection
Proficiency in data handling and analysis is a core skill for any researcher, making you a valuable asset in data-driven roles within academia, consulting, or market research firms.
Publish Research Papers in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Semester 3-5)
Transform your research findings into publishable manuscripts and aim for submission to UGC-CARE listed or other reputable peer-reviewed journals. This iterative process of writing, revising, and responding to reviewer comments hones your research acumen.
Tools & Resources
Journal Finder tools, Elsevier/Springer/Wiley author guidelines, University publication support services
Career Connection
Publications are a cornerstone of academic career progression in India, significantly enhancing your CV for faculty positions and research grants, demonstrating your scholarly output.
Network and Participate in National/International Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to present your research at national and international conferences, workshops, or symposiums. Network with established scholars and peers, solicit feedback, and stay abreast of the latest advancements in your field.
Tools & Resources
Conference alerts websites, LinkedIn for academic networking, University travel grants/funding for presentations
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaborations, post-doctoral opportunities, and visibility within the academic community, which are vital for establishing a research career and securing future positions.
Advanced Stage
Complete and Defend Your PhD Thesis- (Semester 6 onwards)
Consolidate all research chapters into a cohesive thesis, ensuring logical flow, scholarly rigor, and adherence to university guidelines. Practice your thesis defense (viva-voce) presentation with peers and your supervisor to refine your responses.
Tools & Resources
University thesis formatting guidelines, Anti-plagiarism software (e.g., Turnitin), Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
Successfully defending your thesis is the culmination of your PhD journey, leading to the degree award and marking your readiness for independent research and senior academic roles.
Develop Post-PhD Career Strategy- (Final Year/After Submission)
Beyond thesis submission, begin actively applying for academic positions (Assistant Professor), post-doctoral fellowships, or research-intensive roles in industry. Tailor your CV and cover letter, highlight your research contributions, and prepare for interviews.
Tools & Resources
Academic Job Portals (e.g., Times Higher Education, individual university websites), LinkedIn, Career counselling services
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition from PhD scholar to an employed researcher or academic, maximizing the return on your significant investment in doctoral education.
Engage in Continuous Learning and Grant Writing- (Post-PhD)
Post-PhD, stay updated with new methodologies and research areas. Begin exploring opportunities for writing grant proposals for research funding from national bodies like UGC, ICSSR, or industry-sponsored projects, fostering independent research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
UGC/ICSSR/DST Grant portals, Research news and alerts, Online courses for emerging research techniques
Career Connection
Securing research grants is crucial for sustaining an academic research career, funding future projects, and enhancing your institutional standing, making you a leader in your field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (M.Com/MBA/M.Phil in a relevant Commerce discipline) from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-Abled candidates). Candidates must qualify in the PhD Entrance Test (PET) conducted by Sardar Patel University or be exempted from PET based on UGC-NET/SLET/GATE/GPAT scores.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (full-time) from registration, maximum 6 years. Pre-PhD coursework typically completed in the first semester/year.
Credits: 16 credits (for Pre-PhD Coursework as per SPU regulations for 4 courses of 4 credits each) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Internal Assessment, assignments, presentations for coursework), External: 50% (End-semester examination for coursework)
