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PHD in Economics at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management)
Sangareddy, Telangana
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management) Sangareddy?
This Economics PhD program at GITAM Hyderabad focuses on rigorous theoretical foundations and advanced empirical methods, preparing scholars for cutting-edge research. It addresses contemporary economic challenges, leveraging India''''s dynamic economic landscape for relevant case studies and policy analysis. The program aims to produce independent, innovative researchers capable of making significant contributions to the field.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, policy analysts, and researchers with a strong foundation in economics, seeking to contribute original knowledge. It suits master''''s graduates aiming for university positions or advanced roles in think tanks, government agencies, and research divisions of Indian and multinational corporations. Candidates typically possess strong analytical and quantitative skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as Assistant Professors in leading Indian universities, economists in government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Finance, NITI Aayog), or research scientists in top-tier private sector research firms. Entry-level salaries range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 30+ LPA for experienced professionals, contributing to India''''s economic policy and development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Economic and Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Deeply understand advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative techniques for economic research. Utilize standard graduate-level textbooks by authors like Mas-Colell, Romer, and Greene. Actively participate in problem-solving sessions and seek clarifications from faculty to build a robust conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
Standard PhD-level textbooks, University library resources, Faculty office hours, Online tutorials for advanced calculus and linear algebra
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for clearing coursework examinations, developing a sound research proposal, and conducting rigorous analysis, which are prerequisites for any academic or research career.
Develop Proficiency in Statistical Software- (Semester 1-2)
Gain hands-on expertise in econometric software widely used in economic research, such as Stata, R, or EViews. Attend university workshops, complete online courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL on econometrics software), and apply learned techniques to real-world datasets. Practice data cleaning, manipulation, and advanced econometric modeling.
Tools & Resources
Stata, R (with RStudio), EViews, Datasets from World Bank, RBI, NSSO, Online econometrics courses
Career Connection
Proficiency in data analysis tools is highly valued in academia, research organizations, and policy roles, enhancing employability and research output quality.
Engage in Departmental Research Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly attend and actively participate in research seminars, workshops, and guest lectures organized by the Economics department and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. This exposes students to diverse research topics, methodologies, and critical discussions, helping to identify potential research interests and build academic networks.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Journal clubs, Networking with faculty and senior PhD scholars
Career Connection
Early exposure to ongoing research helps in refining research questions and identifying potential supervisors, vital steps for successful thesis completion and future collaboration opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Refine Research Proposal and Identify Supervisor- (Semester 3-4)
Work intensively with potential supervisors to refine your research proposal, clearly articulating the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected contributions. Present the proposal in departmental colloquia to receive constructive feedback and incorporate it before finalization. Secure a suitable research supervisor aligned with your area of interest.
Tools & Resources
Research proposal templates, Feedback from faculty and peers, University research guidelines
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal and an effective supervisory relationship are foundational for timely thesis completion and the quality of your research output.
Network with National Research Community- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to attend and present work (even preliminary findings) at national economics conferences and workshops (e.g., Indian Econometric Society Conference, annual conferences of Indian Economic Association). Network with scholars from other Indian institutions, fostering collaborations and gaining exposure to broader academic discussions.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcements (IEA, IES), Travel grants (if available), Professional networking platforms
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network is crucial for career opportunities, future collaborations, and gaining insights into the Indian academic and policy landscape.
Initiate Literature Review and Pilot Studies- (Semester 3-5)
Undertake an exhaustive review of relevant literature, systematically organizing findings and identifying research gaps. Conduct small-scale pilot studies or preliminary data analysis to test the feasibility of your methodology and gain initial insights. Regularly discuss progress and challenges with your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, EconLit databases, Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Pilot datasets
Career Connection
A thorough literature review and preliminary empirical work enhance the rigor and originality of your thesis, making it more impactful and publishable.
Advanced Stage
Target Peer-Reviewed Publications- (Semester 5-8)
Prepare manuscripts based on your thesis chapters and target submission to reputable national and international peer-reviewed economics journals. Work closely with your supervisor to refine papers, address reviewer comments, and navigate the publication process. Aim for at least 1-2 publications before thesis submission.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission guidelines, Academic writing support services, Supervisor''''s guidance
Career Connection
Publications are a critical requirement for academic job applications, promotions, and establishing a research profile in India''''s highly competitive academic market.
Prepare for the Academic Job Market- (Semester 6-8)
Develop a comprehensive academic job market package including a strong CV, research statement, teaching statement, and cover letters. Practice delivering ''''job talks'''' (presentations of your research) and mock interviews with faculty and peers. Attend workshops on academic career development and job search strategies.
Tools & Resources
Career services at GITAM, Mentors in the department, Online resources for academic job applications
Career Connection
Proactive and thorough preparation significantly increases your chances of securing desirable academic positions in Indian universities or research institutions post-PhD.
Engage in Policy Outreach and Dissemination- (Semester 6-8)
Seek opportunities to present your research findings to policy-making bodies, government agencies, and relevant industry forums in India. Convert complex research into accessible policy briefs or articles for wider dissemination. This demonstrates the practical relevance of your work and builds connections beyond academia.
Tools & Resources
University research centers, Think tanks (NITI Aayog, ICRIER), Policy journals or magazines
Career Connection
Engaging in policy outreach highlights the societal impact of your research, opening doors to consultancy, advisory roles, and careers in policy formulation within India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Economics or a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade/CGPA from a recognized university. A minimum of 50% marks for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/Differently-abled candidates. Must have qualified in GITAM GAT (PhD) or UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET/GPAT/JRF.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (excluding extensions). Coursework typically 1-2 semesters.
Credits: 16-20 credits for coursework (exact total for entire PhD not specified, varies with research) Credits
Assessment: Internal: As per university norms for coursework, typically continuous assessment, mid-term exams, assignments., External: End-semester examinations for coursework, followed by comprehensive viva voce, pre-submission viva voce, thesis evaluation by external examiners, and final viva voce.
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester phase
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHEC101 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Hypothesis Testing and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
| PHEC102 | Quantitative Techniques for Economic Research | Core | 4 | Linear Regression Models, Time Series Analysis, Panel Data Models, Limited Dependent Variable Models, Causality and Experimental Methods |
| PHEC103 | Advanced Economic Theory | Core | 4 | Advanced Microeconomics (Consumer and Producer Theory), Advanced Macroeconomics (Growth and Business Cycle Models), General Equilibrium and Welfare Economics, Game Theory and Information Economics, Contemporary Economic Debates |
| PHEC104 | Review of Literature & Research Ethics | Core | 2 | Literature Survey Techniques, Academic Writing and Citation Styles, Plagiarism and Research Integrity, Intellectual Property Rights, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| PHECELEC1 | Elective Paper (e.g., Development Economics) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Economic Development, Poverty, Inequality, and Human Development, Sectoral Issues in Development (Agriculture, Industry, Services), Globalisation and Developing Economies, Development Policy and Planning in India |
