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PH-D in Economics at GITAM, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at GITAM, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management Visakhapatnam?
This Economics Ph.D. program at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management focuses on rigorous research in theoretical and applied economics. It addresses critical economic challenges relevant to India''''s growth trajectory, fostering deep analytical and empirical skills. The program prepares scholars to contribute to policy formulation, academic research, and industry analysis, meeting the demand for specialized economic expertise.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong academic background in Economics seeking to pursue advanced research. It also suits working professionals from government, think tanks, or consulting firms who aspire to deepen their analytical capabilities and contribute to economic policymaking or specialized research roles in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as economists in government organizations like NITI Aayog, academic professors, researchers in think tanks, or data analysts in private sector firms. Entry to experienced salary ranges typically vary from INR 8 LPA to 30 LPA+. The program aligns with the need for advanced economic modeling and policy evaluation expertise in the Indian context.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals and Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly engage with coursework in Research Methodology and Research & Publication Ethics. Focus on understanding econometric tools, qualitative research methods, and ethical guidelines. Actively participate in seminars to build a strong theoretical base and prepare for comprehensive examinations.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus texts on Research Methodology, UGC Research & Publication Ethics guidelines, Econometric software tutorials (e.g., EViews, R), Academic integrity workshops
Career Connection
A solid foundation in research methods is crucial for conducting credible and impactful research, which is essential for any career in academia, policy analysis, or economic consulting.
Identify Research Niche and Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Begin exploring potential research areas within Economics that align with faculty expertise and current policy relevance in India. Conduct extensive literature reviews to identify gaps in existing knowledge and refine your research problem. Engage in discussions with potential supervisors to align interests.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, RBI Working Papers, NBER Working Papers, EconLit database, GITAM library resources
Career Connection
Early identification of a relevant and feasible research topic is vital for timely thesis completion and ensures your research contributes to a recognized field, enhancing your profile for academic and research roles.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively practice academic writing for research proposals and literature reviews. Seek feedback from professors and peers. Participate in departmental seminars or workshops to hone presentation skills, crucial for defending research and communicating complex economic ideas effectively.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, LaTeX for academic typesetting, Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides for presentations, GITAM Writing Center (if available)
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are indispensable for publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and effectively conveying research findings to diverse audiences in academia, policy, or industry.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization and Empirical Skills- (Year 2-3)
Focus on advanced theoretical and empirical courses relevant to your chosen specialization in Economics (e.g., advanced econometrics, specific fields like development or public finance). Actively apply statistical software to analyze real-world Indian economic data. Collaborate on research with faculty.
Tools & Resources
Stata, R Studio, Python (Pandas, NumPy), CMIE ProwessIQ, National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data
Career Connection
Advanced empirical skills are highly valued in research roles, economic consulting, and data-driven policy analysis within government and private sectors in India.
Present at National Conferences and Workshops- (Year 2-3)
Prepare research papers based on your initial findings and aim to present them at national-level economics conferences or specialized workshops. This provides valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and helps refine your research for publication. Engage with the broader Indian academic community.
Tools & Resources
Indian Econometric Society Conference, TIES, academic conference listings, GITAM research grants for travel
Career Connection
Conference presentations build your academic reputation, provide critical feedback, and create networking opportunities essential for post-Ph.D. academic positions and collaborations.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Research- (Year 2-3)
Explore opportunities for interdisciplinary research that connects Economics with fields like public policy, environmental science, or data science. This broadens your research perspective and opens up diverse career avenues. Consider joint publications with researchers from other departments.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental research seminars, collaborative research platforms, calls for papers on interdisciplinary topics
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary expertise makes graduates highly versatile and attractive to research institutions, policy think tanks, and organizations addressing complex societal challenges in India.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Publications- (Year 4-5)
Strategically work on converting thesis chapters into publishable articles in reputed peer-reviewed national and international economics journals. Seek co-authorship opportunities with supervisors and focus on journals with good impact factors relevant to your research area.
Tools & Resources
Journal of Economic Literature, Indian Economic Review, Economic & Political Weekly, journal submission platforms
Career Connection
A strong publication record is paramount for securing academic faculty positions, research grants, and career progression in major research institutions in India and abroad.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva-Voce- (Year 4-5)
Systematically organize your thesis, ensuring logical flow, rigorous analysis, and clear articulation of contributions. Practice presenting your research effectively and prepare for challenging questions during the comprehensive viva-voce and final thesis defense. Seek mock viva-voce sessions.
Tools & Resources
Previous Ph.D. theses (for structure), departmental guidelines for thesis submission, peer review groups for practice sessions
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the culmination of the Ph.D. journey and opens doors to post-doctoral fellowships, academic positions, and expert roles requiring independent research capabilities.
Build a Professional Network and Career Plan- (Year 4-6)
Continuously expand your professional network by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences. Actively explore job market opportunities in academia, government, and industry in India. Prepare compelling CVs, cover letters, and research statements tailored to specific career goals.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, academic job market websites (e.g., EconJobMarket), GITAM Career Services (if applicable for Ph.D.), faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A robust professional network and a clear career strategy are crucial for navigating the competitive job market, securing desirable positions, and long-term career growth in economics.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Economics or a relevant allied subject with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (or an equivalent grade/CGPA) from a recognized university. A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%) is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled categories. Candidates with UGC NET (JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (JRF)/GATE/GPAT/ICAR/INSPIRE fellowship are exempted from the entrance test but must appear for the interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time)
Credits: Minimum 12 credits (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
