

PH-D in Agricultural Economics at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology


Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Agricultural Economics at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology Udham Singh Nagar?
This Agricultural Economics program at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology equips scholars with advanced research skills to address critical issues in India''''s agricultural sector. It focuses on rigorous economic analysis, policy formulation, and sustainable development strategies. The program emphasizes problem-solving and contributes to enhancing rural livelihoods and ensuring food security within the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Sc. graduates in Agricultural Economics seeking advanced research careers in academia, government, or international organizations. It attracts individuals passionate about rural development, agricultural policy, and environmental sustainability in India. Mid-career professionals looking to deepen their expertise and contribute to high-level policy analysis and research will also find this program valuable.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can pursue impactful careers as researchers in ICAR institutes, faculty in State Agricultural Universities, policy analysts in government ministries, or economists in agricultural development banks. Entry-level salaries range from INR 6-12 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program also prepares scholars for international research collaborations and consultancies.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Research Methodologies- (undefined)
Thoroughly grasp fundamental and advanced research methodologies, statistical tools, and econometric techniques. Participate actively in coursework, engage in critical discussions, and solve practice problems to build a strong analytical base required for doctoral research. Utilize online courses like NPTEL or platforms like Coursera for advanced statistical software applications.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Research Methodology, Statistical software manuals (e.g., STATA, R), GBPUAT Library databases
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is crucial for designing robust research, publishing in reputed journals, and succeeding in research-intensive roles at ICAR, universities, or policy think tanks.
Identify and Refine Research Niche- (undefined)
Engage early with faculty mentors to explore potential research areas within Agricultural Economics. Attend departmental seminars, read recent publications, and discuss emerging challenges in Indian agriculture to identify a focused research problem. Start building a comprehensive literature review around your chosen niche.
Tools & Resources
Research papers via JSTOR, Google Scholar, GBPUAT faculty profiles, Agricultural Economics journals
Career Connection
Early specialization helps in developing expertise, leading to more impactful thesis work and opening doors to specialized roles in research and development organizations.
Cultivate Academic Writing Skills- (undefined)
Develop high-quality academic writing skills by practicing literature reviews, concept notes, and research proposals. Seek rigorous feedback from supervisors and peers. Attend university workshops on academic writing and citation management to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to scholarly standards required for publications.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, University writing workshops
Career Connection
Effective academic writing is essential for successful thesis submission, publishing research papers, and securing grants – key for an academic or research career in India and globally.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Fieldwork and Data Collection- (undefined)
Actively participate in fieldwork related to your research or departmental projects to gain practical experience in data collection methods, stakeholder interaction, and survey administration specific to agricultural contexts. Understand the nuances of rural settings and agricultural value chains firsthand to gather robust primary data.
Tools & Resources
Survey tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK), GPS devices, Local agricultural departments for permits
Career Connection
Hands-on data collection experience is highly valued in research positions and policy formulation, demonstrating the ability to generate primary data and insights for real-world problems in agriculture.
Present Research at Conferences- (undefined)
Prepare and present your research findings (even preliminary ones) at national and state-level agricultural economics conferences or workshops. This helps in gaining critical feedback, networking with peers and senior researchers, and enhancing presentation skills. Look for calls for papers from associations like ISAE.
Tools & Resources
Indian Society of Agricultural Economics (ISAE) conference notifications, Departmental symposia
Career Connection
Conference presentations boost academic visibility, validate research, and create networking opportunities crucial for future collaborations and job prospects in academia and research within India.
Collaborate on Publications- (undefined)
Seek opportunities to collaborate with faculty members or fellow Ph.D. scholars on research papers. Contributing to or co-authoring publications in peer-reviewed journals before thesis submission significantly strengthens your academic profile and demonstrates research productivity, crucial for career advancement.
Tools & Resources
Agricultural economics journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics), GBPUAT Research Portal
Career Connection
Publications are a primary metric for academic success and essential for securing post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, and research grants, especially in Indian universities and research institutions.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva- (undefined)
Rigorously prepare for your comprehensive viva-voce and thesis defense by conducting mock presentations with your advisory committee and departmental faculty. Anticipate questions on methodology, findings, and policy implications. Ensure your thesis adheres to all university formatting and submission guidelines for a successful defense.
Tools & Resources
University thesis guidelines, Previous successful thesis defense recordings (if available), Advisor''''s feedback
Career Connection
A strong defense demonstrates mastery of your subject and research, crucial for academic credibility and securing appointments requiring independent research capabilities in India and abroad.
Develop Grant Writing Skills- (undefined)
Learn the art of grant proposal writing by studying successful proposals and participating in workshops. Identify potential funding agencies (e.g., ICAR, UGC, state agricultural boards) relevant to your research interests. This skill is vital for securing research funds post-Ph.D. and sustaining a research career.
Tools & Resources
UGC/ICAR research grant guidelines, Grant writing workshops/webinars, Successful grant examples
Career Connection
Successful grant writing capabilities are highly valued in research institutions and academia, enabling you to secure funding for your independent research projects and build a sustainable research career.
Build a Professional Network Strategically- (undefined)
Actively build and maintain a professional network by connecting with peers, faculty, and industry experts at conferences, workshops, and online platforms. Participate in alumni events to explore career opportunities and mentorship. A strong network can provide valuable insights and lead to collaborations or job referrals.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., ISAE), GBPUAT Alumni Network
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for career progression, finding collaborations, mentorship, and discovering job opportunities in both academic and non-academic sectors within agricultural economics, both nationally and internationally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree in the subject concerned with First Division (60% marks) or 3.00/4.00 or 6.00/10.00 equivalent GPA/OGPA. For SC/ST/Physically Challenged candidates, 55% marks or 2.75/4.00 or 5.50/10.00 equivalent GPA/OGPA. Candidates must have qualified NET/GATE/equivalent examination, with exemption for M.Tech./M.E. (with 60% marks or 6.00/10.00 GPA/OGPA) or Ph.D. degree holders from IITs/NITs/CFTIs/GBPUAT.
Duration: 3-6 years
Credits: Minimum 15 credits (for coursework, excluding research/thesis credits) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified




