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PHD in Humanities And Social Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities and Social Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal Bhopal?
This PhD program in Humanities and Social Sciences at IISER Bhopal focuses on fostering interdisciplinary research in areas spanning literature, philosophy, sociology, economics, history, psychology, and more. It emphasizes rigorous methodological training and critical inquiry, preparing scholars to address complex societal challenges relevant to India''''s unique socio-cultural landscape. The program distinguishes itself by integrating HSS perspectives within a science-oriented institution, encouraging innovative research at the intersection of disciplines, a growing demand in the Indian research ecosystem.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students holding Master''''s degrees in HSS disciplines who aspire to a career in academia, research, or policy-making. It also welcomes individuals from Natural Sciences or Engineering backgrounds with a demonstrated interest and research experience in HSS. Candidates seeking to contribute original research to pressing Indian and global issues, with a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills, will find this program particularly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue academic careers in universities and research institutions across India, become policy analysts for government bodies or think tanks, or take on research roles in NGOs and international organizations. Entry-level academic salaries for PhD holders in India typically range from INR 7-12 LPA, with significant growth potential based on experience and publications. The program equips scholars to contribute significantly to knowledge production and societal development within the Indian context.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with the mandatory Research Methodology course, actively participating in discussions and applying theoretical concepts to real-world problems. Utilize library resources, online research databases (e.g., JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science), and open-access journals to broaden understanding of diverse research approaches in HSS. Form study groups to critically evaluate different methodologies and refine your research questions.
Tools & Resources
IISER Bhopal Library, JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is crucial for successful thesis completion and is highly valued in all research-intensive careers, both academic and non-academic, ensuring the rigor and credibility of future work.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Engagement- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek out seminars, workshops, and lectures not only within HSS but also in other IISER departments. Leverage the flexible coursework to explore subjects that complement your research interests from other disciplines. Initiate discussions with faculty and peers from diverse backgrounds to enrich your perspective and identify potential interdisciplinary research avenues.
Tools & Resources
IISER Bhopal Seminar Schedules, Departmental Websites, Inter-departmental faculty meetings
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills are increasingly sought after in solving complex societal problems, making graduates versatile and competitive for positions in collaborative research projects and policy formulation.
Develop Academic Writing & Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, regularly practice academic writing by summarizing scholarly articles, drafting short essays on emerging topics, and preparing concise research proposals. Participate in department colloquia and student presentations to hone public speaking and academic presentation skills. Seek feedback from supervisors and senior PhD scholars on drafts.
Tools & Resources
Writing workshops, Grammarly/Turnitin for academic integrity, Departmental presentation series
Career Connection
Effective communication of complex ideas is paramount for successful publication, conference participation, and teaching, directly impacting academic and research career progression.
Intermediate Stage
Prepare for Comprehensive Examination- (Typically after coursework, before thesis proposal)
Systematically review core readings and theoretical frameworks relevant to your broader specialization and specific research area. Formulate potential exam questions and practice writing timed responses. Engage in mock comprehensive exams with peers or mentors to identify knowledge gaps and strengthen analytical reasoning under pressure.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Reading Lists, Previous exam question banks (if available), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Passing the comprehensive exam signifies readiness for independent research and is a critical milestone for PhD progression, often a prerequisite for thesis proposal submission and a strong signal of subject mastery.
Craft a Robust Research Proposal- (After comprehensive exam)
Work closely with your supervisor to develop a detailed and feasible research proposal outlining your research questions, theoretical framework, methodology, and expected outcomes. Present your proposal to your Doctoral Committee and incorporate their feedback diligently. Attend proposal defense presentations of senior scholars to learn best practices.
Tools & Resources
IISER Bhopal PhD Regulations, Research proposal templates, Feedback from Doctoral Committee
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal is the blueprint for your doctoral thesis and demonstrates your capacity for independent, rigorous research, which is essential for any future research-focused role.
Actively Engage in Academic Discourse- (Year 2 onwards)
Attend and present at national and international conferences, even if it''''s presenting a research-in-progress paper. Submit articles to peer-reviewed journals. Network with scholars in your field and build professional relationships that can lead to collaborations and mentorship opportunities. Participate in academic discussions online and offline.
Tools & Resources
Conference databases (e.g., EasyChair, WikiCFP), Academic Twitter/LinkedIn, Departmental Research Colloquia
Career Connection
Building a strong publication record and professional network during your PhD significantly enhances your visibility and competitiveness for post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, and research grants in India and abroad.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing & Publication- (Final 1-2 years)
Dedicate significant time to structured thesis writing, setting clear milestones with your supervisor. Aim to publish at least one or two chapters or related articles from your thesis research in reputable journals before submission. Consistently refine your arguments and analysis based on feedback and new insights.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing software (e.g., LaTeX, Scrivener), Academic style guides (e.g., APA, MLA), Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
A high-quality thesis and pre-submission publications are crucial for successful defense and directly impact your chances of securing post-doctoral fellowships or entry-level faculty positions in leading Indian institutions.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Final months before thesis submission)
Thoroughly review your entire thesis, anticipating potential questions from your examiners. Practice presenting your research findings concisely and defending your methodology and conclusions. Seek mock viva sessions with your supervisor and committee members to build confidence and refine your responses.
Tools & Resources
Full thesis document, Presentation slides, Mock defense sessions
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the culmination of your PhD journey, validating your research contributions and marking your transition to an independent scholar, crucial for academic and research leadership roles.
Strategic Career Planning & Grant Application- (Last 6-12 months of PhD)
Beyond thesis completion, start exploring academic job markets (e.g., assistant professor positions) and post-doctoral opportunities in India and globally. Begin drafting research proposals for potential grant applications (e.g., ICSSR, UGC, DST-SERB) to secure future funding for your independent research. Network with departmental alumni for career guidance.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., university career pages, current openings on UGC website), Grant funding agency websites, Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and early engagement with grant writing significantly improve your chances of securing a sustainable research career and establishing yourself as an independent investigator in the Indian academic landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (minimum 55% marks/6.0 GPA) in any discipline of Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g., English Literature, Philosophy, Sociology, Economics, History, Psychology, Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Anthropology, etc.) OR Master''''s degree in Natural Sciences/Engineering with 55% marks/6.0 GPA and research experience in areas relating to HSS. Valid UGC NET/CSIR JRF/GATE score or equivalent qualification is desirable.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (for non-M.Phil/M.Tech/M.S. by Research holders), Minimum 2 years (for M.Phil/M.Tech/M.S. by Research holders), Maximum 7 years
Credits: 12 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
