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PHD in Humanities at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Paschim Medinipur?
This PhD in Humanities program at IIT Kharagpur focuses on advanced interdisciplinary research in areas spanning literature, philosophy, history, sociology, economics, and linguistics, often with a technological or scientific interface. It equips scholars to critically analyze complex societal issues and contribute original knowledge to humanistic inquiry. The program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills highly valued in India''''s evolving academic landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, policy analysts, and educators seeking to pursue in-depth scholarly work. It attracts fresh postgraduates with strong research aptitude, working professionals aiming for higher academic roles, and career changers transitioning into research-focused domains. Candidates should possess a master''''s degree in a relevant discipline and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure positions as faculty members in universities and colleges across India, or as researchers in prominent think tanks, government bodies, and NGOs. Career paths also include cultural heritage management, policy formulation, and advanced content development. While specific salary ranges vary, entry-level academic positions typically start from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in academia and research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals and Coursework Excellence- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate the first year to excelling in mandatory coursework, especially research methodology. Actively participate in seminars, read widely across your chosen sub-fields, and engage deeply with faculty for foundational knowledge. Attend workshops on academic writing and citation tools to strengthen your research skills.
Tools & Resources
Zotero/Mendeley for referencing, Academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus), IIT KGP Central Library resources
Career Connection
Strong coursework builds the essential analytical and theoretical base crucial for thesis formulation and future academic publications.
Identify and Refine Research Interest- (Semester 1-2)
Engage proactively with potential supervisors to discuss your research ideas. Attend departmental research presentations and seminars to understand ongoing projects and identify areas for your unique contribution. Begin drafting a preliminary research problem statement to guide your initial literature review.
Tools & Resources
Faculty profiles on HSS website, Departmental seminar schedules, ResearchGate for exploring contemporary research
Career Connection
A well-defined research interest leads to a focused thesis and strengthens your profile for niche academic or research roles.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Engagement- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize IIT Kharagpur''''s diverse intellectual environment. Attend talks and workshops from other departments (e.g., Computer Science for Digital Humanities, Engineering for technology & society studies) to broaden your perspective. This fosters interdisciplinary thinking, a hallmark of IIT KGP''''s research ethos.
Tools & Resources
Institute-wide seminar announcements, Inter-departmental colloquia
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills are highly valued in modern research, opening up diverse collaboration and funding opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Prepare Rigorously for Comprehensive Examination- (Semester 3-4 (after coursework))
Form study groups with peers, review core theoretical texts, and practice answering questions under timed conditions. Seek guidance from senior scholars and your supervisor to understand the expectations and scope of the comprehensive exam. This is a critical gateway to advanced research.
Tools & Resources
Previous exam papers (if available), Core reading lists from coursework, Study groups
Career Connection
Passing the comprehensive exam demonstrates your mastery of the field, essential for progressing in a research career.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal and Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Work closely with your supervisor to craft a detailed research proposal, outlining your objectives, methodology, and expected contributions. Practice presenting your proposal to peers and faculty to refine your communication and defense skills, vital for your proposal defense.
Tools & Resources
Proposal guidelines from HSS department, Presentation software (PowerPoint, LaTeX Beamer), Mock presentation sessions
Career Connection
A strong proposal and compelling presentation skills are key for securing research grants and academic positions.
Engage Actively in Conferences and Publications- (Semester 3-5)
Attend and present your nascent research findings at national and international conferences. Begin preparing parts of your research for submission to peer-reviewed journals. This builds your academic network, gathers feedback, and establishes your research presence early on.
Tools & Resources
Calls for papers from relevant associations (e.g., IACLALS, IHC), Scopus/Web of Science for journal search, ResearchGate/Academia.edu for networking
Career Connection
Early publications and conference participation are crucial for building an academic CV and increasing visibility for future job applications.
Advanced Stage
Maintain Consistent Thesis Writing Discipline- (Semester 5-8)
Establish a regular writing schedule, setting daily or weekly targets for progress. Break down the thesis into manageable chapters and work systematically. Regularly share drafts with your supervisor and incorporate feedback to ensure quality and adherence to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Writing software (LaTeX, MS Word), Grammar and style checkers (Grammarly, QuillBot), Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Timely completion of a high-quality thesis is paramount for graduating and showcasing your research capabilities.
Develop a Post-PhD Career Strategy- (Semester 6-8)
Beyond thesis writing, actively explore post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions, or research roles. Prepare your CV, teaching philosophy, and research statements. Network with senior academics and attend career development workshops offered by the institute.
Tools & Resources
University job portals, Academic job websites (e.g., The Chronicle of Higher Education, jobs.ac.uk), IIT KGP Career Development Centre
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into your desired professional path post-PhD.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Semester 7-8)
Practice your thesis presentation thoroughly, anticipating potential questions from the examiners. Engage in mock viva sessions with your supervisor and peers to build confidence and refine your ability to articulate your research contributions effectively. Understand the institutional guidelines for thesis submission.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions, Previous viva questions (if shared), Presentation feedback from supervisor
Career Connection
A strong thesis defense is the final step in establishing your expertise and securing your PhD degree, paving the way for advanced academic opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (M.A./M.Sc./M.Phil) in Humanities, Social Sciences, or relevant disciplines with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA). A valid score in UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE or equivalent national level examination is often required or preferred for fellowship. B.Tech/B.A./B.Sc. students with exceptional academic record and specific HSS interest may also be considered with higher coursework requirements.
Duration: 3-5 years (PhD program), coursework typically completed in the first 1-2 years (2-3 semesters)
Credits: Minimum 12-24 credits for coursework (varies based on entry qualification) Credits
Assessment: Internal: Typically 30-40% for individual coursework, based on assignments, quizzes, and mid-semester exams, External: Typically 60-70% for individual coursework, based on end-semester examination. Overall PhD assessment includes comprehensive examination, research proposal defense, thesis evaluation, and viva voce.
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS60001 | Research Methodology in Humanities and Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Science, Research Design and Ethics, Qualitative Research Approaches, Quantitative Research Methods, Data Analysis Techniques, Literature Review and Referencing |
| HS60003 | Advanced Academic Writing and Publication Ethics | Core/Elective | 3 | Academic Style and Conventions, Structuring Research Papers, Grant Proposal Writing, Plagiarism and Research Integrity, Publication Strategies, Peer Review Process |
| HS6XXXX | Advanced Topics in Literary Theory | Elective | 3 | Post-Structuralism and Deconstruction, Postcolonial Theory, Feminist and Gender Theories, Critical Race Theory, Ecocriticism, Digital Humanities |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS6XXXX | Qualitative Research Methods | Elective | 3 | Ethnography and Participant Observation, In-depth Interviewing, Focus Group Discussions, Content and Discourse Analysis, Case Study Research, Data Triangulation |
| HS6XXXX | Cultural Studies: Perspectives and Practices | Elective | 3 | Theories of Culture, Media and Representation, Popular Culture Analysis, Subcultures and Identity, Globalization and Cultural Flows, Cultural Policy |
| HS6XXXX | Indian Philosophy and Ethics | Elective | 3 | Vedic and Upanishadic Traditions, Buddhist and Jain Ethics, Nyaya-Vaisheshika Epistemology, Advaita Vedanta, Modern Indian Thought, Contemporary Ethical Dilemmas |
