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PH-D in Humanities And Social Science at Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad
Palakkad, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities And Social Science at Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad Palakkad?
This Humanities and Social Science (HSS) Ph.D. program at IIT Palakkad focuses on fostering interdisciplinary research and critical thinking in areas relevant to societal challenges and development in India. It emphasizes rigorous methodological training and original contributions, preparing scholars to address complex issues through academic inquiry. The program differentiates itself by integrating technological perspectives within HSS research, reflecting IIT''''s core ethos. There is a growing demand for nuanced HSS expertise in public policy, cultural studies, and ethical technology development in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and policy analysts seeking to make significant intellectual contributions. It attracts fresh postgraduates with strong academic records in HSS disciplines who are keen on deep research. Working professionals in NGOs, government, or think tanks looking to enhance their research skills and contribute to evidence-based policy can also benefit. Candidates from diverse backgrounds with a passion for social inquiry and critical discourse are encouraged.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in academia as professors or postdoctoral researchers in India and abroad. They can also find roles in research and development divisions of government bodies, international organizations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Entry-level salaries for Ph.D. holders in research roles in India typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The rigorous training also aligns with research roles in think tanks and publishing houses.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology- (Coursework period (typically first 1-2 years))
Engage deeply with the Research Methodology coursework, focusing on understanding diverse research paradigms, qualitative and quantitative methods, and ethical considerations. Actively participate in discussions, complete all assignments diligently, and seek clarification from faculty. This foundational knowledge is crucial for designing robust research proposals.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science), Citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley), Statistical software tutorials (R, SPSS basics)
Career Connection
A strong grasp of methodology is vital for any research role, enhancing your credibility and ensuring your research is publishable and impactful, which is key for academic and policy-oriented careers.
Proactively Engage with Faculty and Supervisors- (Ongoing from first semester)
Schedule regular meetings with your Ph.D. supervisor to discuss research ideas, progress, and challenges. Seek feedback on your literature review and research proposal drafts. Attend departmental seminars and workshops, and don''''t hesitate to interact with other faculty members whose research aligns with your interests to broaden your perspective.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Faculty office hours, Research group meetings
Career Connection
Building strong mentorship relationships provides invaluable guidance for your thesis and future career, often leading to co-authorships and networking opportunities essential for academic growth in India.
Develop Strong Academic Writing Skills- (Ongoing, especially during coursework and proposal drafting)
Focus on honing your academic writing skills from the outset. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly, structuring arguments logically, and adhering to academic conventions. Utilize resources like university writing centers (if available) or online guides to refine your thesis chapters, research papers, and presentations.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly (premium for academic features), Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), University library resources on academic writing
Career Connection
Effective academic writing is non-negotiable for publishing research, securing grants, and communicating your findings, which directly impacts your success in academia and research-based roles.
Intermediate Stage
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 2-4)
Convert your literature review or early research findings into publishable papers for national and international peer-reviewed journals. Collaborate with your supervisor or peers to refine your manuscripts. Aim for journals indexed in UGC-CARE list or Scopus/Web of Science to maximize visibility and impact within the Indian academic landscape.
Tools & Resources
Journal finder tools (e.g., Elsevier Journal Finder), Academic conferences relevant to HSS, UGC-CARE List
Career Connection
Publications are a crucial metric for academic appointments and promotions in India. They establish your research credentials and provide a strong foundation for your academic career.
Present at National and International Conferences- (Year 2-5)
Actively seek opportunities to present your research at conferences, symposia, and workshops. This helps you get feedback, network with scholars in your field, and stay updated on current research trends. Prioritize conferences that offer opportunities for proceedings publication and have a good reputation in India and abroad.
Tools & Resources
Conference alert websites, Professional academic associations (e.g., Indian Sociological Society), Travel grants from IIT Palakkad
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance your visibility, build your professional network, and are often required for academic profiles. Networking is vital for collaborations and job prospects.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Collaborations- (Year 3-5)
Leverage the interdisciplinary environment of IIT Palakkad. Explore opportunities to collaborate with faculty or fellow scholars from engineering, science, or other HSS sub-disciplines on projects that can enrich your research or open new avenues. This broadens your research perspective and analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research interest groups, Inter-departmental seminars, Collaborative project calls
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary research is highly valued in modern academia and think tanks, making you a more versatile and attractive candidate for diverse research and policy-making roles in India''''s evolving landscape.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Robust Teaching Portfolio- (Year 4-6)
If aspiring for an academic career, gain teaching experience by assisting faculty, co-teaching courses, or delivering guest lectures. Develop teaching materials, design assignments, and collect student feedback. This practical experience is highly valued in faculty recruitment processes across Indian universities and colleges.
Tools & Resources
IIT Palakkad teaching assistantship opportunities, MOOC platforms for content creation experience, Teaching effectiveness workshops
Career Connection
A strong teaching portfolio is essential for securing faculty positions in higher education institutions, which are key career paths for Ph.D. graduates in HSS.
Prepare for Post-Doctoral and Academic Job Market- (Final 1-2 years leading up to thesis submission)
Actively research and apply for post-doctoral fellowships, visiting scholar positions, and faculty openings well before your thesis submission. Tailor your CV, cover letter, and research statement to each application. Practice mock interviews and presentation skills to confidently navigate the competitive Indian academic job market.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (Academics.com, Times Higher Education, individual university career pages), Networking events, IIT Palakkad Career Development Centre (if applicable)
Career Connection
Strategic preparation ensures a smooth transition into the post-Ph.D. career landscape, significantly increasing your chances of securing desirable academic or research positions.
Cultivate Grant Writing and Funding Acumen- (Year 4-6 and beyond)
Begin exploring grant opportunities from national and international funding bodies relevant to your research area. Attend workshops on grant writing and critically analyze successful proposals. This skill is crucial for independent research and securing resources for future projects, especially in India where research funding is competitive.
Tools & Resources
UGC, ICSSR, DST, DBT funding calls, Institutional research funding support offices, Online courses on grant writing
Career Connection
Successful grant acquisition makes you a highly valued researcher, enabling you to lead projects and build your own research group, a definitive marker of career advancement in academia.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Humanities and Social Sciences or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks (6.5 CGPA out of 10) for General/OBC and 55% marks (6.0 CGPA out of 10) for SC/ST/PwD. OR B.Tech./M.Tech. or any other 4-year degree in related disciplines with a minimum of 60% marks (6.5 CGPA out of 10) for General/OBC and 55% marks (6.0 CGPA out of 10) for SC/ST/PwD. Preference for candidates qualified UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/JRF or other national level examinations.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (full-time) / 4 years (part-time), Maximum 7 years (full-time) / 8 years (part-time)
Credits: Minimum 12 credits (can be 18-21 as per Department Academic Committee/Doctoral Committee recommendation) Credits
Assessment: Internal: Continuous evaluation (Mid-semester examination: 30-40%, Assignments/Quiz: 20-30%, Attendance: 5-10%), External: End-semester examination: 40-50%
