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PH-D in Political Science at Institute of Advanced Studies in Education
Churu, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Institute of Advanced Studies in Education Churu?
This Ph.D. Political Science program at Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, Churu, Rajasthan focuses on advanced research, critical analysis, and scholarly contributions to the field. It emphasizes rigorous methodological training and deep theoretical engagement. The program aims to produce independent researchers capable of addressing complex political phenomena within India and globally, catering to the growing demand for expert political analysts and academics.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong academic record in Political Science or allied fields, who aspire to careers in academia, think tanks, public policy research, or government advisory roles. It also suits working professionals in government, NGOs, or international organizations seeking to deepen their expertise and contribute to scholarly knowledge. Candidates typically possess analytical skills and a keen interest in political theory, governance, and public affairs.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as university professors, research scientists, policy analysts, consultants for governmental bodies, or experts in international relations. In India, opportunities exist in various government departments, UPSC-related advisory roles, and leading educational institutions. While specific salary ranges vary, Ph.D. holders can command competitive salaries, starting from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in academic and research leadership roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate the initial semesters to thoroughly understanding core research methodologies, statistical tools, and advanced literature review techniques. Actively participate in all coursework, attend workshops on research software, and engage in critical discussions to build a strong theoretical and methodological foundation for your doctoral work.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus for Research Methodology and Literature Review courses, SPSS/R software tutorials, JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science for academic journals
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures the rigor and credibility of your future research, which is crucial for academic publishing and securing research grants.
Identify and Refine Your Research Area- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with your supervisor to explore potential research topics. Read extensively in your areas of interest, attend departmental seminars, and brainstorm specific research questions. Clearly define your problem statement and objectives early on to streamline the research proposal development process.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research forums, Supervisor consultations, Leading journals in Political Science
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem is the cornerstone of a successful thesis and positions you as a specialist in a particular niche, enhancing your employability.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving your academic writing, citation practices, and presentation abilities. Regularly practice writing summaries, reviews, and short research papers. Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers. Present your initial ideas in departmental colloquia to build confidence and receive constructive criticism.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, University writing center resources, Departmental presentation sessions
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for publishing research, teaching, and presenting findings in academic and policy circles, opening doors to diverse professional roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning and Workshops- (Year 2-3)
Beyond your core specialization, seek opportunities to attend workshops or audit courses in related fields like economics, sociology, or public administration. This broadens your perspective and allows for innovative research approaches. Participate in national and regional research workshops to network with scholars.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental seminar series, Workshops by UGC or ICSSR, Online courses on MOOC platforms
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills are highly valued in policy analysis and complex problem-solving roles, expanding your career options beyond traditional academia.
Actively Seek Publication and Conference Opportunities- (Year 2-3)
Start converting your literature reviews or preliminary research findings into papers suitable for submission to peer-reviewed journals or national/international conferences. Publishing early enhances your academic profile and provides valuable experience in responding to academic critique.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE listed journals, Conference announcement portals, Academia.edu/ResearchGate for networking
Career Connection
Publications are critical for academic appointments, promotions, and establishing your reputation as a scholar, directly impacting your professional growth.
Build a Strong Professional Network- (Year 2-3)
Network with fellow researchers, faculty members, and visiting scholars at your institution and beyond. Attend guest lectures, seminars, and national/international conferences. Engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. A strong network can provide mentorship, job leads, and future research partnerships.
Tools & Resources
Professional associations (e.g., Indian Political Science Association), LinkedIn for academic connections, Conference proceedings
Career Connection
Networking is essential for academic job searches, gaining insights into policy-making circles, and establishing long-term collaborations that foster career advancement.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Completion and Defense Preparation- (Year 3-4+)
Prioritize thesis writing, aiming for regular progress milestones with your supervisor. Ensure your methodology is sound, analysis is robust, and arguments are coherent. Dedicate time to prepare for your pre-Ph.D. submission and final viva-voce, practicing presentations and anticipating questions.
Tools & Resources
Thesis template guidelines, Mock viva sessions with peers/faculty, Feedback from supervisor and internal committee
Career Connection
Timely completion and a strong defense are crucial for earning your degree and moving forward with your career plans, be it in academia or research.
Explore Post-Doctoral Fellowships and Job Market Readiness- (Year 4+)
Begin researching post-doctoral fellowship opportunities in India and abroad, and prepare your CV, cover letter, and teaching philosophy statement for academic job applications. Attend career workshops and mock interviews. Tailor your application materials to specific roles and institutions.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Job portals (e.g., Naukri, HigherEdJobs), UGC post-doctoral schemes
Career Connection
Proactive job market preparation ensures a smooth transition from Ph.D. to employment, increasing your chances of securing desirable academic or research positions.
Develop Grant Writing and Project Management Skills- (Year 4+)
Learn the fundamentals of writing compelling research proposals and managing academic projects. Participate in grant writing workshops or assist senior faculty with their grant applications. These skills are invaluable for securing future funding for independent research or leading large-scale projects.
Tools & Resources
DST, ICSSR, UGC research grant guidelines, University research and development cell, Online courses on project management
Career Connection
Grant writing and project management are essential for securing funding for your own research agenda, leading research teams, and advancing to leadership roles in academia or research institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Political Science or an allied discipline with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled candidates). Candidates must qualify for the Entrance Test (RET) conducted by IASE or possess a valid score in UGC NET/JRF/SLET/GATE or Teacher Fellowship. Admissions are subject to an interview process.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (excluding extensions)
Credits: 10 credits (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30-40%, External: 60-70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSDRM01 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Foundations of Research in Social Sciences, Formulating Research Problems and Hypotheses, Research Design and Types of Research, Data Collection Methods: Primary and Secondary, Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis Techniques, Ethics in Research and Report Writing |
| PSDARL02 | Advanced Review of Literature in Political Science | Core | 4 | Key Theoretical Frameworks in Political Science, Major Debates in Indian and Global Politics, Critical Analysis of Existing Research, Identifying Research Gaps and Future Directions, Academic Writing, Referencing Styles, and Plagiarism |
| PSDBAS03 | Basic Computer Applications and Statistical Tools for Research | Core | 2 | Word Processing and Presentation Software for Academic Use, Spreadsheet Applications for Data Management, Introduction to Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS, R basics), Descriptive Statistics and Inferential Statistics Basics, Data Visualization and Graphical Representation of Research Findings |
