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PHD in Arts Various Subjects at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Arts (various subjects) at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College Mayurbhanj?
This PhD in Arts program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College focuses on advanced research across various humanities and social science disciplines. It provides a robust framework for scholarly inquiry, critical thinking, and original contribution to knowledge within the Indian context. The program is designed to cultivate independent researchers capable of addressing complex societal and cultural issues, catering to the increasing demand for specialized academics and researchers in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates in various Arts disciplines (e.g., History, English, Odia, Political Science, Sociology) who aspire to pursue an academic career, become subject matter experts, or contribute to policy-making through research. It also suits working professionals in education, cultural heritage, or government sectors seeking to enhance their qualifications and deepen their understanding of specific areas within the humanities.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure positions as Assistant Professors, researchers in national institutions, or experts in cultural organizations across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professors earning upwards of INR 15-25 LPA. The program aligns with UGC guidelines for faculty recruitment and research grants, offering significant growth trajectories in Indian universities and think tanks.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Thoroughly engage with the Research Methodology coursework. Focus on understanding various research paradigms, quantitative and qualitative methods, ethical considerations, and data analysis tools. Participate actively in seminars and workshops to clarify concepts and develop a strong theoretical foundation.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE Journal List, Research Methodology textbooks, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for basic analysis), Online research ethics courses
Career Connection
A strong grasp of methodology is crucial for designing credible research, leading to high-quality publications and enhancing your profile for academic positions and research grants.
Proactive Literature Review and Gap Identification- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, dedicate significant time to reviewing existing literature in your chosen area of Arts. Utilize institutional library resources, online databases, and inter-library loan facilities. Identify critical research gaps or underexplored aspects to formulate an original and significant research problem.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, Shodhganga, University Library portal, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management
Career Connection
Developing a novel research problem demonstrates intellectual curiosity and contributes original knowledge, making your thesis impactful and attractive to potential employers or funding agencies.
Engage with Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Early- (Ongoing from Semester 1)
Establish a strong rapport with your assigned Research Advisory Committee from the outset. Seek their guidance regularly, present your progress, and incorporate their feedback diligently. This fosters a collaborative research environment and ensures your research aligns with academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Regular scheduled meetings, Documented progress reports, Email communication
Career Connection
Effective engagement with the RAC streamlines your research progress, helps overcome challenges, and builds valuable mentorship relationships crucial for future academic networking and collaborations.
Intermediate Stage
Present Research at Conferences and Workshops- (Semester 2-4)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national and state-level conferences, seminars, and workshops. This helps in receiving feedback from peers, refining your arguments, and enhancing your presentation skills. Start with presenting literature reviews or preliminary findings.
Tools & Resources
Calls for Papers (CFPs) on university/department notice boards, Academic conference websites, Departmental seminar series
Career Connection
Presenting builds your academic visibility, helps in networking with scholars in your field, and is a key credential for academic job applications and securing research funding.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals (UGC CARE List)- (Semester 2-5)
Aim to publish at least one or two research papers in UGC CARE listed journals during your PhD tenure. This involves converting sections of your literature review, methodology, or preliminary findings into publishable articles. Focus on clarity, academic rigor, and originality.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List website, Journal finder tools, Academic writing workshops, Proofreading services
Career Connection
Publications are a paramount criterion for academic recruitment and promotion in India. A strong publication record significantly boosts your employability and research grant prospects.
Network with Scholars and Practitioners- (Ongoing from Semester 2)
Attend academic events, guest lectures, and workshops beyond your immediate department. Engage with scholars, professors from other institutions, and professionals working in related fields. These interactions can open doors to collaborative research, mentorship, and future career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional academic associations (e.g., Indian History Congress, English Language Teachers'''' Association of India), University alumni network
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network is invaluable for job referrals, collaborative projects, and staying updated with advancements and opportunities in your discipline.
Advanced Stage
Rigorous Thesis Writing and Defense Preparation- (Semester 4-6)
Dedicate focused time to writing your thesis, ensuring logical flow, coherence, and adherence to academic writing standards. Prepare thoroughly for your pre-PhD submission seminar and final Viva Voce by practicing presentations and anticipating questions from examiners. Seek mock viva sessions.
Tools & Resources
University thesis guidelines, Academic writing software, Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Prezi), Peer review groups
Career Connection
A well-written and successfully defended thesis is the culmination of your PhD, demonstrating your research capabilities and readiness for independent academic work, directly impacting faculty recruitment.
Develop Teaching and Mentoring Skills- (Semester 3-6)
Seek opportunities to assist professors with undergraduate/postgraduate classes, deliver guest lectures, or mentor junior researchers. This helps in developing pedagogical skills, classroom management, and effective communication, which are vital for academic careers.
Tools & Resources
Departmental teaching assistantships, Faculty development programs, Public speaking courses
Career Connection
Most academic positions require teaching experience. Demonstrating strong teaching skills alongside research acumen makes you a more competitive candidate for faculty positions in Indian universities and colleges.
Strategic Career Planning and Job Search- (Semester 5-6)
Towards the final stages, actively engage in strategic career planning. Prepare your CV, cover letters, and research statements tailored for academic positions. Monitor job portals, university websites, and academic recruitment agencies for suitable opportunities. Attend career counseling sessions.
Tools & Resources
Naukri.com, Higher Education Job Boards, University Career Services, Professional networking sites
Career Connection
Proactive and targeted job searching, combined with a strong academic portfolio, significantly improves your chances of securing desirable academic or research positions immediately after completing your PhD.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master''''s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade ''''B'''' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed). A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (excluding extensions)
Credits: At least 8 credits (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Internal: As per departmental guidelines (includes assignments, seminars, presentations), External: End-semester examination for coursework; Thesis evaluation and Viva-Voce for the degree
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDARTS RM01 | Research Methodology | Core Coursework | 4 | Philosophy of Research, Research Design and Ethics, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
| PHDARTS LRS02 | Review of Literature & Subject Specific Study | Core Coursework | 4 | Advanced Concepts in Arts Disciplines, Critical Literature Review and Synthesis, Identification of Research Gaps, Formulation of Research Problems/Hypotheses, Introduction to Fieldwork/Primary Sources in Arts, Research Proposal Development |
