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PH-D-POLITICAL-SCIENCE in Political Science at Mahatma Gandhi Central University
East Champaran, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Mahatma Gandhi Central University East Champaran?
This Ph.D. Political Science program at Mahatma Gandhi Central University focuses on advanced research in diverse areas of political thought, governance, international relations, and public policy. It emphasizes rigorous methodological training and critical analysis, preparing scholars to contribute to academic discourse and policy-making. The program is tailored to address complex political challenges within the Indian and global contexts, fostering in-depth understanding and innovative research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates in Political Science or allied fields who possess a strong academic record and a keen interest in conducting original research. It caters to aspiring academics, policy analysts, and professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and contribute significantly to social sciences. Candidates cleared NET/JRF or possessing prior research experience will find this program a suitable platform for intellectual growth and specialized inquiry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as university professors, research fellows in leading think tanks, political analysts, and policy advisors in governmental and non-governmental organizations across India. Opportunities also exist in international development agencies. Entry-level academic salaries in India range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth potential based on experience and publications, aligning with UGC pay scales and research grants.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (Semester 1-2 (Coursework Phase))
Thoroughly grasp research methodology concepts by attending all coursework classes, actively participating in discussions, and practicing research design exercises. Pay close attention to research ethics and plagiarism guidelines. Utilize university library resources and online academic databases for initial literature exploration.
Tools & Resources
MGCU Library Database (JSTOR, EBSCO, etc.), Anti-plagiarism software (Turnitin, Grammarly), UGC Care List Journals portal
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures credible and ethical research, which is crucial for academic publication and securing research grants, enhancing a scholar''''s reputation and career trajectory.
Identify and Refine Research Problem- (Semester 1-2 (Coursework Phase))
Engage deeply with the ''''Review of Literature and Research Problem'''' course. Read extensively in your chosen area, identify critical gaps, and continuously refine your research question and hypothesis. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and department faculty to strengthen your proposal.
Tools & Resources
Research Gate, Academia.edu, Google Scholar, Departmental colloquia/seminars
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem is the backbone of a successful Ph.D., leading to impactful publications and a stronger thesis, which are vital for academic and research positions.
Build Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2 (Coursework Phase))
While specializing, explore connections with allied disciplines (e.g., Sociology, History, Economics, Public Administration) relevant to your research. Attend seminars and workshops across departments. This broadens your perspective and strengthens the analytical depth of your Ph.D. research.
Tools & Resources
MGCU Inter-departmental seminars, NPTEL/MOOCs for complementary subjects, Reading groups
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills are highly valued in modern academia and policy research, opening doors to diverse research projects and collaborative opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Regular Research Seminars and Presentations- (Year 2-3 (Post-coursework, pre-synopsis))
Actively participate in departmental research seminars and present your ongoing work. Practice defending your research design, methodology, and preliminary findings. Utilize feedback to strengthen your research direction and prepare for your synopsis presentation.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, Internal research colloquia, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Developing strong presentation and argumentation skills is essential for academic conferences, job talks, and thesis defense, directly impacting career progression as a researcher or faculty member.
Target Quality Publications and Conferences- (Year 2-4 (Research and writing phase))
After coursework, focus on converting your literature review or early research findings into publishable articles in UGC Care-listed journals. Attend national and international conferences to network with scholars and gain exposure for your work. Seek guidance from your supervisor for manuscript preparation.
Tools & Resources
UGC Care List journals, Elsevier, Springer, Indian Political Science Association (IPSA) conferences
Career Connection
High-quality publications are critical for Ph.D. graduates to secure academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and enhance their research profile, leading to better career opportunities and salary prospects.
Develop Advanced Data Analysis Skills- (Year 2-4 (Research and writing phase))
Depending on your research methodology (qualitative/quantitative), acquire advanced skills in relevant data analysis software. For quantitative, learn statistical packages; for qualitative, master content analysis or discourse analysis tools. This enhances the rigor of your research.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Workshops on advanced research methods
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced analytical tools makes graduates highly competitive for research roles in both academia and data-driven policy organizations, broadening employment opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Prepare a Robust Thesis and Defend Effectively- (Year 4-6 (Thesis writing and defense))
Dedicate sufficient time to writing a comprehensive and well-structured thesis, adhering to university guidelines. Work closely with your supervisor to ensure methodological soundness and theoretical depth. Prepare thoroughly for the pre-submission and final viva-voce examinations, anticipating questions and practicing clear articulations of your findings.
Tools & Resources
MGCU Ph.D. Ordinance, Thesis writing guides, Mock viva sessions with peers/faculty
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the ultimate goal, leading to the award of the Ph.D. degree, which is a prerequisite for most academic and senior research positions, validating your expertise.
Network and Build a Professional Profile- (Year 3-6 (Ongoing, intensifying towards completion))
Beyond your Ph.D., actively network with scholars, attend workshops, and maintain an updated academic profile (e.g., ResearchGate, LinkedIn, university faculty pages). Prepare a strong CV and teaching statement. Seek out mentorship beyond your immediate supervisor for career guidance and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Academic conferences, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A strong professional network and profile are crucial for discovering job openings, collaborations, and post-doctoral opportunities, significantly aiding career placement in a competitive Indian academic market.
Explore Post-Doctoral and Grant Opportunities- (Year 5-6 (Approaching completion and post-Ph.D. planning))
Towards the final stages of your Ph.D., start exploring post-doctoral fellowships (e.g., ICSSR, UGC Post-Doc) and research grant opportunities. Begin drafting grant proposals aligned with your research interests. This provides a clear next step for continued research and academic career building.
Tools & Resources
UGC/ICSSR Post-Doctoral schemes, International fellowships (e.g., Fulbright-Nehru), University Research Office
Career Connection
Securing post-doctoral positions or research grants immediately after Ph.D. allows for uninterrupted research productivity, strengthening your CV for long-term faculty positions and establishing an independent research trajectory.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Political Science or an allied discipline from a recognized university with at least 55% aggregate marks or equivalent grade (50% for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/EWS/Differently Abled candidates). Candidates who have qualified for NET/JRF/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship are exempted from the entrance test but must appear for an interview. Other candidates must pass the university''''s entrance test and subsequent interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: 14 (specifically for the coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDPOLC101 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research: Meaning, Objectives, Types, Approaches, Significance, Research Design: Steps, Components, Formulation of Research Problem, Methods of Data Collection: Primary and Secondary Sources, Observation, Interview, Survey, Data Analysis: Qualitative and Quantitative Techniques, Interpretation of Data, Research Ethics and Report Writing: Plagiarism, Citation Styles, Thesis Structure |
| PHDPOLC102 | Review of Literature and Research Problem | Core | 4 | Types of Research Literature: Academic Journals, Books, Reports, Monographs, Techniques for Literature Review: Identification, Evaluation, Synthesis of existing work, Conceptual Frameworks: Role of theory in research, Building theoretical arguments, Identification of Research Gaps: Problem formulation, Justification, Scope, Hypothesis and Research Questions: Formulation, Types, Testing, Validation |
| PHDPOLC103 | Advanced Topics in Political Science (Specialization) | Core | 4 | Contemporary Political Theory and Debates: Postmodernism, Feminism, Postcolonialism, Indian Politics, Governance, and Public Policy: Federalism, Electoral Reforms, Identity Politics, International Relations and Foreign Policy: Global Governance, Security Studies, Diplomacy, Comparative Politics and Area Studies: Regime Types, Political Culture, Democratization, Political Economy and Development Studies: Global Capitalism, Inequality, Sustainable Development, Public Administration and Local Governance: Bureaucracy, Decentralization, Public Sector Reforms |
| PHDPOLOE104 | Open Elective | Elective | 2 | Interdisciplinary topics relevant to Political Science research and the student''''s area of interest, Advanced studies in specific sub-fields as per current academic and policy trends, Emerging areas in social sciences, humanities, or management with political relevance, Research frontiers aligned with the availability of specialized supervisors and departmental expertise |
