

PHD in Commerce at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith


Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Commerce at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith Varanasi?
This PhD Commerce program at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi, focuses on advanced research in various facets of business and economics. It prepares scholars to contribute original knowledge to the field, addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities within the Indian and global business landscape. The program emphasizes theoretical foundations and practical applications relevant to industry and academia.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with an M.Com or allied master''''s degree seeking to pursue a career in academic research, teaching, or high-level strategic roles in commerce and industry. It also caters to working professionals who aim to deepen their expertise, drive innovation, and contribute to policy-making through rigorous academic inquiry and empirical studies in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become proficient researchers, contributing significantly to Commerce education and industry. Career paths include university professors, research scientists, consultants, and policy analysts in India. They gain critical analytical skills, enhancing their prospects for senior leadership roles and potentially achieving higher salary brackets in both academic and corporate sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Thoroughly grasp the principles of research design, data collection, and statistical analysis by actively participating in coursework, attending workshops, and studying relevant textbooks. Utilize platforms like NPTEL for supplemental learning and practice problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Research Methodology, Statistical software manuals (SPSS, R), University Library resources
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is crucial for successful thesis completion and enables future roles as a credible researcher or academic.
Develop Academic Reading & Writing Skills- (Semester 1)
Engage deeply with academic literature, focusing on critical analysis and synthesis. Practice effective academic writing, referencing, and plagiarism avoidance. Join peer review groups to refine your writing and presentation skills for research proposals and papers.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, University writing center services
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic communication is vital for publishing research, securing grants, and effectively disseminating knowledge in academia.
Explore Research Areas in Commerce- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, read extensively in various Commerce sub-fields (Finance, Marketing, HR, International Business) to identify emerging trends and potential research gaps. Discuss ideas with faculty and senior scholars to narrow down your area of interest for thesis work.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, Google Scholar alerts
Career Connection
Early identification of a relevant and impactful research area can lead to a more focused and successful PhD journey, aligning with future career specializations.
Intermediate Stage
Active Participation in Research Seminars & Conferences- (Post-coursework to Thesis Submission (Years 2-4))
Attend and present your nascent research ideas at departmental seminars, university-level symposia, and regional conferences. This provides valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and helps in refining your research problem and methodology.
Tools & Resources
Research Gate, Academia.edu, Conference alerts (e.g., All Conference Alert)
Career Connection
Presenting research enhances visibility, establishes your expertise, and connects you with potential collaborators and mentors, crucial for academic careers.
Master Advanced Data Analysis Tools- (Post-coursework to Thesis Submission (Years 2-4))
Gain hands-on expertise in advanced statistical software beyond coursework basics (e.g., EViews, AMOS, NVivo for qualitative research). Apply these tools to real datasets and participate in advanced workshops.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Python (for data analysis), EViews for econometrics, AMOS for SEM
Career Connection
Advanced analytical skills are highly valued in academic research, consulting, and data science roles within the Indian job market.
Network with Scholars and Industry Experts- (Post-coursework to Thesis Submission (Years 2-4))
Actively build a professional network by interacting with faculty, visiting scholars, and industry professionals at events, workshops, and through online platforms. Seek mentorship and potential collaboration opportunities for your research.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Accounting Association), University alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to research collaborations, post-doctoral opportunities, and industry insights, facilitating career progression in India and abroad.
Advanced Stage
Aim for High-Impact Publications- (Years 4-6 (leading up to and post-thesis submission))
Focus on converting your research chapters into publishable articles for peer-reviewed journals, especially those listed in UGC-CARE list or Scopus/Web of Science. Work closely with your supervisor to refine manuscripts.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List, Journal Finder tools, Thesis writing software (e.g., LaTeX)
Career Connection
Publications are a primary metric for academic success, crucial for faculty positions, promotions, and research funding in Indian universities.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Final year of PhD (Years 5-6))
Systematically prepare for your final thesis submission and defense. Practice presenting your research findings clearly and concisely, anticipate questions, and be ready to articulate your contributions and implications. Engage in mock viva sessions.
Tools & Resources
University guidelines for thesis submission, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Mock defense panels
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the culmination of your PhD, opening doors to academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and expert roles.
Develop Teaching and Mentoring Skills- (Years 4-6 (concurrent with thesis writing))
If aspiring for an academic career, seek opportunities to assist professors in teaching undergraduate/postgraduate courses, guide junior researchers, and participate in curriculum development. This builds pedagogical experience.
Tools & Resources
University teaching assistantships, Faculty development programs, Online teaching certifications
Career Connection
Teaching experience is a fundamental requirement for most academic faculty positions in Indian higher education institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (or equivalent) in Commerce/allied discipline with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently Abled). NET/SLET/GATE qualified candidates are exempt from Entrance Test but must apply.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (1 semester for coursework)
Credits: 16 credits (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDCOM01 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research, Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods, Sampling & Hypothesis Testing, Research Ethics & Report Writing |
| PHDCOM02 | Computer Applications & Quantitative Techniques | Core | 4 | Computer Fundamentals & Data Processing, MS-Office & Statistical Software (SPSS, R), Probability & Distributions, Correlation & Regression Analysis, Hypothesis Testing (Parametric & Non-Parametric) |
| PHDCOM03 | Review of Literature & Academic Writing | Core | 4 | Role and Scope of Literature Review, Identifying Research Gap, Academic Writing & Referencing Styles, Plagiarism & Research Ethics, Synopsis and Research Proposal Writing |
| PHDCOM04 | Advanced Studies in Commerce (Subject Specific Elective) | Elective | 4 | Advanced Financial Management & Accounting, Contemporary Marketing Strategies, Human Resource Management & Organizational Behaviour, International Business & Trade, Corporate Governance & Business Ethics, Emerging Trends in Commerce |




