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PH-D in Extension Education Rural Development at Mizoram University
Aizawl, Mizoram
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About the Specialization
What is Extension Education & Rural Development at Mizoram University Aizawl?
This Ph.D. program in Rural Development & Agricultural Production at Mizoram University focuses on advanced research addressing critical issues in India''''s agrarian and rural landscape. It integrates socio-economic and technical aspects to foster sustainable development, aligning with national priorities for rural upliftment and food security, especially relevant in the North-Eastern region''''s unique context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for scholars holding a Master''''s degree in allied fields such as Agricultural Extension, Rural Development, Economics, or Sociology, keen on contributing to policy-making and ground-level interventions. It suits individuals aspiring to academic roles, research positions in government and NGOs, or leadership roles in rural development initiatives across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become expert researchers and policy advisors in rural development, agricultural economics, and extension. Career paths include roles in universities, ICAR institutions, NITI Aayog, state planning boards, and international development agencies, with potential starting salaries in the INR 6-12 LPA range, growing significantly with experience.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Research Methodology- (Semester 1)
Thoroughly engage with the Research Methodology coursework, focusing on quantitative and qualitative techniques relevant to socio-economic studies. Participate actively in departmental seminars and workshops on advanced statistical tools and research software like SPSS, R, or NVivo.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, online courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL for econometrics, survey design), departmental methodology workshops
Career Connection
Builds a strong analytical base crucial for credible research outcomes and future academic or policy analysis roles.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 1-2)
Work closely with your supervisor to identify a novel research gap within rural development or agricultural production relevant to the Indian context, especially Mizoram. Refine your research questions, objectives, and methodology to ensure feasibility and originality, and present it confidently in departmental seminars.
Tools & Resources
Research journals (e.g., Economic & Political Weekly, Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics), previous Ph.D. theses, supervisor''''s expertise, proposal writing workshops
Career Connection
Essential for successful Ph.D. completion, and demonstrates critical thinking and project planning skills valued in research and development organizations.
Initiate Literature Review and Network Building- (Semester 1-2)
Start an exhaustive literature review early, building a comprehensive database of relevant national and international studies. Attend conferences and seminars in agricultural extension, rural sociology, and development studies to network with established researchers and present preliminary findings.
Tools & Resources
Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Agri-journals (e.g., Journal of Rural Development), national/regional conferences (e.g., Indian Society of Agricultural Economics)
Career Connection
Broadens perspectives, identifies collaborators, and establishes visibility within the academic community, critical for future academic postings.
Intermediate Stage
Conduct Rigorous Fieldwork and Data Collection- (Semester 3-4)
Plan and execute fieldwork meticulously, especially for primary data collection in rural areas of Mizoram or other relevant regions. Ensure ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and efficient data recording. For secondary data, identify reliable government sources like NSSO, CSO, and ICAR.
Tools & Resources
Survey software (ODK, KoboToolbox for offline), GPS for location mapping, local interpreters/assistants, government census data, agricultural statistics
Career Connection
Develops practical research skills, problem-solving abilities in challenging environments, and strengthens cultural competence, highly valued in field-based research and policy implementation.
Master Advanced Data Analysis Techniques- (Semester 4-5)
Apply advanced statistical and econometric tools (e.g., regression analysis, panel data, impact evaluation methods) or qualitative analysis software (e.g., ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA) to interpret your collected data. Focus on robust analysis to support your research hypotheses and findings.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (Stata, R, Python with Pandas/Numpy), university computing facilities, online tutorials, consultation with statisticians
Career Connection
Equips you with high-demand analytical skills for research, data science, and evidence-based policy formulation roles.
Engage in Early Publication Efforts- (Semester 4-6)
Convert preliminary findings or specific chapters of your research into publishable papers. Target peer-reviewed national or international journals in your field. Publishing early enhances your research profile and provides valuable feedback.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, journal submission guidelines, English language editing services, supervisor''''s guidance
Career Connection
Crucial for academic career progression, fellowship applications, and demonstrating research productivity to potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Structure and Write a High-Quality Thesis- (Semester 6 onwards)
Systematically write your thesis, focusing on clear argumentation, coherent structure, and academic rigor. Ensure all sections, from introduction to conclusion, are well-supported by evidence and contribute to your central research question. Pay attention to formatting and citation styles.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, academic style manuals (e.g., APA, Chicago), grammar checkers (Grammarly), peer review groups, supervisor''''s detailed feedback
Career Connection
The thesis is your primary academic output; a well-written thesis showcases your ability to conduct independent, high-level research.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Publication Strategy- (Final 6-12 months)
Prepare thoroughly for your Ph.D. viva voce examination, practicing your presentation and anticipating questions. Simultaneously, develop a strategy for publishing multiple papers from your thesis in top-tier journals and consider presenting at international conferences to maximize impact.
Tools & Resources
Mock vivas, presentation software, professional development workshops, journal impact factor databases
Career Connection
Successful viva is the final step to degree conferral; a strong publication record is vital for securing post-doctoral positions, academic appointments, and research grants.
Proactive Career Planning and Skill Enhancement- (Final year of Ph.D.)
Actively network, attend career fairs, and identify post-Ph.D. opportunities in academia, government, or development organizations. Enhance complementary skills like grant writing, project management, and public engagement to broaden your career options beyond traditional research.
Tools & Resources
University career services, professional associations (e.g., Asian Society of Agricultural Economists), LinkedIn, workshops on grant writing/public speaking
Career Connection
Positions you effectively for diverse roles requiring advanced research, analytical, and leadership capabilities within India and globally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Rural Development & Agricultural Production / Agricultural Economics / Agricultural Extension / Economics / Sociology / Geography / Allied Subjects with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer/Differently-abled), followed by an entrance test and interview as per Ph.D. ordinance.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (including coursework), maximum 6 years. Coursework typically completed in 1 semester.
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDAP 701 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research and Research Design, Sampling Design and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Hypothesis Testing and Report Writing, Ethics in Research, Qualitative Research Methods |
| RDAP 702 | Specialization in Rural Development and Agricultural Production | Core | 4 |
