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PHD in Humanities And Social Science at National Institute of Technology Patna
Patna, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities and Social Science at National Institute of Technology Patna Patna?
This PhD program in Humanities and Social Science at National Institute of Technology Patna focuses on advanced research across diverse areas like Economics, English, Psychology, and Sociology. It addresses critical societal challenges and cultural dynamics within the Indian context, preparing scholars for high-impact research and academic roles. The program distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on rigorous methodologies. There is a growing demand for nuanced social scientific and humanistic research to inform policy and industrial practices in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s degree holders in relevant HSS fields (e.g., MA in English, Economics, Sociology, Psychology) or related disciplines who possess a strong academic record and a passion for in-depth research. It also suits professionals looking to contribute to academic discourse or pursue careers in policy analysis, research institutions, or social sector consulting. Aspiring academicians and researchers seeking to specialize in India-specific socio-economic and cultural studies will find this program particularly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as university professors, researchers in think tanks, policy analysts in government and NGOs, and consultants in social development. In India, there''''s increasing demand for PhD-qualified experts in public policy, education, and social research, with entry-level academic salaries ranging from INR 7-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, crucial for leadership roles in various sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Dedicate ample time to thoroughly understand the compulsory Research Methodology course (CE601). Actively participate in discussions, complete assignments, and seek clarification on research paradigms, qualitative/quantitative methods, and data analysis techniques essential for your research journey.
Tools & Resources
Official course materials, NIT Patna Library resources (JSTOR, ProQuest), Statistical software tutorials (SPSS, R, Python for text analysis), Academic writing guides
Career Connection
A strong foundation in research methods is crucial for designing and executing a robust thesis, leading to credible publications and highly sought-after analytical skills in academia and industry.
Identify Research Niche and Supervisor Alignment- (Semester 1-2)
Explore diverse research areas within HSS, engage with departmental faculty, and attend research seminars. Proactively discuss potential research topics with professors to identify a suitable supervisor and refine your core research question. Begin preliminary literature review to inform your choice.
Tools & Resources
Faculty profiles on NIT Patna HSS department page, Scopus/Web of Science for faculty publications, Research proposal templates, Departmental seminar schedules
Career Connection
A well-defined research niche aligned with a supportive supervisor is paramount for timely thesis completion and establishes your expertise in a specific area, significantly enhancing your academic and professional profile.
Actively Engage in Departmental Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly attend departmental research seminars, guest lectures, and workshops on academic writing, specialized software tools, or specific HSS topics. This exposure provides insights into ongoing research, diverse methodologies, and valuable networking opportunities within the academic community.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Institute event calendars, Internal mailing lists for announcements, NIT Patna research cell events
Career Connection
Active participation fosters intellectual growth, hones presentation skills, and builds a professional network, which is vital for future collaborations, postdoctoral positions, and securing academic job offers in India and abroad.
Intermediate Stage
Conduct Comprehensive Literature Review and Proposal Defense- (Semester 3)
Systematically review existing literature, identify critical gaps, and rigorously refine your research questions and hypotheses. Prepare a detailed research proposal that outlines your methodology and objectives, and successfully defend it before your Departmental Research Committee (DRC) to formalize your research plan.
Tools & Resources
Zotero/Mendeley for reference management, Scopus/Web of Science/Google Scholar for literature search, NIT Patna PhD guidelines for proposal defense structure
Career Connection
A strong proposal defense demonstrates your ability to critically frame research and conceptualize a viable project, a key skill for securing research grants and leading independent research initiatives in the future.
Develop Data Collection and Analysis Expertise- (Semester 3-4)
Based on your approved research design, acquire practical proficiency in relevant data collection tools (e.g., survey software, structured interview techniques, ethnographic methods) and analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, R for qualitative/quantitative analysis). Begin pilot studies or initial data gathering to refine your approach.
Tools & Resources
Google Forms/SurveyMonkey for surveys, Specific interview/ethnographic guides, NIT Patna computer lab resources, Online tutorials for advanced statistical/qualitative software
Career Connection
Mastery of data handling, from collection to sophisticated analysis, is critical for producing publishable research and is highly valued in academic research roles, policy analysis, and consulting positions across diverse Indian industries.
Present at Conferences and Publish Initial Research Work- (Semester 4-5)
Actively seek opportunities to present your preliminary research findings at national and international academic conferences to gain feedback and build your academic profile. Aim for early publication of review articles or initial findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals to strengthen your publication record.
Tools & Resources
Conference calls for papers (CFPs) websites, Journal submission guidelines, NIT Patna''''s research cell for potential funding for travel/publication fees
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance communication skills and professional networking, while publications are crucial for thesis evaluation, securing competitive academic job applications, and obtaining post-doctoral positions in India and globally.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Systematic Thesis Writing and Chapter Completion- (Semester 6-7)
Systematically write and refine your thesis chapters, ensuring logical coherence, rigorous argumentation, and strict adherence to academic standards and guidelines. Maintain regular, proactive communication with your supervisor for consistent feedback and timely revisions, iterating until each chapter is polished.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly/QuillBot for language refinement, LaTeX/Microsoft Word templates for thesis formatting, NIT Patna thesis submission guidelines, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Efficient and high-quality thesis writing is the direct path to degree completion and serves as a significant portfolio demonstrating your advanced research and analytical capabilities to potential employers or academic institutions.
Prepare Rigorously for Pre-Submission and Final Viva-Voce- (Semester 7-8)
Thoroughly understand the entire pre-submission seminar and final viva-voce examination process as per NIT Patna regulations. Practice defending your research comprehensively, anticipating and addressing critiques effectively, and clearly communicating your original contributions to a diverse academic audience.
Tools & Resources
Past viva defense recordings (if accessible), Mock defense sessions with peers and supervisors, NIT Patna PhD examination guidelines and procedures, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
A strong viva performance is absolutely essential for successful PhD completion and instills vital confidence and public speaking skills for future academic presentations, job interviews, and professional engagements.
Proactively Network for Post-PhD Opportunities and Career Planning- (Semester 8 onwards)
Actively network with senior academics, industry professionals, and NIT Patna alumni in relevant fields. Explore post-doctoral fellowships, academic positions in universities, or research roles in NGOs, think tanks, and social sector consulting firms. Tailor your CV/resume to prominently highlight your advanced research skills and publications.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Professional Network, Academic job boards (e.g., HigherEdJobs, University websites), NIT Patna alumni network platforms, Career counseling services for PhDs
Career Connection
Strategic networking and proactive career planning are critical for securing desired positions post-PhD, enabling you to translate your advanced research and critical thinking skills into a successful and impactful career in India or abroad.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree in Humanities and Social Sciences (or equivalent) with a minimum of 6.5 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) or 60% marks in aggregate. For SC/ST/PWD candidates, a relaxation of 0.5 CGPA or 5% marks is applicable. Qualifying in GATE/NET or equivalent national level examinations is desirable for financial support.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (6 semesters), Maximum 6 years (12 semesters) for full-time students
Credits: Minimum 8 and Maximum 16 credits for coursework (Research work is additional and not credit-based in the same manner) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE601 | Research Methodology | Core (Compulsory for PhD) | 3 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Data Collection and Sampling, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Research Report Writing and Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights and Research Tools |
