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PHD-ECONOMICS in General at Sardar Patel University
Anand, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is General at Sardar Patel University Anand?
This PhD Economics program at Sardar Patel University, Anand, focuses on advanced theoretical and empirical research in economics. It aims to develop independent researchers capable of contributing to academic knowledge and policy formulation in India. The program emphasizes critical thinking and rigorous analytical skills, essential for addressing complex economic challenges relevant to the Indian context and beyond.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong academic background in Economics seeking to pursue a research career. It is also suitable for academicians or government researchers looking to deepen their expertise and contribute original research. Candidates with a passion for economic inquiry, strong quantitative skills, and a desire to influence economic discourse are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including university professorships, research roles in government bodies like the RBI or NITI Aayog, and positions in think tanks or international organizations. Entry-level salaries for PhDs in academia or research institutions in India typically range from INR 7-12 LPA, with significant growth potential. The program fosters intellectual leadership and specialized analytical skills.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology- (First Semester)
Actively engage with the Research Methodology coursework, focusing on understanding statistical tools, econometric techniques, and ethical research practices. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and prepare for the qualifying examination.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Stata, Econometric software, NPTEL courses on research methods, University library''''s research databases
Career Connection
Strong methodological grounding is critical for any research role, enabling robust data analysis and credible findings, which are highly valued in academic and policy research.
Identify Research Niche- (First Semester)
Explore various sub-fields within economics by attending departmental seminars, interacting with faculty, and reading recent publications in leading economics journals. Identify a broad area of interest that aligns with faculty expertise and has significant scope for original research in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, EconLit, Google Scholar, University faculty profiles, Departmental research workshops
Career Connection
Early identification of a research area helps in thesis topic selection, leading to specialized knowledge that enhances employability in specific research-intensive sectors or academic positions.
Develop Strong Academic Writing Skills- (First Semester)
Practice writing literature reviews, research proposals, and seminar papers. Seek constructive feedback from supervisors and peers. Focus on clarity, logical flow, and academic rigor in your writing, preparing for thesis submission and journal publications.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, University writing center (if available), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Excellent academic writing is indispensable for publishing research, grant applications, and effective communication of complex ideas, directly impacting academic and research career progression.
Intermediate Stage
In-depth Literature Review & Synopsis Preparation- (After Coursework, before Synopsis Defense (e.g., Year 1-2))
Conduct a comprehensive literature review for your chosen research topic, identifying gaps and formulating precise research questions. Develop a detailed research proposal (synopsis) under the guidance of your supervisor, outlining methodology, expected outcomes, and ethical considerations.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Specialized economic databases, Supervisor guidance, Research proposal writing workshops
Career Connection
A well-articulated research proposal demonstrates your capacity for independent research, a key skill for securing research grants and establishing a credible research profile.
Engage in Departmental Seminars & Workshops- (Throughout Research Period (Year 1-3))
Regularly present your ongoing research work in departmental seminars and attend workshops on advanced econometric techniques or specific economic theories. Actively participate in discussions, seek feedback, and refine your research approach based on critical insights from faculty and peers.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Workshop announcements, Presentation software
Career Connection
Presenting at seminars enhances communication skills, builds academic networks, and exposes you to diverse perspectives, all valuable for academic and research roles.
Build Quantitative & Software Proficiency- (Throughout Research Period (Year 1-3))
Continuously enhance your skills in statistical and econometric software relevant to your research (e.g., STATA, R, Python for data analysis). Attend advanced training sessions or online courses to master techniques required for your empirical work.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX courses on econometrics, Data science with R/Python, University IT labs, Online tutorials
Career Connection
Strong quantitative and software skills are highly sought after in economics research, policy analysis, and data science roles, significantly boosting employability in academic and industry settings.
Advanced Stage
Publish Research Papers- (Year 3-5)
Convert your research findings into publishable articles for reputable national and international economics journals. Collaborate with your supervisor or fellow researchers. Aim for publications in peer-reviewed journals to strengthen your academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, Academic writing tools, Co-authorship opportunities
Career Connection
Publications are crucial for securing academic positions, promotions, and research grants, demonstrating your contribution to the field and research productivity.
Attend & Present at Conferences- (Year 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to present your research at national and international economics conferences. This exposes your work to a wider academic audience, facilitates networking, and provides valuable feedback before final thesis submission.
Tools & Resources
Conference calls for papers, Travel grants, Presentation preparation tools
Career Connection
Conference presentations build your professional network, enhance your public speaking skills, and can lead to collaborations or job opportunities, especially in academia.
Prepare for Thesis Defense & Viva Voce- (Final Year of PhD (e.g., Year 4-5))
Diligently work on the final draft of your thesis, ensuring originality, methodological rigor, and clear articulation of findings. Practice defending your research in mock viva sessions with your supervisor and other faculty members to anticipate questions and refine your responses.
Tools & Resources
Thesis formatting guidelines, Supervisor guidance, Mock defense panels
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the culmination of your PhD journey, directly leading to the conferment of your degree and validating your readiness for advanced research or academic roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Post Graduate Examination (Master’s degree) in any discipline/subject from SPU or equivalent with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/SEBC/PH). Candidates with M.Phil. or UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship are eligible.
Duration: Minimum 1 semester for coursework, followed by research (typically 3-5 years total)
Credits: 8 (4 for Research Methodology, 4 for Subject Specific Course) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-RM-CW-I | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Significance of Research, Types of Research and Research Design, Sampling Design and Data Collection Methods, Hypothesis Formulation and Testing, Statistical Tools for Analysis (Measures of Central Tendency, Dispersion, Correlation, Regression, Parametric & Non-Parametric Tests), Report Writing and Use of Computer in Research |
| PHD-SSC-ECO-CW-II | Subject Specific Course (Economics) | Core | 4 |
