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PHD-YOGA 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 Yoga program at Sardar Patel University focuses on advanced research in various dimensions of Yoga, encompassing its philosophical, physiological, psychological, and therapeutic aspects. Leveraging India''''s profound legacy in Yoga, the program aims to foster in-depth knowledge creation and evidence-based practices that resonate within the Indian wellness and healthcare sectors. It seeks to cultivate scholars capable of leading innovative research and contributing significantly to both traditional and contemporary Yoga studies.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate degree holders in Yoga, Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Physiology, Philosophy, or Psychology with a strong research aptitude and a deep desire to advance Yoga science. It attracts individuals aspiring to become academic researchers, university professors, clinical Yoga therapists, or consultants in wellness and alternative medicine fields, committed to making scholarly contributions. Working professionals in healthcare and education sectors keen on integrating Yoga research into their practice are also strong candidates.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can anticipate flourishing careers as leading academicians, researchers, and policymakers in universities, research institutions, and government bodies across India. They are well-equipped for roles in national health initiatives, private wellness corporations, and international organizations focused on holistic health. Entry to experienced salary ranges in Indian academia or research can span INR 6-25 lakhs annually, with significant professional growth for those making impactful contributions to Yoga research and therapy.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (Initial Coursework Phase (Year 1))
Engage deeply with the initial coursework on Research Methodology, ensuring a robust understanding of quantitative and qualitative research designs, data analysis techniques, and ethical guidelines pertinent to Yoga studies. Actively participate in workshops focused on research software (e.g., SPSS, R for beginners) and academic integrity, which are crucial for conducting credible research.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R (basic), NVivo (for qualitative research), UGC-CARE List of Journals, Academic Honesty Policies
Career Connection
Develops a strong foundation for conducting rigorous research, essential for academic publications, successful thesis defense, and future leadership roles in India''''s expanding health and wellness research landscape.
Conduct Comprehensive Literature Review- (Initial Coursework Phase (Year 1))
Systematically review existing national and international literature relevant to your chosen area of Yoga research. Utilize academic databases, university libraries, and research platforms like Shodhganga to identify critical gaps, establish theoretical frameworks, and refine potential research problems. Collaborate closely with your supervisor to sharpen your research question and scope.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, PubMed, Shodhganga (for Indian theses), Reference Management Software (Mendeley, Zotero)
Career Connection
Enables the identification of novel research areas, vital for a unique thesis contribution and establishing expertise in a specialized Yoga domain, opening avenues for focused research projects and collaborations.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Academic Writing- (Initial Coursework Phase (Year 1))
Regularly practice critically evaluating research papers, identifying methodological strengths and weaknesses, and constructing coherent arguments. Consistently write literature reviews, research proposals, and abstracts. Seek continuous feedback from peers and supervisors to enhance clarity, coherence, and academic rigor in your writing, aiming for publication in reputable Indian and international journals.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Turnitin, Workshops on academic writing and scientific communication
Career Connection
Enhances the ability to produce high-quality research papers and a well-structured thesis, significantly increasing chances of publication and securing academic positions or research grants within India.
Intermediate Stage
Develop and Refine Research Proposal- (Year 2)
Work intensively with your supervisor to develop a robust and feasible research proposal for your PhD thesis. This includes clearly defining research objectives, selecting an appropriate methodology, outlining a realistic timeline, and addressing all ethical considerations. Present your proposal in departmental seminars and integrate feedback to strengthen its scientific merit and relevance to the field of Yoga.
Tools & Resources
University research proposal guidelines, Peer review sessions, supervisor consultations
Career Connection
A well-defined and approved proposal is critical for gaining institutional clearance and ensuring the successful execution of your thesis, thereby paving the way for timely completion and significant research output, highly valued by Indian research organizations.
Engage in Data Collection and Analysis- (Year 2-3)
Execute the approved research methodology, which may involve conducting experiments, surveys, interviews, or qualitative data collection within various Indian settings (e.g., traditional Yoga centers, specific patient groups). Systematically collect, organize, and analyze data using appropriate statistical or thematic analysis software, strictly adhering to all ethical protocols.
Tools & Resources
Data collection tools (questionnaires, interview guides), Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python) or qualitative analysis software (NVivo)
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in data handling and analysis is a highly marketable skill in research roles, project management, and data science positions within India''''s health, wellness, and academic sectors.
Present Research at Conferences and Workshops- (Year 2-3)
Actively participate in national and international Yoga and allied health conferences, workshops, and symposiums. Present your preliminary findings, engage in constructive discussions, and network with leading scholars and practitioners. This process helps in validating your work, gaining diverse perspectives, and significantly building your academic profile within the Indian and global Yoga community.
Tools & Resources
Conference databases, university travel grants, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
Builds a strong academic network, enhances essential communication skills, and provides visibility for your research, which can lead to valuable collaborations, post-doctoral opportunities, and improved placement prospects in Indian universities and research bodies.
Advanced Stage
Write and Defend Your Doctoral Thesis- (Year 3-6)
Dedicate focused and sustained effort to writing your doctoral thesis, presenting your comprehensive research findings, discussion, conclusions, and implications in a structured and scholarly manner. Collaborate closely with your supervisor for multiple rounds of meticulous revisions. Prepare thoroughly for your pre-submission seminar and the rigorous final viva-voce examination, actively addressing feedback from expert reviewers.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, university format guidelines, Supervisor feedback, mock viva sessions with mentors
Career Connection
Successful thesis completion and defense are the ultimate demonstrations of research capability, directly leading to the award of the PhD degree and opening doors to senior research and academic positions in India.
Publish Research in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 3-6 (Ongoing))
Systematically transform your thesis chapters or significant research findings into publishable manuscripts for submission to reputable peer-reviewed journals, especially those indexed in UGC-CARE, Scopus, or Web of Science. Aim for at least 2-3 high-quality publications before or immediately after thesis submission, thereby establishing your expertise in your chosen domain of Yoga research.
Tools & Resources
Journal selection tools, academic databases, Co-authorship with supervisors and peers, academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Publications are a critical credential for academic career progression (e.g., Assistant Professor, Researcher) in India, significantly enhancing your curriculum vitae for faculty recruitment and eligibility for competitive research grants.
Develop Grant Writing and Project Management Skills- (Year 3-6)
Actively seek out and participate in opportunities to learn about grant proposal writing for research funding from prominent Indian government bodies (e.g., AYUSH, ICMR, DST) and private foundations. Whenever possible, engage in managing small research projects, thereby developing crucial skills in budgeting, timeline management, and team coordination, which are essential for leading future research initiatives.
Tools & Resources
Grant application workshops, successful grant proposals examples, Project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana)
Career Connection
These skills are vital for securing independent research funding and effectively leading research teams, positioning graduates for senior, impactful roles in academic institutions, research laboratories, or wellness R&D departments throughout India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (or an equivalent professional degree recognized by SPU) in Yoga or a related discipline from a recognized university with at least 55% marks (or 50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled candidates as per Government norms). Candidates must qualify the SPU-PET (PhD Entrance Test) or be exempted (e.g., UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, SLET, Teacher Fellowship holders).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (excluding extensions, as per SPU PhD Regulations)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
