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PH-D-ARTS in Economics at Shree V. D. Kankiya Arts & Smt. M. R. Sanghvi Commerce College
Amreli, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Shree V. D. Kankiya Arts & Smt. M. R. Sanghvi Commerce College Amreli?
This Ph.D. in Economics program at Shree V. D. Kankiya Arts And Srimati M. R. Sanghvi Commerce College, affiliated with Saurashtra University, focuses on advanced economic theories, empirical research methods, and their application to contemporary Indian and global economic challenges. It aims to develop independent researchers capable of contributing original knowledge to the field of Economics. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical prowess, and a deep understanding of economic phenomena relevant to India''''s developmental context and policy landscape. It emphasizes rigorous academic inquiry and problem-solving.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a Master''''s degree in Economics or allied fields who possess a strong academic record and a keen interest in research. It caters to aspiring academics, policy analysts, and researchers aiming for careers in universities, government bodies, think tanks, or research departments of financial institutions in India. Professionals seeking to delve deeper into specific economic issues for policy formulation or academic advancement will also find this program beneficial. A foundational understanding of economic principles and quantitative methods is essential.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths as university professors, economic consultants, policy advisors in government organizations (e.g., NITI Aayog, Reserve Bank of India), or senior researchers in various national and international research institutions. They are equipped to conduct independent research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to evidence-based policy making. Salary ranges for Ph.D. holders in India vary widely, typically starting from INR 8-12 LPA for entry-level academic positions and significantly higher for experienced professionals in consulting or policy roles, with strong growth trajectories.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Foundational Economics- (Initial 6-12 months (Coursework Phase))
Thoroughly engage with the coursework on Research Methodology and Advanced Economics. Focus on understanding econometric tools, statistical software (like R, Stata, SPSS), and qualitative research techniques. This builds the essential toolkit for robust research.
Tools & Resources
Saurashtra University Ph.D. Regulations, Key textbooks on Econometrics (e.g., Gujarati, Wooldridge), Online courses on Coursera/edX for R/Stata, Indian Economic Association publications
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures rigorous thesis work, critical for academic publications and credible policy analysis, which are crucial for research and teaching careers.
Extensive Literature Review and Topic Refinement- (First year (concurrent with coursework))
Beyond coursework, dive deep into existing literature on your area of interest. Attend departmental seminars and workshops. Regularly discuss research ideas with your supervisor to identify a novel and feasible research problem relevant to the Indian economic context.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, RBI publications, NBER working papers, Economic and Political Weekly
Career Connection
Identifying a relevant and original research topic is paramount for thesis completion and future research funding, paving the way for impactful contributions in academia or policy.
Develop Strong Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Throughout the first two years)
Start writing short academic papers or literature reviews early. Practice presenting your research ideas clearly and concisely in departmental forums. Seek feedback to improve both written and oral communication, which are vital for thesis defense and conference presentations.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly Premium, LaTeX (for academic papers), Departmental seminar series
Career Connection
Effective communication of complex research is essential for publishing, teaching, and influencing policy, directly impacting career progression in research-intensive roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Seminars and Workshops- (Second and Third year)
Participate actively in seminars, conferences, and workshops both within the university and outside. This exposes you to diverse research perspectives, helps refine your methodology, and provides networking opportunities with other scholars and potential collaborators in India.
Tools & Resources
UGC-sponsored workshops, Conferences by IEA, NCAER, Seminars at IIMs/IITs with Economics departments
Career Connection
Networking and exposure broaden your research scope, lead to collaborative projects, and can open doors to post-doctoral fellowships or research positions.
Master Data Handling and Statistical Software- (Second to Fourth year)
Gain hands-on experience with large datasets relevant to Indian economics (e.g., NSSO, ASI, Census data). Become proficient in advanced statistical or econometric software to conduct your data analysis independently and efficiently.
Tools & Resources
CMIE Prowess IQ, World Bank Data, NSSO data releases, Advanced courses on R/Python for data science, Econometric software manuals (Stata, EViews)
Career Connection
Strong quantitative skills are highly valued in academic research, economic consulting, and data analytics roles, enhancing employability and research output quality.
Seek Publication and Grant Opportunities- (Third year onwards)
Aim to convert parts of your Ph.D. research into publishable papers for national and international journals. Explore minor research grants or fellowships to support your data collection or conference travel, which adds significant value to your profile.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List journals, Journal of Economic Perspectives, ICSSR research grants, Indian Council of World Affairs fellowships
Career Connection
Publications and successful grant applications are crucial for academic promotions, post-doctoral positions, and establishing a reputable research career.
Advanced Stage
Prepare Rigorously for Thesis Defense and Viva-Voce- (Final 6-12 months)
Conduct mock presentations of your thesis defense for faculty and peers. Systematically prepare answers for potential questions on methodology, findings, and contributions. Ensure your thesis is meticulously edited and formatted as per university guidelines.
Tools & Resources
Departmental mock viva sessions, Feedback from supervisors and peers, University Ph.D. thesis manual
Career Connection
A confident and articulate defense is key to earning your degree and impressing potential employers or academic committees, showcasing your research expertise.
Develop a Post-Ph.D. Career Strategy- (Final year)
Actively explore academic positions (assistant professor, post-doctoral fellow) or research roles in policy think tanks, government, or industry in India. Prepare a strong CV, teaching philosophy (if applicable), and research statement tailored to your target roles.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Networking with senior academics, Job portals like Naukri.com, HigherEdJobs.com (for India), LinkedIn professional groups
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-Ph.D., maximizing opportunities for impactful work and professional growth in your chosen field.
Contribute to Mentoring and Knowledge Dissemination- (Throughout the Ph.D. journey, intensifying in later years)
Engage with junior Ph.D. scholars or Masters students by offering guidance on research methodology or topic selection. Present your research findings at public forums or through policy briefs, contributing to the broader academic and societal discourse in India.
Tools & Resources
Departmental mentorship programs, University extension lectures, Writing policy briefs for local newspapers/magazines
Career Connection
Leadership in mentorship and effective knowledge dissemination enhances your profile as a well-rounded scholar and increases your influence within the academic and policy communities.
