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PH-D in Buddhist Studies at University of Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Buddhist Studies at University of Delhi Delhi?
This Buddhist Studies Ph.D. program at the University of Delhi offers an immersive journey into the rich philosophies, history, and diverse traditions of Buddhism. It is meticulously designed to foster advanced research skills and cultivate a deep scholarly understanding, significantly contributing to a field with immense cultural and historical relevance in India and globally. The program emphasizes critical inquiry and interdisciplinary approaches to ancient texts and contemporary practices, addressing a growing academic and societal demand.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students holding a Master''''s degree in Buddhist Studies, Philosophy, History, Sanskrit, or related fields, who are seeking to pursue rigorous academic research. It is well-suited for individuals aspiring to careers in academia, research institutions, museums, cultural heritage management, or those aiming to contribute to interfaith dialogue and peace studies, particularly within the diverse Indian intellectual landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to emerge as leading scholars and researchers in the domain of Buddhist Studies. India-specific career paths include university professorships, research fellowships at esteemed institutions like the Indian Council of Historical Research, and roles in cultural diplomacy or heritage conservation. While direct industry salary ranges vary, academic positions typically offer competitive salaries starting from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth potential and opportunities for international collaboration.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1 (First 6 months))
Thoroughly grasp the principles of research design, data collection, and ethical considerations during coursework. Attend all lectures, actively engage in critical discussions, and seek early feedback on initial research proposals to build a strong theoretical and practical foundation.
Tools & Resources
University Library (JSTOR, ResearchGate, Shodhganga), Statistical software basics (if applicable), Grammarly for academic writing support
Career Connection
A robust methodological understanding is crucial for designing impactful research, ensuring the credibility of your Ph.D. thesis, and preparing you for academic and research positions that demand rigorous investigative skills.
Identify and Refine Research Niche- (Semester 1 (First 6 months))
Engage deeply with faculty members and senior researchers to identify a unique and viable research area within Buddhist Studies. Actively read current academic literature, participate in departmental seminars, and start drafting a preliminary research proposal to narrow down your focus effectively.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research forums and discussions, Online academic databases and specialized journals, Mentorship from faculty advisors and senior Ph.D. scholars
Career Connection
Defining a clear research niche early on helps in focusing your efforts, making your thesis distinctive and highly specialized, thereby positioning you as an expert in a specific domain and enhancing your academic marketability.
Develop Advanced Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1 (First 6 months) and ongoing)
Practice writing concisely and academically through coursework assignments, literature reviews, and seminar presentations. Seek opportunities to present your initial thoughts and research progress to peers and faculty, refining your ability to articulate complex Buddhist concepts clearly and engagingly.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Zotero or Mendeley for efficient citation management, Departmental workshops on presentation and academic writing skills
Career Connection
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, are vital for publishing research, presenting at national and international conferences, and teaching, directly impacting your potential for academic advancement and scholarly recognition.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Year 2-3)
Explore connections between Buddhist Studies and related fields like philosophy, history, sociology, linguistics, or cognitive science. Attend lectures or workshops in other relevant departments at the University of Delhi to broaden your intellectual horizons and enrich your research perspective with new methodologies.
Tools & Resources
Cross-departmental seminars and public lectures at DU, Interdisciplinary academic journals and publications, Guest lectures by visiting scholars and subject matter experts
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach can lead to novel research questions, innovative methodologies, and collaborations, making your profile more attractive to diverse academic and research institutions both in India and internationally.
Participate in National and International Conferences- (Year 2-4)
Actively submit abstracts and present your research findings at academic conferences within India and globally. This practice builds your professional network, exposes you to peer feedback, and keeps you updated on the latest developments and emerging trends in Buddhist Studies.
Tools & Resources
Conference alert websites (e.g., H-Net, academia.edu), Funding opportunities for travel grants (UGC, DU departments), Departmental support for preparing conference presentations
Career Connection
Conference participation is essential for scholarly visibility, receiving constructive criticism, and establishing collaborations, which are crucial for securing post-doctoral fellowships, research grants, and academic positions.
Seek Early Publication Opportunities- (Year 3-5)
Aim to publish parts of your research as journal articles or book chapters even before your final thesis submission. Begin with peer-reviewed journals in India (UGC CARE List) or reputable international journals. This process refines your writing and enhances your academic portfolio significantly.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List journals database, Academic publishers'''' submission guidelines and portals, Faculty guidance and co-authorship opportunities
Career Connection
A strong publication record is a cornerstone of academic career progression in India. Early publications significantly boost your chances of securing faculty positions and research grants, demonstrating your scholarly output and research impact.
Advanced Stage
Prepare a Robust Thesis Defense- (Final Year (Year 4-6))
Systematically prepare for your viva-voce by thoroughly reviewing your entire thesis, rehearsing your presentation multiple times, and anticipating challenging questions from examiners. Engage in mock viva sessions with your supervisor and departmental peers to build confidence and refine your responses.
Tools & Resources
University and Departmental guidelines for thesis submission and defense, Mock viva panels with faculty and senior scholars, Reviewing successful past thesis defenses (if available)
Career Connection
A strong thesis defense showcases your mastery of the subject, the rigor of your research process, and your ability to articulate your findings, leading to successful Ph.D. completion and a positive impression on the examining committee, vital for future recommendations.
Network with Leading Scholars and Mentors- (Throughout the Ph.D. program, intensifying in the final years)
Actively connect with eminent scholars and thought leaders in Buddhist Studies globally through conferences, seminars, and academic platforms. Attend workshops, reach out for informal discussions, and leverage your supervisor''''s professional network. These connections can open doors to post-doctoral opportunities, collaborative research projects, and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Academic groups and scholarly networks, Email outreach to relevant scholars, International Buddhist Studies associations and research centers
Career Connection
A strong academic network is invaluable for post-doctoral placements, securing letters of recommendation, collaborative research ventures, and staying abreast of the global academic discourse, enhancing long-term career prospects.
Plan for Post-Ph.D. Academic Career- (Year 5-6 and beyond)
Begin actively applying for post-doctoral fellowships, assistant professor positions, or research grants well before your thesis defense. Tailor your CV, teaching philosophy, and research statement to each specific opportunity, highlighting your unique contributions and future research trajectory in Buddhist Studies.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., jobs.ac.uk, higheredjobs.com, UGC job notifications), University Career Services (if available), Grant application guidelines from funding bodies
Career Connection
Proactive career planning is critical for a smooth transition from Ph.D. student to an independent researcher or faculty member, ensuring continuous engagement in academia and maximizing opportunities in the highly competitive academic job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (or 50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/EWS categories) or an equivalent grade. Candidates must qualify the University of Delhi Entrance Test (DUET) or be exempted (e.g., UGC-NET/JRF qualified).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (Coursework duration: 1 semester / 6 months)
Credits: 8 credits (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies by department; typically includes assignments, presentations, and internal examinations for the coursework papers., External: Written examination for coursework papers, followed by comprehensive viva-voce examination and thesis defense for the Ph.D. degree.
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDB-RM101 | Research Methodology (Paper I) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research: Meaning, Objectives, Types of Research, Research Process, Formulating Research Problems, Hypotheses, Research Design, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods: Primary and Secondary Data, Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Data Analysis: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis, Statistical Tools, Interpretation of Data, Research Ethics and Plagiarism: Intellectual Property Rights, Ethical Guidelines in Research, Academic Writing and Reporting: Structure of Thesis, Citation Styles, Academic Publication |
| PHDB-BS102 | Advanced Studies in Buddhist Studies (Paper II - Specialisation) | Core | 4 |
