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PHD in Political Science at University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus
Kargil, Ladakh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus Kargil?
This PhD program in Political Science at the University of Ladakh focuses on advanced research in political theories, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and governance, with a particular emphasis on the Indian context. Leveraging Ladakh''''s unique geopolitical position, the program encourages studies on regional politics, border dynamics, and socio-political development in diverse environments. It aims to cultivate critical thinkers and researchers capable of contributing significantly to academia, policymaking, and strategic analysis within India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates in Political Science or allied disciplines who possess a strong academic record and a fervent desire to engage in rigorous, independent research. It caters to aspiring academics, policy analysts, researchers in think tanks, and civil service aspirants seeking to deepen their understanding of political processes and contribute original knowledge. Candidates with a background in social sciences, public administration, or law with a research interest in political studies are also well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to embark on diverse career paths, including roles as professors, researchers, policy advisors, and analysts in governmental and non-governmental organizations across India. PhD holders are highly sought after in higher education institutions and specialized research bodies, with potential salary ranges for entry-level academic positions starting from INR 7-10 LPA and significantly higher for experienced professionals. The program fosters critical analytical skills essential for leadership in academic and policy domains.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Core Concepts- (Semester 1 (Coursework Phase))
Engage deeply with the coursework on Research Methodology, understanding its theoretical underpinnings and practical applications. Simultaneously, dedicate time to revisiting core Political Science concepts and theories, ensuring a robust foundation. Participate actively in seminars and departmental discussions to clarify doubts and expand understanding.
Tools & Resources
UGC Care Listed Journals, JSTOR, EPW (Economic and Political Weekly), Research Methodology Textbooks (e.g., Kothari, C.R.)
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge and research skills are indispensable for developing a compelling thesis proposal and conducting high-quality research, which are critical for future academic and research roles.
Identify Research Gaps and Develop a Proposal- (Semester 1-2)
Begin early literature review within your area of interest to identify significant research gaps specific to the Indian or regional context. Work closely with your supervisor to refine your research question and develop a comprehensive research proposal that demonstrates originality and academic rigor. Attend workshops on proposal writing and ethical research practices.
Tools & Resources
PhD Supervisor, University Library databases, Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, Research Proposal Templates
Career Connection
A well-articulated and original research proposal is the cornerstone of a successful PhD, showcasing your potential as an independent researcher and enhancing your academic credibility for future grants and positions.
Cultivate Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice academic writing through drafting coursework assignments, literature review summaries, and parts of your proposal. Seek feedback from peers and faculty. Participate in departmental colloquia or university-level workshops to hone presentation skills, which are vital for thesis defense and conference presentations.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly/QuillBot (for grammar and style check), Microsoft Word/LaTeX, University Writing Center (if available), Departmental Seminars
Career Connection
Clear and concise academic writing, coupled with effective presentation, is crucial for publishing research, securing funding, and excelling in academic teaching roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Extensive Data Collection and Analysis- (Year 2-3)
Implement your approved research design by diligently collecting primary and/or secondary data. For primary data, ensure ethical guidelines are strictly followed. Utilize appropriate qualitative or quantitative analysis techniques relevant to Political Science. Regular progress meetings with your supervisor are critical to discuss challenges and findings.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork (if applicable), Archival research, Government databases (e.g., Election Commission of India, Census of India), Qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo) or Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R)
Career Connection
Proficiency in data collection and rigorous analysis strengthens your research methodology, making your findings robust and publishable, a key requirement for academic and research positions.
Network and Present at Conferences- (Year 2-4)
Attend and present your ongoing research at national and regional academic conferences, particularly those focused on Indian politics or broader social sciences. Network with fellow scholars and receive valuable feedback that can refine your arguments and methodology. Seek opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Tools & Resources
Academic conference calendars (e.g., ICSSR, professional associations), University travel grants (if available), LinkedIn/ResearchGate for professional networking
Career Connection
Conference participation enhances your academic visibility, builds your professional network, and provides crucial external validation for your research, all of which are beneficial for post-PhD career progression.
Draft Chapters and Seek Regular Feedback- (Year 2-4)
Systematically start drafting thesis chapters as research progresses. Do not wait until all data is collected. Submit drafts to your supervisor regularly for constructive feedback and be proactive in incorporating revisions. Maintain a consistent writing schedule to ensure steady progress towards thesis completion.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor''''s feedback, Peer review groups, Academic journals in Political Science for understanding structure and style
Career Connection
Timely drafting and responsiveness to feedback streamline the thesis writing process, which is essential for meeting submission deadlines and producing a high-quality dissertation that opens doors to academic opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Finalize Thesis and Prepare for Viva Voce- (Year 4-6)
Dedicate focused effort to completing all thesis chapters, ensuring coherence, robust argumentation, and flawless academic referencing. Undertake thorough proofreading and editing. Prepare meticulously for the Viva Voce examination, anticipating questions and practicing presenting your research effectively to a panel of experts.
Tools & Resources
Academic editors/proofreaders (if budget allows), University guidelines for thesis submission, Mock Viva sessions with faculty/peers
Career Connection
A well-written and successfully defended thesis is the ultimate credential for academic and research careers, signifying your mastery of the field and ability to conduct independent scholarly work.
Publish Research in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 4-6 and beyond)
Convert significant chapters or findings from your thesis into publishable articles for peer-reviewed, UGC Care Listed journals. Begin this process even before thesis submission. Publishing is a critical component of academic career progression in India and demonstrates your scholarly impact.
Tools & Resources
UGC Care List of Journals, Journal submission platforms (e.g., Elsevier, Springer, Sage portals), Supervisor guidance on journal selection
Career Connection
A strong publication record is paramount for securing faculty positions, research grants, and promotions in Indian universities and research institutions, directly influencing your career trajectory.
Develop Teaching and Mentoring Skills- (Year 3-6)
Seek opportunities to assist professors with undergraduate or master''''s courses, including taking tutorial sessions, grading, or guest lecturing. This practical experience in pedagogy is invaluable for aspiring academics. Engage in mentoring junior researchers or students within your department to build leadership qualities.
Tools & Resources
Departmental teaching assistantships, University faculty development programs, Online teaching resources
Career Connection
Demonstrable teaching experience and mentoring abilities enhance your profile for academic faculty positions, where teaching effectiveness is often a key criterion alongside research output.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s Degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master’s Degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed). A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time, or for those who had obtained their Master’s degree prior to 19th September, 1991. Candidates with a valid NET/SLET/GATE/M.Phil. are typically preferred or exempted from the University Entrance Test.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years
Credits: 16 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not specified in public regulations | Research Methodology | Core (Compulsory for all PhD scholars) | 4 | Introduction to Research and Research Methods, Research Design and Types, Data Collection, Processing, and Analysis, Interpretation and Report Writing, Ethics in Research and Academic Integrity |
| Not specified in public regulations | Political Science Core Paper | Core (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Detailed topics not publicly available in university regulations. Focuses on foundational aspects of Political Science relevant to current research. |
| Not specified in public regulations | Political Science Optional Paper I | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Detailed topics not publicly available in university regulations. Allows for specialization in a sub-field of Political Science. |
| Not specified in public regulations | Political Science Optional Paper II | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Detailed topics not publicly available in university regulations. Provides an additional area of specialization or advanced study in Political Science. |
