

PHD in Tribal Development at University of Mysore


Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Tribal Development at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This Tribal Development PhD program at University of Mysore focuses on in-depth research into the socio-economic, cultural, and political dimensions of tribal communities in India. It prepares scholars to contribute to policy formulation, developmental interventions, and academic understanding of indigenous populations. The program distinguishes itself by its emphasis on contextualized research within the diverse Indian tribal landscape, addressing pressing developmental issues and advocating for indigenous rights.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates in Anthropology, Sociology, Social Work, Development Studies, or allied disciplines seeking to conduct advanced research. It also suits working professionals from government tribal welfare departments, NGOs, or research institutions who aim to deepen their expertise and contribute scholarly work to the field of tribal development in India. Candidates should possess a strong interest in fieldwork and community engagement.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as researchers, policy analysts, development practitioners, academics, or consultants in India. Potential employers include the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Tribal Research Institutes, various NGOs, international development agencies, and universities. Salaries typically range from INR 6-15 LPA for entry-level research positions to higher for experienced academics or policy consultants, with significant growth trajectories in government and non-profit sectors focused on social justice and development.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (undefined)
Thoroughly engage with the coursework on Research Methodology, Quantitative Methods, and Research Ethics. Focus on understanding diverse research paradigms, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations crucial for sensitive research with tribal communities. Actively participate in seminars and workshops.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Statistical software manuals (SPSS, R), Academic journals on research ethics and tribal studies
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures rigorous, ethical, and publishable research, critical for academic positions and credible policy recommendations.
Deep Dive into Tribal Literature and Context- (undefined)
Utilize the ''''Review of Literature'''' paper to comprehensively explore existing scholarship on Tribal Development in India. Identify key debates, historical trajectories, and socio-cultural nuances of various tribal groups. Begin to pinpoint specific research gaps relevant to your interests.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, Anthropological Survey of India publications, Reports from Ministry of Tribal Affairs, University library’s anthropology/sociology collections
Career Connection
This builds expertise in your chosen area, making you a subject matter expert, highly valued in research and policy roles.
Engage with Departmental Faculty and Peers- (undefined)
Actively seek guidance from faculty members, especially those specialized in tribal studies within Anthropology or Sociology. Participate in departmental colloquia, research groups, and engage in peer discussions to refine your research ideas and gain diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Departmental seminars, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Networking within the academic community provides mentorship, potential collaborations, and insights into funding opportunities and career paths in tribal studies.
Intermediate Stage
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (undefined)
Based on your literature review, formulate a detailed and feasible research proposal outlining your specific research questions, theoretical framework, methodology, and expected outcomes. Seek feedback from your supervisor and departmental review committees.
Tools & Resources
University''''s research proposal guidelines, Sample successful proposals, Grant proposal writing guides
Career Connection
A well-crafted proposal is the cornerstone of successful PhD research and often a requirement for research grants and fellowships, enhancing your professional credibility.
Undertake Preparatory Field Visits and Pilot Studies- (undefined)
Before extensive fieldwork, conduct short preparatory visits or pilot studies to your chosen tribal community. This helps in building rapport, understanding local dynamics, refining research tools, and addressing potential logistical or ethical challenges.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork handbooks, Local community leaders, Relevant NGOs working in the area
Career Connection
Practical experience in the field is invaluable for a tribal development researcher, ensuring the feasibility and relevance of your study and enhancing your employability in community-based research and development projects.
Attend National Conferences and Workshops- (undefined)
Present your preliminary research findings or proposal at national conferences focused on anthropology, sociology, or tribal studies. Attend workshops on advanced research methods, data analysis, or academic writing to hone your skills and expand your network.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (e.g., Indian Social Science Congress), Academic association membership, University travel grants
Career Connection
Presenting builds your academic profile, garners feedback, and connects you with potential collaborators and employers in the field, opening doors to academic and research positions.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Data Collection and Analysis- (undefined)
Execute your fieldwork meticulously, collecting qualitative and quantitative data as per your research design. Subsequently, apply appropriate analytical techniques to interpret your findings, ensuring cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations are paramount throughout the process.
Tools & Resources
Field diaries, audio/video recorders, Qualitative data analysis software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti), Quantitative analysis software (SPSS, R)
Career Connection
Proficiency in data collection and analysis is a core skill for any researcher, directly translating into roles in research organizations, policy think tanks, and data-driven development projects.
Systematic Thesis Writing and Publication- (undefined)
Dedicate consistent time to writing your thesis, focusing on clear argumentation, evidence-based conclusions, and adherence to academic standards. Simultaneously, aim to publish chapters or findings in peer-reviewed journals, especially those with a focus on tribal studies or development.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Citation management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
A high-quality thesis and peer-reviewed publications are crucial for securing academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and senior research roles, establishing you as an authority in Tribal Development.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Future Career- (undefined)
Work closely with your supervisor to prepare thoroughly for your thesis defense, anticipating questions and practicing presentations. Concurrently, explore career opportunities by networking with professionals, preparing your CV, and applying for relevant positions in academia, government, or NGOs.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Mock defense sessions
Career Connection
Successful thesis defense is the culmination of your PhD, leading directly to career advancements in research, academia, policy advocacy, or specialized development roles, where your expertise in tribal development is highly sought after.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in the concerned subject or allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/Cat-I/Differently-abled categories). Must pass the Ph.D. Entrance Examination conducted by the University or be exempted (e.g., NET/SLET/GATE/M.Phil. completed). Followed by an interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: 16 (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD CW Paper I | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research, Types of Research and Approaches, Research Design and Ethics, Data Collection Methods and Tools, Hypothesis Formulation and Testing, Report Writing and Presentation |
| PhD CW Paper II | Quantitative Methods/Computer Applications/Research Ethics/IPR | Core/Elective Option | 4 | Basic Statistical Concepts, Data Analysis Techniques, Introduction to Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS, R), Research Ethics and Plagiarism, Intellectual Property Rights and Patents |
| PhD CW Paper III | Review of Literature/Field Work related to research topic | Core/Specialization-aligned | 4 | Identification of Research Problems, Critical Review of Existing Literature, Theoretical Frameworks in Tribal Studies, Designing Fieldwork for Tribal Contexts, Ethnographic Methods and Data Collection in Tribal Settings |
| PhD CW Paper IV | Subject Specific Paper (Advanced Studies in Tribal Development) | Specialization-Specific | 4 | Tribal Communities in India: Diversity and Dynamics, Government Policies and Programs for Tribal Welfare, Socio-Economic, Political, and Cultural Aspects of Tribal Societies, Challenges in Tribal Development: Displacement, Health, Education, Indigenous Rights, Self-Governance, and Sustainable Livelihoods |




