PhD in Political Sciences Admission 2024-25, Eligibility, Check Previous Years Cutoff and Category-wise Cutoff, Entrance Exams

PhD in Political Science About

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, or Ph.D. in Political Science, is a doctoral-level course. This program lasts between one and three years, although, for part-time Political Science students, it can last up to five years. A PhD in Political Science is a rigorous academic program that prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and public service. Political science is a broad and interdisciplinary field that encompasses the study of government, politics, and policy at the local, national, and international levels.

Students pursuing a PhD in Political Science typically specialize in a particular area of study, such as American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, or public policy. They engage in coursework and research that involves advanced methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis, including statistical analysis, survey research, case studies, and field experiments.

Graduates of a PhD program in Political Science are prepared for careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. They may work as university professors, policy analysts, political consultants, journalists, or in other related fields. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct original research, analyze complex political issues, and contribute to public debates about policy and governance.

PhD in Political Science Highlights

A PhD in Political Science is a research-oriented degree that prepares students for careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. Here are some of the highlights of pursuing a PhD in Political Science:

Specialization: Political Science is a broad field, and a PhD allows students to specialize in a particular area of interest. Some popular subfields of Political Science include Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, American Politics, and Public Policy.

Research skills: A PhD in Political Science requires students to develop strong research skills, including quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis, and critical thinking. These skills are essential for conducting original research and contributing to the academic literature.

Teaching experience: Many PhD programs require students to serve as teaching assistants and/or instructors, providing valuable experience in developing lesson plans, delivering lectures, and grading assignments. This experience prepares students for academic careers that involve teaching and mentoring students.

Networking opportunities: PhD programs in Political Science provide opportunities for students to connect with scholars in their field, attend conferences, and present their research. These networking opportunities can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, and other professional connections.

Career opportunities: A PhD in Political Science prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, including academic positions, research roles in think tanks and other organizations, government positions, and international organization roles.

Flexibility: Political Science PhD programs offer a degree of flexibility in terms of research interests and career paths. Students can tailor their programs to their individual research interests and career goals.

Overall, pursuing a PhD in Political Science is an excellent choice for those interested in developing research skills, advancing knowledge in the field, and pursuing academic and non-academic careers in the field.

Course Details For PhD in Political Science

PhD in Political Science Entrance Exam

Most universities require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the admission process. The GRE assesses verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills.

PhD in Political Science Admission Process

Admission to a PhD program in Political Science is highly competitive. In addition to the GRE, applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample.

Some programs may also require applicants to participate in an interview process.

PhD in Political Science Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should hold a master's degree in Political Science or a related field. However, some programs may admit students with a bachelor's degree if they have demonstrated outstanding academic potential.

PhD in Political Science Duration

PhD programs in Political Science typically take 4-5 years to complete. During this time, students complete coursework, conduct research, and write a dissertation.

PhD in Political Science Selection Criteria

Admission to a PhD program in Political Science is based on a combination of factors, including academic achievement, research experience, letters of recommendation, and the applicant's personal statement. Many programs also consider the fit between the applicant's research interests and the strengths of the program's faculty.

PhD in Political Science How to Apply

PhD in Political Science Application Form

The application form for a PhD program in Political Science can usually be found on the university's website. Applicants will need to provide personal and academic information, as well as upload required documents such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

PhD in Political Science Application Process

The application process for a PhD program in Political Science typically involves several steps. These include submitting an online application form, paying an application fee, uploading required documents, and participating in an interview process.

PhD in Political Science Fee Structure

The application fee for a PhD program in Political Science varies by university. On average, the fee is updated soon

PhD in Political Science Syllabus

The syllabus for a PhD program in Political Science varies by university and program. However, typical courses include advanced topics in political theory, research methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and specialized courses in the student's area of interest.

Job Profiles After Completed PhD in Political Science 

PhD graduates in Political Science can pursue a variety of careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations.

Career Opportunities After PhD in Political Science

PhD graduates in Political Science can pursue a variety of career paths. Some common career paths include academia, research roles in think tanks and other organizations, government positions, and international organization roles. Many PhD graduates in Political Science also work as policy analysts, consultants, or as experts in their respective fields.

PhD in Political Science Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Political Science include:

PhD in Political Science Admission Process

• Application for the entrance exam 
• Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre-Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by the University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by the University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis, 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by the University, Degree Awarded.

Documents Required For PhD in Political Science

FAQs About PhD in Political Science

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.