PhD in Social Sciences Admission 2024-25, Process, Year Wise Comparison for Students Placed, Gallery

PhD in Social Sciences About

PhD in Social Sciences in a doctoral-level course in Social Sciences. The course has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum duration of 5 years. Some of the most prestigious PhD Social Sciences colleges in India are Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Lovely Professional University, St. Joseph College, Gujarat University, etc.

The program typically requires students to complete advanced coursework in their chosen field of study, including research methodology, theory, and data analysis. In addition, students are expected to conduct original research and write a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to their field.

PhD candidates in Social Sciences may also be required to participate in teaching or research assistantship programs to gain teaching and research experience. This experience can be beneficial for students who want to pursue careers in academia or research.

Overall, a PhD in Social Sciences is a rigorous and challenging program that prepares students for careers in research, academia, government, and the private sector. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to tackle complex social problems and advance our understanding of the world around us.

PhD in Social Sciences course Highlights

PhD in Social Sciences Entrance Exam

The entrance exam for a PhD in Social Sciences program varies depending on the institution offering the program. Some institutions may require applicants to take standardized tests such as the GRE, while others may have their own entrance exams. It is best to check with the specific institution for their requirements.

1. CSIR UGC NET
   
2. UGC NET
3. IIT JAM
4. GPAT
5. VITMEE

PhD in Social Sciences Admission Process

• To be admitted to a PhD in Social Sciences program, applicants typically need to have a Master's degree in a related field, although some programs may accept students with a Bachelor's degree.
• Other admission requirements may include letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample.
• It is also important to have a strong academic record and relevant research experience.

PhD in Social Sciences Eligibility Criteria

• The candidates need to complete their master degree course from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks.
• For those institutes which conduct an entrance test, the students must also clear the common entrance test with the desired percentage. 
• The reserved category students may get certain relaxation of marks. However, they need to produce their caste certificate for that.
• Apart from these, some colleges may also have their specific eligibility criteria that the students will also have to satisfy.

PhD in Social Sciences Course Duration

The duration of a PhD in Social Sciences program varies depending on the institution and the research topic. Typically, the program takes 3-5 years to complete, including coursework and research.

PhD in Social Sciences Selection Criteria

Selection criteria for a PhD in Social Sciences program typically include academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and writing sample. Institutions may also consider the applicant's fit with their program and research interests.

PhD in Social Sciences How to Apply

1. To apply for a PhD in Social Sciences program, applicants should first research and identify institutions offering the program.
2. They should then review the application requirements and deadlines for each institution.
3. Applications usually include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample.
4. Some institutions may require standardized test scores such as the GRE.
5. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and submit a complete application by the deadline.

PhD in Social Sciences Application Form

The application form for a PhD in Social Sciences program can typically be found on the institution's website. Applicants will need to provide personal information, academic background, and information about their research interests.

PhD in Social Sciences Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Social Sciences program typically involves submitting an online application form, transcripts from all institutions attended, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample. Some institutions may also require standardized test scores such as the GRE. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and submit a complete application by the deadline.

PhD in Social Sciences Fee Structure

The application fee for a PhD in Social Sciences program varies depending on the institution. It is important to check the institution's website for the current application fee.

PhD in Social Sciences Syllabus

Job Scope after Completed for PhD in Social Sciences

PhD in Social Sciences Career Opportunities

Graduates of a PhD in Social Sciences program have a variety of career opportunities, including:

Academia: teaching and research positions at universities and colleges.

Research: positions in research institutions and think tanks.

Government: positions in policy analysis, program evaluation, and research in government agencies.

Non-profit organizations: positions in program evaluation, research, and advocacy.

Private sector: positions in market research, consumer behavior analysis, and social impact assessment.

PhD in Social Sciences Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Social Sciences program include:

1. Harvard University
   
2. Stanford University
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. University of California, Berkeley
5. University of Chicago
6. Princeton University
7. Columbia University
8. University of Michigan
9. New York University (NYU)
10. University of Pennsylvania

PhD in Social Sciences Admission Procedure 

• 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 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 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 University, Degree Awarded.

PhD in Social Sciences Documents Checklist

1.  Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Social Sciences 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD 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.