A PhD in Social Sciences is a doctoral-level degree program that is designed to prepare students to conduct advanced research in a variety of fields related to human society and behavior. Social sciences encompass a broad range of subjects, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, economics, history, and communication studies.
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences is an advanced research degree that typically requires students to conduct original research in their field of study and produce a substantial dissertation.
Unlike an integrated Ph.D. program, which combines coursework and research, a non-integrated Ph.D. program focuses solely on research. Therefore, students in this type of program typically have a high level of expertise in their field and have already completed a relevant Master's degree or equivalent coursework before entering the Ph.D. program.
In a non-integrated Ph.D. program, students work closely with a faculty advisor or a research team to develop their research question, conduct their research, and write their dissertation. The dissertation is a significant contribution to the field and must be defended orally in front of a committee of faculty members.
Students in a Ph.D. program in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences can specialize in a wide range of disciplines, including literature, history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and many others. Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in academia, research, or other fields that require advanced analytical and research skills.
Here are some highlights of a non-integrated Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences:
Research Focus: A non-integrated Ph.D. program is entirely focused on research, allowing students to develop in-depth expertise in their chosen field of study. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to conduct original research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field.
Interdisciplinary Study: The program encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing students to explore connections between different fields of study and gain a broad understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts that shape their research area.
Individualized Learning: The non-integrated Ph.D. program provides students with a highly personalized learning experience. Students work closely with their faculty advisor to develop their research questions, design their research methodology, and write their dissertation.
Professional Development: The program offers students opportunities for professional development, such as attending academic conferences, publishing research papers, and participating in teaching and mentoring activities.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. They can become professors, researchers, consultants, policy analysts, or leaders in their field.
Prestigious Degree: A Ph.D. in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences is a highly respected and prestigious degree that signifies expertise in a particular field of study and opens doors to many academic and professional opportunities.
PhD in social sciences cover a wide range of topics. Students can gain deep insight into the subject and various other topics related to that subject. This course is mainly based on research activities. Throughout the course of their studies, students carry out a variety of research activities. Candidates will be recruited in a variety of fields including education, public service, social welfare, policy coordination, and philanthropy. You can qualify as a social activist, civil servant, NGO activist, child rights activist, social researcher, etc. Social science PhD students receive a salary of approximately 3 LPA to 3.5 LPA. Salaries increase gradually over time.
Full-form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Sciences |
Duration | 3-5 years |
Eligibility | Master's degree in relevant discipline |
Admission Process | Direct Admission/ Entrance test. |
Course Fee | Updated Soon |
Job Role | NGO activist, social worker, child rights activist, social researcher, civil servant. |
Eligibility requirements vary by program, but generally include a minimum GPA requirement, demonstrated research experience, and a strong academic background in a related field.
Candidates must complete a master's degree with at least 55% marks from a recognized university.
For schools that conduct entrance exams, students must also pass the common entrance exam with the desired percentage.
For reserved students, grades may be slightly relaxed. However, you will have to show your caste certificate. Apart from this, some universities may have specific admission criteria that students must meet.
Some universities require applicants to take a standardized graduate entrance exam, such as the GRE or GMAT, to evaluate their academic ability.
CSIR UGC NET
UGC NET
IIT JAM
GPAT
VITMEE
Ph.D. in Social Sciences: Direct Admission
The admission process for the Social Sciences PhD program is as follows:
Step 1: Fill out the application form Once the application form is published, you need to collect the application form from the official website of the university and fill in the required details.
Step 2: Admission to University After all applications are submitted, the university will draw up a merit list and the shortlisted candidates will be admitted to the university.
Ph.D. in Social Sciences Admission Process: Entrance Test
The admission process for PhD Social Sciences through the Entrance Exam Is mentioned below:
Step 1: Fill out the application form The easiest way to fill out the application form is to fill it out online. You can also pick up forms at the university campus.
Step 2: Take the entrance test The entrance exam will be held after the application documents have been submitted. The exam pattern is decided by the conducting university.
Step 3: Admission to University Candidates who pass the entrance exam deadline can enroll in the university. Candidates may be required to visit the university campus to complete the admissions process.
The duration of a non-integrated Ph.D. program varies depending on the program, but typically takes 3-5 years to complete.
Selection criteria may include academic record, research potential, relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and writing sample.
Applicants should apply directly to the university they are interested in attending. Application materials and instructions can typically be found on the university's website.
Applicants should follow the instructions provided by the university, which may include submitting materials electronically or by mail, paying an application fee, and providing official transcripts.
After submitting an application, applicants may be invited to participate in an interview or attend a campus visit as part of the selection process.
Application forms can typically be found on the university's website or obtained directly from the university's admissions office.
Applicants should carefully review the application instructions and ensure that all required materials are submitted before the deadline.
The application process typically involves submitting an application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample that demonstrates research potential.
Some universities may require applicants to take a standardized graduate entrance exam, such as the GRE or GMAT.
Applicants should follow the instructions provided by the university and pay any required application fees.
The application fee varies by university and can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees.
The syllabus for a non-integrated Ph.D. in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences varies depending on the program and the student's research area.
Students typically work closely with a faculty advisor to develop their research question, design their research methodology, and write their dissertation.
Philosophy of social science | Theories related to society |
Research and Fieldwork | Sociological basis of society |
Thesis/Report Preparation | Theories of rights |
Presentation | Viva-voce |
Graduates of a non-integrated Ph.D. in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
Job Role | Description |
Civil Servant | A civil servant is mainly responsible for implementing various government rules and regulations. |
Social Worker | A social worker works for the benefit of society. He/She is mostly involved with certain welfare organizations. |
Public Right activist | A public right activist fights against acts of violation like child labour and brings such issues before the government. |
NGO Worker | The NGO workers work for Non-governmental organizations and conduct different types of public welfare activities. |
Researcher | A social researcher carries out critical analysis on topics related to Social Science. |
Career opportunities for Ph.D. graduates in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences include teaching and research positions at universities and colleges, research positions at think tanks or government agencies, and leadership roles in non-profit organizations or private companies.
Some graduates may also pursue careers in journalism, writing, or other creative fields.
Some top colleges in India for a non-integrated Ph.D. in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences include Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
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.