GSFC University PhD in Comparative International Sociology Admission 2024-25, Ranking, Last Date To Apply, No. of Students Placed

PhD in Sociology Overviews

A PhD in Sociology with a specialization in Institutions and Inequalities focuses on the study of social institutions, such as family, education, politics, and the economy, and how they contribute to social inequalities based on factors such as race, class, gender, and sexuality.

Students pursuing this specialization will explore various theoretical frameworks and research methodologies in order to analyze how institutions shape and perpetuate social inequalities. They will examine the ways in which individuals and groups are marginalized, oppressed, or excluded from participating fully in society due to systemic discrimination, prejudice, and power imbalances.

Coursework may include topics such as social stratification, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, labor markets and employment, education, healthcare, and social policy. Students will also develop advanced research skills and may be required to complete a dissertation or thesis based on original research in the field.

PhD in Sociology Course Highlights

PhD in Sociology Entrance Exam

Most universities require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a similar standardized test as part of the application process. Some schools may also require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international students whose first language is not English.

PhD in Sociology Admission Process

Admission requirements may vary by institution but typically include a bachelor's or master's degree in Sociology or a related field, strong academic performance, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Some schools may also require a writing sample, a research proposal, or an interview.

PhD in Sociology Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements may vary by institution but typically include a bachelor's or master's degree in Sociology or a related field, a minimum grade point average (GPA), and satisfactory performance on the entrance exam.

To enroll in the Sociology PhD program, students must understand the admission criteria and all details of the Sociology PhD program. To be eligible for the Sociology PhD program, students must have completed their postgraduate studies at a UGC-recognized university.

Additionally, many universities conduct entrance exams to determine which students are eligible to attend their courses. However, other universities require a student to achieve at least a 55% grade after graduation. There is no upper age limit for this course.

PhD in Sociology Course Duration

The duration of a PhD program in Sociology Institutions and Inequalities specialization may vary but typically takes 4-5 years to complete, including coursework, research, and dissertation writing.

PhD in Sociology Selection Criteria

Selection criteria may vary by institution, but typically include academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and fit with the program's research interests.

PhD in Sociology How to Apply

Interested students should first research programs that offer a PhD in Sociology Institutions and Inequalities specialization and identify the application requirements for each program. The application process typically involves submitting an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and entrance exam scores. Some schools may require additional materials, such as a writing sample or research proposal. Students should also pay attention to application deadlines, which may vary by institution.

PhD in Sociology Application Form:

The application form for a PhD program in Sociology Institutions and Inequalities specialization can typically be found on the university's website or through an online application system. Students will need to provide personal information, educational background, test scores, transcripts, and other relevant information.

PhD in Sociology Admission Process

The application process typically involves submitting the application form and supporting materials, paying an application fee, and completing any additional requirements, such as interviews or writing samples. Students should carefully review the application process for each program they are interested in to ensure that they meet all requirements and deadlines.

The admission process for the PhD in Sociology is based on both a performance exam and an entrance exam conducted by the university/college offering the course or performance exam. We will conduct a personal interview. Admission to the PhD program This program can be implemented at any time of the year by advertising the program in employment news/web portals/newspapers.

Reservation applies to her SC/ST/EWS/OBC-NCL/PwD candidates as per Govt. Indian rules.

Merit-based admission in PhD Sociology:

Institutes/Universities may set higher credit requirements for the Ph.D. program.

Individual scholars may be required to complete more credits depending on their background and level of preparation.

The selection committee shall seek interviews and/or examinations from qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and additional more stringent criteria specified from time to time.

The selection committee recommends the names of candidates it deems suitable for admission based on the candidates' academic ability and performance in interviews and examinations.

PhD Sociology Admission Criteria Admission

National-level entrance exams like UGC NET / UGC CSIR NET / GATE / SLET or university entrance exams consisting of written tests and personal interviews.

Candidates are required to register on the official website by providing their email ID, mobile number, and password.

Fill out the online form with your personal information, academic information, and course details.

Upload all scanned documents such as photo, signature, candidate's photo ID, mark sheet, and caste certificate.

Payment of application fee through net banking, debit/credit card.

Application fees and form submissions. Submit the form and download it for future reference. Based on the information provided by candidates,admit cards will be issued to eligible students.

Candidates must take the exam on the designated exam date.

During the declaration of results, the seats and academic marks of the candidates will be allotted based on the marks obtained by the excluded students and institutes.

Candidates who have passed and passed the national-level entrance examination are exempted from the university-level examination but will be required to attend a personal interview.

Admission is based on performance.

PhD in Sociology Fee Structure

Application fees vary by institution but typically range from $50 to $100 per application.

PhD in Sociology Syllabus

The specific syllabus for a PhD program in Sociology Institutions and Inequalities specialization will vary by institution. However, common topics covered may include social theory, research methods, institutional analysis, social stratification, inequality and social justice, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, labor markets and employment, education, healthcare, and social policy.

Job Profiles After Completed PhD in Sociology 

Graduates with a PhD in Sociology Institutions and Inequalities specialization can pursue a variety of careers, including academic positions in universities, research positions in think tanks and government agencies, and advocacy and policy positions in non-profit organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for sociologists in 2020 was $86,110.

PhD in Sociology Career Opportunities

Graduates with a PhD in Sociology Institutions and Inequalities specialization can pursue a variety of careers in academia, research, policy, and advocacy. They may work in universities, research institutes, think tanks, government agencies, and non-profit organizations focused on social justice and inequality issues.

PhD in Sociology Top Colleges

The top colleges for a PhD in Sociology Institutions and Inequalities specialization will depend on individual preferences and needs. However, some top-ranked institutions in this field include.

PhD in Sociology Admission Procedure 

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2.  Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

PhD in Sociology 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 Sociology

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.