PhD in Political Science and Government or Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science and Government is a 1-3 years duration doctoral-level course in India. But probably, this duration gets extended for Part-time Political Science and Government scholars up to 5 years. For regular, it is a maximum of 3 years.
The basic eligibility to take up a Doctoral in Political Science and Government is holding a PG degree in allied arts discipline since Political Science and Government comes under the aegis of Arts.
The candidates should also have a minimum of 55% in PG from a recognized institution in India with a good academic record if needed.
The PG course graduate candidates could get admission to these courses by taking up national or institute level entrance exams, counselling or interviews as made valid by the affiliated university.
Some institutions prefer to track the candidate’s academic records and other related info after entrance exam qualification. NET is the most common entrance for this doctoral course. CRET, RET, and PET are the common entrance exams conducted by a variety of institutions in order to admit the candidates.
Few familiar subjects taught under this PhD course are Research Methodology, State and Politics in South Asia, Governance and Politics in India, Decentralisation and Development in India, and India and International Political Economy.
The cost of this doctoral in Political Science and Government spans in the range of INR 25,000 to 5,00,000 depending upon the admitting university and institution.
After completing this course, the highest salary offered to the candidate is expected to be around INR 10,00,000 per annum. The minimum starting PhD Political Science and Government salary for candidates is expected to be around INR 4,00,000 per annum.
After completing this course, a candidate can work in fields like education, media and journalism, civil services, political firms, along with various government sector offices.
Most familiar posts that any PhD Political Science and Government scholars are offered are Political Scientist, Market trend Research Analysts, Professor, Public Relations Specialists, and Survey Researchers.
Course Name | PhD in Political Science and Government |
Course Level | Doctoral Degree |
Full-Form | PhD - Doctorate of Philosophy |
Duration | 1 to 3 years for regular PhD scholars. For part-time, up to 5 years depending upon the registered University |
Examination type | Year-wise course |
Eligibility | Allied Post Graduation with around 60% and academic soundness as mandated by the admitting university |
Admission Process | Entrance-based (Institute level and national level exams) |
Course Fee | Notified Soon |
Average Salary | Around 10 LPA depending upon the experience |
Top Recruiting Companies | NDTV, Transoplanet, Times of India, Poll Star, Quis Lex, India Today, Oxynello, etc. |
Top Recruiting arenas | Education Institutions, Accountancy, Media, Entertainment, Civil Services, Political firms, Government sector, Banking, Public Utilities, etc. |
Job Positions | Political Scientists, Professor, Survey Researchers, Consultant, Market trend Research Analysts, Public Relations Specialists, Political Research Associate, etc. |
Entrance-Based Admission Process
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, University of Hyderabad [UOH], Hyderabad, and Banasthali Vidyapith University, Jaipur conduct the entrance exam alone and shortlist the candidates based on that score.
After the results of entrance examinations are announced, candidates will have to go through the counseling process to finalize their seats.
The minimum academic eligibility required to appear in the entrance exam and get admitted to the course is 55% marks at the master's level.
Universities like Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi conduct a personal interview round even after the entrance exams and counseling process.
These institutions never consider academic performance during the whole admission process of a doctorate in Political Science and Government. The admission is given solely based on marks scored in the entrance exam.
But in certain institutions like IIT Gandhinagar and Amity University, Noida, both previous academic records and the entrance exam scores are given equal importance.
These institutions designate the minimum marks in PG/UG to be around 80% percent or 8.0 CGPA towards the admission of PhD. Political Science and Government degree.
The majority of the art institutions have plenty of selection criteria/basic eligibility for admitting the candidates into PhD Political Science. These eligibility criteria include:
The duration of a doctoral program in Political Science and Government varies, but it typically takes 4-6 years to complete. During this time, students must complete coursework, conduct original research, and write a dissertation. |
The selection criteria for a doctoral program in Political Science and Government typically include:
The application form for a doctoral program in Political Science and Government is usually available online on the program's website or through a centralized application system such as the Common Application.
The form typically requires candidates to provide personal information, academic history, standardized test scores, and other relevant information.
The application process for a doctoral program in Political Science and Government typically involves the following steps:
Research programs: Candidates should research programs that align with their research interests and career goals.
Prepare application materials: Candidates should gather all necessary application materials, including transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample.
Apply: Candidates should submit their completed application materials online or through a centralized application system by the program's deadline.
Interview: Some programs may require an interview with the candidate before making an admissions decision.
The application fee for a doctoral program in Political Science and Government varies by program, but it typically ranges from Notified Soon. |
College or university professor |
Political scientist |
Policy Analyst |
Consultant |
Government official |
Graduates of a doctoral program in Political Science and Government have a range of career opportunities, including:
Harvard University Stanford University Princeton University University of California, Berkeley Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of Chicago Yale University Columbia University University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Duke University |
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.