ICFAI University PhD in Social Sciences Admission 2024-25, Process, Merit List, Direct Admission

PhD in Social Sciences Course About

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.

The goal of a PhD in Social Sciences program is to train students to become experts in their chosen field of study and to contribute new knowledge and insights to their respective fields. Students in these programs typically spend several years conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor, and they may also take advanced coursework in their subject area.In the social sciences, both MRes and PhD programs may cover a wide range of topics, including anthropology, psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and more. These degrees are particularly relevant for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, research, or policy-making.

PhD in Social Sciences Highlights

Here are some highlights of MRes and PhD degrees in social sciences:

Research-focused: MRes programs are designed to prepare students for research-based careers by emphasizing research skills development, critical thinking, and data analysis.

Interdisciplinary: MRes programs may cover a wide range of social science fields and research topics, allowing students to gain exposure to different research methodologies and perspectives.

Stepping stone to a PhD: MRes programs can provide a pathway to a PhD program by helping students develop their research skills and identify a specific research topic of interest.

Professional development: MRes programs often include training in academic writing, presentation skills, and networking, which can help students develop the skills necessary for a successful research career.

Independent research: PhD candidates are expected to undertake an original and independent research project under the guidance of a supervisor.

Specialization: PhD programs allow students to specialize in a specific area of social science research, often leading to unique and innovative research findings.

High-level research skills: PhD programs are designed to develop advanced research skills, including data collection and analysis, critical thinking, and communication of research findings.

Career opportunities: PhD graduates can pursue careers in academia, research institutions, and government agencies, or in other roles requiring advanced research and analytical skills.

PhD in Social Sciences Course Details

PhD in Social Sciences Entrance Exam:

For MRes and PhD degrees in social sciences, admission may require taking an entrance exam. The type of entrance exam and its requirements vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores, while others may have their own entrance exams or require a writing sample.

• CSIR UGC NET
• UGC NET
• IIT JAM
• GPAT
• VITMEE

Why study PhD Social Sciences

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.

PhD in Social Sciences Admission:

Admission requirements for MRes and PhD programs in social sciences typically include an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as sociology, political science, psychology, or economics. Other requirements may include a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and relevant work experience.

PhD in Social Sciences Course Duration:

The duration of an MRes program is usually one year, while a PhD program can take three to five years or longer to complete, depending on the field of study, the research project's complexity, and the student's progress.

PhD in Social Sciences Selection Criteria:

The selection criteria for MRes and PhD programs in social sciences vary by institution and program, but they typically include academic achievement, research potential, and fit with the program. Other factors may include work experience, letters of recommendation, and the quality of the statement of purpose.

PhD in Social Sciences How to Apply:

To apply for an MRes or PhD program in social sciences, students typically need to complete an online application, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may also require a writing sample, entrance exam scores, or an interview. Students should check with individual programs for specific requirements and deadlines.

PhD in Social Sciences Application Form and Process:

The application process for MRes and PhD programs in social sciences typically involves completing an online application form and submitting the necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may also require an entrance exam score and a writing sample. Students should check with individual programs for specific requirements and deadlines.

The application process for a PhD program in Social Sciences typically involves submitting an online application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a research proposal. Some programs may require an entrance exam or an interview with faculty members.

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.

PhD in Social Sciences Course Fee:

The application fee for MRes and PhD programs in social sciences varies by institution and program. It is typically between $50 and $100, but some programs may waive the fee for students with financial need.

PhD in Social Sciences Syllabus:

The syllabus for MRes and PhD programs in social sciences varies depending on the institution and program. However, courses in research methods, data analysis, and critical analysis of research literature are typically included. In addition, students will undertake a substantial research project in their field of study.

PhD in Social Sciences Salary and Jobs:

The salary and job prospects for graduates of MRes and PhD programs in social sciences vary depending on the field and the individual's career goals. Graduates with an MRes degree can work as research assistants or coordinators, while those with a PhD degree can pursue careers in academia, research institutions, or government agencies. Salaries for these positions can vary significantly, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 or more.

PhD in Social Sciences Career Opportunities:

MRes and PhD graduates in social sciences have a range of career opportunities, including:

• Academic positions: Graduates can pursue teaching and research positions at universities and colleges.
• Research positions: Graduates can work in research institutions, government agencies, and think tanks, conducting research on a range of social issues.
• Policy positions: Graduates can work in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and advocacy groups, developing and implementing policies to address social issues.
• Consulting positions: Graduates can work in consulting firms, providing research and analysis services to businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

PhD in Social Sciences Top Colleges:

The top colleges for MRes and PhD programs in social sciences vary by field of study and individual preferences. However, some top-ranked universities in social sciences include:

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• University of California-Berkeley
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• University of Chicago
• Princeton University
• Yale University.

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.

Documents Checklist For PhD in Social Sciences

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

FAQs About PhD in Social Sciences Program 

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.