Programme Overview
The PhD in Governance and Public Policy at MIT School of Government, MIT-WPU,is designed to develop advanced researchers equipped to examine complex politicaland governance challenges through rigorous, interdisciplinary scholarship. Theprogramme integrates Political Science, Governance, Law, Public Policy andInternational Relations, with a focus on contemporary national and global issues.
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Scholars develop expertise in research methodology, critical analysis, evidence-based inquiry and original knowledge creation, supported by doctoral seminars,research presentations, publications and interdisciplinary academic engagement.The programme provides a platform to investigate emerging areas such as digitalgovernance, geopolitics, climate governance, institutional reform, regulatory policyand global governance, preparing scholars for careers in academia, research,government, policy institutions and international organisations.
Programme
School
Research Focus
Minimum Credits
Research Methodology
Programme Format
Interdisciplinary Approach
Research Exposure
Online Learning
Core Coursework
PhD in Governance and Public Policy
MIT School of Government, MIT-WPU
Politics, Governance, Public Policy, Law & International Relations
14 Credits
Qualitative, Quantitative & Mixed Methods
Doctoral Coursework + Independent Research + Seminars
Political Science, Law, Economics, Governance & International Relations
Conferences, Publications, Research Colloquia & Academic Collaboration
Up to 29% of the programme can be delivered online / asynchronously
Research Methodology, Research Publication & Ethics, Teaching Pedagogy, Indian Political System, Contemporary Global Politics & Doctoral Seminar
Key Programme Facts
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Programme: PhD in Governance and Public Policy
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Institution: MIT School of Government, MIT-WPU
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Research Areas: Politics, Governance, Public Policy, Law & International Relations
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Minimum Credits: 14
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Research Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative & Mixed Methods
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Core Coursework: Research Methodology, Indian Political System,
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Contemporary Global Politics, Research Ethics & Publication, Teaching Pedagogy
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Interdisciplinary Learning: Political Science, Law, Economics, Governance & International Relations
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interdisciplinary engagementAcademic Exposure: Research seminars, conferences, publications, colloquia
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seminarsGlobal Exposure: International faculty, guest lectures, workshops and virtual
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Career Pathways: Academia, think tanks, government, policy research,
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international organisations, consulting and public affairs
Why Pursue Your PhD With Us?
01.
Interdisciplinary Research
Explore complex governance challenges at the intersection of Politics, Law, Public
Policy and International Relations through rigorous interdisciplinary research.
02.
Research-Driven Learning
Develop advanced research capabilities through doctoral seminars, methodological
training, publications, conferences and guided independent research.
03.
Contemporary & Future-Focused
Engage with emerging issues such as digital governance, geopolitics, climate
governance, institutional reform and global policy challenges.
04.
Strong Academic Ecosystem
Benefit from Pune’s rich ecosystem of universities, research institutions, policy
organisations and opportunities for interdisciplinary academic engagement.
05.
Global Academic Exposure
Engage with international perspectives through guest lectures, doctoral workshops,
research colloquia and virtual seminars involving international faculty.
06.
Build Knowledge. Shape Policy.
Prepare for careers across academia, government, think tanks, international
organisations, public policy and strategic advisory.
Areas of Research / Scholarship
. Economic Policy and Public Finance
• Health Policy and Social Welfare Studies
• Education Policy and Human Development
• Urban Governance and Infrastructure Studies
• Energy, Environment, and Climate Governance
• Technology, Digital Governance, and Data Policy
• Rural Development and Livelihood Studies
• Governance, Law, and Regulatory Studies
• Policy Evaluation, Impact Assessment, and Applied Research Methods
• International Development, Global Governance, and Cooperation
Careers & Outcomes
A PhD in Governance and Public Policy prepares scholars to turn rigorous research into academic knowledge, policy insight and institutional impact. With interdisciplinary expertise across Politics, Governance, Law, Public Policy and International Relations, graduates can pursue diverse careers across academia, government, research and the private sector.
Diverse Career Pathways
01.
Academia & Research
Build careers as Political Scientists, Assistant Professors, Academic Researchers,Research Fellows and scholars at universities and research institutions.
02.
Government & Public Institutions
Contribute as legislative and parliamentary researchers, governance specialists, constitutional and public policy experts across government and public institutions.
03.
Think Tanks & Policy Research
Work with think tanks, policy institutes and research organisations as Policy Research Fellows, Research Associates and Governance Specialists.
04.
International & Global Affairs
Pursue opportunities as International Relations Analysts, Foreign Policy Researchers and Geopolitical Risk Consultants across international and multilateral institutions.
05.
Consulting & Public Affairs
Apply research and analytical expertise in political strategy, public policy, regulatory affairs, government relations and corporate public affairs.
06.
Development & Civil Society
Contribute to policy research, programme evaluation and institutional development across NGOs, foundations and civil society organisations.
07.
From Research to Impact
The programme develops the ability to identify complex problems, design rigorous research, generate original knowledge and communicate evidence-based insights through academic publications, conferences, policy briefs and scholarly discourse.
Research Support & Funding
Research ecosystem available to students is supported by research faculty, research-oriented classrooms and seminar spaces, library and digital resources, computing infrastructure, research software, and dedicated research workspace. University-wide facilities including the central library, digital databases, computer labs, IT infrastructure, faculty expertise and research administration can also support PhD scholars.
For full-time scholars, a stipend of Rs. 31,000 per month is provided for the initial two years, and Rs. 35,000 per month for the next two years
The following candidates are eligible to seek admission to the Ph.D. programme: Candidates who have completed A 1-year/2-semester master' s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor& 39 degree programme or a 2-year/4-semester master's degree programme after a 3-year bachelor's degree programme or qualifications declared equivalent to the master's degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institutions
accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved,
recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of the educational institutions. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the commission from time to time.
Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor's degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of commission from time to time.
Candidates who have completed the M. Phil programme with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of commission from time to time.
Reservation is applicable only to Maharashtra domicile candidates provided they submit the necessary documents for reservation before interview. Outside
Maharashtra candidates will be considered in open category.
Admission Eligibility
Selections Criteria
Candidates satisfying eligibility criterion shall be called to appear for the Ph.D.
entrance test conducted by MITWPU.
Ph.D. entrance test shall be qualifying with qualifying marks as 50% provided that relaxation from 50% to 45% shall be allowed for the candidates belongs to SC/ST/OBC (Non creamy layer)/Differently abled category, Economically Weaker section (EWS) and other category of candidates. The syllabus of entrance test shall consist of 50% of research methodology and 50% shall be subject specific. The interview/viva-voce will be conducted by the university for test qualifying candidates. For selection of candidates a weightage of 70% to the entrance test and 30% to the performance in the interview/Viva-voce shall be given. For
GATE/NET/JRF /SET/GPAT/CEED qualified students, the selection will be based on Interview/Viva Voce
The recommended candidates will be intimated through email about their selection
and the candidates will be offered Ph.D. provisional admission. The eligibility of a candidate is provisional as per information provided by the candidate in his/her application form and is subject to verification of minimum eligibility conditions for admission to the program, educational documents and reservation documents (if any).
University keep rights to cancel admission of the Ph.D. scholars in the case of misconduct by the scholar, unsatisfactory progress/absent for consecutive two progress seminars, failure in any examination related to Ph.D., fabrication found in educational and reservation documents, candidate is found ineligible, involved in plagiarism in paper publications and thesis. Provisional eligibility to appear in the selection process is no guarantee for admission
to the program.
Candidates who will join Ph.D. program full time, they will be provided with the
stipend as per MITWPU norms. Ph.D. admission will be confirmed after successful completion of the course work with 55% or more as per UGC norms. Ph.D. programme should be minimum of three years including course work and maximum of six years from the date of admission to the Ph.D. programme.
A maximum of an additional two years (2) years can be given through the process of re- registration provided, however, that the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme should not exceed eight (8) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme.
Provided further that, female Ph.D. scholars and persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two years(2) ; however the total period for completion of a Ph.D. program in such cases should not exceed ten (10) years from the date of admission of the programme. Female candidates may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days in the entire duration of Ph.D. programme.