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.
Why pursue your PhD from MIT School of Government?
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​ Learn from experienced faculty working in the areas of politics, governance and public policy.
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Learn from and interact with policymakers, political professionals, practitioners and subject experts.
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Get opportunities to conduct original research through fieldwork, seminars, conferences and publications.
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Build a strong professional network of academics, field practitioners, political leaders and policy experts.
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Develop the knowledge and skills to contribute to academia, government, research institutions and policy organisations
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
Mode
Full-Time PhD
For scholars who wish to pursue doctoral research as their primary academic engagement and participate regularly in the academic and research activities of the MIT School of Government.
Part-Time PhD
For working professionals and other eligible candidates who wish to pursue doctoral research alongside their employment or professional commitments.
Duration
• Minimum: 3 Years from the date of admission
• Maximum: 6 Years from the date of admission
Eligibility Criteria
The following candidates are eligible to apply for admission to the PhD programme:
Master’s Degree Holders
Candidates who have completed:
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A 1-year (2-semester) Master’s degree after a 4-year (8-semester) Bachelor’s degree; or
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A 2-year (4-semester) Master’s degree after a 3-year Bachelor’s degree; or o An equivalent qualification recognised by the relevant statutory regulatory authority. Candidates must have secured at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade.
Candidates with a 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree
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Candidates seeking admission directly after a 4-year (8-semester) Bachelor’s degree must have secured at least 75% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade.
M.Phil. Degree Holders
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Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. degree with at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade are eligible to apply.
Relaxation:
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A 5% relaxation in the minimum marks may be granted to candidates belonging to SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / Differently Abled / EWS and other categories as per the applicable UGC regulations.
Reservation:
Reservation benefits apply only to candidates domiciled in Maharashtra, subject to submission of valid supporting documents before the interview. Candidates from outside Maharashtra will be considered under the Open Category.
Selection Process
PhD Entrance Test
Eligible candidates will appear for the MIT-WPU PhD Entrance Test. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET / JRF / SET or other recognised national-level tests will be exempted from the entrance test, as applicable. Detailed course-wise syllabus for the PhD Entrance Test can be accessed by clicking here.
Provisional Admission
Selected candidates will be informed by email and offered
provisional admission, subject to verification of their eligibility and documents.
Coursework and Duration
Admission will be confirmed after successful completion of
the prescribed coursework with 55% or above, as per UGC norms. The PhD programme
will have a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum duration of 6 years, including
coursework.
Entrance Test
The test will be qualifying in nature, with a minimum qualifying score of
50%. A relaxation to 45% will apply to eligible reserved categories as per UGC norms. The
test will comprise 50% Research Methodology and 50% Subject-Specific questions.
Cancellation of Admission
The University reserves the right to cancel admission in cases of ineligibility, submission of false documents, academic misconduct, plagiarism, unsatisfactory progress, or other violations of PhD regulations.
Extension
A maximum extension of 2 years may be granted through re-registration, subject to applicable regulations. The total duration will ordinarily not exceed 8 years. Female scholars and Persons with Disabilities (with more than 40% disability) may be
granted an additional 2-year relaxation, subject to a maximum duration of 10 years.
Interview
Candidates who qualify the entrance test will appear for an interview. Selection will be based on 70% weightage to the entrance test and 30% to the interview. For UGC-NET / JRF / SET-qualified candidates, selection will be determined through an interview.
Stipend
Full-time PhD scholars will be eligible for a stipend as per MIT-WPU norms.
Maternity / Child Care Leave
Female PhD scholars may be granted Maternity Leave /
Child Care Leave of up to 240 days during the PhD programme.