Programme Overview
The PhD in Governance and Public Policy at MIT School of Government is designed to build advanced research capacity to address complex challenges in politics, governance and public policy. The programme comprises 14 credits and offers interdisciplinary learning across Political Science, International Relations, Law, Economics, Public Administration and Public Policy. Scholars engage in original research through fieldwork, academic seminars, conferences and publications, with opportunities to interact with national and international experts. Through close academic mentorship and engagement with policymakers and practitioners, the programme prepares scholars to contribute original knowledge and evidence to academia, government, research institutions and policy organisations, while developing the skills needed to undertake independent and impactful research.
Why pursue your PhD from MIT School of Government?
01.
​ Learn from experienced faculty working in the areas of politics, governance and public policy.
02.
Learn from and interact with policymakers, political professionals, practitioners and subject experts.
04.
Get opportunities to conduct original research through fieldwork, seminars, conferences and publications.
05.
Build a strong professional network of academics, field practitioners, political leaders and policy experts.
05.
Develop the knowledge and skills to contribute to academia, government, research institutions and policy organisations
Areas of Research / Scholarship
• Indian Politics and Public Policy
• Political Institutions and Governance
• Democracy and Political Processes
• Political Economy and Development
• International Relations and Geopolitics
• Human Rights and Social Justice
• Technology and Digital Politics
• Environmental and Climate Politics
• Gender and Politics
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
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An equivalent qualification recognised by the relevant statutory regulatory authority.
Candidates must have secured at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade.
• The qualifying Master’s degree must be in a relevant discipline, including Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, History, Sociology, International Relations/Area Studies, Geography, Law, Communication and Media Studies, Social Work, Global Politics, Gender Studies, Women’s Studies, or other related disciplines from an AICTE/UGC-approved institution.
• Candidates with a 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree
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.
• The qualifying Bachelor’s degree must be in a relevant discipline, including Political Science, Economics, History, Sociology, International Relations/Area Studies, Public Administration, Geography, Public Policy, Communication and Media Studies, Social Work, Global Politics, Gender Studies, Statistics, Law (LLB), Social Sciences, Humanities, or other related disciplines from an AICTE/UGC-approved institution.
• M.Phil. Degree Holders
Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. degree with at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade are eligible to apply.
• Relaxation
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
1. 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.
4. Provisional Admission
Selected candidates will be informed by email and offered
provisional admission, subject to verification of their eligibility and documents.
7. 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.
2. 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.
5. 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.
8. 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.
3. 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.
6. Stipend
Full-time PhD scholars will be eligible for a stipend as per MIT-WPU norms.
9. Maternity / Child Care Leave
Female PhD scholars may be granted Maternity Leave / Child Care Leave of up to 240 days during the PhD programme.