topics for phd in economics in india

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• Ph.D. Programme

The Ph.D. programme is designed to create academic researchers as well as professionals who are capable of conducting policy analysis, relating to national and global economic and development issues, from a quantitative and inter-disciplinary perspective. While an interdisciplinary approach is encouraged, the programme lays somewhat larger emphasis on economics to provide an integrated framework within which various development issues can be addressed. Minimum duration of the Ph.D programme is 3 years. Ph.D. programmes involve successful completion of course work as well as submission of dissertation. M.Sc. stream students who would like to register for a Ph.D. degree need to pass the oral comprehensive examination in the form of proposal cum evaluation seminar and fulfil prescribed course and minimum grade requirements.

Admission Eligibility

(i) The applicants to Ph.D. programmes must have valid UGC-JRF/CSIR-JRF or other international level scholarship to pursue Ph.D. (ii) The applicants to PhD programmes must have studied Mathematics at the higher secondary or higher level. (iii) The applicants to PhD programmes must have the qualifying percentage of marks or its equivalent in the qualifying degrees as indicated below:

Course Structure and Duration

IGIDR offer admission to the following Ph.D. programmes:

(i) Ph.D. in Economics (ii) Ph.D. in Development Studies (iii) Ph.D. in Energy, Environment & Climate Change

The minimum duration of the PhD programmes at IGIDR is of three years including course work. To register to the Ph.D. degree, a student is required to complete 64 credits comprising core and elective courses. Students are also required to pass their proposal evaluation comprehensive examination, external thesis evaluation followed by viva-voce examination before conferment of Ph.D. Degree.

Course structure for the three Ph.D. programmes is as follows:

List of courses in – ph.d. in economics, list of courses in – ph.d. in development studies, list of courses in – ph.d. in energy, environment & climate change.

• PhD students have to pay a tuition fee of ₹ 25,000/- per semester and a hostel fee, which is 8% of their stipend amount per month.
• All students residing in the hostel will have to pay water and electricity charges as per actuals and make payments to the caterer against the food they consume. For students residing in guest house/Hostel block, electricity charges will be Rs.600/- per month.
• The tuition and other fees may be revised from time to time.

Financial Assistance

• PhD students will receive a monthly stipend of ₹31,000/- in the first two years. Those students, who fulfil the terms and conditions for PhD registration, will receive a monthly stipend of ₹43,750/- after their PhD registration in the third year. PhD students are required to provide part time research or teaching assistantship from their second year onwards.
• PhD students who enrol after successful completion of their MSc or MPhil at IGIDR will receive a stipend for three years, ₹31000/- before and ₹43,750/- after their PhD registration.

A majority of IGIDR PhD are placed as post-doctoral fellows or as faculty members in leading academic institutions in India and abroad, including Centre for Development Studies, Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP, Formerly Brookings India), Centurion Education at Chhattisgarh, Delhi School of Economics, Indian Institute of Management at various locations, Indian Institute of Technology at various locations, Madras School of Economics, NABARD, Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics NMIMS University, Trinity College, UNESCO Paris, and University of Manchester among others or in think tanks/research institutes like Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP).

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50+ Economics Dissertation Topics in 2024

Manali Ganguly ,

Mar 4, 2024

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The most popular economics dissertation topics in 2024 are economic development, economic policy and planning, impact of globalisation on economy, money and rates of interest, and international finance among others.

Table of Contents

Top 50+ Economics Dissertation Topics

The economics dissertation topics include impact of globalisation on economy, international finance, economic development, the macroeconomic features of international trade, and many more. A student who has enrolled in a BA Economics course or who is pursuing a PhD in Economics must be aware of the topics that are popularly selected to prepare economics dissertation.

Economics can be said to be a social science associated with the production, distribution, and the consumption of services. The subject analyses the efforts made by the country, organisation, or individual for the allocation of resources.

Economics covers a vast number of topics. These are macroeconomics, microeconomics, international economics, managerial economics, labour economics, behavioural economics and many more.

The list of economics dissertation topics that have been listed below are the most popular ones picked up by the students. These topics cover varied theories, laws, and principles of economics. The list has been categorised under various heads, which are as follows:

• Macroeconomics Dissertation Topics
• Microeconomics Dissertation Topics
• Economic Geography Dissertation Topics
• Labour Economics Dissertation Topics
• Environmental Economics Dissertation Topics

1. Macroeconomics Dissertation Topics

This branch of Economics studies the performance, behaviour, structure, and decision-making of an aggregate or the whole economy. Long term growth in the economy and short termed cycles in business are the two major areas of macroeconomics.

The economics dissertation topics for macroeconomics are:

• Is the system of economics practicable for all sections of a society?
• How do interest rates affect consumption in a country?
• Effect of Covid-19 on industrial production?
• Using big data in behavioural economics at macro level
• Has Brexit influenced the rate and quality of consumer spending?
• Division of tax between a buyer and seller
• How to mitigate the space between theory and practise of behavioural macroeconomics?
• FDI and interest rates in India
• Is it necessary to revise neoclassical growth according to the modern world conditions?
• Housing prices and the macroeconomics determinants

Also Check: Thesis Vs. Dissertation - Meaning, Differences and Similarities

2. Microeconomics Dissertation Topics

Microeconomics is the branch of economics that deals with the study of households, firms, and individual’s ' behaviour in allocating resources. It applies to goods and services and deals with economic and individual issues.

The dissertation topics on macroeconomics are:

• A macroeconomic study of the energy sector
• The relationship between merger and acquisition and productivity
• Inequality of income in the Indian workforce
• The antitrust regulations and horizontal mergers
• Impact of the new supermarket stores on local economy
• The impact of cryptocurrency on economy
• The concept of minimum wage for the daily wage wage earners
• Relationship between the game theory and decision theory
• Impact of eCommerce on small and medium enterprises
• Is the profit percentage made by a firm directly proportional to the size of the firm? Shed light on the telecommunication sector

Also Check : Skill Development Courses List for Students 2024

3. Economic Geography Dissertation Topics

Economic geography can be said to be a part of human geography and the economic activities that affect it. This is a subfield of economics.

The economics dissertation topics related to economic geography are:

• How is local proximity being affected by the networks? Difference between co-localized and dispersed networks
• The effect of Covid-19 on the economic life in the cities
• The role of local and regional cultures in the shaping of economic development of the entrepreneurs
• Indian economy in the post pandemic era
• National, regional, and local policies for an environment conducive to local cluster
• How does local culture help promote regional innovation networks?
• What is regional divergence? Poorest and richest areas in India in terms of wealth distribution.
• The difference in entrepreneurial behaviour between the rural and urban areas
• How can natural calamities affect the economy and resources of a localised region or state or country?
• How has recession affected the economic geography of India in the past?

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4. Labour Economics Dissertation Topics

The Labour Economics studies the role of the labour force in the production process. The labour force refers to the whole gamut of the industry, i.e., the employers and the employed.

The distinctive labour economics dissertation topics are:

• A critical and analytical assessment of a collective bargaining practice
• The role of gender inequality in the staggered growth of economy and productivity within the context of work-culture
• The impact of digitization on the labour market
• How practical are the economic labour laws in India?
• Government policies in favour of self-employment
• The impact of ‘Vocal for local’ on local and regional economies in India
• Immigration policies in India and its impact on the local labour market
• Labour exploitation in China and its impact on the labour laws of the country
• How Brexit has impacted the policy outcomes shaping the local economy of the cities in the United Kingdom.
• Cheap labour: An exploitation of the labour laws in India

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5. Environmental Economics Dissertation Topics

Environmental economics is a branch of economics that deals with the cost-effective use, allocation, and protection of the natural resources of the world.

The most popular environmental economics dissertation topics are:

• The impact of a company running on an eco-friendly model on its competitiveness in the market
• The economic and cultural impact of the of the maintenance of heritage cities on a country’s economy
• A qualitative study of the paying for recycled products
• Biological invasion and its impact on a country’s economy
• Analysing the impact of risk aversions in the context of goods and services
• Climate change and its impact on natural production and thereby on the national economy
• Does drinking clean water really impact the GDP of a country?
• The impact of greenhouse effect on the global and local economy
• Waste management procedure: implication on the environmental economy
• Economic environmental policies in the lights of natural disasters: An impact on the national economy
• Is the growth of new industries impacting the environment economy of India?
• Preservation of natural resources and its impact on the economy

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ANNOUNCEMENT

MSE invites applications from the eligible candidates for Full time or Part time Ph. D. Program in Economics for the Academic Year 2024-25.

Award of Deg ree : Awarded by the Madras School of Economics under its degree granting power as per MSE Act 2020.

Rules and Regulatio ns : The guidelines and rules for full-time and part-time PhD program are available in Ordinance 3 (in MSE website)

Faculty and Ph.D. Scholar Profiles: Please visit the profiles of faculty members: https://www.mse.ac.in/faculty/ ; PhD Research Scholars: https://www.mse.ac.in/mse-students/ and PhD Alumni: https://www.mse.ac.in/phd/

Eligibility for Full time or Part time Ph.D. Program :

(i) M.A/M.Sc or M.Phil Degree in Economics, Finance from UGC/AICTE/approved institutions including institutions of national and state importance.

(ii) At least 55% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade to percentage) at Master’s degree; A relaxation of 5% of marks (i.e., 55% to 50%, or equivalent grade) may be allowed for SC/ST/MBC/OBC/Differently-Abled candidates.

(iii) Applicants with valid qualifying tests scores in any one of the following tests is preferred:

UGC-JRF; UGC-NET; GATE-Economics; State level SET in Economics; Any other test approved by Nation Testing Agency for PhD admissions in Economics to an Indian University/Institution.

(iv)   Those who do not have any of these test scores should write entrance test conducted by MSE a day before the interview.

(v)  Part-time candidate should provide employment letter and no objection letter from the employer when the selection results of the candidates are announced. The format for NOC shall be shared by MSE at the time of announcement of the results.

Research Areas : Preference will be given to candidates interested in research areas of Development Economics, Environmental Economics, Public Economics, Macro, Industrial Organization, International Trade, Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, Behavioural Finance, Asset Pricing.

Research Fellowship :  Meritorious candidates (excluding those with UGC JRF) in the Economics program may be considered for Dr. Devaki Muthiah & Dr. A.C. Muthiah Research Scholarship and MSE Institutional fellowship for a period of three years (extendable to maximum of one more year based on performance) from the date of joining.

How to Apply: Eligible candidates can submit an online application form with basic details and upload a few supporting documents in digital form. The list of documents is given in the application form.

Admission Procedures:

(i) The applicants will submit an online application form with basic details and upload a few supporting documents in digital (scanned) form which should be attested either by a gazetted officer or a notary public. The list of documents is in the application form.

(ii)  On that basis, only shortlisted applicants will be called for the admission test.

(iii) The candidate shall be considered eligible for shortlisting if they have (a) minimum of 55% (50% for SC/ST) in the last qualifying degree and (b) who have entrance exam score from any of these JRF/NET/SET/GATE/CAT/any NTA conducted PhD entrance test score. In the absence of a national/state level entrance test score the candidate shall appear for a written test conducted at MSE. The shortlisted candidates based on ranking in (b) shall appear for an interview and the final ranking will be on the interview scores with a minimum of 50%.

Note: Decision of the selection committee will be final and candidates will be selected as per supervisor availability in the area of their research interest. All supporting documents will be verified with the originals at the time of joining and in case of is any discrepancy, the admission shall be cancelled.

Written Test and Interview Procedure:

(i) The written test for those applicants without any prior test score will be for a maximum duration of 45 minutes and candidates must answer two questions of 15 marks each.

(ii) Candidates will have to answer one question from Section A and one question from Section B. There will be four questions in each section to choose from.

(iii) Section A on Quantitative Methods will include topics in Mathematical Methods, Operations Research, Statistics and Econometrics. Section B on Economics will include topics listed in the UGC-NET syllabus with emphasis on Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and topics on Indian Economy.

(iv) The personal interview will cover topics listed in the written test and also on the research interest mentioned in the statement of purpose.

(v) Personal interview will be conducted by a panel of faculty from MSE. The interview will online for all candidates  except  for those candidates who will appear for the written test at MSE and hence will have in person interview.

Important dates

Ph.D. Admission – Notification

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Economic Sciences

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program

With an ever-increasing emphasis on a technology-driven economy, interdisciplinary economic research has become the key to global economic prosperity. IIT Kanpur’s Department of Economic Sciences – the first among all IITs – is a pioneer in economic research, teaching and outreach activities. With its rigorously trained and proficient faculty, the department is fast emerging as a prominent center for India's economic research.

The Ph.D. program in Economic Sciences was introduced at IIT Kanpur in 1974, in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Kanpur. Students in our program do research in various economics areas, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics, health economics, and financial economics. Our department provides intense training both in theoretical economics and in applied and empirical economics. The Ph.D. program is primarily designed for students interested in pursuing a career in teaching and research within academia. It is also useful for students interested in certain positions within governments, research organizations, or private businesses.

Course Structure:

• Five-years program, with a set of courses and high-quality research opportunities.
• The first year consists of two-semester coursework, followed by a comprehensive examination.
• After the first year, students devote most of their time to their own research under the supervision of faculty advisors.

The two-semester Ph. D. coursework will consist of compulsory courses in the following fields:

• Advanced Microeconomics.
• Advanced Macroeconomics.
• Quantitative Methods.
• Econometrics.

Moreover, the students will be asked to choose a set of elective courses. In recent years, the following elective courses have been offered:

• Applied Econometrics
• Bayesian Econometrics
• Contract Theory
• Development Economics
• Efficiency and Productivity Analysis
• Financial Econometrics
• Foundations of Finance
• Game Theory
• Labour Economics
• Law and Economics
• Mathematical Analysis for Economics
• Monetary Economics
• Topics in Economic Growth

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• [email protected]

PhD in Economics

The department offers a PhD program in seven academic disciplines (Economics, Literature, Linguistics, Philosophy, Policy, Psychology, and Sociology). The PhD program consists of both full time and part-time students.

Who can apply?

Eligibility: M.A./M.Sc (2 years)/M.Com/M.B.A/M.Phil or B.Tech/BE/B.Sc Engg. (4 years) or M.Tech/ME/MS Research (2-3 years)/M.D/ D.M./M.S/M.DS

Minimum qualifications: 60% marks or 6.00 CGPA on a 10-point scale and qualified GATE/ CSIR/ UGC-NET or JRF/ICAR/ICMR/ DST - INSPIRE Fellowship (check the prospectus of the current admission cycle for details about the exemptions and clarifications.)

Application process: Eligible candidates can apply for the programme at PG Admission Portal .

PhD under UQ-IITD Academy of Research (UQIDAR)

The University of Queensland (UQ), a top 50 global university, and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), an Institute of Eminence, have joined forces to create a joint PhD program that will allow scholars to deliver global impact.

All successful UQIDAR PhD applicants will be offered a scholarship to enable students to focus on their research.

Read more: https://uqidar.org/

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Home  >  Articles  >  PhD in Economics: Courses, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Scope & Salary 2023

PhD in Economics: Courses, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Scope & Salary 2023

Imtikokba Jamir

Updated on 18th August, 2023 , 8 min read

The  full form  of PhD in Economics is Doctor of Philosophy in Economics. It is a  3–6 year doctoral  course. A PhD in Economics typically focuses on developing expertise in economic theory, quantitative methods, research skills, and the ability to contribute original knowledge to the field through a doctoral dissertation.

The admission into this course is done after students clear an entrance exam, followed by a group discussion and personal interview. PhD in Economics entrance exam includes GATE, UGC NET, GRE, and JCECE.

The eligibility  into  PhD in Economics i s that a student must have earned at least 55% on their master's in economics or a related field from a recognized university. 

PhD in Economics  fees is INR 80,000 – 6 Lakhs. Some of the top PhD in Economics colleges are Banaras Hindu University , University of Delhi , Aligarh Muslim University and Amity University among others. 

PhD in Economics  syllabus  includes topics on Agricultural Economics, Financial Economics, International Economics, and more.

PhD in Economics jobs include University Professor, Research Economist, Policy Analyst, Economic Consultant, Financial Economist, International Economist, Environmental Economist and Development Economist. PhD in Economics salary   ranges from INR 8 – 20 LPA. 

Some of the top recruiters for this course are Google, Microsoft, TATA, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, Amazon , Apple etc. 

PhD in Economics: Course Highlights 

Why pursue phd in economics.

Pursuing a PhD in Economics can be a rewarding and intellectual pursuit for many reasons:

• Economics Competence: By earning a PhD in Economics, one can become proficient and knowledgeable in economic theory, quantitative methods, and empirical analysis. 
• Knowledge Contribution : PhD in Economics candidates can contribute new perspectives and information to the field of economics as each dissertation is on a new topic. 
• Research-Oriented Careers:  A PhD is frequently required for positions in academia as university professors or researchers. It enables people to instruct and guide the upcoming generation of economists, as well as open doors to important organizations.

Why Should pursue PhD in Economics?

PhD in Economics is the perfect course for people who are passionate about economics and research.  However, it might be a good fit for the following potential candidates:

• Dedicated to Economics:  People are more likely to succeed in a Ph.D. program if they truly love economics, its theory, and its practical applications. 
• People Who Are Research-Oriented:  This field is best suited for those who take pleasure in studying, developing theories, and investigating economic issues through quantitative approaches.
• Long-Term Commitment:  Earning a Ph.D. in Economics requires endurance and dedication over the course of several years. Candidates should be ready to put in the time and overcome the difficulties associated with conducting original research and writing a dissertation.

PhD in Economics: Course Duration

A PhD in Economics is a prestigious and advanced academic program that offers in-depth exploration and expertise in various aspects of economics, business, and related fields. This program is designed for individuals who aspire to make significant contributions to the field through original research, critical analysis, and scholarly inquiry. The course duration for a PhD in Economics in India typically ranges from 3 to 6 years, during which students engage in a comprehensive journey of learning, discovery, and intellectual growth.

PhD in Economics : Fees

PhD in Economics in India normally costs anywhere between   INR 80,000 – 6 Lakhs . Depending on the university, college, and region, different  PhD in Economics programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course. 

• Government Colleges/Universities: In comparison to private colleges, the cost of a PhD in Economics at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 50,000 – 2.5 Lakhs per year. 
• Private Colleges/Universities: The fee in a private institution is generally higher and can also vary depending on the college's standing and location. The costs typically range from INR 80,000 - 40 Lakhs or more.

Note: Students in the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may pay less in tuition or be eligible for fee exemptions or grants in both government and private institutions.

PhD in Economics : Top Colleges 

Given below is a list of the top colleges that offer  PhD in Economics in India along with their fees:

PhD in Economics: Admission Process

It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their postgraduate examinations and prepare well for the entrance exam. Given below is an overview of the admission process for PhD in Economics:  

• An aspirant should score more than 50-55% marks in their postgraduate examinations  to be applicable for PhD in Commerce. 
• Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
• Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degree, Aadhar Card, Photographs, etc.) in hand.  
• Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal amount of application fee. 
• The University may conduct  NET, DET, MAT, DAT CSIR-UGC NET, UGC NET,  or any state/national level entrance exam that the candidate must clear.
• It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam, and entrance exam syllabus. 
• Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center, and timings. 
• The college/university will then publish lists according to their cutoff and seat availability. 
• Some Universities may conduct a Group Discussion followed by a Personal Interview to filter potential students. 
• If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation/counseling organized by the college for further information.

PhD in Economics: Eligibility

• Candidates must have completed a postgraduate degree in Economics or a related degree from a recognized university listed under the UGC/AIU with a minimum aggregate of 55 percent and above.
• It is advantageous to the program if you have 4 years of relevant professional experience in either teaching or administration.
• Group Discussions and Personal Interviews will also be held at some reputable institutions and universities.

PhD in Economics: Entrance Exams

• IIM Ph.D. test  
• JCECE (Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Exam)  

PhD in Economics: Entrance Exams Syllabus

PhD in Economics entrance exam syllabus may vary slightly depending on the college or university. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the syllabus:

PhD in Economics: Subjects

A PhD in Economics program typically offers a range of subjects and areas of specialization that can vary based on the university, faculty expertise, and research. Here are some common subjects and areas of specialization that one might find in a PhD in Economics program:

PhD in Economics: Syllabus

PhD in Economics syllabus will vary from college to college; however, given below is an overview of the topics in each semester and year:

PhD in Economics: Recommended Books 

Given below are the names of some recognised books along with their authors in the field of Economics that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course: 

PhD in Economics: Jobs 

A PhD in Economics opens a wide range of job opportunities in business and related fields. Given below is an overview of some of the key job roles that PhD in Economics graduates can explore:

PhD in Economics: Salary

PhD in Economics salary   ranges from INR 8 – 20 LPA.  This can vary widely based on factors such as job role, years of experience, geographical location, company size, and industry sector. Below is a general salary overview for some key job roles in holding a PhD in Economics: 

PhD in Economics: Top Recruiters

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)
• Ministry of Finance
• Ernst & Young
• Google 
• Infosys 

PhD in Economics: Scope 

A PhD in Economics offers a wide range of opportunities across academia, research, government, international organizations, and various industries. With expertise in economic theory, data analysis, and policy evaluation, PhD economists play a crucial role in shaping economic policies, influencing business strategies, and addressing societal challenges on local and global scales.

A PhD in Economics also provides a strong foundation for further education and advanced research. Graduates can pursue postdoctoral positions to delve deeper into specific research areas, collaborate with renowned economists, and publish groundbreaking research papers. Additionally, a PhD serves as a stepping stone for those interested in interdisciplinary studies, allowing them to explore fields such as public policy, social sciences, environmental economics, and more. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ph.d. in economics.

The highest academic degree available in economics is a Ph.D., which emphasizes advanced study and specialized understanding in economic theory, policy analysis, and empirical research.

How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. in Economics?

A Ph.D. in Economics normally takes between three and five years to complete, depending on the university and the student's progress.

What are the eligibility criteria for a Ph.D. in Economics?

Candidates often require a master's degree in economics or a closely related discipline, as well as a strong academic record. Additionally, exceptional applicants with a bachelor's degree might be accepted by some colleges.

What entrance exams are required for Ph.D. in Economics admissions?

Common entrance exams include the UGC NET in Economics, GATE (Economics), JNU Entrance Exam, and the ISI Admission Test.

What is the scope of a Ph.D. in Economics?

A Ph.D. in Economics can lead to employment in academia, research facilities, economic consulting firms, governmental organizations, and international organizations, among other professional pathways.

Can international students apply for Ph.D. in Economics programs in India?

Yes, a lot of Indian institutes accept applications from students from other countries. They might also need you to take tests like the TOEFL or IELTS to prove your English competence.

What is the average stipend or financial support for Ph.D. students in Economics?

Universities offer different financial assistance and stipends. To help Ph.D. students in their studies, several schools provide research assistantships, scholarships, or teaching assistantships.

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Ph.D. students can avail of generous research fellowships offered by the ISI. Students who will do field work to collect their own data or have other needs for research funds can get funding from the PPRU (Planning and Policy Research Unit), an endowment given to the Economics and Planning Unit by the Planning Commission. A congenial and stimulating environment for research includes the active seminar series , the annual conference on growth and development , (one of the world’s major conferences in development economics, and the largest in India), and the opportunity to interact with internationally established empirical researchers through the International Growth Centre -ISI conferences . There are ample opportunities to go to national and international conferences and present research. Doctoral students typically get funded for one international conference a year, subject to the availability of funding. The presence of a very strong Statistics and Mathematics Unit at the ISI, Delhi, means that Ph.D. students interested in applied work or econometrics have additional intellectual resources to draw upon.

• Past PhD Students

Below are a set of FAQs that we regularly encounter from prospective students.

How do I apply to ISI’s Ph.D. program?

There are two ways of becoming a PhD student at the Economics and Planning Unit, depending on whether you want to avail of a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from the ISI, or not.

If you want a JRF , you must pass a nation-wide written selection test which has two papers: one in Mathematics (called RE 1) and one in Economics (called RE 2). The exam is typically held in the second week of May of each year. After passing the written selection test, you will be invited for an interview which is held in the first or second week of July. Successful clearing of the interview leads to the award of a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and enrollment in the PhD program. The average intake over the past few years is roughly five students.

The syllabus and sample exam are available here .

If you do not want a JRF fellowship, write to the Chairman of the Research Fellows Advisory Committee (cghate [at] isid.ac.in) with your CV. If you are eligible, you will be interviewed by a committee, and admitted to the PhD program if you pass the interview. Within two years of your admission, you must pass the written Selection Test for JRF’s. Please note that students entering through this route have outstanding academic backgrounds.

How is the program structured?

On entry to the program, based on preliminary research interests, each student is assigned to a faculty advisor. Based on the prior academic record of the entering student, the advisor recommends a sequence of courses for the student to take offered by the faculty. Most students spend their first year, or first three semesters taking a variety of regular and reading courses (mainly in the Economics and Planning Unit, but also in the Stat-Math unit). Strong course work is an essential ingredient in writing a good thesis. These courses are taken for a grade and are rigorous and demanding. After two years, the candidate is promoted to SRF (Senior Research Fellow) assuming successful completion of their second year.

What happens after the second year?

All doctoral students are required to present a 5th semester paper to the faculty. This paper constitutes major work done by the student, whether it is empirical, or theoretical, on a first paper, or first chapter of the student’s thesis. Each annual promotion after the second year (third year and beyond) requires approval from both the RFAC (Research Fellow Advisory Committee) as well as the student’s thesis committee.

How long does it take to finish a Ph.D.?

The median is about 6 years, although many students submit their thesis in 5 and a 1/2 years. This is the same amount of time it takes in top doctoral programs in the US and Europe. Funding is currently provided for the first five years. Under the current rules, students register their Ph.D’s after the first two years.

Can I do my Ph.D. part time?

While nothing in the rules prevent this, our strong recommendation is a no. If you are employed, it is better to take study leave.

Suppose my background is in engineering or physics, or some other field, should I still take the Selection Test?

If you don’t have formal training in economics as part of your education, we strongly encourage you to contact us, or take the Selection Test. We have had several students in the past who have successfully completed our doctoral program (and passed the Selection Test) who didn’t have economics as a first line of study.

If I choose to work, do I have to give up my JRF/SRF Funding?

Yes, under the current rules, you cannot be paid by two sources.

What about hostel accommodation?

This is provided to all Ph.D. students who wish to avail of it.

Why should I do my Ph.D. at the ISI?

Because it is a world-class doctoral program in economics, with top faculty in many fields. We find there is huge value added to our students compared to when they enter. They are able to think on their feet when they are done, and become outstanding faculty members in other universities.

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