Ph.D Political Science at Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta Offline Course

Eligible candidates will have to appear for (a) a written entrance test of one-hour duration and will be called for (b) an interview only if they qualify in the written entrance test. Candidates who have already passed M.Phil. (two-year) /NET /SET /RTP need not appear for the written entrance test but will have to appear for the interview. A candidate who has a two-year M.Phil. degree from any university other than Jadavpur University will be required to submit a certificate from the competent authority stating that the selection to the M.Phil course has been made through a written test and that a full paper on Research Methodology of at least one-semester duration was taught in the M.Phil course. Otherwise, a waiver from the Written Entrance Test and/or course-work shall not be granted. Note: Applicants to the Ph. D in Economics will be allowed an exemption for the written entrance test only if: a. they have the degree of M.Phil in Economics. b. they have qualified the NET / SET / JRF in Economics. 

The minimum marks in the written entrance test, in order to qualify for the interview, is 10 (out of a maximum of 20 marks, for candidates applying under general category. Applicants under reserved category will be assessed as per relevant government order. 

The written entrance test will consist of two essay-type questions, each carrying equal weight. One question will test students’ understanding of research methodology. The second question will be subject-specific. Sample question papers are available on the Centre’s website.  4 Note: For applicants to the Ph.D in Economics, both questions will be subject-specific, with an emphasis on mathematical economics. 

The final selection will be made on the basis of the candidate’s performance in the interview, and will be based on the feasibility of the project being conducted at the CSSSC, the availability of a suitable faculty supervisor for the specific topic of the applicant’s research proposal, strength of the research proposal, and applicant’s awareness of the conceptual and methodological issues and debates within the concerned discipline.