About This Course

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) is actively engaged in research and teaching, offering higher degree programmes that lead to Master’s and Doctoral degrees. The Master’s programme in General Studies, M.Sc. (Tech), is oriented along the streams of Communication and Media Studies and Development Studies.

Doctoral Programmes

The department’s Ph.D. programmes provide advanced expertise and research opportunities in a highly specialized field of study. The focus is on understanding how the modern world has been shaped by history, literature, music, religion, and culture.

Social Sciences explore disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology, and political science.
Humanities focus on art, music, and literature.

While the two streams are distinct, they are often studied together, as they complement and enrich each other. Ph.D. candidates gain the ability to analyze and respond to contemporary issues through an understanding of geographical, historical, economic, political, and societal factors.

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities

Institutions such as NLSIU offer Ph.D. programmes in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy (Academic Year 2025-26), encouraging candidates to conduct research across disciplines to develop comprehensive perspectives and solutions to complex problems.

Ph.D. candidates also have opportunities to teach in areas related to their research, fostering integration with the academic community and facilitating diverse feedback and mentorship opportunities.

At IISER Pune, the HSS department plays a multifaceted role in advancing the institute’s academic mandate. Faculty members offer courses and conduct research in both fundamental humanities and social sciences disciplines as well as interdisciplinary areas that bridge social and natural sciences.

The department’s scholarship spans history, architecture, literature, film and media studies, development studies, economics, political science, and sociology. In addition, it explores the interface between humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, expanding disciplinary horizons, generating interdisciplinary knowledge, informing policy, and catalyzing community-level social change.

Ph.D. Structure and Disciplines

The doctoral programme is generally discipline-oriented, offering advanced research under faculty supervision. At IISER Pune, the Ph.D. programme in HSS covers the following disciplines:

Economics
English
Philosophy
Psychology
Sociology

Additionally, research areas related to the Cell for Indian Science and Technology in Sanskrit are also supported.

Ph.D. candidates in the department engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to knowledge creation, policy development, and interdisciplinary scholarship in the humanities and social sciences.

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Eligibility

Eligibility and Entrance Test
Candidates satisfying the eligibility criteria are required to appear for the Ph.D. entrance test conducted by MIT-WPU.
Exemptions are granted to candidates who qualify UGC-NET / UGC-CSIR NET / GATE / CEED / GPAT or other recognized national tests.
Qualifying Marks and Syllabus

The Ph.D. entrance test is qualifying in nature, with 50% as the minimum marks.
Relaxation is provided to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and other eligible categories, lowering the minimum marks to 45%.
The syllabus includes 50% research methodology and 50% subject-specific questions.

Interview / Viva-Voce

Candidates who qualify the entrance test are called for an interview/viva-voce.
Weightage for final selection: 70% for the entrance test and 30% for the interview.
Candidates exempted from the entrance test (GATE/NET/JRF/SET/GPAT/CEED) are selected based solely on the interview/viva-voce.

Selection Notification
Selected candidates are notified via email and are offered provisional Ph.D. admission.
Provisional Eligibility

Admission is provisional based on information provided in the application form.
Verification of eligibility, educational documents, and reservation certificates is mandatory.

Cancellation of Admission
The university reserves the right to cancel Ph.D. admission in cases of:

Misconduct or unsatisfactory progress
Consecutive absence from progress seminars
Failure in any Ph.D.-related examination
Fabrication of educational or reservation documents
Plagiarism in publications or thesis
Candidate found ineligible at any stage

Stipend
Full-time Ph.D. scholars are provided a stipend as per MIT-WPU norms.
Coursework Requirement

Admission is confirmed after successful completion of coursework with 55% or more (as per UGC norms).
Minimum duration of the Ph.D. programme: 3 years, including coursework
Maximum duration: 6 years from the date of admission

Extension / Re-registration

Up to 2 additional years may be granted through re-registration, with the total period not exceeding 8 years.
Female candidates and persons with ≥40% disability may receive an additional 2-year relaxation, with a maximum total duration of 10 years.

Maternity / Child Care Leave
Female Ph.D. scholars may avail Maternity Leave or Child Care Leave up to 240 days during the entire Ph.D. programme.

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Phd Admission process

Colleges offering Ph.D. programmes in Humanities and Social Sciences generally admit students based on their performance in an entrance examination, followed by subsequent rounds of evaluation such as interviews.

Step-by-Step Admission Process

Registration

Candidates must first register on the admission portal of the respective college.
Use your credentials to log in after completing the registration process.
Enter accurate details including First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, Email Address, and Date of Birth.

Read Guidelines

Before filling the application form, carefully read the information brochure provided by the college.

Form Submission and Document Upload

Complete the application form with accurate details.
Upload all relevant documents in the prescribed format.
Fee payment is mandatory; applications without fee payment will be cancelled. Payment is usually done online at the time of submission.

Entrance Examination

Candidates are required to clear the entrance examination conducted by the college.
Common exams include GATE, UGC-NET, MET, ICSR, and other national or institutional tests.

Interview / Direct Interaction

Shortlisted candidates are called for a direct interview conducted by the faculty of the respective college.
Selection is based on a combination of entrance exam performance and interview evaluation.

Future Scope

A PhD in Humanities opens up a wide range of career and research opportunities, both in academia and beyond. The skills developed during doctoral studies—critical thinking, advanced research, communication, and interdisciplinary knowledge—are highly valued in many fields. Here’s a look at the career and research scope after completing a PhD in Humanities:

1. Academic Careers

University Professor / Lecturer: The most direct career path for PhD graduates is academia, where they can teach, conduct research, and publish scholarly work. Professors often specialize in one or more areas within the humanities, such as philosophy, literature, history, or sociology.
Researcher: Universities and research institutions often hire PhDs as research fellows or postdoctoral researchers. They may work on funded projects, collaborate with other scholars, and contribute to significant academic publications.
Academic Administration: In addition to teaching, PhDs can take on administrative roles within universities, such as department heads, deans, or academic coordinators, shaping the direction of research and academic programs.

2. Research Institutes and Think Tanks

Researcher: PhD graduates can work in specialized research organizations and think tanks that focus on social, cultural, or political issues. Here, they contribute their expertise to public policy research, strategic planning, and cultural analysis.
Policy Analyst: Humanities PhDs can apply their research skills to analyze social issues and contribute to policy development, working with governments, NGOs, or international organizations.

3. Cultural and Creative Industries

Museum Curator / Archivist: A PhD in Humanities can lead to positions in museums, archives, and galleries, where scholars curate collections, conduct research on historical artifacts, and manage exhibits.
Cultural Consultant: Humanities experts are often hired by governments, private companies, or non-profits to advise on cultural preservation, heritage management, or public art projects.
Editor / Writer: PhD graduates can work as writers, editors, or journalists in print media, online publications, and publishing houses, where their in-depth understanding of culture, literature, and history is an asset.

4. Public Policy and Advocacy

Advocacy and Human Rights: Many PhDs in the humanities find rewarding careers in NGOs, advocacy groups, and human rights organizations, using their expertise to influence policy and make societal changes.
Government and International Relations: PhDs in fields such as political science, sociology, or history can take on roles in government departments, international organizations (like the UN), or diplomatic services, where their research skills are critical in formulating policy or handling international relations.

5. Media and Communication

Journalism: PhD holders in the humanities can work as investigative journalists, commentators, or critics in areas like art, culture, literature, and history.
Public Relations and Corporate Communications: Humanities graduates are highly valued in public relations, corporate communications, and marketing for their ability to understand human behavior, culture, and societal trends.

6. Publishing and Translation

Publishing: PhDs can work in publishing houses, where they may serve as editors, literary agents, or researchers, shaping what books and academic work are published.
Translation and Interpretation: Those with expertise in languages and literature can pursue careers in translation, working for international organizations, publishing houses, or as freelance translators.

7. Technology and Digital Humanities

Digital Humanities Research: The field of digital humanities is growing, and PhDs with expertise in traditional humanities fields combined with technology (e.g., data analysis, digital archiving) can work on innovative research projects that merge technology with human culture.
Content Creation and Digital Marketing: Many humanities PhDs find opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital space, creating content for websites, social media, and online platforms or working in digital strategy roles for organizations.

8. Private Sector

Corporate Research and Development: Companies in various sectors (e.g., tech, finance, healthcare) hire humanities PhDs for research positions, where they can apply their analytical skills to market research, consumer behavior studies, and other strategic decision-making processes.
Consulting: Consulting firms value the problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills of humanities PhDs, especially for roles that require cultural insight, organizational development, or change management.

9. Interdisciplinary Research Areas

Gender Studies, Race and Ethnic Studies, Social Movements: Many humanities PhDs engage in research that focuses on contemporary social issues such as gender equality, racial justice, or environmental activism, contributing to both academic knowledge and social change.
Philosophy and Ethics: Some PhDs choose to work in areas of applied ethics, such as bioethics, business ethics, or environmental ethics, offering their expertise to organizations and institutions grappling with complex ethical dilemmas.

Overall Scope of Research

Research in the Humanities is about exploring the human condition—how we think, communicate, behave, and evolve. As a PhD in the Humanities, your research might:

Contribute new insights into historical events or figures
Influence contemporary political or cultural debates
Redefine literary or artistic trends
Create frameworks for understanding global social dynamics

While academia is a primary avenue for PhD holders, research in the humanities can have far-reaching impacts in policy, culture, and society. The intellectual depth and critical perspective gained through a PhD are valued in many sectors, making it a versatile and highly respected qualification.

In conclusion, a PhD in Humanities offers numerous career paths, each contributing to societal development and cultural enrichment. Whether in academia, the arts, public policy, or business, a PhD in the Humanities equips individuals to deeply understand human society and engage meaningfully with contemporary issues.

PhD Degree in Humanities - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26