Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Relations (IR) at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University (PDSU) is a research‑intensive programme designed for scholars aiming to contribute to academic, policy‑making and diplomatic circles. The curriculum blends rigorous methodological training with deep‑dive thematic studies covering global governance, security, economics, and diplomacy.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 55% marks (or CGPA 6.0/10) in International Relations, Political Science, History, Economics, Law, or a related discipline.
- U.G. & P.G. degrees from a recognised university (UGC‑approved).
- Qualifying the university’s Ph.D. entrance examination or an equivalent national test (e.g., UGC‑NET, CSIR‑UGC NET, GATE, or foreign equivalent).
- For candidates holding a Ph.D. in a different discipline, a minimum of 2 years of relevant teaching/research experience is required.
Entrance Examination
Structure
- Written Test – 100 marks (General Studies, Research Aptitude, and Subject‑Specific Questions).
- Interview / Viva‑voce – 50 marks (Research proposal, academic background, and motivation).
Key Dates (2024‑25 Cycle)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 1 July 2024 |
| Last Date for Online Submission | 30 September 2024 |
| Written Examination | 15 November 2024 |
| Interview / Viva‑voce | 10‑20 December 2024 |
| Final Merit List Publication | 5 January 2025 |
Details on the syllabus, sample papers and registration portal are available on the official Ph.D. page.
Fee Structure (2025‑26 Academic Year)
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Application/Processing Fee | 2,500 |
| Entrance Examination Fee | 5,000 |
| Annual Tuition & Research Fees | 30,000 per year |
| Library & Laboratory Access | 2,000 per year |
| Annual Miscellaneous Charges | 1,500 per year |
| Total (4‑Year Programme) | ≈ 1,35,000 |
Fee waivers are available for meritorious candidates and those holding national scholarships.
Admission Process – Step‑by‑Step
- Online Application – Fill the form on the university portal, upload scanned documents (transcripts, ID, passport‑size photo).
- Payment of Application Fee – Secure payment via net banking, credit/debit card or UPI.
- Eligibility Verification – University’s admission office reviews academic credentials.
- Entrance Examination – Appear for the written test on the scheduled date.
- Interview / Viva‑voce – Shortlisted candidates present their research proposal.
- Final Selection – Merit list based on combined written & interview scores.
- Admission Confirmation – Accept the offer, pay the first year’s tuition and submit original certificates for verification.
Core Subjects & Research Areas
Core Coursework (first two semesters)
- Research Methodology & Design in International Relations
- Theories of International Relations
- Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis Techniques
- Advanced Topics in Global Governance
- Regional Studies: South Asia, Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America
- International Political Economy
Popular Research Themes
- Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding
- Diplomacy & Foreign Policy Analysis
- International Security & Terrorism Studies
- Human Rights & International Law
- Global Climate Governance
- Cyber‑Security and International Norms
- Economic Integration & Trade Policy
Sample Syllabus (Year‑1)
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | IR‑501 | Research Methodology & Ethics | 4 |
| Semester 1 | IR‑502 | Advanced Theories of IR | 3 |
| Semester 1 | IR‑503 | Quantitative Methods for IR | 3 |
| Semester 2 | IR‑511 | Qualitative & Mixed Methods | 3 |
| Semester 2 | IR‑512 | Global Governance & Institutions | 3 |
| Semester 2 | IR‑513 | Regional Integration & Policy | 3 |
| Semester 2 | IR‑514 | Seminar: Current Issues in IR (Paper Presentation) | 2 |
After completing coursework, candidates focus on a dissertation (minimum 75 pages) under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
- University Merit Scholarship – 50 % tuition waiver for candidates scoring ≥ 85 % in the entrance test.
- UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) – Covers stipend, contingency grant, and tuition fees.
- State Government Scholarships – Available for residents of Rajasthan and neighboring states.
- External Fellowships – Options include the Commonwealth Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowship, and the New Delhi‑based Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) research grant.
Applications for university‑specific scholarships are submitted together with the Ph.D. admission form. External fellowships require separate applications as per the sponsoring agency’s deadline.
Career Scope & Prospects
Graduates with a Ph.D. in International Relations from PDSU are well‑positioned for diverse high‑impact roles:
- Academia – Lecturer/Assistant Professor, Research Fellow, Department Head.
- Think‑Tanks & Research Institutes – Senior Analyst, Policy Researcher, Program Manager.
- Government & Diplomatic Services – Foreign Service Officer, Policy Advisor, Strategic Analyst in Ministries of External Affairs, Defence, or Commerce.
- International Organisations – Programme Officer (UN, WHO, WTO), Regional Desk Officer.
- Non‑Governmental Organisations (NGOs) – Advocacy Lead, Project Coordinator on human rights, development, or climate.
- Private Sector – International Business Consultant, Risk Analyst, Corporate‑Government Relations Manager.
According to the latest Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) placement data, the average starting salary for Ph.D. IR graduates ranges between ₹9‑12 Lakhs per annum**, with top research and diplomatic postings offering higher remuneration and global exposure.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Ph.D. International Relations portal to download the prospectus, check detailed eligibility, and start your application today.
