Course Content
Ph.D. in Governance and Public Policy
Programme Overview
The PhD in Governance and Public Policy at MIT School of Government, MIT-WPU, is designed to develop advanced researchers equipped to examine complex political and governance challenges through rigorous, interdisciplinary scholarship. The programme integrates Political Science, Governance, Law, Public Policy and International Relations, with a focus on contemporary national and global issues.
Scholars develop expertise in research methodology, critical analysis, evidence-based inquiry and original knowledge creation, supported by doctoral seminars, research presentations, publications and interdisciplinary academic engagement.
The programme provides a platform to investigate emerging areas such as digital governance, geopolitics, climate governance, institutional reform, regulatory policy and global governance, preparing scholars for careers in academia, research, government, policy institutions and international organisations.
Areas of Research / Scholarship
- Economic Policy and Public Finance
- Health Policy and Social Welfare Studies
- Education Policy and Human Development
- Urban Governance and Infrastructure Studies
- Energy, Environment, and Climate Governance
- Technology, Digital Governance, and Data Policy
- Rural Development and Livelihood Studies
- Governance, Law, and Regulatory Studies
- Policy Evaluation, Impact Assessment, and Applied Research Methods
- International Development, Global Governance, and Cooperation
- Public Administration
- International Relations, Global Politics
- Political Science
- Social Work and other related Social Sciences
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Sociology
- Other courses related to humanities
Duration & Fees
Duration
3 Years
Ph.D. admissions are currently closed for the Spring Semester. The application window for AY 2026-27 (Autumn Semester) will open in mid-February 2026. You may leave your enquiry, and we will get in touch with you as soon as the application form is live.
I. The Eligibility Criterion for admission to the Ph.D. Programme in Governance and Public Policy are as follows:
| Name of Ph. D. Programe | Relevant Undergraduate Degree (UG) 4-Year (8 Semesters) | Relevant Post Graduate Degree (PG) |
|---|---|---|
| PhD in Governance and Public Policy | BA/BSc 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, LLB degree, Social science, Humanities and other related courses from any AICTE/UGC-approved institutes |
Masters in 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, other related courses from any AICTE/UGC-approved institutes |
*Undergraduate - 3 Years(6 semesters) Master in a Relevant Degree 2 Years(4 semesters)
II. Selection Process for the admission to the Ph.D. program
1. Candidates satisfying eligibility criteria shall be called to appear for the Ph.D. entrance test conducted by MITWPU. The exemption will be given from Ph.D. entrance tests for those students who qualify UGC-NET /UGC-CSIR NET /GATE (valid score)/CEED/GPAT (valid score)and similar national tests.
2. Ph.D. entrance test shall be qualifying with qualifying marks as 50% provided that relaxation from 50% to 45% shall be allowed for the candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non creamy layer)/Differently abled category, Economically Weaker section (EWS) and other category of candidates. The syllabus of the entrance test shall consist of 50% of research methodology and 50% shall be subject specific.
3. The interview/viva-voce will be conducted by the university for test qualifying candidates. For selection of candidates a weightage of 70% to the entrance test and 30% to the performance in the interview/Viva-voce shall be given. For GATE/NET/JRF /SET/GPAT/CEED qualified students, the selection will be based on Interview/Viva Voce
4. The recommended candidates will be intimated through email about their selection and the candidates will be offered Ph.D. provisional admission.
5. The eligibility of a candidate is provisional as per information provided by the candidate in his/her application form and is subject to verification of minimum eligibility conditions for admission to the programme, educational documents and reservation documents (if any).
6. University keep rights to cancel admission of the Ph.D. scholars in the case of misconduct by the scholar, unsatisfactory progress/absent for consecutive two progress seminars, failure in any examination related to Ph.D., fabrication found in educational and reservation documents, candidate is found ineligible, involved in plagiarism in paper publications and thesis.
7. Provisional eligibility to appear in the selection process is no guarantee for admission to the programme.
8. Candidates who will join Ph.D. programme full time, they will be provided with the stipend as per MITWPU norms.
9. Ph.D. admission will be confirmed after successful completion of the coursework with 55% or more as per UGC norms. Ph.D. programme should be minimum of three years including coursework and maximum of six years from the date of admission to the Ph.D. programme.
10. A maximum of an additional two years (2) years can be given through the process of re-registration provided, however, that the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme should not exceed eight (8) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme.
11. Provided further that, female Ph.D. scholars and persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two years (2) ; however, the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme in such cases should not exceed ten (10) years from the date of admission of the programme.
12. Female candidates may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days in the entire duration of Ph.D. programme.
Programme Highlights
- Research Areas include Politics, Governance, Public Policy, Law & International Relations.
- Minimum Credits are 14
- Research Methods include Qualitative, Quantitative & Mixed Methods.
- Core Coursework includes Research Methodology, Indian Political System, Contemporary Global Politics, Research Ethics & Publication, Teaching Pedagogy.
- Interdisciplinary Learning includes subjects like Political Science, Law, Economics, Governance & International Relations.
- Academic Exposure includes research seminars, conferences, publications, colloquia & interdisciplinary engagement.
- Global Exposure involves international faculty, guest lectures, workshops and virtual seminars.
- Career Pathways include academia, think tanks, government, policy research, international organisations, consulting and public affairs.
admissions@mitwpu.edu.in
