The PhD program at the Jindal School of International Affairs is a research-intensive program designed to equip scholars with the theoretical and methodological expertise required to critically analyze complex socio-economic and political phenomena at the national, subnational, and international levels. We aim to cultivate independent research capabilities and methodological competency among our scholars to prepare them for distinguished careers in both academic and non-academic settings, including in universities, policy think tanks and governmental sector.
Our faculty members engage in high-impact empirical and theoretical research, often adopting transboundary epistemological perspectives. While our scholars work across disciplines, their expertise generally falls within the following domains:
| Political Philosophy/Comparative Political Theory | Comparative Politics | Sociology |
| Political Economy | International Relations | Indian Governance & Politics |
| Critical Security Studies | Indian and Global History | Area Studies |
Faculty Research Areas
In Indian governance and politics, the faculty bring together research in social movements, electoral system, identity politics, and the study of Indian political institutions.
Our comparative politics and international relations faculty focus on civil and ethnic conflicts, counterinsurgency, migration, populism and nationalism, algorithmic governance, technology and society, disarmament, nuclear politics, and international organizations.
In global history, the faculty engages in maritime history, historiography, and intra-imperial networks.
In political economy, the focus is on the political economy of development and alternative/critical political economic approaches.
Our faculty approaches political theory/political philosophy as a relation with the ethical domain. Candidates can devise a project that is either conceptual, selecting thinkers, or studying phenomenon. We encourage research that is attentive to the comparative framework of political concepts in the West and theorizations from other parts of the world.
In terms of geographic interests, our faculty specializes in China Studies, Japanese Studies, South and South-East Asian Studies, and East European Studies.
We seek studens who are not only highly motivated, but also whose interests overlap with those of our faculty. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to review the JSIA Faculty Profiles to identify potential supervisors whose expertise aligns with their proposed research area. Our faculty webpage provides detailed information regarding their current projects, ongoing research activities, and recent publications: https://jgu.edu.in/jsia/faculty
Eligibility
Master’s in international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, and relevant fields with at least 55% marks or equivalent grades.
A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade in the required educational qualification allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) / differently abled and other categories of candidates. A differently abled candidate must have a disability of at least 40%, as certified by a competent authority, and pass the required educational qualification (a Master’sdegree) to be eligible for the relaxation.
NET and/or M.Phil. in related fields are additional (not essential) qualifications.
For part time students, applicants with more than 3 years of industry / teaching / practicing/ managerial / professional experience will be given preference.
More info: https://jgu.edu.in/ods/phd-toolkit
Selection Process
All applicants, even those with NET, JRF, etc, must go through the JGU applicant selection process consisting of a two-part written entrance test and interview.
Applicants shall be admitted to the Ph.D. Programme under one of the following categories:
Applications for admission are accepted continuously throughout the year on a rolling basis. An applicant shall submit an online application through the JGU website link https://admissions.jgu.edu.in/
Duration of Program
The minimum and maximum period of study and research shall be three years and six years respectively from the date of registration of the student.
Program Structure
In the first year, you must complete the core classes and tutorials. In the second year, you must defend the synopsis, and thereafter, scholars can engage in completion and defense of their dissertations.
See Ph.D. Toolkit here for additional information about doctoral process.
Important Advisory for Students and Parents
O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) does not appoint or authorise any agent, intermediary, or consultant for admissions to any the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes offered by JGU.
If any individual or organisation approaches you demanding money, donations, or favours for admission, please immediately report the matter to the police and to the Registrar of the O.P.Jindal Global University at registraroffice@jgu.edu.in
All admissions to JGU’s academic programmes are conducted strictly on merit. JGU has no management quota, no donation/capitation seats, no NRI/Foreign National quota, and no special quota of any kind.
Paying or offering any form of donation or capitation fee for admission to JGU is illegal, and individuals involved in such activities are liable for criminal prosecution.
For all official information and admission-related queries, please contact the Admissions Office directly and apply only through the University’s official website: www.jgu.edu.in