DOCTORAL PROGRAMME – 2026-27
1. ABOUT ISEC
2. LOCATION
ISEC is located amidst a lush green landscape of 16 hectares at Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru, adjoining the campuses of Bangalore University and National Law School of India University. The Institute’s campus contains a rich variety of flora and fauna. ISEC campus is situated 12 kms away from the Central Railway and Central Bus stations and 42 kms away from Kempegowda International Airport.
3. ORGANISATION
The Institute is organized into nine academic research centres which are inter-disciplinary in nature viz., : (i)Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre (ADRTC), (ii)Centre for Decentralization and Development (CDD), (iii)Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources (CEENR), (iv)Centre for Economic Studies and Policy (CESP), (v)Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), (vi)Centre for Political Institutions, Governance and Development (CPIGD), (vii) Centre for Research in Urban Affairs (CRUA), (viii) Centre for Study of Social Change and Development (CSSCD) and (ix)
Population Research Centre (PRC). The faculty members of these centres supervise the Ph.D. scholars pursuing research in individual disciplines.
4. AMENITIES
(a) Hostels: The Institute has well-equipped Student hostels, separate for boys and girls. Full time Ph.D. Scholars are provided hostel accommodation at a reasonable rate.
(b) Library and Reading Room: The Dr. VKRV Rao Library, established in 1972, is one of India’s premier research libraries in the field of social sciences. Named after ISEC’s founder, Dr. V. K. R. V. Rao, an eminent economist and social scientist, the library houses a significant repository of knowledge and resources dedicated to the social sciences. Over the years, an extensive collection of books, journals, periodicals, research papers, and digital resources covering various disciplines such as economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and more has been diligently curated. The library’svast and diverse collection supports the academic and research needs of scholars, researchers, students, and professionals in the field of social sciences. The ISEC Library houses over 1.6 lakh print resources and subscribes to several important online databases for education and research purposes, including EconLit Full Text, Social Science Full Text, Statista, JSTOR, ProwessIQ, CPDx, IndiaStat, and the EPW Time Series database.The ISEC Digital Library is regarded as a national-level social science digital library in India and is open to the public. It hosts a repository of more than 26,000 digital collections, including rare and valuable resources digitized from institutions of national importance.
(c) Computer Lab: The Institute has a computer lab with high speed internet and Wi-Fi connectivity for the benefit of Ph.D.Scholars.
(d) Study Room A study room with WiFi facilities and a seating capacity of 35 is available for scholars pursuing Ph.D. and post-doctoral work at ISEC.
5. Ph.D. PROGRAMME
The ISEC Ph.D. programme begins with a 10-month coursework component. During this period, scholars receive rigorous training in interdisciplinary research within the social sciences. To continue in the Ph.D. programme, scholars must successfully pass the coursework.
ISEC offers the Ph.D. programme in two modes - (a) Full Time and (b) Part Time. Eligibility requirements and selection criteria are as follows:
(a) Full Time
Full time scholars are regular students of the Institute and are required to be present on campus. Attendance in the coursework is mandatory.
To join the programme full time, the candidate must not be more than 40 years of age on the last date of application. There is an age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST candidates and persons with benchmark disability.
The candidate must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in Post Graduation or have equivalent grades in the concerned discipline. Five per cent relaxation in marks will be made for SC/ST/ OBC – (NCL) (Central & Karnataka) candidates and Persons with benchmark Disability (PWD).
(b) Part Time
Those who are in service can apply to pursue the Ph.D. on a part time basis. There is no age restriction for part time Ph.D. scholars.
The candidate must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in Post Graduation or have equivalent grades in the concerned discipline. Five per cent relaxation of marks will be made for SC/ST/ OBC – (NCL) (Central & Karnataka) candidates and Persons with benchmark Disability (PWD).
Part time scholars may attend classes, although attendance is not compulsory.
6.FELLOWSHIP AND SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE
(a)Fellowships:
- This year, upto three (3) fellowships are available for SC/ST scholars from Karnataka.
- The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Fellowships for SC/ST scholars from Karnataka has been instituted by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka to support scholars in need.
- A limited number of Dr VKRV Rao Fellowships are provided by the Institute on merit basis for Full Time scholars who do not have fellowships from any other institution (such as UGC JRF/SRF).
- Full Time scholars who do not have any fellowships are encouraged to apply for fellowship to other funding agencies/institutions. ISEC will facilitate the submission of applications for fellowhip to ICSSR and other institutions.
- In case full time scholars do not succeed in getting any fellowship they will have to continue in the Ph.D. Programme at their own expense.
- Part time scholars will not receive any form of financial support from ISEC.
(b)Subsistence Allowance:
Full Time scholars in the institute will get a subsistence allowance @ Rs.10,000/- per month during Ph.D. Foundation Coursework (10 months).
7. ENROLLMENT / REGISTRATION
After enrollment in the Ph.D. Programme, the institute’s will facilitate the registration with an affiliated university. Provisional registration is required during the coursework period, while final registration will be done on the successful completion of the coursework and review of the research proposal by the Doctoral Committee and the Board of Studies of the respective university. Both full time and part time scholars are required to comply with all the rules and regulations and fulfill requirements related to enrollment/registration, submission of progress report, and related procedures.
8. FEES AND DEPOSITS
The scholars are responsible for timely remittance of periodical fees such as tuition, service, processing, thesis submission, other fees (Non-Karnataka fee, SC/ST of other States) etc. as applicable in the respective Universities, as notified from time to time.
Full time scholars are required to pay Rs.1,000 per annum and part time scholars are required to pay Rs.3,000 per annum towards the Scholars’ Welfare Fund until the submission of their thesis. This fund has been established for the benefit of needy scholars.
In addition, a refundable library deposit of Rs.500/- for full time scholars and Rs.5,000/- for part time scholars must be paid. The deposit will be refunded upon furnishing of the original receipt at the time of submission of Thesis.
9. DISCIPLINES FOR ADMISSION TEST
The entrance test for the ISEC Ph.D.Programme will be conducted in the disciplines mentioned below. The details of the entrance exams will be posted on the ISEC website at the time of announcing “List of Shortlisted Candidates for entrance exam”.
The disciplines and subject specializations in which candidates can appear for the Ph.D. entrance test are:
1. Economics: Micro-economics, Macro-economics, Indian Economy, Public Economics, Monetary Economics, Public Finance, Basic Statistics, Basic Econometrics, International economics.
2. Population Studies: Population Processes, Gender and Health, Population and Environment, Health Systems, Population Geography, Public Health.
3. Development Studies:
- Agriculture and Rural Development: Rural development, agriculture economics, agri-business and agri-business management/marketing, agricultural statistics, agricultural extension, production economics, irrigation, agriculture reform and policy, rural transformation.
- Environmental Studies: Environmental Economics, Ecological Economics, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Economics.
- Economics: Development economics, Indian economic history and thought, environmental studies, labour studies, monetary and fiscal policy.
- Education: economics of education, economics of labour, economics of health, sociology of education, psychology of education.
- Urban Studies: Urban growth and environment, urban ecology, urban finance, urban governance, urban infrastructure, urban and regional economics and development, urban geography, gender and public spaces, informal sector and migration.
- Social Development Studies: Marginality and development; law and society; risk studies; health and development; society, science and technology; rural-urban, industrial and post-industrial societies; mobility, livelihood and welfare; labour studies; and social policy.
10. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The aspirants for ISEC Ph.D.Programme must satisfy the following requirements:
| Sl. No. | Discipline | Eligibility Requirement | Area of Specialisation / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
| 1 | Economics | Master’s Degree in Economics / Econometrics / Applied Economics |
|
| 2 | Population Studies | Master’s Degree in Demography/Population Studies or have Master’s degree in other discipline with strong Demography Courses |
|
| 3 | Development Studies |
Master’s Degree in any discipline
Those who have a Post Graduate Diploma in any area OR Personnel Management Courses, must submit a Certificate from the University certifiying its equivalence to a Masters Degree |
Scholars with interest in the following subjects may apply: i. Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentRural development, agriculture economics, agri-business and marketing, agricultural statistics, agricultural extension, production economics, irrigation, agriculture reform and policy, rural transformation. ii. Environmental Studies Environmental Economics, Ecological Economics, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Economics iii. Economics: Development economics, Indian economic history and thought, environmental studies, labour studies, monetary and fiscal policy. iv. Education: Economics of education, economics of labour, economics of health, sociology of education, psychology of education. v. Urban studies: Urban growth and environment, urban ecology, urban finance, urban governance, urban infrastructure, urban and regional economics and development, urban geography, gender and public spaces, informal sector and migration. vi. Social Development Studies: Marginality and development; law and society; risk studies; health and development; society, science and technology; rural-urban, industrial and post-industrial societies; mobility, livelihood and welfare; labour studies; and social policy.
|
11. HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are required to submit an application form, an original research proposal, motivation to undertake Ph.D., original marks cards and various documents by the last date of application.
- The application form is available on ISEC Website, www.isec.ac.in. The applicant should submit the application online as well as in hard copy. The application should be downloaded on A4 size paper and the duly filled-in hard copy of the application form with all the relevant enclosures should be submitted along with the application fee. (Rs.750/- for General Category / Rs.250/- for SC/STs) in the form of a Demand Draft drawn in favour of the Registrar, ISEC, Bengaluru, payable at State Bank of India, ISEC Branch, Bengaluru -560072.
- Along with the application form, candidates are required to submit an original research proposal on the topic in which they plan to pursue their Ph.D. The research proposal should be within 1,000 words typewritten (on A4 Size paper; Font: Times New Roman, Size-10, spacing 1.5). The proposal should describe the research work that the candidate intends to carry out and should include the following: problem statement, major objectives and research methodology
- Applicants have to submit their motivation to undertake the Ph.D. and reasons for selecting the ISEC Ph.D. Programme in about 300 words.
- For those candidates who are awaiting their second year PG results it is mandatory to produce proof of final PG examination results (Original marks card OR Provisional marks obtained and signed by relevant authority of the University) at the time of the written test.
- The completed application with requisite enclosures should reach the following address on or before 12-06-2026.
The Registrar
Institute for Social and Economic Change
Dr. V K R V Rao Road, Nagarabhavi P.O.
Bengaluru-560 072 (Karnataka)
12. SELECTION PROCEDURE
- Screening: Preliminary screening of applications is done based on the eligibility criteria of the educational qualification of Masters Degree.
- Selection: The candidates who qualify in the Written Test shall be eligible for Centre Level Interview followed by Institute Level Interview.
- Reservation Policy: All India reservation rules (15% for SC and 7.5% for ST category) are followed by ISEC for admission to the Ph.D.Programme.
- 14(i) Travel Allowance: Those candidates who are called for written test/interview will be paid ‘to and fro’ sleeper class train fare through shortest route or bus fare by ordinary class as applicable. The candidates will have to make their own arrangements for boarding and lodging.
- 14(ii): Details of Written Test followed by Centre Level Interview and Institute Level Interview are given below:
| Sl. No. | Particulars | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Intimation to the shortlisted candidates to appear for written test | 25.06.2026 |
| 2. |
Written test followed by interview* Written Test Interview |
15.07.2026 16.07.2026 |
| 3. | Commencement of Ph.D. Programme | 04.08.2026 |
*Note: Those who qualify in written test shall appear for interview.
13. INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING THE APPLICATION FORM
In the application form candidates should clearly mention the preferred discipline (one of the specializations listed in para No.9 under sub-heading, 1 to 3) in which they are interested to write the Entrance Test (written test). For the discipline of Development Studies, candidates have to choose from the areas of specialisation in the last column of the table in Para No.10 and this needs to be mentioned in the application form.
- The application form should be duly filled and signed. Incomplete applications and application (Hard and Soft copy) received after deadline on or before 12-06-2026 are liable to be rejected/not considered for selection process.
- Do not use dash (-) or dots (...). If any item in the application is not applicable, write as N.A.
- Attach only self-attested photocopies of certificates and testimonials to the application.
14. LIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION FORM
The candidate must submit self attested copies of the following documents along with the application form:
- Matriculation Certificate (as a proof for date of birth).
- Master's Degree Certificate and Marks Card. [Provisional marks card obtained and signed by relevant authority of the University in case Second Year PG results are awaited.]
- In case of conversion of CGPA and AGP – proof on the basis which conversion to percentage is done
- Migration Certificate [Note: The Selected Candidates must be in a position to furnish the Migration Certificate (original) at the time of joining the Ph.D. Programme from the previous University / Institution].
- UGC-NET-JRF / KSET/ GATE Certificate/letter (if applicable).
- Research Proposal - Maximum of 1,000 words
- Motivation to undertake Ph.D. at ISEC– (Maximum 300 words)
- Copies of academic publications (if any).
- Testimonials of work experience (if any). (Compulsory for Part Time Scholars).
- Caste Certificate with validity(applicable to SC/ST/OBC applicants only).
- In case of applicants having Post Graduate Diploma – Certificate from the University stating it is equivalent to Masters Degree.
- Applicants who are awaiting IV semester results should provide documentary proof of the subjects covered in IV semester.
15.CONTACT DETAILS
For More Information, contact the Academic Section by e-mail aracad@isec.ac.in or over telephone (080) 23217013.