MG University Ph.D International Relation: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. UGC-NET qualification is mandatory for applying through the regular Ph.D. session notification at MGU. However, candidates who hold fellowship awards such as CSIR-UGC JRF, KSCSTE-JRF, DBT-JRF, DST-INSPIRE, ICSSR, MANF, or RGNF, as well as international students, can apply for Ph.D. registration at any time subject to availability of vacancy under a supervising teacher, without waiting for the regular session. Candidates under the Visvesvaraya Ph.D. scheme and DST Women Scientist awardees are also exempt from the regular session requirement.

Ans. The selection process involves two components: the UGC-NET score and a Doctoral Interview conducted by SIRP. For candidates who qualified UGC-NET in 2025 or 2026, the final score is calculated as 70% weightage for NET score and 30% for the interview. For candidates who qualified NET before 2025 (without grade classification), the total marks are based on the interview alone. The minimum qualifying score is 50% for General category and 45% for SC/ST. Qualifying the interview alone does not guarantee admission; the Doctoral Committee must recommend the candidate, and a vacancy must exist under a supervising teacher.

Ans. SIRP offers Ph.D. research in a wide range of areas including foreign policy analysis, India's foreign policy, defence and security studies, South Asian diplomacy, international trade and intellectual property rights, human rights, public policy and governance, political theory, comparative politics, and electoral studies. Currently, 48 research scholars are working at SIRP across these diverse areas. The school has faculty with expertise in India-China relations, India-US relations, South Asian security, and international law.

Ans. Yes, MGU permits part-time Ph.D. registration for eligible working candidates as per Clause 11 of the MGU Ph.D. Regulations 2026. Candidates applying for part-time research must submit an Employment Certificate, No Objection Certificate, or Undertaking from their employer along with the application. The minimum duration for part-time Ph.D. is typically longer than full-time, and candidates must fulfil all residency and coursework requirements as prescribed by the university.

Ans. As per the UGC Regulations 2022, the minimum duration for a Ph.D. programme is 3 years from the date of registration. MGU's Ph.D. Regulations 2026 are aligned with these UGC norms. Ph.D. scholars are required to complete mandatory coursework in the first year, which includes research methodology, subject-specific courses, and a review of published research. The coursework is evaluated through examinations and assignments before the scholar proceeds to full-time research.

Ans. Yes, SIRP provides significant research support to its Ph.D. scholars. The school publishes two peer-reviewed journals, the Indian Journal of Politics and International Relations (IJPAIR) and the South Asian Journal of Diplomacy (SAJD), which provide publication platforms for scholars. SIRP also has active research projects, academic chairs including the Korea Centre and Rajiv Gandhi Chair for Public Policy, and a Social Lab for community-based research. The school regularly hosts national and international seminars and guest lectures by eminent scholars from institutions such as the National University of Singapore, McGill University, and King's College London.