TISS Hyderabad Ph.D Social Sciences: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. UGC-NET has three categories: Category 1 (JRF holders eligible for JRF award and Assistant Professor position), Category 2 (eligible for Assistant Professor position only), and Category 3 (eligible for PhD admission only). JRF holders (Category 1) are selected based on interview performance alone. Category 2 and 3 candidates are evaluated on 70% NET score and 30% interview performance. All categories are eligible for PhD admission at TISS.

Ans. The PhD Social Sciences program at TISS Hyderabad focuses on three specialized research areas: Climate Change Adaptation (addressing climate resilience and environmental sustainability), Indigenous Community and Identity (exploring indigenous knowledge systems and cultural preservation), and Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) (focusing on water access, sanitation systems, and public health). These areas align with sustainable development goals and contemporary social challenges.

Ans. PhD graduates pursue careers as academic researchers, university faculty, policy researchers, and consultants in development organizations. Career opportunities span government agencies, research institutions, international organizations like UNDP and World Bank, NGOs, and development agencies. Many graduates contribute to policy development in climate change, indigenous rights, and public health sectors at national and international levels.

Ans. The PhD program is offered in regular full-time mode only. Full-time scholars must maintain daily attendance and participate in coursework, seminars, and research activities. However, if a full-time scholar gets employment, they can request conversion to part-time PhD status. The program requires intensive research engagement and regular interaction with advisors and research committees.

Ans. All PhD scholars must complete minimum 12 credits of coursework including mandatory "Research and Publication Ethics" course and courses on qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Coursework is offered in offline classroom mode during the first and second semesters. Scholars must obtain minimum 55% marks in coursework to continue in the program and submit their thesis.

Ans. Limited hostel seats are available for full-time PhD scholars allocated on need-cum-merit basis. Hostel accommodation is provided for the full duration of three years at ₹20,000 per semester. Dining hall advance is ₹20,000 per semester with actual consumption charges deducted. PhD scholars have hostel seats available for the full year. Scholars must vacate hostels after completing three years.