KSOU PhD in Political Science

The Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) has a prominent PhD program in Political Science that stresses academic research, critical thinking skills, and analytical skills related to policy at national and international standards. The Department of Studies and Research in Political Science was established in 1996 and provides supportive inquiry and higher learning environments with qualified faculty and university-level confirmed UGC PhD Regulations 2016. 

The KSOU PhD in Political Science is a least three-year program, extending a maximum of six years, as per the university’s rigorous and clear set of academic policies and procedures. It is multidisciplinary in nature and includes a compulsory course in Research Methodology and cognate subjects, ethical research and research publication, and political science advanced specialization. All candidates must complete coursework, seminars, and a thesis and all candidates must also participate in a viva voce; however, the whole process of the program is geared toward the development of research, ethical scholarship, and constructive practice in the broad area of Political Science.

Enrolment in the KSOU PhD programme is competitive, which covers eligibility screening, an entrance test, and an interview. The course design supports cohesion for working practitioners, giving them time to fit study around their lives without compromising the quality of research. The programme can be instructed in Kannada and English. The department promotes a learner-centric ethos where topics encourage critical abilities, engage with society and lead to issues of governance in terms of policy-making.

KSOU’s PhD in Political Science should prepare candidates for academic, policy and consultancy roles. The engagement is on developing advanced research skills, which should be transferable across governmental, non-governmental and international organisations. The department likewise would encourage social innovation, social responsibility and lifelong learning for those who wish to further higher education for social transformation and public policy in their area.

Candidates who wish to apply for a PhD in Political Science at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) must fulfill specific eligibility criteria and follow the university's application process.​

• Candidates must have a Master’s degree or an equivalent professional degree with at least 55% marks or a ‘B’ grade in the UGC 7-point scale. 
• Candidates may apply if they have submitted their M.Phil. dissertation and are waiting for their viva voce examination.
• Candidates may apply with M.Phil. degrees from Indian or foreign institutions which had been accredited by the accrediting agencies.
• Any marks given in grades or credits will need to be converted before the eligibility can be evaluated.
• Reliefs and eligibility criteria for excluded categories may be applied through the most up-to-date UGC or legislative process.
• Applicants must qualify in the Common Entrance Test or be qualified for exemption having NET, GATE, or M.Phil.
• Admission to a PhD requires the candidates to complete an entrance examination, complete an interview, and then complete a merit list.
• After transfer of the supervision, the candidate must get provisional registration in order to admission into the PhD program.

There is no EMI option available at KSOU but the fee of every program is affordable and pocket-friendly. Instead of EMI options, KSOU offers various scholarships and financial aid to students from minorities, tribal welfare departments, and so on. 

The syllabus of the PhD in Political Science complies with the UGC regulations and is also in accordance with the KSOU PhD Ordinance, and is designed to have a combination of theoretical understanding and research skill enhancement for political science scholars.

The examination pattern of KSOU consists of internal assessment and end-term examination which are divided according to the weightage of marks they carry individually, and they are combined and evaluated at the end of every semester. Internal assessment carries 20-30% of weightage which is decided by the university and a notice is circulated to the students through their official website the students can submit their internal assessment online or at the dedicated regional study center allotted by the university.

After finishing a PhD in Political Science, a range of career options exists beyond academia. Spending a few years as a university professor, teaching and conducting research, is a common destination for many of us. However, even at the professorate level, academic jobs can be quite competitive in political science. PhDs who graduate with a focus on research have good opportunities for jobs as political scientists or research managers at a think tank, or a government agency, or a research institute, where we typically garner a higher salary based on our advanced degree. 

Outside of academia, you can also work as a policy analyst, political consultant, or in an advisory capacity to legislative or governmental organizations where a concentrated knowledge of political systems is necessary. In addition, there may be international relations or diplomacy options, as well as work in an international organization or non-governmental organization (NGO). The private sector has career options such as a political risk consultant, or a data scientist, or a similar position where your primary focus is social and political metrics; if the PhD is combined with a legal degree, these jobs often lean toward taking on legal or corporate legal advisors as well. You can also work for media outlets in political journalism, commentary, or as an editor. 

Additionally, non-profits or advocacy organizations may work with political science PhDs, often as it relates to policy advocacy or with public affairs and program management. Whatever their work, political scientist PhDs use skills and expertise in research, analysis, communication, and policy formulation and offer a range of career options in academia, government or international organizations, the media, and private organizations.