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Ph.D. Economics

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Ph.D. Economics — research, data and analysis
Doctoral Research Programme

Advanced research in economic theory, policy & analysis

The Ph.D. in Economics at SGGS College, Chandigarh, offers an advanced research platform for scholars interested in economic theory, policy analysis, and data-driven decision-making. The program focuses on diverse areas such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, development economics, and econometrics — preparing scholars to shape economic strategies for sustainable growth.

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Research Areas

Four core specialisations

Macroeconomics

Research Track

Study of national and global economies — growth, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy, employment and aggregate behaviour.

Microeconomics

Research Track

Analysis of individual agents, firms and markets — consumer behaviour, market structures, pricing and welfare economics.

Development Economics

Research Track

Examines poverty, inequality, growth strategies and policy interventions in developing economies with a focus on sustainability.

Econometrics

Research Track

Quantitative methods, statistical modelling and data-driven analysis to test economic theories and inform policy decisions.

Official Course Details

Duration, seats & minimum eligibility

Course Name Duration Seats Minimum Eligibility
Ph.D. Economics 3 - 6 Years As per UGC norms

i) A Master's degree in Economics or an equivalent qualification from a recognised University with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates as per UGC norms). Candidates must qualify the entrance examination conducted by the affiliating University and / or UGC-NET / JRF / equivalent national-level test.
Course Work (Mandatory) One Semester —

All Ph.D. scholars must complete coursework covering Research Methodology, Advanced Quantitative Techniques, and a Subject-Specific paper, as per UGC Ph.D. Regulations.
Thesis Submission Within 6 Years — Submission of an original research thesis, followed by a public viva-voce examination, in line with University regulations.
Programme Overview

Rigorous research training builds the foundation

The Ph.D. Economics programme at SGGS is structured around a combination of mandatory coursework and independent research, giving scholars the methodological grounding and intellectual freedom to pursue original contributions. Coursework ensures competence in research methods and quantitative techniques, while supervised research allows depth in a chosen specialisation.

Indicative — The coursework components and research areas listed reflect the broad shape of the Ph.D. programme. For the current regulations, list of supervisors and exact requirements for the current session, please consult the latest Prospectus or Panjab University's official Ph.D. regulations.

Mandatory Coursework

  • Research Methodology in Economics
  • Advanced Quantitative & Statistical Techniques
  • Subject-Specific Paper (in chosen specialisation)
  • Research & Publication Ethics
Choose Your Focus

Indicative Research Themes

Scholars typically pursue research within one of the broad specialisations below. The exact research themes and supervisors available vary by session.

Indicative list — Refer to the current Prospectus and the list of approved supervisors for the exact research areas offered this session.

Macroeconomics

Growth, inflation, fiscal & monetary policy

Microeconomics

Markets, firms and consumer theory

Development Economics

Poverty, inequality & growth strategies

Econometrics

Quantitative methods & modelling

International Economics

Trade, finance and globalisation

Public Economics

Taxation, expenditure and policy

Environmental Economics

Sustainability and resource use

Agricultural Economics

Rural development and food policy

Monetary Economics

Banking, finance and central banking

Labour Economics

Employment, wages and human capital

Industrial Economics

Firms, competition and regulation

Behavioural Economics

Psychology of economic decisions

Two Important Conditions

For doctoral candidates

Entrance Examination

Candidates must qualify the Ph.D. Entrance Test conducted by the affiliating University, followed by an interview / research proposal presentation. Candidates with valid UGC-NET / JRF / M.Phil. may be exempted from the written test as per University rules. Notification dates are displayed on the College Notice Board and the University website.

Coursework & Publication

Scholars must complete the mandatory one-semester coursework with the prescribed minimum marks before progressing to thesis work. At least one research paper in a UGC-CARE / peer-reviewed journal is required prior to thesis submission, as per UGC Ph.D. Regulations.

Duration

Minimum three years and maximum six years, as per UGC Ph.D. Regulations and Panjab University rules.

Eligibility

Master's degree in Economics with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) and qualification of the prescribed entrance test / NET / JRF (see the table above for full conditions).

Career Opportunities

Academia and university teaching, policy think tanks, the Reserve Bank of India, financial institutions, international organisations such as the World Bank and IMF, and government advisory roles.

Ready to apply? The Ph.D. Economics programme prepares scholars for rigorous, policy-relevant research careers. Begin your application here.