Master’s Degree: Candidates must have a Master’s degree in a relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-A/OBC-B/PwD candidates).
Entrance Exam: Candidates need to qualify for the Ph.D. entrance examination conducted by WBSU.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview/viva voce.
Notification: Keep an eye on the official WBSU website for admission notifications.
Application Form: Fill out the online application form available on the WBSU website.
Documents Required:
Mark sheets and certificates of qualifying examinations.
Valid scorecard of the entrance exam (if applicable).
Category certificate (if applicable).
Research proposal.
Application Fee: Pay the required application fee online.
Entrance Exam: The entrance exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering research methodology, subject-specific knowledge, and general aptitude.
Interview: Candidates who qualify for the entrance exam will be called for an interview where they will discuss their research proposal.
Notification Release: Usually announced in the months of May-June.
Application Deadline: Typically in July.
Entrance Exam: Usually conducted in August.
Interview: Conducted in September.
Final Admission: October.
Research Methodology:
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Explain the significance of a literature review in research.
Subject-Specific Questions:
(For English Literature) Discuss the themes in Shakespeare’s "Macbeth."
(For History) Analyze the impact of the Industrial Revolution on European society.
General Aptitude:
Solve the following: If the ratio of the ages of two persons is 5:3 and the sum of their ages is 80, find their ages.
Books:
"Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques" by C.R. Kothari.
"How to Write a Thesis" by Umberto Eco.
Online Resources:
Previous years’ question papers available on the WBSU website.
Online courses on research methodology (Coursera, edX).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years.
Coursework: Mandatory coursework in the first semester covering research methodology, subject-specific advanced topics.
Supervision: Regular interaction with a supervisor, progress reviews every six months.
Facilities: Access to the university library, online journals, and research grants.
Duration: Similar duration (3-6 years).
Coursework: Coursework requirements may vary; some universities may have more rigorous coursework.
Supervision: Similar supervision structure, but the frequency of progress reviews may vary.
Facilities: Access to extensive libraries, online journals, and research grants. Some universities may have better infrastructure and more funding opportunities.
Research Focus: Choose a university that has a strong department in your research area.
Faculty: Look for experienced and well-published faculty members in your field of interest.
Funding: Compare the availability of scholarships, fellowships, and research grants.
Location: Consider the location and its impact on your research (e.g., access to archives, fieldwork sites).