AMU Ph.D Strategy and Public Policy: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The Ph.D. in Strategic, Security and Peace Studies at AMU is a specialised programme focused on national security, strategic affairs, arms control, conflict resolution, and international peace. It is offered by the dedicated Department of Strategic, Security and Peace Studies under the Faculty of International Studies, which has a distinct focus on West Asian affairs, India's strategic environment, and global security architecture. In contrast, Ph.D. in Political Science is a broader programme covering political theory, comparative politics, Indian politics, and public administration. If your research interest is specifically in security studies, foreign policy, or conflict resolution, the Strategic Studies programme is more appropriate. The department's location within the Faculty of International Studies also provides access to expertise in West Asian, Chinese, Russian, and European affairs.

Ans. UGC-NET/JRF is not mandatory but is highly advantageous. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/JRF in Political Science or International Relations are given preference and may be exempted from the written departmental admission test. However, all candidates are typically required to appear for an interview. Candidates without NET/JRF must appear in both the written test and interview. Qualifying JRF also entitles you to a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 (JRF) or Rs. 42,000 (SRF), making it financially beneficial. The UGC-NET is conducted twice a year, and candidates are advised to qualify it before applying for Ph.D. admission.

Ans. The department covers a wide range of research areas including India's national security policy, nuclear strategy and arms control, India-Pakistan relations, India-China strategic competition, West Asian geopolitics, terrorism and counter-terrorism, peacekeeping and conflict resolution, international law and security, and India's foreign policy. Given AMU's historical connections with West Asia and its strong Arabic and Persian language departments, research on West Asian security, Gulf politics, and India's engagement with the Arab world is particularly well-supported. Students are encouraged to engage with policy-relevant research that can contribute to India's strategic discourse.

Ans. A Ph.D. in Strategic, Security and Peace Studies from AMU opens diverse career pathways. Graduates can pursue academic positions as Assistant Professor in universities and colleges (after qualifying UGC-NET), research fellowships at think tanks such as IDSA (Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses), ORF (Observer Research Foundation), ICWA (Indian Council of World Affairs), and Carnegie India. Government career opportunities include the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and research positions in the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and National Security Council Secretariat. International organisations such as the UN, UNDP, and regional bodies also recruit strategic studies scholars.

Ans. The minimum duration for a Ph.D. at AMU is 3 years from the date of registration, and the maximum is typically 5-6 years. Scholars are required to complete coursework in the first year, followed by research work under the supervision of a faculty member. Regular progress reviews are conducted by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC). The thesis must be submitted to the university, after which it is evaluated by external examiners. A viva voce examination is conducted after the thesis evaluation. Scholars who have qualified JRF receive fellowship support for 2 years as JRF and can be upgraded to SRF for an additional 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress.

Ans. The primary eligibility requirement is a Master's degree in International Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Strategic Studies, Public Policy, or a related discipline. Candidates from other backgrounds such as History, Economics, Law, or even Engineering (with a strong interest in defence technology and security) may be considered if they can demonstrate a clear research interest in strategic or security studies. The department evaluates each application on its merits during the interview. Candidates are advised to clearly articulate their research proposal and identify a potential supervisor from the department before applying, as this significantly strengthens the application.