SNU Noida Ph.D International Relation: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The key differences are in financial support and residency requirements. Full-time PhD students receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 45,000 (Years 1-2) and Rs. 50,000 (Years 3-5), an annual tuition fee waiver of Rs. 60,000, and an annual hostel fee subsidy of Rs. 60,000. Full-time students are also expected to reside on campus for at least two years. Part-time PhD students, on the other hand, do not receive any stipend or fee waiver and pay the full tuition fee of Rs. 1,10,000 per year. Both modes follow the same selection process and academic standards, and both lead to the same PhD degree.

Ans. Yes, the part-time PhD is specifically designed for working professionals who wish to pursue doctoral research while continuing their careers. Part-time students are not required to reside on campus full-time, though they may need to be present on campus for certain durations (such as coursework, seminars, and thesis-related activities). Hostel accommodation is provided based on availability during such periods. The program spans 5 years (10 semesters), with the first two semesters dedicated to coursework and the remaining time for research and thesis writing.

Ans. The written examination is 150 minutes long and consists of two questions: an essay-type question and a short answer question. The exam covers a broad range of topics including Contemporary International Politics, International Relations Theory, Indian Foreign Policy, Global Political Economy, Strategic and Security Studies, Political Theory, Current Debates in Governance, Indian Government and Politics, Political Philosophy, China Studies, Latin American Politics, and Research Methodology. Preparation should involve reading standard IR textbooks, following current international affairs, and being familiar with key theoretical frameworks in IR. A strong Research Proposal and Statement of Purpose are equally important, as they together account for 30% of the final selection score.

Ans. The Research Proposal is a critical component of the application and accounts for 20% of the final selection score (along with SoP at 10%, written exam at 40%, and interview at 30%). The proposal should clearly articulate the what (research topic), why (significance and motivation), and how (methodology and method) of the proposed PhD research in approximately 1,000 words. Applicants are strongly advised to review the research interests of individual faculty members on the department's website before writing the proposal, as availability of supervision is a key criterion for selection. A proposal that aligns with in-house faculty expertise significantly improves the chances of selection.

Ans. UGC-NET is not mandatory for admission to the PhD program at SNU. The department conducts its own written examination and interview as part of the selection process. However, having a UGC-NET certificate is an advantage and should be uploaded as part of the application if available. The minimum eligibility is a master's degree with 55% marks or a 4-year bachelor's degree with CGPA of 8.0 or 80% from a UGC-recognized university.

Ans. The IRGS department at SNU has a strong research culture with faculty publishing with Oxford University Press, Springer, Pearson Longman, and Orient Blackswan. Faculty members have held fellowships at Harvard, Renmin University (China), Sciences Po (Paris), and other leading institutions. PhD graduates from the department are well-positioned for academic careers in Indian and international universities, research roles at think tanks and policy organizations (such as the National Maritime Foundation and Institute of Chinese Studies), and senior positions in government and international organizations. The department's academic networks span Cornell, King's College London, Cambridge, and the National University of Singapore, providing PhD students with global exposure and collaboration opportunities.