TISS Hyderabad Ph.D Women Studies: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The PhD in Women's Studies programme at TISS Hyderabad focuses on three main research areas: Migration, Trafficking, and Gender and Education. These thematic areas are carefully chosen to address critical social issues affecting women and marginalized communities. The programme is anchored in the School of Gender and Livelihoods, which brings together scholars and researchers working on gender-related issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students can develop their research proposals within these thematic areas, working closely with experienced faculty advisors who have expertise in these domains. The research conducted under this programme contributes to both academic knowledge and practical policy interventions in these critical areas.

Ans. Yes, UGC-NET qualification is mandatory for PhD admission at TISS. Candidates must clear the UGC-NET examination conducted by the National Test Acceptance (NTA) in one of three categories. Category 1 includes candidates with valid JRF (not older than 3 years), who are eligible for both PhD admission and JRF award. Category 2 includes candidates with recent valid NET certificates (not older than 1 year) who are eligible for PhD admission without JRF. Category 3 includes candidates with recent valid NET certificates (not older than 1 year) who are eligible for PhD admission only. The NET score plays a significant role in the selection process, with 70% weightage given to NET scores for Category 2 and 3 candidates, while JRF holders are evaluated primarily on their performance in the personal interview.

Ans. The PhD in Women's Studies programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum duration of 6 years. The first year typically involves coursework completion and research proposal development. Students are expected to complete their research and submit their thesis within the 3-year period. However, if a student requires additional time, they can extend up to a maximum of 6 years. It is important to note that Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship (GoI-PMS) is applicable only up to 6 semesters (3 years), so students extending beyond this period will need to arrange alternative funding. Additionally, hostel seats are allocated only for the full 3-year duration, and students must vacate hostels after completing 3 years, even if they continue their research beyond this period.

Ans. All PhD students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits of coursework during the first and second semesters (first year) of the programme. This coursework is mandatory and includes a "Research and Publication Ethics" course as prescribed by the UGC, along with courses on qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The coursework is offered in offline regular classroom mode on campus. Students must obtain a minimum of 55% marks or its equivalent grade on the UGC 10-point scale in the coursework to be eligible to continue in the programme and submit their thesis. Regular presentations before the Research Advisory Committee are also required throughout the programme to ensure quality research progress and supervision.

Ans. Yes, full-time PhD students at TISS are mostly fellowship or scholarship holders. SC/ST students are eligible for Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship (GoI-PMS), which covers specific fee components and provides a reduced caution deposit. Under this scheme, SC/ST students pay only marked fee components and a reduced caution deposit of Rs. 2,500, with remaining fees paid as scholarship amounts are received. However, this scholarship is applicable only up to 6 semesters (3 years). OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) students also receive a reduced caution deposit of Rs. 5,000. Additionally, TISS has launched Sage-TISS Scholarships for Student Research, which provide opportunities for research-focused students. Full-time PhD students are required to maintain daily attendance and devote their full time to research. If a student gets employed, they can request conversion of their PhD to part-time status.

Ans. Graduates of the PhD in Women's Studies programme have diverse career opportunities across academia, research, policy, and development sectors. Many pursue academic careers as faculty members in universities and research institutions, conducting interdisciplinary research and teaching. Others work with research consultancy firms, development organizations, and NGOs focused on gender issues, migration, and trafficking. Some graduates join government agencies and policy-making bodies where their research expertise informs policy development on gender-related issues. The programme has a strong reputation in the development sector, and graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in organizations working on women's rights, social justice, and development. The rigorous training in research methodology and critical analysis equips graduates with skills highly valued in both academic and non-academic sectors.