Ph.D. Programme

Joining the PhD programme at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic journey. The programme has challenged me to think critically, ask better research questions, and develop a deeper understanding of economics beyond textbooks. What I value most is the institute’s academic culture. The guidance and encouragement from faculty members, engaging seminars, interactions with researchers and policymakers, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow scholars have played an important role in shaping my growth as a researcher. Every discussion, whether inside the classroom or during informal conversations, has been a learning experience. The institute has given me the confidence to pursue independent research while also appreciating the importance of collaboration and intellectual curiosity. Looking back, I feel grateful for the mentorship, friendships, and opportunities that have enriched both my academic and personal development. I am proud to be a part of the GIPE community and look forward to carrying the values and learning from this journey throughout my career.

My experience at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics has been highly positive. The campus provides a peaceful and intellectually stimulating environment that is well suited for research and academic growth. One of the greatest strengths of the institute is its community of fellow scholars, whose diverse backgrounds and willingness to engage in meaningful discussions create an atmosphere of collaborative learning. The Ph.D. department has also been consistently supportive, ensuring that administrative processes are smooth and that research scholars receive timely guidance whenever needed. Overall, the institute encourages a welcoming and encouraging environment where researchers can focus on their work while benefiting from a strong sense of academic community.

With a distinguished legacy of excellence in economic research, the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics offers a rigorous Ph.D. programme grounded in a strong tradition of scholarly inquiry. The programme is applied in nature, with emphasis on policy-relevant research in contemporary areas like agricultural economics, demography, labour economics, financial economics, and development economics, equipping scholars to address pressing socio-economic challenges. It provides a conducive environment for developing advanced research capabilities and the ability to grow as independent researchers capable of producing impactful research with meaningful policy relevance.

The PhD program at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) has always ensured that I receive proper training, guidance, funding, and exposure to research and teaching in Economics. For me, the program embodies the essential elements required to cultivate competent researchers and academicians. Upon enrolling in the Economics PhD program in August 2022 under the Public Finance sub-discipline, I underwent a 6-month long rigorous coursework aimed at filling the gaps in my economics education and transitioning towards research. This was immediately followed by workshops and training programs in ‘Advanced Econometrics and its applications’ organized by the Institute with the Indian Econometrics Society and ‘The Use and Extraction of NSSO data’ which built my foundations in applied economic research before starting my research work. I was further given access and training of paid datasets and applications such as Prowess, CapEx, States of India, EPWRF, STATA, etc., along with a computer and cubicle in the Research Scholar section to begin my work. The institute’s access to myriads of journals as part of ONOS along with its vast Library have been instrumental in my research. The doctoral program at GIPE encourages all-round development in both research and teaching. As a part of this philosophy, I was encouraged to work as a part-time paid teaching assistant for my supervisor for the master’s course in Public Finance at the Institute. In my third year of the program, I was further given the opportunity to teach and was selected as an adjunct faculty in Mathematical Economics to strengthen my teaching skills. Further, to ensure I was exposed to collaborative research, I was made a member of the team involved with writing the report of the Sixteenth Finance Commission on ‘Maharashtra’s State Finances’ to which I contributed a chapter on a topic closely related to my thesis work. I have since authored both independent and collaborative pieces and published articles towards my doctoral dissertation. As a student of Public Finance, a policy-oriented sub-discipline which requires close collaboration, guidance and communication, I’ve been fortunate to enroll in GIPE to work and interact with passionate academicians in my field of study who’ve always helped me. I’ve found in Prof. K.S. Hari, a kind supervisor, maintaining an open-doors policy towards my training, always encouraging me to explore new ideas, and coming to my rescue when I’m stuck in my work. I’ve also had the opportunity to make acquaintance with my mentors Dr. Pradeep and Dr. Vitthal, with whom I’ve spent countless hours discussing research and receiving valuable feedback imperative for progress. Further, the PhD program’s regular and compulsory six-monthly progress assessments, as opposed to yearly assessments, have been extremely important to gather insights and comments from the research committee containing external members, fellow researchers as well as professors at the institute. In short, the PhD program at GIPE, through its rigorous training in economic research and its emphasis on all-round development, has been immensely instructive and has prepared me for a career in academic research and teaching in Economics.

Joining Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics for my PhD in Economics program has been a truly enriching and rewarding experience. The institute can be best described through its three key strengths—the 3 Fs: Faculty, Facilities, and Friendly Staff. These are the pillars that make GIPE an excellent place for academic and research pursuits. The faculty members are highly knowledgeable, supportive, and committed to nurturing research excellence. The institute provides excellent facilities and a conducive environment for learning and scholarly work. Equally commendable is the administrative and support staff, whose friendliness and willingness to assist contribute significantly to a positive academic experience. The training in technical knowledge and the effective imparting of advanced research tools and methodologies have greatly enhanced my research capabilities and academic growth. I am grateful for the opportunities and guidance I have been receiving throughout my doctoral journey. I am proud and glad to be a GIPEan, and I look forward to carrying forward the values of academic rigor and excellence that the institute embodies.

Pursuing my PhD at GIPE has been an incredible journey so far. The institute provides numerous opportunities for academic growth, interdisciplinary learning, and meaningful research. From engaging seminars and workshops to interactions with distinguished scholars, every experience has been intellectually enriching. The faculty is highly supportive, fostering a collaborative research environment and encouraging scholars to explore new ideas. These opportunities have significantly strengthened my analytical and research skills, making GIPE an inspiring place for academic growth.