Proceedings of the Programme
The programme began at 2:00 PM with a welcome address delivered by Mr. Shayan. From 2nd MSc Psychology. The session adopted an interactive approach with the use of Mentimeter, which engaged the participants effectively while emphasizing the importance of research as a foundation for academic growth.
The resource person explained that pursuing a Ph.D. is a crucial stepping stone in academia, highlighting the need for perseverance and clarity in research goals. He elaborated on competitive examinations such as:
UGC-NET & JRF
Conducted by NTA (June & December cycles)
Examination Fee: ₹1000 (General), ₹350 (Reserved categories)
Duration: 3 hours
Paper I: 50 questions (Research & Aptitude, 2 marks each)
Paper II: Subject-specific (Psychology), 100 questions, 2 marks each
JRF scholars receive ₹44,000 per month for the first two years, with opportunities for promotion to SRF for up to 5 years as full-time researchers.
GATE Examination
Conducted by IITs, with IIT Guwahati currently hosting the exam.
Provides opportunities for Ph.D. in humanities and related disciplines.
GATE qualification also opens career prospects such as Scientist ‘C’ positions in DRDO.
The speaker emphasized the significance of rapport-building with supervisors, especially through academic networking platforms like LinkedIn. He also highlighted the importance of publishing papers, research ethics, and patience throughout the research journey.
Preparation Strategies
Mr. Rajath advised students to adopt effective preparation methods such as:
Teaching others to strengthen understanding
Making personal notes and internalizing concepts
Group study and discussion
Attempting mock tests (e.g., EduRev)
Using authentic references such as Arihant and Pearson books for NET/JRF preparation
Reading research articles for intellectual stimulation and familiarization with methodologies
He also suggested useful tools and resources for literature review:
Litmaps for visual learners
Anna’s Archive, Library Genesis, Open Access databases for research articles
Oswaal books for online reading support
Opportunities & Scope
The session also touched upon the scope for psychology graduates in India and abroad. Some of the reputed institutions mentioned for pursuing Ph.D. included:
India: IITs (Bhubaneshwar, Palakkad, Chennai), Christ University, among others
Abroad: Institutions in the Netherlands and other European countries
Interactive Session
Towards the end, a Q&A session was held, where participants posed queries regarding examination patterns, research opportunities, career pathways, and interdisciplinary studies. The resource person patiently addressed these questions, offering clarity and encouragement to aspiring researchers.
Conclusion
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Reenaz Mariyam, from 2nd MSc Psychology, who expressed gratitude to the speaker, participants, and organizers.
The session proved to be highly informative, motivating participants to pursue academic excellence with patience, perseverance, and a clear research vision.
