IIFT

About Programme Objectives Duration Course Structure Faculty Economics Division

Duration

Six Years

Economics Programme

Full- Time & Part-time

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About the Programme

The Ph.D. Economics programme at IIFT Delhi is a prestigious doctoral research opportunity designed for aspiring economists, academics, and policy experts eager to advance knowledge in the field of economics, with a strong emphasis on international trade. This full-time and part-time programme cultivates independent scholarship and original research contributions, attracting candidates from across India and overseas. The curriculum offers rigorous training in advanced economic theory, quantitative and methodological tools, and encourages interdisciplinary exploration relevant to global trade and policy challenges. Ph.D. scholars benefit from IIFT’s distinguished faculty guidance, access to extensive research resources, and participation in teaching, academic seminars, and collaborative research projects.

IIFT offers Ph.D. in Economics (Full-Time & Part-time) which shall be for a minimum of three years, including course work and a maximum of six years. During their Ph.D., the scholars may undertake theoretical or empirical research or both in a wide range of areas. During the course of the Programme, the scholars are expected to demonstrate an ability to critically analyze research findings and to understand their importance in the wider contexts and effectively communicate and disseminate research results. Graduates of the programme have an excellent record of publishing in reputed journals and hold influential positions in academia, government, and the corporate sector, reflecting IIFT’s legacy as a center of excellence in economics research and policy analysis.

Ph.D. (Economics)

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Objectives of the Ph.D. Program

One of the primary objectives of the Ph.D. program is to cultivate critical thinking, encourage in-depth analysis and enrich knowledge in the chosen field. This includes the ability to independently apply methodologies of scientific research as well as to create new scientific knowledge. Further, the Ph.D. Scholars should demonstrate an ability to critically analyze research findings and understand their importance in the relevant context. Skills to undertake and effectively communicate research results are needed to succeed in Doctoral studies. Thus, it is important to assume an adequate knowledge and understanding of the problems, research methodologies, literature review, theory formulation, and societal importance of the scientific disciplines which are related to the scholar’s own research field.

Duration of the Programme

The Institute offers admission to Ph.D. Program in Economics, both full-time as well as part-time, and the doctoral thesis under either programme must be submitted within SIX (6) years, from the date of admission. During the first year of both part and full time PhD, the scholars need to complete the coursework at the Institute covering two semesters. On successful completion of the coursework including the Seminar Paper and approval of the proposed research topic and synopsis, a confirmation certificate will be issued along with the name of the Ph.D. Supervisor. The doctoral thesis can be submitted for external evaluation only after completing a minimum period of 2 years from the date of issuing the synopsis confirmation certificate.

The Course Structure of IIFT Ph.D. Economics Programme (Full/Part Time) is as follows:

S. No.	Name of Course	Credits
1	Econometric Theory and Practical Applications	3 Credits
2	Advanced Microeconomic Theory	3 Credits
3	Advanced Macroeconomic Theory	3 Credits
4	Research Methodology	3 Credits

S. No.	Compulsory Courses	Credits
1	Research and Publication Ethics	2 Credits
2	Seminar Paper	2 Credits

S. No.	Elective Courses (students will have to opt for one course from the six elective courses mentioned below)
1	Topics in Microeconomics	3 Credits
2	Topics in Macroeconomics	3 Credits
3	Advanced Trade Theory	3 Credits
4	Empirical Trade	3 Credits
5	Development issues in India	3 Credits
6	Applied Topics in Econometrics	3 Credits