PhD Programme 2025–26 | Ashank Desai Centre for Policy Studies, IIT Bombay

PhD in Public Policy | IIT Bombay

Ashank Desai Centre for Policy Studies (ADCPS)

Handbook 2025–2026

🌟 Introduction

The Ashank Desai Centre for Policy Studies (ADCPS) at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) is proud to welcome the 9th PhD cohort (2025–26) in Public Policy.

Policy Studies at IIT Bombay is a growing, interdisciplinary field that combines the analytical rigour of social sciences with insights from technology, law, and governance. The PhD programme at ADCPS is designed to nurture scholars who engage critically with real-world policy challenges through evidence-based and inclusive approaches.

"At the Centre, we value interdisciplinarity, rigour, and real-world relevance — principles that shape our teaching, research, and student culture."

— Prof. Vinish Kathuria, Head, ADCPS

Vision

To become a centre of excellence that promotes evidence-informed and inclusive public policy.

🏛️ Mission

To foster sustained dialogue between academia and policy stakeholders, strengthen research capacity, and promote innovative and inclusive policy analysis in India.

Programme Overview

The PhD in Public Policy at IIT Bombay offers a rigorous and flexible academic structure combining theoretical grounding, research methodology, and interdisciplinary electives.

Structure at a Glance

• Duration: Minimum 3 years
• Coursework: Mandatory in the first year (Core + Electives)
• Semesters: Autumn (July–Nov) & Spring (Jan–Apr)
• Confirmation: After completion of coursework and research proposal approval

Core Courses Include:

• Public Policy Theory I
• Social Science Perspectives in Public Policy
• Public Policy in India: History, Institutions, and Practice
• Research Methodology and Design
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
• Writing Policy

Skill-Based Electives (3 Credits):

• Data Analytics for Public Policy
• GIS for Policy Analysis
• Public Finance and Budget Analysis
• Crafting Narratives to Shape Policy
• Making Documentaries for Policy Change

Full course list available at:

🔗 https://www.cps.iitb.ac.in/research

🔬 Research Themes

The Centre’s research is organised around five thematic areas:

1. Digital Society & Governance – Exploring issues of privacy, data localisation, e-commerce, and political economy of technology.
2. Social Policy – Analysing education, ageing, gender, and identity through interdisciplinary lenses.
3. Technology & Policy – Studying the intersection of innovation, science, and governance.
4. Urban Policy – Addressing housing, segregation, and urban sustainability.
5. Water, Sanitation, Energy & Climate Change – Focusing on environmental governance and sustainability.

💰 Financial Support

ADCPS provides Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA), and Fellowships to eligible PhD scholars.

Financial assistance is also available for international conferences, fieldwork, and academic travel as per IIT Bombay guidelines.

Learn more:

🔗 Financial Assistance & Policies

🌈 Student Wellness & Ethics

The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) at IIT Bombay ensures emotional and academic wellbeing for all scholars.

All research involving human participants requires Ethics Committee approval before commencement, ensuring ethical and responsible research practices.

More details:

🔗 Student Wellness Centre

🏅 Key Features

✅ Interdisciplinary curriculum

✅ Experienced and diverse faculty

✅ Strong research mentorship

✅ TA/RA opportunities and funding

✅ Access to national & international conferences

✅ Inclusive and student-supportive campus environment

See Details