Eight students, from different parts of India, were welcomed to the fifth batch of the NS Ramaswamy pre-doctoral fellowship programme at IIM Bangalore. As part of the one-year certificate programme, they will be mentored by faculty members at the institute, a release from the institute, said.
The NS Ramaswamy pre-doctoral fellowship (NSR pre-doc), launched in 2018, helps participants prepare for a doctoral degree. The eight NSR Pre-doc fellows will pursue their studies in areas such as decision sciences, information systems, finance and accounting, public policy, economics and social sciences, strategy, and marketing.
They will get the opportunity to engage with both current and former PhD scholars, and receive expert guidance in writing research proposals on the IIMB campus.
Tailored programme
The programme is specially designed around the needs of doctoral-level students and helps them navigate the process of applying for a doctoral degree. Once they have successfully completed the programme at IIMB, they are equipped to take tests and interviews in universities where their research areas match.
In his welcome address this afternoon, Prof Srinivasan Rangan, current Chairperson of the NSR pre-doc fellowship programme, said IIMB was proud to deliver this pioneering programme.
IIMB Director Prof Rishikesha T Krishnan welcomed the eight students to a “revamped” programme following its review last year. “I am happy to see your varied background and valued experience,” he said, noting that the programme aims to act as a bridge to help participants enter a good PhD programme.
“This is an important year in your lives as it will help you improve your credentials in applying to a doctoral programme. Use your time wisely and well. Go beyond the designed activities and leverage the larger IIMB community, especially the PhD students and academic associates here. Build your network here and collaborate on projects,” he said, wishing the students a “productive” year at IIM Bangalore.
Renewed focus
Describing the NSR Pre-doc Fellowship as “unique”, Prof Rahul De, Dean Programmes, urged the students to develop a strong focus as the rigour of the programme is high.
“Engage with faculty especially because over 50 of our faculty members are on the editorial boards of top tier journals, interact with PhD students here, participate in the numerous seminars we host here by experts from all over the world, and take full advantage of our excellent library resources,” he said.
Prof Anil B Suraj, the incoming Chairperson of the programme, who joined the event online, urged the students to use the immense academic and professional resources available at IIMB.