PhD in English: Techniques of Writing a Winning Research Proposal

PhD is not only the highest degree but also it is considered to be a coveted goal for a postgraduate student in English Language or Literature. Of late, it has become very competitive and getting a place for research in state universities let alone in the central universities, IITs, and NITs. In this context, this article claims that what defeats the aspiring PhD scholar is an amorphous PhD research proposal. In this article, the researcher discusses the key role played by the research proposal in securing a seat for PhD, the components of a good research proposal, and the methods and approaches one needs to adopt in order to write an unfailing research proposal. Two recent guidelines for writing a research proposal for PhD in English –– Cambridge University and BITS, Pilani –– are cited with a view to discussing the ‘what’ and ‘how’ aspects of a winning research proposal. Permeated with practical wisdom, this article hopes to provide cutting-edge guidelines for preparing a research proposal for PhD and to make a breakthrough in India and abroad.