The Second PhD Colloquium – Crossroads 2026
This colloquium aims to bring together PhD scholars from across India to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue on research in the broad field of development.
The Second PhD Colloquium ‘Crossroads 2026’ aims to convene PhD scholars from across India for a three-day robust interdisciplinary dialogue and discussion focused within the broad field of development. This colloquium offers doctoral students with:
- A comprehensive platform to present ongoing research and receive valuable, constructive feedback
- A chance to meet peers from across the country and fostering a vital national network
- Workshops by eminent researchers that are specifically designed to help scholars in their research journey
2nd October 2025 9.00 am IST: Opening of call for full paper and poster presentation
14th November 2025 11.59 pm IST: Closing of call for full paper and poster presentation
15th December 2025 9.00 am IST: Announcement of Acceptance
5th February 2026, Thursday to 7th February 2026, Saturday: Crossroads 2026
Venue:
Centre for Development Studies,
Prasanth Nagar, Medical College P.O, Ulloor,
Thiruvananthapuram-695011, Kerala, India
Full paper presentation: PhD scholars registered in Indian universities who are in their advanced stage of research, wishing to present a paper from their thesis are invited to apply. Candidates from the marginalised identities are encouraged to apply. A total of 24 papers will be selected. The word limit is 5000-7000 words. We accept full papers only and not abstracts.
Poster presentation: PhD scholars registered in Indian universities who are in their initial stage of research, wishing to present their thesis overview are invited to apply. Scholars interested should send a brief write up of their thesis in 1000 words. Candidates from the marginalised identities are encouraged to apply. A total of 8 posters will be selected. Selected candidates can send the softcopy of their posters which will be printed by the institute.
3rd AC round trip for the shortest route (excluding Rajdhani, Duronto, Vande Bharat, and other premium or dynamic pricing trains), free accommodation on a twin sharing basis from 4th February 2026 evening to 8th February 2026 morning and food will be provided.
Candidates interested should register in the link given below, in which they have to upload their latest CV, a full paper or a write up for poster.
APPLY NOW
For any queries contact crossroads@cds.edu or +91 -471-2774200
Mailing Address
CDS, Prasanth Nagar, Medical College P.O.
Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 011, Kerala
The first CDS PhD Colloquium, “Crossroads,” held from March 20th to 22nd, 2025.
The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) organised the inaugural edition of its PhD colloquium, Crossroads, from 20th to 22nd March 2025. Crossroads 2025 brought together doctoral scholars from across India working in diverse domains of development studies within the broader ambit of social sciences. The colloquium aimed to provide a platform for young researchers to present their ongoing work, receive structured academic feedback, and engage in peer discussions.
After a rigorous review process, 24 full papers and 8 posters were selected for presentation. Crossroads emphasised interaction, encouraging active dialogue among panellists, discussants, CDS PhD scholars, and faculty after each presentation. Every full paper presenter also received written comments from CDS faculty members.
The colloquium featured two interactive sessions: “Beyond the Buzzword: What Really is Policy?” with Prof. Suraj Jacob, and “The Craft of Non-Academic Writing and Enhancing Academic Writing”, a workshop led by Mr Ashok R. Chandran, book editor and writing trainer.
As the first event of its kind hosted by CDS, Crossroads 2025 marked a significant step toward nurturing a vibrant research community among early-career scholars.
