The Third PhD Colloquium – Crossroads 2027
04 – 06 February 2027
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 Third PhD Colloquium ‘Crossroads 2027’ brings together doctoral researchers from across the country for three days of in-depth, cross-disciplinary engagement centered on the field of development. The colloquium provides scholars with:
– A dedicated forum to showcase their ongoing research and gain meaningful, constructive critique
– An opportunity to connect with fellow researchers nationwide, building lasting academic ties.
– Specially curated workshops led by distinguished scholars, designed to support participants at every stage of their research journey
31 October 2026 9.00 am IST: Closing of call for full paper and poster presentation
03 December 2026 9.00 am IST: Announcement of Acceptance
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 3rd February evening to 7th February 2027 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.
REGISTER 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.
The Second CDS PhD Colloquium, “Crossroads,” was held from Feb 5th to Feb 7th, 2026.
The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) organised the second edition of its PhD colloquium, Crossroads, from 5th Feb 2026 to 7th Feb 2026. 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 three special session sessions: “Perspectives on Research, by Prof. Suraj Jacob, (CDS)”, “From Manuscript to Publication: An Editorial Perspective by Nachiketh Kulkarni, Senior Assistant Editor, EPW Shweta Shetty, Assistant Editor, EPW” and “AI and Research by Prof. S Chandrashekhar, IGIDR”.
