Introduction
23. Each participant of the NDC Course is required to write a thesis.
24. These notes explain the norms, specify the assignments and provide guidelines for thesis writing. The notes are laid out in two parts as follows:
(a) Part I Individual Thesis Assignment.
(b) Part II Hand out on Thesis Writing.
PART I
INDIVIDUAL THESIS ASSIGNMENT
Aim
25. The aim of the individual thesis is to enable Course Members to research and study a chosen subject of national or international interest and to make an original contribution to the existing knowledge on the subject.
Method and Scope
26. While preparing a thesis, a course member will get an opportunity to study the selected subject in detail and would thus acquire some specialisation in the subject.
27. A thesis, to be useful, has to be based on facts which are objectively analysed and interpreted.
28. A computerised word count of the thesis will be presented at the end of the thesis. The thesis should reflect ability to present facts and points of view in a concise manner.
Selection of a Topic
29. While selecting a topic the following points may be kept in view:
(a) The subject is of current national/international or service interest, for which source material is available in the College Library and can be supplemented from other libraries in Delhi.
(b) The research will be useful in subsequent service.
(c) The scope of the subject is limited both in time and in geographical area so that the study can be in some depth.
(d) The subject has a direct or significant bearing on National Security.
30. The NDC has selected seven broad themes that will be researched by the NDC course participants. Each of these themes will be steered by a nominated SDS. In turn the SDS will allot sub themes/topic to each of the participants opting for a particular theme through an iterative process. However, each SDS will be able to guide only 14 to 15 participants hence all participants may not get their first choice of theme. The seven themes and suggested topics under them will be uploaded on NDC website before commencement of the course.
31. The course participants will hand over their choice of selected three themes in the prescribed proforma at downloads. Allotment of theme for thesis topic will be put up on the Notice Board. There will be preliminary interaction with the SDS guide from 2nd/3rd week of Jan in the afternoon.
Outline
32. An outline is to be prepared by the Course Members prior to the first discussion with the respective SDS. This will be followed by the synopsis of the thesis. This will form the basis for all subsequent work.
Senior Directing Staff in Charge
33. Thesis will be prepared in consultation with Senior Directing Staff who will be available for advice and discussion. Their names will be notified along with allotment of themes.
Production of Thesis
34. Timely submission of the thesis is the responsibility of the individual officer concerned. Computer facilities are available in the Library and Raksha Bhawan, which can be freely used.
Stationery
35. Standard size (A4) typing paper available in the College will be supplied for production of the final thesis. Course Members are requested not to use any other size paper for this purpose. Course Members are also required to make their own arrangements for paper for manuscripts and draft typing, etc.
Review
36. The thesis will be reviewed by the SDS in Charge, who will discuss the thesis with the member before putting it up to the Commandant for review. Copies of selected theses will be forwarded to the concerned Service Headquarters/Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India, and/or bound for permanent record and reference by the future courses. Some theses found suitable by the Editorial Board may also be published in the NDC Journal.
Reproduction of Theses
37. Theses, once submitted, become the property of the College. Hence, reproduction or re use of the theses for any other purpose like publishing in other journals and periodicals or submission to some other University for acquiring higher qualifications are subject to the specific sanction and approval of the Commandant, NDC/ Madras University. Further, such sanction will only convey that the NDC / Madras University does not have any objection to such reproduction or re use and it may be noted that any other clearance that the Course Member may require from his/her Department or Service for such re use is invariably obtained by the officer himself/herself.
PART II
THESIS WRITING
Basic Considerations for Writing of Thesis
38. The structure and layout to be adopted in documenting a thesis in orderly fashion is given at downloads. The principles to be kept in mind are:
(a) Accuracy. There is need for accuracy in facts and figures. In this context, exaggeration, over emphasis and implied statements are inaccuracies.
(b) Brevity. Brevity means the ability to inform the reader in the shortest possible time without sacrificing clarity, completeness or style. This is not to be confused with abruptness or ‘telegraphs’.
(c) Clarity. Not only should individual words or phrases be clear and unambiguous in meaning, but the sense of the whole should be easy to understand at the first reading.
(d) Relevance. This includes both the exclusion of any irrelevant work, phrase or idea, and the inclusion of all pertinent essentials.
(e) Logic. The ideas must not be contradictory to each other and the sentences and paragraphs should be linked together. Similarly, each part of the thesis must flow logically out of the previous one.
(f) Style. Slang should be avoided. Similarly, jargons and 'officialism' mars a good style.
(g) Plagiarism. Thesis are to be scanned for plagiarism on the anti plagiarism web utility ‘TURNITIN’ prior to submission. Plagiarism is viewed very seriously and if detected will result in the course participant being barred from submitting the thesis in addition to disciplinary action being taken.
(h) Research Methodology. Books on Research Methodology are available in the library for reference.
Briefing on Thesis Writing
39. Additional details about structure and format of the thesis will be provided during the briefing on thesis writing by HoD, Defence and Strategic Studies, Univ of Madras.
Format of the Thesis
40. The format to be used and guidelines for final submission of the thesis are at downloads. The length of the thesis should be restricted to less than 14000 words, as follows:-
(a) Main Text - 10,000-12,000 words (Word count)
(b) Appendices & Bibliography - not more than 2,000 words.
Final Submission
41. Course Members should hand over two copies of the thesis along with a CD to OIC University Division (date will be intimated during course). Satisfactory completion and timely submission of thesis is a requirement for NDC qualification. All theses submitted after time schedule are to be forwarded to OIC University Division with a covering note from the respective SDS. The note is to contain reasons for the delay and recommendation regarding condoning of the delay. Such theses will NOT be considered for award of prize.
Assessment
42. All theses will be assessed in accordance with the scheme of awarding marks for various aspects by the SDS concerned and the Commandant. The assessment will be carried out for the following purposes: -
(a) Reference to concerned organisations/ Ministries/ departments.
(b) Selection for publication.
(c) Award of MPhil degree, consideration for Colonel Pyara Lal Medal and book prizes.