Introduction
In Indian doctoral research, particularly within private universities and applied disciplines, case studies offer a powerful tool to ground theory in lived reality.
For scholars researching in fields such as education, management, healthcare, social work, and development studies, it’s common to explore real-world situations rather than operate purely within theoretical boundaries. But using case studies effectively in a thesis takes more than just describing an experience—it requires structure, purpose, and a strong academic rationale.
When we talk about incorporating case studies in your thesis – a guide for applied research scholars, we’re addressing a form of research that is deeply relevant to the Indian context. Many scholars are working professionals, bringing years of practical insight to their doctoral work.
Their access to rich field environments—like their own schools, NGOs, companies, or institutions—is an asset, but it also comes with responsibilities: ethical handling, research neutrality, and analytical clarity.
Why Case Studies Matter in Indian Applied Research
Case studies help bridge the gap between abstract academic knowledge and the complex realities scholars encounter in the field. Instead of testing a hypothesis through statistical modelling alone, a case study allows you to ask: how does this theory play out in a specific situation?
For instance, a PhD scholar examining policy implementation might choose a rural health center in Maharashtra or a private school in Tamil Nadu as a case site. This isn’t just about narrative—it’s about analyzing patterns, exceptions, and responses in a focused setting.
For Indian PhD students in private universities, case studies often align with practical realities. Many doctoral scholars are already embedded in organizations where data access is feasible, whether through professional networks or personal involvement.
This proximity is valuable but also needs to be handled with care. Scholars must remain aware of their dual role—both insider and researcher—and clearly articulate their position. Including a positionality note or a reflexive section can demonstrate critical self-awareness, something increasingly valued in doctoral evaluations.
One common error is to treat the case study as an anecdotal report. Without theoretical framing or linkages to the research objectives, it loses academic rigour. Simply describing events or processes is not enough. A good case study builds a bridge between what happened and why it matters to your central research question.
If your topic is digital inclusion in urban slums, the case must go beyond documenting device distribution. It should unpack behavior, adaptation, or resistance—and interpret these in light of existing frameworks.
Ethical Clarity, Depth of Analysis, and Realistic Scope
In today’s academic landscape, ethical standards have grown more structured. Many Indian private universities now expect scholars to undergo ethics committee approval, especially when working with human participants. Even if your institution does not formally require it, ethical rigour is non-negotiable.
This includes obtaining informed consent, protecting identities, and clarifying how the data will be used. Case studies often involve close contact with individuals and institutions, so protecting trust is essential—both for personal integrity and academic credibility.
Another point of confusion is around the number of case studies required. There’s no single answer. Some qualitative theses rely on one in-depth case, especially when using ethnographic or grounded theory methods. Others use multiple cases to enable comparison.
If your supervisor or university expects more than one, explain how each case contributes uniquely to your research aims. However, more is not always better. It’s more important to show why a particular case was chosen—its relevance, uniqueness, or explanatory power.
Case studies also allow room for intellectual humility. Not every case will support your hypothesis, and that’s acceptable. In fact, Indian PhD examiners often appreciate when scholars acknowledge limitations, unexpected findings, or inconclusive results. This shows honesty, adaptability, and a researcher’s ability to stay curious.
If your intervention in a school didn’t improve learning outcomes as expected, it’s still valuable to examine why. Perhaps the infrastructure, training gaps, or local attitudes played a role—these are rich areas for discussion.
When it comes to structure, many scholars struggle with placement. Ideally, a case study can be introduced as a chapter or section within the findings and analysis.
This should include brief contextual background, criteria for selection, data collection methods (interviews, documents, observations), and the interpretative lens.
Avoid turning your thesis into a long descriptive document. Let the case speak, but only in dialogue with your research goals. Keep returning to the questions your thesis is trying to answer.
In interdisciplinary research—which is growing across Indian private universities—case studies also support integration.
For example, a scholar combining public policy with behavioural economics can use a local water conservation project as a case.
The case becomes the testing ground for both lenses, allowing the researcher to demonstrate cross-disciplinary thinking in a grounded way.
It’s equally important to document what the case does not offer. A single hospital study cannot represent all public health institutions in India.
A rural intervention in Madhya Pradesh will differ from one in Kerala. Acknowledging scope, context, and limitations not only sets realistic boundaries but also strengthens the credibility of your claims.
It signals that you understand where your research stands—and where it does not attempt to go.
Conclusion
Incorporating case studies into a PhD thesis allows Indian research scholars to link academic exploration with grounded experience.
This approach is especially useful for applied fields and for scholars embedded in real-world institutions. But its strength lies in how it is handled—with ethics, clarity, and analytical depth.
A case study is not just a story—it’s a lens through which the complexity of systems, behaviours, and policies can be examined and understood. When well-executed, it becomes more than a method. It becomes a contribution.