MA in International Conflict Studies (MAICS)

Decode conflict. Design strategy. Define the future of security.

A first-of-its-kind MA offered by the University of Ladakh, with USI of India as

its industry-linked partner—uniting scholarship with real-world strategic insight

Now enrolling for July 2026. Apply Now

Pls visit link for Admissions

https://universityofladakhadmission.samarth.edu.in/index.php/

University of Ladakh (UoL)

The University of Ladakh is a UGC-recognised public university established in 2018, with campuses in Leh and Kargil, a region of immense geopolitical significance.

The MAICS programme is partially hosted at the Leh-Taru campus.

United Service Institution of India (USI)

The United Service Institution of India, established in 1870, is the country’s oldest defence think tank, based in Delhi Cantonment. It brings together military veterans, scholars, and strategic experts to advance research on defence and conflict studies.

Through its Centre for Military History & Conflict Studies, it offers deep, practice-oriented insights into warfare and national security.

Who Should Apply

This programme is ideal for:

• Students from the humanities, social sciences, and related fields
• Defence aspirants & strategic affairs enthusiasts
• Civil services aspirants
• Young professionals in policy, security, or research
• Armed forces personnel (serving / retired) Programme Highlights

Advance Your Career

Learn and interact with leading experts in FP and Conflict Studies/ Security and strategic affairs

Advanced Diploma in Conflict Studies

Provision for a One-Year Diploma exit option for eligible candidates as per university regulations.

Flexible academic pathways with recognised specialised training in conflict and security studies

Dual-Campus Experience

Study amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh and engage with real-world security and policy expertise at USI, New Delhi—where academic depth meets the pulse of India’s defence capital.

Experiential Coursework

applied learning, industry-linked modules, and direct exposure to experts shaping conflict and security discourse.

Library Facilities

USI’s renowned library home to over 72,000 volumes and a rich archive of defence, military history, and policy scholarship.

Elite Engagements

Engage with leading voices from academia, the Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Defence through seminars, conferences, symposiums, and flagship events like the Indian Military Heritage Festival

Programme Structure

• Semester-based, rigorous academic curriculum
• Interdisciplinary modules in conflict, security, and policy
• Strategic simulations and case-based learning
• Expert-led lectures by defence and policy practitioners
• Industry-linked internships at USI
• Advanced research dissertation on real-world challenges

Career Pathways

Graduates can pursue roles in:

• Strategic and defence analysis
• Public policy and think tanks
• Government and civil services
• Research and academia
• International organisations

You will learn from Experts

VADM SANJAY JASJIT SINGH, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, NM, PhD (RETD), DG USI

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, a distinguished Indian Navy officer, served nearly four decades in key command, training, and staff roles. Former Vice Chief of Naval Staff and FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, he ensured

maritime security during critical challenges. Since January 2026, he is Director General of the United Service Institution, Delhi.

Dir CMHCS

Squadron Leader Rana TS Chhina (Retd), served in the Indian Air Force as a helicopter pilot. He is currently Director & Editor of the United Service Institution of India (USI) Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies. The author of a number of books, he was Vice President of the Indian Military

Historical Society (2004-2020), and a member of the Government of India’s Archival Advisory Board. He is a member of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Independent Advisory Panel and is actively engaged in promoting the preservation of India’s rich tangible and intangible military

heritage. A recipient of the Macgregor Medal for best military reconnaissance, he was appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2016 and an Officer of the Belgian Order of Leopold in 2018.

Dir CETANB

Maj Gen (Dr) Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd), an NDA Gold Medallist and IMA Sword of Honour awardee, served in key command and staff roles, including during Kargil. A defence procurement expert and academic, he is now Professor at NDC and Director, USI-CETANB, advancing defence self-reliance and emerging technologies

DEAN RESEARCH, UNIVERSITY OF LADAKH

Dr. Sonam Joldan is a faculty member at the University of Ladakh, previously Assistant Professor at IUST Kashmir. A JNU PhD scholar, he has published extensively on Ladakh-Tibet relations and presented at global forums. As Principal Investigator and Dean Research, he promotes academic collaboration, research capacity-building, and policy-oriented studies in Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions. Concluding Line--- Not just a programme, but an immersive vantage point into how conflict is understood, shaped, and navigated.

Address: United Service Institution of India Rao Tula Ram Marg Opposite Signal Enclave, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi- 110057

Email: academics.cmhcs@usiofindia.org

Address: LEH CAMPUS Administrative office, Melongthang Leh-Ladakh near FRLinfo@uol.ac.in