New Delhi: University Grants Commission (UGC) has eliminated the need for PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) theses to be completed and submitted before research papers are published in peer-reviewed journals in new regulations for Doctoral Programs (PhD) as announced on Monday, November 07, 2022.
Prior to the submission of their thesis for review, M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) students had to present at least one research paper in a conference or seminar. While PhD students had to publish at least one research paper in a refereed journal and give two presentations in conferences or seminars.
In response to queries, M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairperson of UGC stated that by eliminating the provision for mandatory publication of thesis, the higher education authority has acknowledged that the "one-size-fits-all" approach is not preferable.
In order to further emphasise the necessity to avoid a uniform method for evaluating all fields, he further mentioned that many doctorate students in computer science choose to present their works at conferences rather than have them published in journals.
When they apply for jobs or post-doctoral positions, it will be useful, he said. However, it does not imply that PhD scholars should stop publishing research papers in peer-reviewed publications. Even if it is not required, concentrating on high-quality research will result in publications in reputable journals.
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education's (AISHE) most recent report, between 2015–16 and 2019–20, enrollment at the PhD level went from 1,26,451 to 2,02,550 (0.5% of overall enrollment in higher education).
The publication of research in "predatory" journals or making presentations at conferences sponsored by their publishers should not be taken into consideration for academic credit in any way, according to a recommendation made by a UGC Committee.
The UGC had suggested allowing universities to create their own rules in this area in draught regulations released in March of this year. The final UGC Regulations, 2022 has also completely excluded the clause that asked for public input on changing the word "required" to "preferred."
According to the updated PhD regulations, the commission also abandoned its idea to mandate that universities and colleges reserve at least 60% of their yearly intake of doctorate applicants for NET or JRF-qualified students.
A unified entrance exam for PhD admissions was also envisioned in the draught regulations. This is also not mentioned in the final version of the rules, thus universities and colleges can continue to admit students via entrance exams and NET/JRF.
Following the regulations, the performance on the written test will be given a weighting of 70%, and the interview will receive a weighting of 30%, in situations where applicants are chosen through entrances held by the various universities.
However, the provision for part-time PhDs, which is largely aimed at working professionals seeking doctoral degrees, is still included in the final regulations. Such programmes are already allowed at IITs. Graduates of three-year UG degrees must have finished two years of master's degree before enrolling in PhD programs.
The regulations specify that "The Higher Educational Institution concerned shall obtain a No Objection Certificate from the relevant authority at the organisation where the candidate is employed through the candidate for a part-time PhD programme".
Candidates who have successfully completed M.Phil programmes with a cumulative GPA of at least 55% are also considered eligible. The programme will be phased down after the new guidelines are announced, but M.Phil degree programmes that have already started will not be affected.
Previously, research scholars were required to report their work progress for evaluation and additional direction once every six months before a Research Advisory Committee in order to assure the quality of their production. Now, they are required to do this every semester.
Prof. Jagadesh Kumar urged the institutions to make sure that the PhD evaluation process was reinforced and that research scholars were given the skills they needed to publish in peer-reviewed journals, give presentations at conferences, and apply for patents where appropriate.
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