New Delhi, October 6, 2022, UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has withdrawn the mandatory guideline regarding research paper publication before the final submission of the Ph.D. thesis by research scholars. This decision has been made to improve the standard and quality of doctoral research. Also, the publication of a research paper is a time-consuming process, and making it compulsory to publish a research paper puts undue pressure on students.
Moreover, the students can join Ph.D. programmes upon completion of their four-year undergraduate degree. It is anticipated that there may be an increase in the number of students if they are given an option to opt for Ph.D. immediately after graduation.
UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022 – Reasons for Withdrawal
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) conducted a recent study featuring 2,573 research scholars across central universities and the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs).
- Based on the research, it has been found that mandatory publication has not helped universities maintain research quality, as about 75% of the submissions are not in quality Scopus-indexed journals.
UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022 – Expert Comments
Pertaining to UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022, the following comments have been made by experts regarding withdrawal of mandatory guideline regarding research paper publications and allowing graduate students to pursue Ph.D.:
- The Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said, “Some people erroneously think that mandatory publication of a research paper before the submission of a Ph.D. thesis decides its quality. On the contrary, high-quality Ph.D. thesis work leads to quality publications.”
- Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar also said, “If the quality of research work is monitored properly, students can start writing papers well before the submission of their Ph.D. thesis. By the time the student submits the Ph.D. thesis, a couple of papers may get accepted.”
- The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (UoH), B.J. Rao said, “India is amongst the top few nations in terms of the number of research papers we publish annually. However, the quality of work being done or the journals where these papers get published is not at par with global standards.”
- B.J. Rao also said, “Imparting soft skills such as writing research papers is also a major responsibility for institutes. Research guides and committees will now be responsible to ensure that the topic of research that is chosen by scholars is unique and has the potential to get published in quality journals.”
- Further, he said, “A change in mindset is needed to understand that cutting down the number of pre-PhD years will not adversely affect a scholar’s ability to do quality research. Research is an interest-driven activity, which will be enhanced if students are given the right guidance at every step.”
- Uma Shanker Pandey, Research Supervisor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Calcutta, said, “During graduation, students are given an orientation in conducting research, correct methodology, and related tools. However, now colleges will have to impart a more structured format of introducing students to their journey as a Ph.D. scholar.”
UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Why has UGC withdrawn the guideline regarding mandatory research paper publication before the final submission of the Ph.D. thesis by research scholars?
Under UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022, UGC has withdrawn the guideline regarding mandatory research paper publication before the final submission of the Ph.D. thesis by research scholars to improve the quality of research publications and doctoral research. Also, the publication of a research paper is a time-consuming process, and making it mandatory to publish a research paper puts undue pressure on students.
Can students pursue a Ph.D. after graduation?
Now, the students can join Ph.D. programmes upon completion of their four-year undergraduate degree.
What is the take of UGC’s Chairperson on withdrawing the mandatory guideline regarding research paper publication before the final submission of the Ph.D. thesis by research scholars?
The Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said, “Some people erroneously think that mandatory publication of a research paper before the submission of a Ph.D. thesis decides its quality. On the contrary, high-quality Ph.D. thesis work leads to quality publications.”
P hd after MBBS should be started by the Universities in every clinical,para clinical and nonclinical subjects to enhance the research and enovation in medical field . No fee should be changed by college and every student should be given stipend .
UGC Recommendations are good and need implementation. In addition to the above Second class Master Degree holders can be taken without restricting to 55 percent as this aspect is not stated in Recommendations