Getting research articles published in peer-reviewed journals prior to submitting the final thesis is no longer required, as announced by the UGC on Monday in revised criteria for Ph. D. candidates. Vice Chair of the UGC M.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has said that although it is no longer required for Ph.D. scholars to have their research articles published in peer-reviewed journals, doing so would increase their marketability when looking for work or post-doctoral fellowships.

The UGC said on Monday that it would no longer be necessary for Ph.D. candidates to have their research articles published in peer-reviewed journals before submitting their theses.

Although the publishing of research papers in peer-reviewed journals is not mandatory, UGC Chairperson M. Jagadeesh Kumar stated in a statement that this does not imply Ph.D. students should quit doing so.

Even though it is not required, publishing in reputable journals offers an incentive for doing high-quality research. They may use it to their advantage while looking for work or a postdoc, he added.

We recognize that the one-size-fits-all approach is not acceptable," the statement said, explaining why the required publishing requirement was being eliminated. Doctoral students in computer science, for instance, would rather present their research at conferences than have it published in journals. Universities need to make sure that Ph.D. candidates are properly evaluated and that research researchers are taught how to disseminate their findings via scholarly publications, conference presentations, and patent applications.

 

Doctoral studies on the side

In addition to removing the need that research articles be published in scholarly publications, the new rules also make it possible for working professionals to enroll in PhD programs on the side, provided they have an employer's "no-objection" letter. This is helpful for professionals in the workforce who need a doctorate but cannot afford to take time off. 

A "no-objection certificate" stating that the candidate is permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis and, if necessary, will be relieved of the duty to complete the course work is required for candidates interested in pursuing a Ph.D. on a part-time basis.

The IITs already provide such evening and weekend courses. by the new rules, all colleges and universities recognized in the Official Gazette by the Central government are able to award such doctorates, as are universities formed or incorporated by Central Acts, Provincial Acts, or State Acts. 

 In agreement with their advisor, the part-time Ph.D. student must put in at least six months of full-time study. Candidates who successfully complete the coursework will be qualified to work as researchers in either their own organization or at academic institutions. 

To prevent academic dishonesty, the relevant university will require the use of sophisticated anti-plagiarism software. In reality, the Ph.D. candidate would be required to produce a written promise that the thesis contains no plagiarized material, as well as a signed statement from their thesis advisor verifying this.