November 11, 2022

UGC Makes Journal Publishing Prior to Final PhD Thesis Optional

T The University Grants Commission (UGC) has removed the requirement that research articles be published in peer-reviewed journals before submitting a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) thesis. Previously, M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) students had to present at least one research paper at a conference or seminar and PhD students had to publish at least one research paper in a refereed journal and give two paper presentations at conferences or seminars before submitting their thesis for adjudication.

The UGC justified the move by claiming that eliminating the need for M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) students to publish in journals would increase their value when applying for jobs or post-doctoral positions.

…focusing on high-quality research will lead to publications in good journals, even if it is not mandatory… it will be beneficial when they apply for jobs or post-doctoral positions...

M. Jagadeesh Kumar, Chairperson of the UGC, stated that while publication of research papers in peer-reviewed journals is not required, it does not mean that PhD students should stop doing so entirely. "Focusing on high-quality research will lead to publications in good journals, even if it is not mandatory," he said. It will be beneficial when they apply for jobs or post-doctoral positions."

According to the most recent All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report, PhD enrolment increased from 1,26,451 to 2,02,550 (0.5 per cent of total enrolment in higher education) between 2015-16 and 2019-20.

A paper published a report about two years ago on how India has emerged as one of the largest markets for sub-standard research journals, with many doctoral candidates publishing their papers for a fee.

Following a review of the report, a four-member UGC committee chaired by P Balram, former Director of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, recommended that publication of research material in "predatory" journals or presentations at conferences organised by their publishers be barred from receiving any form of academic credit.

Posted in News and tagged News, University Grants Commission (UGC), Doctor of Philosophy, India, All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), Enrolment
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