Expanding Access to PhD Programs in India

Source-This post on Expanding Access to PhD Programs in India has been created based on the article “Some academics are getting it wrong: New PhD guidelines will make life easier for scholars” published in “The Indian Express” on 7 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context-The article highlights the significance of allowing 4-year bachelor’s degree holders to pursue a PhD directly.

In India, a significant majority (78%) of students pursue undergraduate degrees, while a smaller proportion (11%) continue to postgraduate studies. Allowing direct entry into PhD programmes for undergraduate students taps into this larger talent pool that can engage in doctoral research. Expanding Access to PhD Programs in India

How does the four-year bachelor’s degree program contribute to better scholars?

1) The four-year bachelor’s degree is based on the national credit framework that offers rigorous training in research methods, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

2) It allows students to engage in independent research projects, internships, and research activities. This provides them with significant experience and expertise.

What is the significance of the UGC’s new policy regarding PhD eligibility?

1) Expanding PhD Opportunities-The new policy permits students to pursue a PhD in a subject of their choice, regardless of the discipline of their four-year bachelor’s degree. This promotes opportunities to pursue research across multiple disciplines, which is a global practice.

2) Tapping Into Young Talent-Direct entry into PhD programs for undergraduate students would help tapping into this larger talent pool. This is also in consonance with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Read more- One year of National Education Policy

3) Recognizing Academic Diversity-It would ensure recognition of the academic achievements of students from diverse educational backgrounds.

4) Fostering Innovation and Excellence in Doctoral Research-This would encourage universities to promote innovation, excellence, and inclusivity by offering a range of options for students to engage in doctoral research. This will place India at the forefront of worldwide research and innovation and equip a new generation of young scholars to tackle complex challenges.

What are some of the concerns expressed by a few academicians?

1) Dilution of PhD standard-Some academicians believe that allowing 4 years undergraduate students to directly pursue Phd may dilute the integrity of PhD programs.
However, students seeking admission after completing a four-year bachelor’s degree program must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.

2) Assistant Professor Eligibility -There is a mistaken notion that qualifying for the UGC-NET based on a four-year undergraduate degree automatically grants eligibility to teach undergraduate students as an Assistant Professor.
However, qualifying in the UGC-NET based on a four-year undergraduate degree alone is not sufficient for appointment as assistant Professors unless one completes a PhD and fulfil the requirements contained in the University Grants Commission Regulations, 2022.

How does the UGC-NET change affect PhD admissions?

Starting from the June 2024 session, the UGC-NET now includes an “admission to PhD only” category. This allows universities to use UGC-NET scores for PhD admissions.

What is the significance of this change?

1) Simplifying PhD Entrance-This will reduce the need for appearing in multiple PhD entrance tests conducted by different universities, each with its own syllabi and exam patterns. With a single entrance test, students can concentrate on preparing for a single exam conducted twice a year and optimize their prospects of success.

2) Streamlining University Operations -Using UGC-NET scores, universities can streamline administrative processes, reduce logistical challenges, and allocate resources more efficiently towards other academic and student support initiatives.

Question for the practice

Despite concerns expressed by some academicians, highlight the importance of UGC’s new policy regarding PhD eligibility?