Pursuing a PhD degree is a dream of so many students and other individuals, especially working professionals. Still, so many people can’t afford to quit their jobs for a full-time PhD degree because of their work and other commitments, and for this purpose, UGC has permitted Part-Time PhD.
Means now, you can also pursue a PhD degree without quitting your job, you just need to know what are the part-time PhD guidelines by the UGC? It will help you to enter into the research field smoothly. In this blog, we are discussing about the UGC guidelines for Part-Time PhD, its eligibility criteria and other details, let’s begin.
What Is Part-Time PhD?
A Part-time PhD is a doctoral-level degree specially designed for working professionals who aspire to earn a valuable PhD degree. PhD in part-time mode is equivalent to the full-time PhD course. Unlike a full-time PhD, which needs your full-time attention towards the course, a part-time PhD allows you to pursue it flexibly in terms of course work and research duration.
Pursuing a Part-time PhD is best for those candidates who are working in universities or any research organisation, because, along with gaining work experience, they are also pursuing a PhD degree, which later adds value to their career. However, pursuing a part-time PhD requires a lot of patience because the duration can be from 3 to 6 years.
Relatable:- Part Time PhD In Mumbai
Eligibility Criteria For Part-Time PhD
Educational Qualifications
- 1-Year Master’s Degree: Candidates with a 1-year master’s degree divided into 2 semesters can apply, but they need to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks.
- 2-Year Master’s Degree: Candidates with a 2-year master’s degree divided into 4 semesters can also apply if they obtain a minimum of 55% marks in their postgraduation.
- 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree: Only candidates with a 4-year bachelor’s degree can apply for the part-time PhD program, any candidate with a 3-year bachelor’s degree can’t apply for the program without a master’s degree.
Relaxation
- Marks Relaxation: There is a relaxation of 5% (from 55% to 50%) for candidates belonging to PwD, EWS, OBC. SC, ST category as per the UGC guideline.
- CGPA Relaxation: UGC has provided relaxation of 0.5 in the CGPA score, means candidates from PwD, EWS, OBC. SC, ST category are allowed to pursue PhD if they gain 7.0 CGPA.
NET Requirement
score card of UGC-NET exam, UGC has divided the NET cut-off into 3 different categories such as:
- First Category: Junior Research Fellowship & Qualification for Assistant Professor
- Second Category: Qualification for Assistant Professor & PhD Only
- Third Category: Admission to PhD Only
UGC has mentioned that if any candidate comes under the second and third category, then they must take admission into a PhD program within 1 year from the date of result declaration.
Is Part-Time PhD Valid?
Yes, Pursuing a Part-time PhD is completely Valid in India if the degree is from a UGC recognized University and meets all the UGC guidelines for Part-Time PhD. Also, a part-time PhD has the same value as the full-time PhD degree and meets all the research requirements.
The candidate holding a PhD degree, either full-time or part-time, is eligible for the Assistant Professor post. Even in corporate and industry roles, a part-time PhD is widely accepted and valued.
What Are The Part-Time PhD Guidelines By The UGC?
1. About Eligibility
- Candidates for admission to the Ph.D. programme shall have completed the 4-year BA degree, 1-year master’s degree and 2-year master’s degree with a minimum of 55% or 7.5 CGPA.
- Ph.D. programmes through part-time mode will be permitted, provided all the conditions stipulated in these Regulations are fulfilled.
- Candidate should provide a “No Objection Certificate” to the university for a part-time Ph.D. programme from the appropriate authority in the organization where the candidate is employed, clearly stating with a clear statement that:
- The candidate is permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis.
- His/her official duties permit him/her to devote sufficient time for research.
- If required, he/she will be relieved from the duty to complete the course work.
2. About Course Duration
- Ph.D. programme shall be for a minimum duration of two years excluding course work, and a maximum of six years.
- Extension beyond the above limits will be governed by the relevant clauses as stipulated in the Statute/Ordinance of the individual Institution concerned, but not beyond more than two years.
- Women candidates and Persons with Disabilities (more than 40% disability) may be allowed a relaxation of two years for a Ph.D. in the maximum duration. In addition, women candidates may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days once in the entire duration of Ph.D.
- For student exchanges, if they contribute significantly to the completion of the thesis, leave of absence may be granted from the second year onwards on the following basis:
- Research Expeditions (less than one month): Authorised by the supervisor and head of the department.
- Research Missions (more than one month): Proposed by the department and approved by the Research Advisory Committee for working in National/International Research Laboratories or Centres of Excellence
- Exchange Programmes: Proposed by the department and approved by the Research Advisory Committee for working in the Institutions in India/abroad.
3. For The Admission Procedure:
- All Universities shall admit Ph.D. Scholars through a National Eligibility Test (NET) or National Entrance Test or an Entrance test conducted at the level of individual universities.
- Universities and Colleges under them which are allowed to conduct Ph.D. programmes, shall:
- Decide on an annual basis through their academic bodies a pre-determined and manageable number of Ph.D. or,
- Notify well in advance on the institutional website and through advertisement in at least two 2 national newspapers, of which at least one 1 shall be in the regional language, universities must mention a few details such as:
- The number of seats for admission.
- Subject/discipline-wise distribution of available seats.
- Criteria for admission.
- The procedure for admission.
- Examination centre (s) where entrance test(s) shall be conducted.
- The admission shall be based on the criteria notified by the Institution, keeping in view the guidelines/norms in this regard issued by the UGC and other statutory bodies concerned, and considering the reservation policy of the Central/State Government from time to time.
- 60% of the total vacant seats of the academic year shall be filled from NET/JRF qualified students and the remaining 40% through the university/common entrance test qualified students based on Interviews conducted by the concerned Institute. If seats remain vacant, then the admissions will be based on the merit of the candidates.
- If the university conducts an entrance exam, then the exam consists of questions related to topics like research/ analytical/ comprehension/quantitative aptitude. The passing marks will be 50% only and 5% relaxation for the reserved candidates, and the centers for the exam shall be notified in advance by the universities.
- An interview/viva-voce must be organized by the University/College concerned wherein the candidates are required to discuss their research interest/area through a presentation before a duly constituted Departmental Research Committee.
- An interview/viva-voce must be organized by the University/College concerned wherein the candidates are required to discuss their research interest/area through a presentation before a duly constituted Departmental Research Committee. If the selection is based on NET/JRF score, then the candidate should be evaluated based on 70% NET score and 30% written test.
- The interview/viva-voce shall also consider the following aspects:
- The candidate possesses the competence for the proposed research.
- The research work can be suitably undertaken at the Institution/College.
- The research topic is relevant.
- The University/College shall maintain the list of all the registered Ph.D. scholars on its website on a year-wise basis.
For More Information: University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree)
UGC Rules For PhD Thesis Submission
- Research scholars have to submit the e-version of the PhD in PDF format
- Research Scholars should make sure to use a standard template for compiling the thesis.
- Research Scholars need to use a standard citation style (e.g. APA, Harvard, Chicago) for bibliographic references and web resources and store each chapter in a separate file, using a standard file naming convention.
- Research Scholars must give declaration and assign non-exclusive rights to archive and distribute their doctoral work through Shodhganga as well as through the university.
Below is the table explaining the thesis format:
File Name | Content Name |
01_title.pdf | Title Page |
02_certificate.pdf | Certificate |
03_abstract.pdf | Abstract (max characters: 2048) |
04_declaration.pdf | Declaration |
05_acknowledgement.pdf | Acknowledgement |
06_contents.pdf | Content/Index page |
07_list_of_tables.pdf | List of Tables |
08_list_of_figures.pdf | List of Figures |
09_abbreviations.pdf | Abbreviations |
10_chapter1.pdf | First Chapter |
11_chapter2.pdf | Second Chapter |
12_chapter…… .pdf | Chapter… |
13_conclusion.pdf | Conclusion |
14_summary.pdf | Summary |
15_bibliography.pdf | Bibliography |
16_References.pdf | Reference |
17_Questionnaire.pdf | Questionnaire |
18_Maps.pdf | Maps |
19_Publications.pdf | Publications |
80_Recommendation.pdf | Recommendations (Recommendation file should contain title page and the chapter which contains Recommendations/ Conclusion/ Summary/ Future findings without any images) |
Source: Guidelines for Ph.D. Thesis Submission Format for Shodhganga
Advantages of a Part-Time PhD
- Flexibility in time management: Better work-life balance and self-paced study, allowing you to manage work, life, and research at your own pace.
- Financial stability: You can continue working, maintaining an income, and may receive employer support (sponsorship or financial aid).
- Professional development: You can apply research to real-world problems and expand your professional network through your job.
- Lower stress: The part-time nature typically means less immediate academic pressure compared to full-time students.
- Career prospects post-PhD: Work experience alongside a PhD can enhance your resume, and an advanced degree may lead to career advancement.
Challenges of a Part-Time PhD
- Longer time to completion: It typically takes longer to finish (6-8 years vs. 3-5 years for full-time), and progress may be slower due to part-time commitment.
- Isolation and lack of support: Limited engagement with peers and faculty, and fewer opportunities for collaborative research or academic community involvement.
- Work-life imbalance and burnout: Juggling work, studies, and personal life can cause stress, leading to fatigue or burnout if not managed properly.
- Potential lack of research focus: Work commitments and the slower pace might distract you from your research, making it harder to maintain momentum.
- Slower feedback cycle: Less frequent meetings with supervisors could slow down your research progress and feedback.
- Limited networking and collaboration: Reduced participation in academic life, such as seminars and conferences, may limit opportunities for networking and collaboration.
- Funding issues: There are fewer financial aid options for part-time students, and balancing work and tuition fees can create additional financial pressure.
Take Away
While the part-time PhD is an exciting opportunity for working professionals who have a dream to pursue a PhD degree and attach a doctor prefix with their names, they need to check the UGC guidelines for Part-Time PhD. It will give you a clear understanding of the program and other requirements which you need to meet in respect of pursuing this course.
By offering flexibility and structure, the UGC guidelines for Part-Time PhD make the doctoral education more accessible to working professionals while maintaining the integrity and quality of research in India.
FAQs
Q.1 What are the eligibility criteria for a part-time PhD program?
Ans:A Master's degree with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer.
Q.2 Are part-time PhD programs recognized and valid?
Ans:. Yes, part-time PhD programs are valid and widely recognized, with the UGC ensuring that these programs maintain the same academic standards as full-time PhDs.
Q.3 What are the benefits of pursuing a part-time PhD?
Ans:Flexibility, financial stability, and the ability to balance work, research, and personal life.
Q.4 What are the coursework requirements for part-time PhD scholars?
Ans:One or two semesters of coursework to acquire essential research skills.
Q.5 What are the research requirements for part-time PhD scholars?
Ans:Submission of periodic progress reports and completion of original research work.