India

In India, doctoral studies programs are very competitive. Moreover, beginning in June 2021, a doctorate will become a mandatory recruitment requirement for appointment to an assistant professor position at universities. Given the diverse backgrounds of prospective doctoral candidates, universities offer integrated programs (master’s and PhD), dual degree programs, and traditional programs. In addition, eligible candidates can opt to take up full-time or part-time research. A prospective doctoral student’s journey begins by taking a standardized test, since the pool of candidates is very large. Subject-specific exams are held by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The National Eligibility Test (NET) is conducted for Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines, and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) holds exams related to the Sciences. These exams are held twice a year, and only the top 6% qualify. Finally, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is held for candidates in Engineering and allied disciplines.

Based on their test scores, prospective students apply to individual universities, where an entrance exam and interview are conducted. Students who clear NET or GATE are exempted from writing this exam and are directly invited for an interview. The selection of candidates is based on the standardized test results, academic background, Statement of Purpose, Research Proposal, and interview performance.

At Amrita University, project proposals aligned with tangible solutions for region-specific issues/problems identified in their study are encouraged. Therefore, candidates who demonstrate an understanding of society and reflect pathways to achieving sustainable development goals that drive social change are accepted into the PhD programs across disciplines. The university awards scholarships to PhD scholars to make the program accessible to researchers.

Typically, a full-time student takes between three to six years to complete a PhD, while part-time students may take six to eight years to complete the program. The times may vary across disciplines, and the period may differ for dual degree or integrated PhD programs. Once a doctoral student is admitted to the PhD program, the first year is dedicated to completing the coursework. The coursework provides a theoretical foundation and in-depth understanding of subjects related to the scholar’s research area, emphasizing Research Methodology and Ethics. A written examination assesses the student’s understanding, and a CGPA of 8.0 must be maintained.

Following the successful completion of the coursework, a Comprehensive viva is conducted. In the form of an oral examination, it is conducted in the presence of the doctoral committee members and other experts to assess the doctoral scholar’s grasp of the subject. Then the doctoral student formally begins to actively participate in research-related activities. During this crucial period, the essential role played by the thesis advisor reflects the gurushishya parampara (teacher-student tradition), where the advisor directs and guides the student’s work. During this time, the groundwork for the research, comprehensive review of literature, mastery of the subject, and critical thinking skills give shape to the research project.

The progress of each doctoral student is evaluated at the end of each term, where the work completed to date is presented. Based on the scholar’s satisfactory progress, the doctoral committee allows one to enroll in the following semester. The next crucial step is the Qualifying Examination, an oral examination. The scholar submits the research proposal and presents it to the doctoral committee, experts from the department, and an external examiner.

Following the successful completion of this stage, the doctoral candidate shifts focus to research and writing the thesis. The candidate advances to “candidacy.” In collaboration with the thesis advisor and the international advisor, a recommended practice, they co-author journal articles and present papers at noted national and international conferences. The requirement for peerreviewed paper publications and paper presentations varies across disciplines.

The thesis advisor recommends to the doctoral committee that two Open Seminars are conducted. The candidate presents the research work during the seminar to the doctoral committee members, experts, and other researchers. Based on the feedback received, in consultation with the thesis advisor, the candidate incorporates the suggested changes and prepares the Synopsis and thesis. Next, the PhD candidate submits the Synopsis to the thesis advisor, and it is duly forwarded to the university. After the Synopsis submission, the PhD candidate submits the thesis and the additional documents prescribed by the university to the thesis advisor. The thesis advisor forwards to the university these details and the list of at least eight panel members, four Indian academics and four academics from abroad, who have agreed to evaluate the thesis. Next, the university selects the examiners. The thesis is assessed by two Indian experts and two international experts, within 6 to 8 weeks. The examiners can either accept (with modifications) or reject the thesis.

Based on the examiners’ report, and if the examiners have approved the thesis, the date of the PhD defense is finalized. The public PhD defense takes place, where the PhD candidate presents the research work followed by a questionand-answer session guided by the panel members. The decision made on whether to award the PhD is based on the comments from the panelists. The formal awarding of the doctoral degree is on Graduation Day.

Following the university system in the UK, traditionally, the attire worn on Graduation Day in most universities included the ceremonial black gown and cap. However, the color black is not considered an auspicious color and is inappropriate for a formal occasion. Therefore, Amrita University embraces the diversity of Indian culture and traditions, reflected in the attire worn during the graduation ceremony. Traditional dress is adopted on Graduation Day. Men wear a traditional cream dhoti, or pajamas, and women wear a saree with a golden border. The PhD graduates wear a blue cap with gold trimmings and a blue stole with the University emblem. Other premier universities like the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi have followed suit. The deans and other heads wear the same attire, but sport a maroon turban and sash with gold trimmings.

Another essential part of Graduation Day is the procession. The academic procession comprises students and the various academic heads of the university. The procession symbolizes the students’ journey under the tutelage of the academic heads coming to a close as they take the first step into the future. Student representatives hold the university flag and enter the hall escorting the heads of schools and the chief guest to the graduation ceremony venue. Then, the dignitaries are escorted to the dais.

The ceremony commences with the invocation of blessings from all the sages and masters on this auspicious occasion. Then, the chief guest addresses the new graduands. Following this, the Graduation Day is formally declared open, and next, the oath-taking ceremony takes place. Finally, the PhD candidates are invited onto the dais. The doctoral degrees are awarded to them, marking the end of their doctoral studies and the beginning of their new careers.

SOURCES

Picture page 78: https://amma.org/news/amrita-phd-fellowships

Picture page 79: https://www.facebook.com/ AmritaUniversity/photos/umas-thesis-was-titled-progressively-immersive-multimedia-representations-for-en/10156688517968719

Picture page 80: https://www.amrita.edu/ event/graduation-day-2019-amrita-vishwa-vidyapeetham-amritapuri-campus

Picture page 81: https://www.amrita.edu/event/ graduation-day-2019-coimbatore-campus

Picture page 82: https://www.amrita.edu/ event/graduation-day-2019-amrita-vishwa-vidyapeetham-amritapuri-campus