The University Grants Commission (UGC) is going to consider the possibility of allowing part-time PhD programs for the working class to be at par with the IITs.
Professor M Jagdish Kumar, who is the vice-chairman of UGC, mentioned on July 4 that several universities across the world provide part-time PhD programs. He added, “In part-time PhD programs, a University faculty member supervises a PhD student, who works on his or her subject in consultation with the supervisor, but largely independently. Such part-time PhD programs are available in some of the best universities across the globe. Why not in our Indian universities?”
In March, UGC had mentioned the draft UGC Regulations, 2022, wherein the thought of part-time PhD programs might be added after the rules and regulations are finalized.
Professor Kumar studied in IIT Madras, and he was a faculty member of IIT Delhi's Electrical Engineering department. With his experience, he stated how common it is for IITs to provide part-time PhD programs. He also added, “Such students have to complete the course work requirements during their first or second semester by starting on campus or if they are living in the same city where the University is located, they can attend the lectures and go back to their work without being a resident on the campus. Such part-time PhD programs are very useful to professionals who cannot take long leave for doing PhD.”
There will be no difference in the eligibility criteria of part-time or full-time applicants but part-time candidates will have to submit an NOC from their organization for their enrolment. The NOC must specify that "facilities in the employee’s field of research are available at the place of work and and the employee will be relieved from duty, if required, to complete course work. “
