The University Grants Commission (UGC) has dropped the mandatory requirement of having research papers published in peer-reviewed journals before submitting a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) thesis in new regulations for doctorate programmes announced Monday.
Previously, M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) scholars were required to present at least one research paper at a conference or seminar, whereas Ph.D. scholars were required to publish at least one research paper in a refereed journal and make two paper presentations at conferences or seminars prior to submitting their thesis for adjudication.
UGC Chairperson Prof M Jagadesh Kumar stated that by eliminating the required publication requirement, the higher education authority has recognised that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is not acceptable.
He elaborated on the necessity to avoid a unified approach to evaluating all fields by pointing out that many Ph.D. scholars in computer science prefer presenting their papers at conferences rather than publishing in journals.
However, he says that Ph.D. scholars should continue to publish research papers in peer-reviewed publications. "Focus on high-quality research will result in publication in good journals, even if it is not required." It will be useful when they seek jobs or post-doctoral positions."