The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D Degree) Regulations, 2022 in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 26 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. These draft regulations supersede the earlier UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D Degree) Regulation, 2016 and its subsequent amendments of 2018. They aim to establish updated guidelines and procedures to ensure high academic standards and a transparent framework for the award of Ph.D degrees across universities in India.

A 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme or a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregateorits equivalent grade in a pointscale wherever grading system is followed However, for positions in Engineering and Technology, a postgraduate degree (e.g., ME or MTech) with at least 55 per cent marks suffices, with no NET requirement, as per AICTE standards. Candidates holding a Ph.D in any discipline are exempt from the NET criterion, making them eligible for assistant professor roles.

A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) / Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.

Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.

Three (3) years, including course work, and a maximum duration of six (6) years from the date of admission to the Ph.D programme.

Ph.D programmes through part-time mode will be permitted, provided all the conditions stipulated in these Regulations are fulfilled.

The Higher Educational Institution concerned shall obtain a “No Objection Certificate” through the candidate for a part-time Ph.D programme from the appropriate authority in the organization where the candidate is employed, clearly stating that:
i. The candidate is permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis.
ii. His/her official duties permit him/her to devote sufficient time for research.
iii. If required, he/she will be relieved from the duty to complete the course work.

Not withstanding anything contained in these Regulations or any other law, for the time being in force, no Higher Educational Institution or research institution of the Central government or a State Government shall conduct Ph.D programmes through distance and/oronline mode.

A maximum of an additional two (2) years can be given through a process of re-registration as per the Statute/Ordinance of the Higher Educational Institution concerned; provided, however, that the total period for completion of a Ph.D programme should not exceed eight (8) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D programme.  

Provided further that, female Ph.D scholars and Persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two (2) years; however, the total period for completion of a Ph.D program in such cases should not exceed ten (10) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D program.

Female Ph.D Scholars may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days in the entire duration of the Ph.D program.