Why online PhD lacks validity in India

As per UGC and AICTE, online PhD programmes offered by EdTech companies with foreign varsities will not be recognised

- Rajlakshmi.Ghosh timesgroup.com

In a joint notification, the UGC and AICTE have advised people against opting for online PhDs that are offered by EdTech companies in collaboration with foreign varsities, explaining that such programmes are not recognised by them. "In order to maintain the standards for PhD degrees, the UGC has notified the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of MPhil, PhD degrees) Regulation 2016. All higher educational institutions (HEIS) must follow UGC Regulations and its amendments for awarding PhD degrees," the order states.

As per UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of MPhil, PhD degrees) Regulation 2016, no university/institution is allowed to offer MPhil and PhD programme through distance learning mode.

"Students are therefore advised not to take admission in any MPhil/PhD programme if offered by any university/institution through distance learning mode," the notification reads.