TLDR;
This video by Dr. Priyanka Sharma gives a detailed walkthrough of the PhD process in India, from admission to degree conferral, primarily focusing on central and state universities. It covers the research coursework, topic finalization, chapter writing, thesis submission, evaluation, and the viva process. Key takeaways include the importance of consistent chapter writing, understanding the role of the Research Monitoring Committee (RMC), and aiming to complete the PhD within five years.
- PhD registration and coursework
- Topic finalization and chapter writing
- Thesis submission, evaluation, and viva
- Importance of RMC and timely completion
Becoming a Registered Candidate and Research Coursework [0:48]
After getting admission into a central or state university, you become a registered PhD candidate. Following this, there's a six-month research coursework. In good central and state universities, these six months involve rigorous training in research methodologies. You'll be taught about research and its methods extensively, with a demanding schedule. After the coursework, you'll have assignments and an exam where you only need to pass, not score high marks.
Guide Allotment and Topic Finalization [1:55]
After passing the exam, the real work with your guide begins. The guide is usually allotted during admission, but sometimes it happens later. You'll submit a synopsis to your guide, who may suggest changes. Before the Research Development Committee (RDC), there's a pre-RDC within your department where professors and researchers review your synopsis. They'll ask questions to defend your topic. If there are no objections in the pre-RDC, you proceed to the RDC or RAC. Once the RDC approves, your topic is finalized, and in central and state universities, this finalization is very strict, with no room for even minor changes.
Chapterization and Data Collection [3:56]
With the topic finalized, you can start your actual research and begin writing chapters. Chapter one is the introduction, followed by the review of literature. If you're creating your own research tools, start their formation and standardization. After this, you'll collect data and input it into software like MS Excel, R, STATA, SPSS, or NVivo for qualitative data. If you're using statistical methods, work closely with statisticians for data analysis and interpretation.
Thesis Writing and Submission [4:46]
Spend more time with your laptop as you start writing your thesis. It's advisable to write chapters alongside your research process, rather than waiting until the end. Typically, chapter one is the introduction, chapter two is the literature review, chapter three covers the methodology, chapter four involves hypothesis testing, interpretation, and analysis, and the final chapter is the conclusion. The number of chapters can vary by university, but the flow remains consistent. After writing, submit your thesis.
Thesis Evaluation and Viva Voce [5:55]
After submission, central and state universities send a list of candidates to the Vice-Chancellor, who consults with your guide to select five to seven professors to evaluate your thesis. Usually, three external professors from outside the university evaluate your thesis. If all three give positive reports, you proceed to the viva. However, if even one raises an objection, you'll need to revise your thesis. For the viva, an external professor, usually one who evaluated your thesis, is invited to conduct it. After a successful viva, you receive a green signal and eventually your PhD degree at the convocation.
Research Monitoring Committee (RMC) and Time Limit [7:18]
Apart from the main exam, there's an RMC every three months, or sometimes monthly, which is normal. Professors check your progress to ensure you're on track with your research. Aim to finish your PhD within five years. While you can get an extension, you must complete your PhD within seven years.
