Archive · 1 Oct 2025
AICTE to Overhaul PhD Admissions: No Interviews, New Rules
AICTE, a group that helps run technical schools, is changing how people get into PhD programs.
They're stopping interviews, so it's all based on tests now.
Students will also need to write papers before they finish their PhD.
These changes aim to make sure research is good and recognized around the world.
They also allow people with work experience to apply.
The rules are waiting for a final go-ahead and could change how PhDs work in India.
AICTE is introducing new guidelines for DSc and PhD courses in technology, engineering, management, and design.
Interviews will be eliminated from the PhD admission process.
Admissions will be based on written tests (70%) and national qualifying exams (30%).
Doctoral candidates will need to publish articles before submitting their thesis.
The new guidelines await final approval from the central government.
- Who
- AICTE
- What
- New guidelines for DSc and PhD courses including the elimination of interviews, publication requirements, and changes to the admission process.
- When
- The new guidelines were finalized in July 2025 and are waiting for final approval.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To minimize bias and ensure transparency, improve research quality and international recognition.
Experts Suggest Concerns
AICTE View
Assessment Methods
Experts Suggest Concerns
Qualitative aspects like communication skills may be difficult to assess without interviews.
AICTE View
Written tests will be the primary basis for admission.
Publication Requirements
Experts Suggest Concerns
Critics caution about undue pressure and the risk of stressing publication systems.
AICTE View
Publication of research will improve quality and recognition.
- Organization
- AICTE
- Key Change
- Elimination of interviews for PhD admissions
- Admission Basis
- Written tests (70%) and national qualifying exams like GATE or NET (30%)
- Publication Requirement
- 2 Scopus-indexed journal articles & 1 peer-reviewed conference article before thesis submission
- DSc Degree
- Requires PhD, experience, publications, and other standards