Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Revisiting PhD Premises in India
In India, especially in Odisha, getting a PhD is seen as a big achievement.
But there are problems.
Some people get into PhD programs because of their social category, not because they are passionate about research.
Many students join PhD programs without knowing what they will do after, and often face unemployment.
The way PhDs are done now is very traditional and doesn't encourage new ideas.
Scholars face financial and mental stress.
To fix this, the system needs to balance fairness with merit, offer better career guidance, focus on research that helps society, provide good mentorship, and ensure scholars have a secure future.
A PhD should be about creating new knowledge and solving real problems, not just getting a degree.
PhD programmes in India often prioritize social categories over research aptitude, discouraging merit-based admissions.
Many students join PhD programmes without clear career goals, leading to unemployment or underemployment after completion.
Traditional PhD structures are rigid and disconnected from real-world problems, stifling innovation and creativity.
Scholars face financial insecurity, mental stress, and lack of recognition due to delayed fellowships and limited career opportunities.
Reforms are needed to balance equity with merit, integrate industry collaboration, focus on societal impact, provide strong mentorship, and secure post-PhD pathways.
- Who
- PhD scholars and academic institutions in India, particularly in Odisha
- What
- The need to reform PhD programmes to focus on research quality and societal impact
- When
- Currently and urgently needed
- Where
- India, with a specific focus on Odisha
- Why
- To ensure PhD programmes nurture researchers and produce meaningful contributions to society
- Location
- India, particularly Odisha
- Primary Concern
- Emphasis on category over research aptitude
- Secondary Concern
- Lack of career guidance and industry exposure
- Traditional PhD Focus
- Coursework, literature review, data collection, thesis writing, viva voce
- Proposed Reforms
- Merit with equity, career-oriented programmes, outcome-based research, strong mentorship, future security
- Current Issues
- Financial insecurity, mental stress, delayed fellowships, lack of recognition
- Expected Outcome of PhD
- Original research, new knowledge, addressing real problems, contributing to progress and well-being