The University Grants Commission (UGC) and Human Resource Development Ministry (MHRD) has set new rules for award of research degrees such as M.Phil and Ph.D. at Indian universities. The HRD ministry has also relaxed several rules for women research scholars, including allowing a 240-day maternity break from their studies.

extension of time for PHD thesis UGC

Duration of Research work

  • Ph.D. programme shall be for a minimum duration of three years, including course work and a maximum of six years.
  • The women candidates and Persons with Disability (more than 40% disability) may be allowed a relaxation of two years in the maximum duration. In addition, the women candidates may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave once in the entire duration of Ph.D. for up to 240 days.
  • In case the candidate fails to submit his Thesis at the end of three years, an extension can be granted to him for another three years. This shall be on year to year basis i.e. first extension of one year, if needed the second extension for
    another one year and the third and last extension for one more year. The maximum period of research shall not exceed six years from the date of his admission.
  • In case a candidate fails to submit his Thesis even at the end of six years, he shall no longer be considered a Ph.D. research scholar. In that case he will have to seek re-admission as a Ph.D. student. He shall have to pay the prescribed

Ph.D. full course fee as applicable to a new candidate. He would then submit a new proposal which if approved shall be registered as per the laid down procedure. Such a candidate shall however be exempted from the admission test and the course work. The period of research for such a candidate shall be two and half years, counted from the date of re-admission. An extension of another three years can be granted to him year wise, as mentioned in clause (iii) above.

The rules will encourage more women to enroll in doctoral programs by allowing them to get married and build a family while pursuing their studies, said Vice-Chancellor, OPJS University, Churu.