AICTE: PhDs will have different rules for technical courses! PhDs can be completed in 2.5 years...

The rules for PhDs in technical courses across the country may be different. The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) is in the final stages of its process. If these rules are approved by the Ministry of Education, pursuing PhDs in technical courses, i.e., research, will be difficult. For example, PhD candidates will be required to publish their research work in journals. However, candidates will be able to complete their PhDs in 2.5 years.

Let's explore AICTE's new proposed rules for PhDs in technical courses. Where and how were these proposed rules formulated? We will also learn about other important rules that have been proposed.

Task Force Creates New Framework
In fact, AICTE formed a task force to develop a comprehensive framework for technical research. Former Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, K.R. Venugopal, chaired this task force. This task force submitted a new framework for research in technical education, i.e., PhDs, to the AICTE in July 2025, which has been sent to the Ministry of Education for approval.

UGC Rules Apply
AICTE's entire initiative is to create separate rules for research in technical education, i.e., PhDs. Currently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) rules apply.

Publishing Research Articles Mandatory
According to the new framework for research in technical education, PhD candidates must publish their research articles. The framework also clarifies that research articles can only be published in magazines and research journals approved by their seniors and colleagues.

PhD Can Be Completed in 2.5 Years
According to the new framework of AICTE, candidates will be able to complete their PhD in 2.5 years instead of 5. However, this facility will be available with certain conditions. According to the framework, candidates who publish an article in a Scopus-indexed Q1 journal will be eligible to submit their PhD thesis within 2.5 years.

AI information will be required, and retired professors can also become guides.

According to the new AICTE framework, PhD candidates must disclose whether they have used AI in their thesis when submitting their thesis. While the framework allows the use of AI, it must be disclosed in a disclaimer. Information regarding copyright, statements, and references must also be included in the thesis disclaimer.

The framework also provides for candidates to appoint retired professors as guides. Candidates have been given the option to migrate from one university to another.

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