Honorary Degree vs. PhD: What Is the Difference Between the Two? Why Did Yogi Take a Jibe at Ravi Kishan?

Following a lighthearted yet profound statement by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the question has once again come to the fore: what is the actual difference between an honorary degree and a regular PhD, and can someone become a professor solely based on an honorary PhD? He made this statement in the context of actor and Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan, prompting various questions to arise in the minds of the general public. So, let us understand the distinction between the two.

**What is the full story?**

During a public event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked in a humorous tone that Ravi Kishan had informed him that he had received a PhD degree. In response, Yogi clarified that this was an *honorary* PhD, not a *regular* one. During the conversation, when the topic of using the title "Professor" came up, the Chief Minister explicitly stated that an honorary PhD neither entitles one to use the title "Professor" nor qualifies one for an academic job. Subsequently, taking a jibe regarding the use of the title "Doctor," he quipped: "What would happen if such 'doctors' started practicing medicine?" This raises the question: what exactly constitutes an honorary degree, and what does a regular PhD entail?

**What is an Honorary Degree?**

An honorary degree is a distinction conferred by a university or academic institution upon an individual as a mark of honor. This honor is typically bestowed in recognition of exceptional contributions to society, the arts, literature, politics, sports, or any other specialized field. It requires neither research nor an entrance examination, nor a thesis, nor years of academic study. Its sole objective is to honor an individual's contributions, not to certify their academic qualifications.

**What is a Regular PhD?**

A regular PhD is a formal academic research degree. To pursue it, a candidate must secure admission to a recognized university. One must pass entrance examinations and interviews, followed by several years of intensive research. During this period, the researcher is required to write a thesis, work under the guidance of a supervisor, and ultimately pass a viva voce (oral examination). This degree is awarded in accordance with the regulations established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other regulatory bodies. Which Degree Cannot Qualify One as a Professor?

The most crucial point here is that no individual can become a Professor, Assistant Professor, or Lecturer solely based on an honorary PhD. In India, to teach at a college or university, it is mandatory to hold a regular PhD, clear examinations such as NET/SET, and fulfill the specific criteria established by the UGC. An honorary degree is merely a mark of honor; it is neither considered an academic qualification nor a criterion for job eligibility.

Can One Use the Title ‘Doctor’ with an Honorary Degree?
Technically, many recipients of honorary degrees do prefix their names with "Dr."; however, in medical or academic contexts, this holds no specific significance. Yogi Adityanath attempted to illustrate this very point through satire: conflating an honorary degree with a professional qualification can lead to dangerous misconceptions.

What is the Real Message Behind Yogi’s Statement?
The Chief Minister’s statement begins with a jest but concludes with a profound academic truth. His message is unequivocal: it is essential to distinguish between honor and qualification. While an honorary degree is a matter of prestige, it is a regular PhD that truly paves the way for teaching, conducting research, and becoming a professor within the academic realm. A failure to differentiate between an honorary degree and a regular PhD can foster misunderstandings within society. Yogi Adityanath’s statement serves as an endeavor to explain this distinction in layman's terms. In essence, an honorary PhD is a tribute, whereas a regular PhD represents a qualification, and when it comes to becoming a professor, only a qualification truly counts.

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