All About UGC Approved Online PhD Programs for Working Professionals

Anil Alty
5 min readFeb 19, 2024

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With a large population of working professionals who are eager to climb the academic ladder while continuing to work, the demand for online PhD programs has increased a lot in India. These programs are designed to be more accommodating than traditional PhD courses, offering asynchronous classes, digital resources, and remote supervision. These particularly appeal to those who need more time to commit to a campus-based program due to geographical, financial, or time constraints. However, the critical question remains: But are the online PhD programs for working professionals approved by the UGC in India? The UGC position on Online PhD Programs in India.

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online phd programs for working professionals in India

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the apex body responsible for maintaining higher education standards in India. Educational institutions must adhere to the guidelines and obtain approval from the UGC to ensure their degrees are recognized and valued. As of my last update in September 2021, the UGC had yet to approve online PhD programs in India. This means that online PhD programs have no UGC approval and are, therefore, not valid in India for any academic or other purposes.

The UGC Position On Online PhD Programs in India

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the apex body responsible for maintaining higher education standards in India. Educational institutions must adhere to the guidelines and obtain approval from the UGC to ensure their degrees are recognized and valued. As of my last update in September 2021, the UGC had yet to approve online PhD programs in India. This means that online PhD programs have no UGC approval and are, therefore, not valid in India for any academic or other purposes.

The UGC’s stance is rooted in the belief that a PhD is the highest level of academic qualification, which requires rigorous research, extensive interaction with faculty and peers, and a group of scholarly engagement that, according to the UGC, may not be entirely achievable through an online mode of delivery. This lack of recognition has significant implications for professionals considering online PhD programs.

Degrees from unapproved institutions or programs may not be recognized for employment in the public sector or for academic positions in recognized universities. Furthermore, such degrees may not be considered valid for further education or professional advancement within India.

Other Options for Online PhD Aspirants

Given the UGC’s position on online PhD programs, working professionals who aspire to pursue a doctoral degree must look for alternative pathways that align with the regulatory framework. Fortunately, there are other options available that offer similar flexibility but with the necessary approvals. These include:Part-Time PhD Programs

These programs are specifically designed for working professionals.

  • They offer a blend of evening or weekend classes that can be attended in person or, in some cases, virtually.
  • Part-time PhD candidates are often given extended time frames to complete their research, making it a viable option for those who must juggle work and study.
  • A number of private universities have developed innovative PhD programs that provide a degree of flexibility in terms of attendance and coursework completion.
  • These programs may include intensive residencies or short-term on-campus sessions combined with remote guidance and online coursework.
  • While these programs are not entirely online, they are structured to accommodate the needs of working professionals.

It is crucial for aspirants to ensure that any program they consider is fully approved by the UGC or relevant accrediting bodies. This due diligence will safeguard their investment of time, effort, and resources, ensuring that their doctoral degree will be recognized and respected in their professional field.

List of Universities Offering Flexible Part Time PhD Programs in India

  • Amity University, Noida
    - Address: Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
    - Annual Fees: Rs.99,250–1,24,750
  • SRM University, Chennai
    - Address: Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
    - Annual Fees: Rs.99,780–1,79,750
  • Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
    - Address: Jalandhar — Delhi G.T. Road, Phagwara, Punjab
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,15,000–2,15,750
  • Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
    - Address: National Highway 95, Mohali, Punjab
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 88,900–1,16,750
  • Manipal University, Manipal
    - Address: Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,15,00 -1,78,000
  • KL University, Guntur
    - Address: Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,05,00 -1,80,000
  • Jain University, Bangalore
    - Address: Jain Global Campus, Kanakapura, Ramanagara, Bangalore, Karnataka
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,05,00 -1,67,000
  • REVA University, Bangalore
    - Address: Rukmini Knowledge Park, Kattigenahalli, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka
    - Annual Fees: Rs.1,10,00 -1,65,000
  • KIIT University, Bhubaneswar
    - Address: Campus — 7, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 99,000–1,24.000
  • VIT University, Vellore
    - Address: Vandalur — Kelambakkam Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,22,00 -1,67,000
  • Symbiosis International University, Pune
    - Address: 8th Floor, Symbiosis Vishwabhavan, Gokhale Cross Road, Model Colony, Pune, Maharashtra
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,33,00 -1,77,678
  • Ashoka University, Haryana
    - Address: Rajiv Gandhi Education City, National Capital Region, Haryana
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,75,000- 1,75,000
  • MIT World Peace University, Pune
    - Address: S. №124, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,20,00 -1,55,000
  • Flame University, Pune
    - Address: GAT №1270, Lavale, Mulshi, Pune, Maharashtra
    - Annual Fees: Rs.1,44,00 -1,99,000
  • OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat
    - Address: Sonipat Narela Road, Sonipat, Haryana
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,10,00 -1,22,000
  • Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida
    - Address: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,24,00 -177,500
  • Galgotias University, Greater Noida
    - Address: 2, Knowledge Park Phase II, Kasna Rd, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Annual Fees: Rs. 1,05,00 -1,50,000
  • Bennett University, Greater Noida
    - Address: 8–14, Tech Zone II, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
    - Annual Fees: Rs. 1,05,000 -1,88,000

Kindly contact us the list of more universities and PhD fee structure starting from Rs 70000/- Year.

Final Words

While the demand for online PhD programs for working professionals in India is high, the lack of UGC approval for such programs means that they are not a valid option within the Indian context. Working professionals must therefore seek alternative programs that offer flexibility while still being recognized by the UGC. Part-time and flexible PhD programs provided by some private universities represent viable alternatives that can help professionals achieve their academic and career goals without compromising on the legitimacy of their qualifications. If you searching for UGC approved online PhD Programs, Kindly Visit Our Website, www.globaleducational.net for more information and guidance for admisson, journal publicaton and thesis etc.

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