is full time phd considered as teaching experience

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PhD Duration Cannot Be Counted As ‘Teaching Experience’ : UGC Tells Supreme Court

Jahanvi Agarwal

On Monday, i.e., August 1, 2023, the Kerala High Court’s order to appoint Priya Varghese as an associate professor at Kannur University was challenged by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Supreme Court gave notice to hear the appeal.

Her appointment had been approved by the High Court, considering the time she spent earning her Ph.D. was recognized as teaching experience. UGC claimed that the High Court made an error by including the time she spent earning her Ph.D. as teaching experience in its appeal before the Supreme Court.

Varghese did not fulfill the minimum of 8 years of teaching experience required for the job since, in the UGC’s opinion, the time she spent earning her Ph.D. cannot be regarded as teaching or research experience. According to the UGC, Varghese was a full-time Research Scholar and did not have any teaching responsibilities while pursuing her Ph.D.

The center of the dispute is how Regulation 3.11 of the UGC Regulations, 2018 should be interpreted. The High Court ruled that candidates who are not faculty members would not be considered for teaching experience, but that time spent pursuing a research degree concurrently with a teaching assignment would be taken into account.

This approach, according to the UGC, is flawed since teaching experience must be taken in its “actual sense” as opposed to what might be “construed or inferred.” According to the UGC, Regulation 3.11 makes it clear that time spent pursuing a Ph.D. will not be considered teaching or research experience unless it is done concurrently with a teaching assignment without taking a leave of absence.

Priya Varghese did not have the necessary teaching experience to be appointed as an associate professor at Kannur University, according to a November 2022 decision by a single bench of the Kerala High Court.

The court ordered the University’s competent authority to review Varghese’s qualifications and determine whether or not she should remain on the Rank List. After Varghese was on the Rank List, Dr. Joseph Skariah filed a writ petition to challenge her inclusion, claiming that she lacked the required 8 years of teaching experience.

Case Name: University Grants Commission v. Priya Varghese

Diary Number: 15816/2023

Bench: Justice Devan Ramachandran

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UGC to consider time spent on Ph.D research as teaching experience

Job aspirants and teachers can now consider their Ph.D research period as teaching experience for the purpose of direct recruitment or promotion.

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According to media reports, the University Grants Commission (UGC) recently made the announcement asking all the universities to start considering the Ph. D research period as equivalent to teaching experience.

''The period of active service spent on pursuing Research Degree i.e. for acquiring Ph.D. degree simultaneously without taking any kind of leave may be counted as teaching experience for the purpose of direct recruitment/promotion to the post of Associate Professor and above,'' the new circular by UGC committee stated.

The UGC's move is being seen by the academia as an effort to primarily facilitate filling up of vacant posts across India's universities and other higher educational institutions which require at-least two - three years of teaching experience for faculty positions.

"We have large number of unemployed meritorious PhD holders. The decision to treat the period spent by them in acquiring a PhD degree as teaching experience will not only open doors of employment to many of such degree holders, but also facilitate institutions fill up their teaching positions lying vacant for years," official sources said.

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PhD Duration Cannot Be Counted as Teaching Experience, UGC Tells Supreme Court

Updated Aug 2, 2023, 13:39 IST

PhD Duration Cannot Be Counted as Teaching Experience: Supreme Court

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Time Spent For PhD Can't Be Counted As 'Teaching Experience' If It's Not Done Along With Teaching Assignment Without Taking Leave : UGC Tells Supreme Court

Sheryl sebastian.

1 Aug 2023 6:25 AM GMT

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on the appeal filed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) against the order of the Kerala High Court that allowed the appointment of Priya Varghese as Associate Professor at Kannur University, treating the period spent by her to pursue her PhD to be counted as teaching experience. Priya Varghese is the wife of K.K. Ragesh, private secretary to...

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on the appeal filed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) against the order of the Kerala High Court that allowed the appointment of Priya Varghese as Associate Professor at Kannur University, treating the period spent by her to pursue her PhD to be counted as teaching experience. Priya Varghese is the wife of K.K. Ragesh, private secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The special leave petition filed by the UGC was before a division bench of Justice J K Maheshwari and Justice K V Viswanathan .

The UGC in its appeal before the Apex Court has contended that the High Court erred in treating the period spent by her to pursue her PhD as teaching experience. 

In June 2023, in an appeal by Priya Varghese, a division bench of Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Mohammed Nias C P had set aside the order of the single bench and held that the period spent by Priya Varghese on pursuing her Ph.D. degree under the Faculty Development Programme could not be excluded while considering the period of teaching experience.

During the hearing, Justice J K Maheshwari orally remarked that ‘We are making it very clear, to some extent High Court is wrong.’

The Division Bench had interpreted Regulation 3.11 of the 2018 UGC regulations to hold that candidates who are not at faculty members will be excluded from teaching experience but if the research degree is pursued by regular faculty members simultaneous with the teaching assignment, then the period will be counted as teaching experience.

“ The prohibition against inclusion of the time taken for acquiring a Ph.D. degree in the computation of teaching/research experience is one that applies to ‘candidates’ by which term is intended a person who is not working as a teacher in any institution at the time of applying for the teaching post in question. ‘Faculty members’, on the other hand, refers to persons who are already working as teachers in an institution at the time of applying for the teaching post in question, and for them, the period spent on pursuing a research degree simultaneously with teaching assignment and without taking any kind of leave, will count towards teaching experience",  the High Court had observed.

The UGC in its appeal before the Apex Court however, has argued that this is the wrong interpretation of the regulation. Under the UGC regulation, teaching experience has to be in the ‘actual sense’ and not what can be ‘construed or inferred’, it has been argued.

Referring to Regulation 3.11, the UGC says that it is very clear from this provision that "the time taken to acquire PhD degree will not be counted as research/teaching experience except if it is done simultaneously with teaching assignment without taking any leave".

It is the UGC’s contention that the period undergone by Varghese in obtaining her PhD degree cannot be treated as teaching or research experience, and hence she does not fulfil the requirement of 8 years of teaching experience required to be eligible for the post. Varghese while pursuing her PhD was not burdened with any teaching assignment and was a full time Research Scholar, UGC’s plea states.

Regulation 3.11 of the UGC Regulations, 2018 is the provision in question, which reads as :

"The time taken by candidates to acquire M.Phil. and/or Ph.D. Degree shall not be considered as teaching/research experience to be claimed for appointment to the teaching positions. Further the period of active service spent on pursuing Research Degree simultaneously with teaching assignment without taking any kind of leave, shall be counted as teaching experience for the purpose of direct recruitment/promotion. Regular faculty members upto twenty percent of the total faculty strength (excluding faculty on medical/maternity leave) shall be allowed by their respective institutions to take study leave for pursuing Ph.D. degree. (emphasis supplied) ”.

The High Court had also held that the Writ Petition was bad for non-joinder of parties observing as below:

“the provisions of Section 3 of the same Act that declares the University to be an independent body with perpetual succession and a common seal that can sue and be sued in its own name. The statutory provisions leave us with no manner of doubt that what is envisaged therein is that any suit or like proceedings initiated against the University be done in the name of the University, represented by its Registrar.”

However, the UGC in its appeal has argued that the High Court failed to appreciate that the Kannur University Act prescribes that the suits against the University are to be instituted in the name of the Registrar. It also contends that the provisional Rank List under challenge in the writ, was issued by the Registrar of the University, who was a party to the petition.

The UGC in its appeal has also argued that the High Court erred in holding that the period spent by Varghese on deputation as Director of Student Services/Programme Coordinator of NSS was to be treated as teaching experience by the university.

The Division bench had observed that a finding that such experience is not teaching experience, would have disastrous consequences for the academic community teachers would be unwilling to go on deputation to such posts fearing that they would lose out on career progression:

“ In our view, the answer to the question as to whether or not the experience gained by a teacher, while on deputation to a non-teaching post, qualifies as teaching experience must depend upon the nature of activities undertaken by the teacher in the post to which she is deputed and not merely by the classification – as teaching or non-teaching – accorded to the post .” The High Court had observed.

However, the UGC in its plea has argued that Varghese herself has admitted that she carried out the responsibilities of Director of Student Services, which was not necessarily teaching. Hence, this period cannot be taken as teaching experience, the plea states.

It has also been contended that when the UGC, being author of the Regulation has taken a stand on the matter, then Court cannot go beyond it. The UGC has also states in its plea that there are binding precedents of the Apex Court that hold that the Regulations of the UGC will override any contrary position in a Statute or a Legislation of the State. 

The UGC argues that the Division Bench erred in setting aside the order of the single bench which was based on sound principles of law.

In November 2022, a Single Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran had held that Priya Varghese did not possess the requisite teaching experience, to be appointed as Associate Professor at the Department of Malayalam at Kannur University and directed the competent authority of the University to reconsider her credentials and decide whether she should continue on the Rank List. Dr.Joseph Skariah, who was ranked after Varghese in the Rank List, had filed the writ petition challenging the inclusion of Varghese in the List stating that she was not qualified for the post of Associate Professor as she did not have the prescribed 8 years of teaching experience prescribed.

Case Title:Case Title: UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION V. PRIYA VARGHESE, SLP(C) No. 15816/2023

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Land your dream job, going to grad school full time | the pros and cons.

There are many benefits to going to grad school full time. Above all else, dedicating all of your focus to your studies can help you avoid distraction and excel. But the decision does come with some compromises, and even sacrifices.

Here are some common pros and cons to help you decide how to best structure your graduate school experience.

The benefits of going to grad school full time

Some positive aspects to keep in mind when considering full-time enrollment in graduate school include:

• The ability to more completely immerse yourself in your studies and the graduate school experience . Not having job-related distractions can be a real benefit to both your coursework and your peace of mind. Going to grad school full time allows you to put all your attention on your education, and helps prevent feelings of stress and overwhelm that may arise from juggling multiple responsibilities.
• Potentially finishing your degree earlier than you would otherwise. A full-time graduate degree can be completed in 18 to 24 months, whereas a part-time degree can take 36 months or more.
• The opportunity to take on research and teaching assistantships. Depending on the school or program, an assistantship may also be available to part-time students, but often require a scheduling commitment those students can’t make. Going to grad school full time opens you up to many of these options, which not only help cover tuition costs but also offer experience in the field.
• More time to spend with professors and peers. The flexibility you’re afforded by focusing on grad school full time allows you to develop closer relationships , which can serve as a support system (and networking opportunity!) during your studies.

The downsides of going to grad school full time

As with most big decisions, enrolling in graduate school full time has its drawbacks, which include:

• Reduced Income. Unless you opt to pursue grad school full time and work full time , you will likely not be earning a salary while getting your graduate degree. Depending on your financial situation, this may result in taking out additional loans .
• Grad school can become the only thing you have time to do. While full-time enrollment can allow you to move through your program more quickly, there’s also the risk of it preventing you from engaging with other aspects of your life. If you have important responsibilities, concerns, or interests outside of school that may make full-time coursework difficult to commit to, it may be a good idea to defer graduate school until there’s less on your plate.
• Graduate studies can keep you from direct service work. Particularly if your area of focus is in the social-impact space, grad school courses may make you feel a bit detached from your regular, active community engagement. If this sounds like something you might feel, then other options such as individual college or university courses or pursuing a service program before applying might be a better fit.
• It could be difficult or disadvantageous to take time away from your career. While graduate studies can help to move you forward in your field, it may not be the most opportune time for you to take a break from work to study. Depending on your goals and where you are in your career, the scales might be tipped toward waiting until you’re more financially or professionally secure before pursuing graduate school.

There’s a lot to think about as you determine whether going to grad school full time will be right for you. This includes additional considerations that may be specific to your desired school or program, so be sure to keep in close contact with the admissions offices to assess all the available options.

Wondering whether studying part time is a better fit? Take a look at our article Going to Grad School Part Time | The Pros and Cons to help you make an informed decision.

What counts as teaching experience?

Many of the teaching jobs listed on our job board require at least one year of teaching experience. This means that to be considered for these roles, you must have completed one year as a full-time teacher, after you have received your teaching qualification.

Teaching experience includes full-time work as a fully qualified:

classroom teacher

ESL instructor

preschool teacher

lecturer in a college or university  

Although all great additions to your resume, unfortunately, it does not include:

part-time tutoring

part-time sports coaching

voluntary work with youth groups

Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world.

Some of our education jobs may have different requirements more relevant to their role, for example, a librarian position may require no teaching experience, but previous experience as a librarian. This information will normally be explained in the job description.

Remember; as well as having teaching experience, schools also require you to have completed your teacher training to qualify for job placement. If you have teaching experience, but are still working towards your teaching certification, you can still apply for jobs but you may not be placed until you have officially been awarded your certification.

If you have recently received your teaching certification, and you have gained one year or more of full-time teaching experience as part of your teacher training, this will usually not count towards your post-qualification teaching experience.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a year of teaching experience yet! We increasingly have more and more opportunities around the world for newly qualified teacher graduates – keep checking our job board !

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Time spent for PhD can't be counted as teaching experience: UGC on Priya Varghese's appointment

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on the appeal filed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) against the order of the Kerala High Court that allowed the appointment of Priya Varghese as Associate Professor at Kannur University, treating the period spent by her to pursue her PhD to be counted as teaching experience. Priya Varghese is the wife of K K Ragesh, private secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The special leave petition filed by the UGC was before a division bench of Justice J K Maheshwari and Justice K V Viswanathan.

The UGC in its appeal before the Apex Court has contended that the High Court erred in treating the period spent by her to pursue her PhD as teaching experience.

PhD: UGC revises eligibility, admission & evaluation norms

UGC simplifies hurdles in PhD admission, introduces new criteria

In June 2023, in an appeal by Priya Varghese, a division bench of Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Mohammed Nias C P had set aside the order of the single bench and held that the period spent by Priya Varghese on pursuing her PhD degree under the Faculty Development Programme could not be excluded while considering the period of teaching experience.

During the hearing, Justice J K Maheshwari orally remarked that ‘We are making it very clear, to some extent High Court is wrong.’

The Division Bench had interpreted Regulation 3.11 of the 2018 UGC regulations to hold that candidates who are not at faculty members will be excluded from teaching experience but if the research degree is pursued by regular faculty members simultaneous with the teaching assignment, then the period will be counted as teaching experience.

However, the UGC says that it is very clear from this provision that "the time taken to acquire PhD degree will not be counted as research/teaching experience except if it is done simultaneously with teaching assignment without taking any leave".

It is the UGC’s contention that the period undergone by Varghese in obtaining her PhD degree cannot be treated as teaching or research experience, and hence she does not fulfil the requirement of 8 years of teaching experience required to be eligible for the post. Varghese while pursuing her PhD was not burdened with any teaching assignment and was a full time Research Scholar, UGC’s plea states.

Meanwhile, the UGC in its appeal has argued that the High Court failed to appreciate that the Kannur University Act prescribes that the suits against the University are to be instituted in the name of the Registrar. It also contends that the provisional Rank List under challenge in the writ, was issued by the Registrar of the University, who was a party to the petition.

The UGC in its appeal has also argued that the High Court erred in holding that the period spent by Varghese on deputation as Director of Student Services/Programme Coordinator of NSS was to be treated as teaching experience by the university.

The Division bench had observed that a finding that such experience is not teaching experience, would have disastrous consequences for the academic community teachers would be unwilling to go on deputation to such posts fearing that they would lose out on career progression.

It has also been contended that when the UGC, being author of the Regulation has taken a stand on the matter, then Court cannot go beyond it.

In November 2022, a Single Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran had held that Priya Varghese did not possess the requisite teaching experience, to be appointed as Associate Professor at the Department of Malayalam at Kannur University and directed the competent authority of the University to reconsider her credentials and decide whether she should continue on the Rank List.

Dr Joseph Skariah, who was ranked after Varghese in the Rank List, had filed the writ petition challenging the inclusion of Varghese in the List stating that she was not qualified for the post of Associate Professor as she did not have the prescribed 8 years of teaching experience prescribed.

(With inputs from Livelaw)

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Comparing Full-Time, Part-Time and Online PhD Programs

The pursuit of a PhD is a significant academic and professional endeavour. It represents a commitment to in-depth research, a mastery of a subject, and a contribution to the ever-expanding body of knowledge in one’s field. But, as with any monumental journey, the path to a Ph.D. is not one-size-fits-all. It is here that the pivotal decision emerges: How should you undertake this quest?

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world of education, there is no shortage of choices. You find yourself at a crossroads, contemplating full-time, part-time, or online Ph.D. programs. Each comes with its own set of promises, advantages, and challenges, making the decision not just significant but also complex.

We understand the weight of this choice, and that’s why we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to assist you in making an informed decision. Our aim is to help you navigate the intricate landscape of Ph.D. programs by examining the three primary roads you can take: the full-time, the part-time, and the online.

Through this exploration, you will find that no one option reigns supreme. The “better” choice depends not only on the nature of your academic and professional aspirations but also on your personal circumstances. This journey, much like a Ph.D. itself, is highly individual. So, without further ado, let’s begin your journey of self-discovery and decision-making, leading you towards the PhD path that best aligns with your unique goals and dreams.

Introduction

Benefits of full-time phd programs:, challenges of full-time phd programs:, advantages of part-time phd programs:, drawbacks of part-time phd programs:, benefits of online phd programs:, concerns of online phd programs:, factors to consider when choosing phd program, comparison of full-time, part-time, and online phd programs, popular universities offering full-time, part-time and online phd programs.

Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is more than an academic endeavour; it’s a transformative journey that demands rigorous research, scholarly dedication, and a profound contribution to the world of knowledge. As you stand on the precipice of this educational odyssey, you’re confronted with a pivotal decision that will shape your future—how to embark on this quest for higher learning.

The significance of selecting the right path cannot be overstated. It’s akin to choosing the vehicle for a cross-country journey. Will you opt for the express train, the scenic route, or perhaps the more versatile, off-road terrain? In Ph.D. programs, these choices manifest as full-time, part-time, and online options.

Full-time PhD programs, marked by their immersive nature, promise an intensive experience where research and scholarship reign supreme. In contrast, part-time PhD programs offer a flexible approach for those seeking to harmonize their academic ambitions with professional responsibilities. And then, there are online Ph.D. programs, harnessing the power of technology to bring the Ph.D. journey to your doorstep.

In this blog post, we’ll be your guide, shedding light on the intricacies of these academic paths. We’ll delve into the pros and cons of each, equipping you with the knowledge you need to navigate your way. Just as every traveller has a unique destination in mind, your goals, aspirations, and circumstances will determine which path is right for you. So, let’s begin this expedition towards making an informed and astute choice that will set the course for your academic and professional future.

I have written several articles on PhD programs. These articles include PhD Regisration, presentations, handling doctoral committee , applying for grants and writing PhD thesis etc. Please visit my articles HERE

Full-Time PhD Programs

A full-time PhD program is a comprehensive academic journey that often requires your undivided attention. It typically involves being on campus or closely engaged with your academic institution. Here, your primary focus is on research, coursework, and immersion in the academic environment.

• Immersive Research Opportunities: Full-time PhD programs offer an unparalleled level of immersion in your research. You’re deeply integrated into your academic department, collaborating closely with faculty and peers. This environment provides extensive access to resources, libraries, laboratories, and academic events that can enrich your research.
• Potential Funding and Stipends: Many full-time PhD students receive financial support in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or scholarships. This funding not only covers tuition but also provides a stipend for living expenses. It can be a significant advantage if you’re looking to focus solely on your research without the financial burden.
• Intense Time Commitment: One of the most prominent challenges of full-time PhD programs is the intense time commitment. Your days are often filled with research, coursework, and academic responsibilities. Balancing your personal life and other commitments can be challenging, and this intensity can lead to burnout if not managed well.
• Financial Considerations: While full-time Ph.D. programs may offer funding, there’s still a financial aspect to consider. Your stipend may cover basic expenses, but the cost of living can vary based on your location and lifestyle. Some students may need to secure additional funding or manage their finances carefully.

Example: Sarah’s journey toward a PhD in Astrophysics represents the quintessential full-time PhD experience. She’s based on campus, working closely with her advisor and research team. This immersive environment provides her with unique access to cutting-edge telescopes, observatories, and a vibrant community of fellow astrophysicists. Plus, she secured a research assistantship, allowing her to pursue her passion without worrying about tuition or basic living expenses. However, the demanding nature of her program means long hours in the lab and late nights studying. Managing her time is crucial as she works diligently to advance our understanding of the cosmos.

Part-Time PhD Programs

Define part-time PhD programs and who they are suitable for: Part-time PhD programs are designed to accommodate individuals with professional or personal commitments that prevent them from pursuing a full-time, on-campus PhD. These programs allow students to balance academic pursuits with their existing responsibilities, making them particularly suitable for working professionals, parents, or those who cannot relocate.

• Flexibility for Working Professionals: Part-time Ph.D. programs offer the flexibility to continue working while pursuing a doctoral degree. This can be advantageous for those who wish to apply their research directly in their current job or maintain a source of income.
• Ability to Gain Practical Experience: Students in part-time programs often have the opportunity to apply their research in real-world settings. This practical experience can be a significant asset, as it allows them to immediately see the impact of their research in their respective fields.
• Longer Time to Completion: One of the primary drawbacks of part-time PhD programs is the extended time it takes to complete the degree. Because students are juggling other responsibilities, they typically take longer to finish their coursework and research. This longer timeline can be a deterrent for those seeking a quicker route to their Ph.D.
• Limited Research Opportunities: While part-time students can gain practical experience, they may have limited access to extensive research facilities and resources compared to full-time students. This could impact the depth and breadth of their research, depending on their field of study.

Example: Meet John, a dedicated engineer with a passion for sustainable energy solutions. He chose to pursue a part-time PhD in Environmental Engineering to align his academic aspirations with his full-time job at a renewable energy company. John’s program allows him to attend evening classes and conduct research on weekends, fitting his schedule seamlessly. The flexibility of his program enables him to simultaneously gain practical experience by implementing innovative solutions in his workplace. However, John is well aware that his part-time commitment means a longer journey to earning his Ph.D. Nonetheless, he believes that the opportunity to apply his research directly in the field is a trade-off well worth making.

Online PhD Programs

Describe online PhD programs and their characteristics: Online PhD programs are a modern alternative to traditional on-campus education. They leverage digital technologies to deliver education remotely. Students in online Ph.D. programs typically have the flexibility to study from anywhere, using web-based platforms and resources.

• Remote Study Flexibility: Online Ph.D. programs provide unparalleled flexibility. Students can access course materials, lectures, and assignments from the comfort of their homes or any location with an internet connection. This eliminates geographical constraints and allows students to study at their own pace.
• Balancing Work and Education: Online Ph.D. programs are well-suited for working professionals who want to continue their careers while pursuing advanced degrees. The flexibility of these programs allows individuals to balance work and education, potentially advancing in their careers while studying.
• Self-Discipline and Time Management: Online Ph.D. programs demand a high level of self-discipline and time management. With fewer structured class hours, students must independently structure their study schedules. This can be a challenge for those who require a more structured learning environment.
• Variation in Research Opportunities: The availability of research opportunities can vary in online programs. Some disciplines require hands-on, laboratory-based research, which may be challenging to conduct remotely. Students pursuing research-intensive fields may face limitations in the scope of their studies.

Example: Meet Maria, a marketing professional with a passion for consumer behavior analysis. Maria chose to pursue an online Ph.D. in Marketing to accommodate her career and family responsibilities. The program allows her to attend virtual lectures, participate in online discussions, and complete assignments at her convenience. This flexibility ensures that she can continue her career while advancing her academic pursuits. However, Maria acknowledges that self-discipline and effective time management are essential to thrive in her online program. She also recognizes that her research focuses more on data analysis and consumer surveys, as hands-on research opportunities in a traditional laboratory setting would be challenging to replicate online. Nonetheless, Maria appreciates the online program’s adaptability to her unique life circumstances and goals.

• Before embarking on a PhD journey, it’s crucial to reflect on your academic and career aspirations. What are your long-term goals? Consider whether a full-time, part-time, or online program aligns better with these objectives. For example, if your aim is to become a university professor, a full-time program with extensive research opportunities might be the way to go.
• Your financial situation plays a significant role in your choice. Assess your ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs. Investigate funding options such as scholarships, assistantships, or part-time work opportunities in your chosen program.
• Your work experience and personal circumstances are key considerations. If you have a career that you want to continue, part-time or online programs can be more accommodating. Conversely, if you’re transitioning directly from a bachelor’s or master’s program, a full-time Ph.D. might be a better fit.
• Consider your time management and self-discipline skills. Full-time programs are highly structured, while part-time and online programs require more self-motivation. Reflect on your ability to manage your time effectively and remain dedicated to your studies.
• Thoroughly research the quality and recognition of the programs you’re interested in. Investigate factors such as faculty expertise, research facilities, alumni success, and program accreditation. Ensure that the program you choose aligns with your academic and career ambitions.

Example: Take Mark, for instance, a recent master’s graduate aspiring to become a clinical psychologist. His ambition is to conduct research in the field while also maintaining part-time work to support his family. After assessing his goals and financial situation, Mark decides that a part-time PhD program in Clinical Psychology is the best option. This choice accommodates his career aspirations and allows him to provide for his family. However, Mark recognizes that he’ll need to enhance his time management and self-discipline skills to excel in a part-time program. He also thoroughly researched programs, ensuring that he selected one recognized for its strong faculty and clinical research opportunities. This comprehensive evaluation led him to the most suitable path for his unique circumstances and objectives.

Tabular format to compare full-time, part-time, and online PhD programs based on key factors:

This table provides a comparative overview of the three options based on various factors, allowing individuals to assess which aligns best with their specific goals and circumstances.

To find detailed information about specific programs at these universities, you can search for the universities online or visit their official websites:

Please note that the availability of specific programs may change over time, so it’s important to verify the latest information on each university’s official website.

In the quest for a Ph.D., choosing the right path is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your academic and professional future. As we’ve explored, the options are diverse, each offering its own set of advantages and challenges. Full-time programs immerse you in the world of academia, part-time programs cater to those juggling responsibilities, and online programs provide unprecedented flexibility.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which is “better.” Your academic and career goals, financial situation, work experience, personal circumstances, time management, and the quality of the program all play a role in your decision.

What’s paramount is making an informed choice that aligns with your unique aspirations. Whether you’re embarking on a full-time research journey, harnessing the flexibility of a part-time program, or embracing the digital realm of online education, your choice is a reflection of your dedication to knowledge and advancement.

Whichever path you choose, may your PhD journey be one of passion, perseverance, and the fulfilment of your academic dreams. Remember, this is your odyssey, and the destination is yours to define.

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Is plan to equate research time with teaching experience justified?

University grants commission says time spent by a student on a phd degree will be counted as teaching experience. is this a good move.

Researchers have reasons to cheer. The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently announced that the time spent by a student in doing research for a PhD degree without leave will be counted as teaching experience when they apply for direct recruitment to vacant faculty positions in colleges and universities.

Experts, however, say that though the announcement will help candidates, the focus on research should not shift.

B Thimme Gowda, vice chancellor, Bangalore University, says, “I concur with the UGC proposal of counting the time spent on research as teaching experience. In universities, teaching and research should go hand in hand. The research experience should not be more than 50% of the service required for higher teaching positions.”

Good move, but ­challenges galore

Calling the UGC move a welcome step, Meenakshi Gopinath, former member, UGC, says, “The artificial divide between teaching and research must be overcome and both activities must complement one another. This looks like an enabling step so that young scholars can avail greater opportunities for mobility within the teaching profession. The UGC clarification does not address the issue of years of experience requirements.”

Experts say a large number of PhD holders will benefit from the announcement. Official recognition of the research period as equivalent to teaching experience will open up employment avenues for many unemployed meritorious students and also address the issue of vacant teaching posts in universities.

Research scholars feel relieved and think UGC has made their life easier. Hoshiyar Singh, who is a pursuing a PhD in physical sciences from Himachal Pradesh University, says, “Currently, junior research fellows have to devote time to teaching and the notification has made this official. However, the purpose of research should not be defeated by shifting focus on gaining teaching experience. We, as scholars, need funds to make significant contribution to research and the UGC and HRD ministry should take steps to make that happen.” Most higher education institutions seek at least two years’ teaching experience during faculty recruitment. However, scholars also say that the number of years of teaching experience should be clearly defined. Vikash Swarup, a humanities scholar at Allahabad University, says, “Before the notification, it was up to the university to consider the time spent by junior research fellows in taking classes as work experience. There is still confusion about how many years of research work or teaching will be considered for PhD or jobs.”

Read more: UGC told to clear scholars’ dues

MM Ansari, former member, UGC, says, “As teaching and research are closely related and have significant bearing on quality of education, the total work experience as teacher or researcher is counted for determining eligibility of an aspirant. I can’t understand why the need has arisen for issuing such a clarification when the issue has been resolved in academic circles.”

Scenario abroad

Some Western countries require a PhD for faculty roles. As a part of the doctoral education training, some programmes in the US offer teaching assistantships, which give students a chance to gain teaching experience. Rahul Choudaha, principal researcher at DrEducation, US-based global higher education research firm, says, “However, the focus of PhD programmes continue to be research as compared to teaching. One of the critiques of PhD education is that it is not necessarily a predictor of good teaching skills. The incentives for faculty is to get more publications rather than more teaching experience. There are few examples of how parallel scenario duration of PhD programme is to be counted as teaching experience.”

Gauri Kohli has nearly 12 years of experience covering education, HR, real estate, and other beats ...view detail

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