Campus Times | Lucknow 

Lucknow University has officially approved its PhD Ordinance 2026, marking a significant overhaul aimed at strengthening research quality and creating a more student-centric academic framework. The ordinance has been cleared by both the Academic Council and the Executive Council.

A key highlight of the reform is that PhD scholars will now be eligible for their final viva voce examination only after completing a minimum of three years. While scholars may be allowed to submit their thesis up to six months before the deadline with the Vice-Chancellor’s approval, the viva will strictly follow the three-year completion rule. Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini said the new provisions aim to ensure depth and rigor in research while aligning academic processes with evolving scholarly needs.

Structured Engagement and Flexible Pathways for Scholars

The ordinance introduces mandatory structured participation for part-time research scholars, requiring them to maintain at least 120 days of academic engagement with the university. This engagement will be certified by supervisors to ensure consistent mentorship and meaningful research progress. Full-time scholars who secure permanent employment or are unable to continue in full-time mode due to valid reasons can now switch to part-time registration after completing coursework. The transition will involve fee adjustments and will also be applicable to existing scholars.

Focus on Research Quality, Ethics, and Innovation

In a move to encourage dynamic research, scholars can now begin with a provisional research area and refine their topic until the time of thesis submission. Importantly, changing the research topic will no longer require additional time extensions, reducing delays and promoting adaptability. A mandatory two-credit course on Research and Publication Ethics has been introduced. Additionally, scholars must publish at least two research papers in peer-reviewed or refereed journals before submitting their thesis. Notably, a patent filed through the university will be treated as equivalent to one research publication.

To improve monitoring, Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings will now be conducted twice a year—in January and July—ensuring a more streamlined and consistent evaluation process. The university has also mandated fully online thesis evaluation along with the submission of soft copies, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency. Overall, the new ordinance reflects a strong push by Lucknow University to modernize its research ecosystem, making it more flexible, accountable, and aligned with global academic standards.