UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS

Research Regulations 2021

Ph.D., D.Sc., D.Litt., and L.L.D, Eligibility for Research Supervision and
Recognition of Research Department / Institutions
(Based on University Grants Commission Minimum Standards and Procedure
for Award of Ph.D. Degrees 2022)
[Amended and updated in the Senate March 2022]
1. Introduction
1.1 In accordance with the Madras University Act 1923, Chapter II and Section 2 and
its various sub-sections, and also in accordance with the Ordinances in the
University Calendar II, Chapter 15, the University has to frame and implement
regulations relating to the conduct of academic programmes and examinations
leading to the award of Ph.D., D.Sc., D.Litt., L.L.D Degrees and recognition of
teachers in higher educational institutions as Research Supervisors and
recognition / affiliation of Research Departments and Institutions. Accordingly,
these Regulations are framed and approved by the Authorities of the University.
These regulations come into force from the Academic Session July, 2021 and also
retrospectively in certain specific cases, wherever such retrospective effects are
mentioned.
1.2 The Regulations are presented in three Chapters:
Chapter 1: Regulations relating to Admission, Conduct of Ph.D. programme,
Evaluation of Thesis and Award of Ph.D. Degree.
Chapter 2: Regulations relating to Admission, Evaluation of Thesis and
Award of Post-Doctoral Degrees (D.Sc. / D. Lit. / L.L. D.)
Chapter 3: Regulations relating to Eligibility for Research Supervision(Ph.D.) and
recognition of Research Departments and Institutions.
1.3 Unless and otherwise specified, the Office of the Dean Research shall assist the
Registrar and the Vice-Chancellor in implementing these regulations and the
smooth conduct of research programmes and examinations.
1.4 The Syndicate by a resolution can reallocate the functions of conducting course
work examination and evaluation of thesis relating to research studies to
Controller of Examinations.
 Chapter 1
Regulations relating to Admission, Conduct of Ph.D. Programme, Evaluation
of Thesis and Award of Ph.D. Degree
1. Preamble

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is awarded to a candidate who, as per

these regulations, submits a thesis on the basis of original and independent research
in any particular discipline or involving more than one discipline (inter-
disciplinary) that makes a contribution to the advancement of knowledge, which is
approved by the Board of Examiners as required.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Admission to the Ph.D. Programme

Admission to the Ph.D. programme can be made two times in a year, i.e., January
and July. The online application will be available during the months of December
and June every year for admitting the candidates for the two sessions. Candidates
shall submit the hard copy of their applications on or before the first working day
of January and July to the concerned University Department / Affiliated College /
Research Institution where they propose to do their Research. The applicant is
advised to get the acceptance of a recognized Supervisor at the time of submitting
the application. However, this does not ensure admission which is based on the merit
list prepared taking into account of the performance in the entrance examination and
marks obtained in the PG degree. Admission to the Ph.D. programme shall be
completed at the earliest, preferably within 30 days from the last date for application
in each session. Thereafter, the University shall ratify the admission and grant
temporary registration for the Ph.D. candidate.

2.1 Minimum Educational Qualification

2.1.1 Candidates for admission to the Ph.D. programme shall have passed SSLC
(10th or 11th class/grade and PUC or higher secondary (12th grade) before
joining Under Graduate (UG) programme (3 or more years) and UG before
joining Post Graduate (PG) degree programme. That is, the candidate should
have completed PG degree programme after completing UG degree in the
format 10+2+UG Degree (3 or more years) or 11+1+ UG Degree (3 or more
years).
2.1.2 Candidates shall have a PG degree from a UGC recognized University in
India or a professional degree declared equivalent to the PG degree by
corresponding statutory regulatory bodies or professional councils like
 AICTE. Candidates should have obtained at least 55% marks in aggregate or
its equivalent grade B in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a
point scale wherever grading system is followed) in the PG degree. A list of
PG degrees that could be considered for admission is detailed in paragraphs
2.1.5 to 2.1.10.
2.1.3 A PG degree or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational Institution
accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved,
recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a
law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the
purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of
educational Institutions. Candidates should have satisfied 55% or its
equivalent grade in the PG degree or its equivalent degree. If the transcript of
marks and degree certificates are in languages other than English, an
authorized translation should be provided by the candidate.
2.1.4 Candidates should produce the conversion table issued by the University /
Institution to convert grades into percentage of marks. This will be used for
processing the application for admission in Ph.D. programme.
2.1.5 PG Degrees in the faculties of Arts, Sciences, Fine Arts, Languages,
Commerce, Education, Physical Education, Management Science and Law
of this University or equivalent thereto.
2.1.6 PG Degrees in the faculties of Engineering, Technology and Medicine
including the Degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D. or M.R.C.P), or Master of
Surgery (M.S. or F.R.C.S./M.R.C.S.), Indian Medicine, Veterinary Science,
M. Pharm. and Agriculture of this University or equivalent thereto are
eligible for admission in Life Sciences and Basic/Bio- Medical Sciences
departments.
2.1.7 M.B.B.S. Degree with two years of Senior House Surgeon / Special training
or equivalent thereof recognized by the Medical Council of India or
competent authority are eligible for admission in life and Bio- medical
Sciences.
2.1.8 Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Science, Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy,
Unani Medicines, etc., with two years Senior House surgeon / equivalent
special training in related disciplines of two years duration are eligible in Life
and Bio-medical Sciences.
2.1.9 ACA, FCA, AICWAI, ACSI qualifications of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India, Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India, and
Institute of Company Secretaries of India, with minimum pass marks and
four years of Professional experience in reputed firm /
 organization after successful completion of the above mentioned
examinations are eligible for admission in commerce and related disciplines.
2.1.10 Candidates from the National Defence Academy (NDA), National Defence
College, New Delhi, Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington with
M.Sc. Defence and Strategic Studies / M.Phil. Degree are eligible for Ph.D.
(both full-time and part-time) admission and they are exempted from
submitting HSC or PUC Certificates.
2.1.11 Each BOS-PG shall provide a list of PG degrees issued by the University of
Madras in disciplines / subjects eligible for admission in Ph.D. in that
discipline / subject and approved by the Syndicate. Candidates with PG
degrees from other Universities shall obtain eligibility certificate from the
University of Madras. The Admission is ratified only after obtaining
eligibility certificate.
The Chairperson, BoS-PG of the school / the Professor & Head of the
University Department and the Chairman, BoS-PG for affiliated colleges
shall provide the list of eligible PG degree in concerned discipline / subject
wise to consider for admission in Ph.D Programs in the concerned
discipline / subject and subsequently to consider for awarding the Ph.D
degree.
The candidates PG course is the basis for award of Ph.D. degree. In case
the PG and Ph.D. degree are in the same subject, degree should be awarded
in the same subject / discipline.
In other words, the candidate possessing specialized PG degree and Ph.D.
subject / department is either related/allied or relevant to PG degree such
conditions the Ph.D degree may be awarded based on the specialized subject
/ discipline and department [A (Specialized subject) – B (Department)]
To make it more clarity and to avoid much complications and to give benefit
to the candidate without liquidating the standard of degree, following is the
list of specialized PG/Ph.D subject/department and corresponding
recommended Ph.D. degree to be awarded.

2.2 Relaxation of Marks

2.2.1 A relaxation of 5% of marks - from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation
of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC / ST / Differently-abled
or for those who had obtained their Master's degree prior to 19th September,
1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale
wherever grading system is followed) and the relaxation of 5% to the
 categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the qualifying
marks without including the grace mark procedures.

2.3 Criteria for Admission in Different Modes of Ph.D.

University offers two modes of Ph.D. programmes, namely, Ph.D. Full-Time and
Ph.D. Part-Time. Candidates shall apply for admission to the Ph.D. Degree
Programme in any one of these two modes.

2.3.1 Ph.D. Full-time

2.3.1.1 The eligibility conditions for Full-time and Part-time candidates are same,
as given in 2.1 and 2.2. In addition, Research fellows / Research Assistants
/ Technical Assistants / Project Fellows / Project Assistants / Training
Officers in extension departments approved by the University, appointed in
the research projects funded by recognized agencies / Government are also
eligible to register for Ph.D. on a full-time basis in the same department
provided they satisfy the eligibility criteria stated in Regulation 2.1 above.
2.3.2 Ph.D. Part-time
2.3.2.1 Candidates possessing educational qualification as stated in paragraph
2.1 and 2.2 above whose place of work is within the jurisdiction of the
University and falling under any of the following categories, are eligible
for admission in Part-Time mode.
2.3.2.2 A regular (permanent) teacher working in a Department or in an affiliated
College of the University or in a State / Central University coming within
the territorial jurisdiction of the University of Madras, after two years of
continuous service without break in service.
2.3.2.3 A regular (permanent) PG Assistant of Higher Secondary Schools / BT
Assistant / Secondary Grade Teacher, a teacher of Polytechnic recognized
by the Department of Technical Education of Central or State governments,
with four years of continuous service in the same employer after
obtaining PG Degree.
2.3.2.4 Full-time Guest lecturers with four years of continuous teaching experience
in the same affiliated college or research institution or stand- alone
institution or State / Central Universities coming within the territorial
jurisdiction of the University of Madras.
2.3.2.5 A non-teacher candidate working for four years after the qualifying degree
as a regular employee in a registered firm / Institution and satisfying the
rules framed separately by the Syndicate from time to time.
Explanation for registered firm may be clarified
 i. Recognized factory means an industrial establishment and regulated
by the factories Act.
ii. Recognized institution means any institution registered with the
Registrar of Societies and has been duly audited by a recognized
auditor for the last three years from the date of application and duly
supported by an audit certificate.
iii. Private / Public Ltd., Company shall have been registered under the
Companies Act
iv. Reputed with not less than ten full-time employees and must have a
Website
2.3.2.6 Administrative staff members and non-teaching professionals working as
regular employees in the state and central government offices, government
owned autonomous organizations and internationally acclaimed MNCs,
subject to satisfying other conditions such as four years of service after the
qualifying degree and jurisdictional restriction of place of employment
and fulfilling the norms mentioned in 2.3.2.5.
2.3.2.7 Research Assistants / Technical Assistants appointed on a permanent basis
by the University after confirmation of service.
2.3.2.8 Candidates with M.L. Degree practicing as an advocate in any Court of
Law or serving as a Legal Advisor to / in a registered firm / Institution
within the territorial jurisdiction of the University with a minimum of four
years of total working experience after obtaining the qualifying degree.
2.3.2.9 Officers of Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces of Government of India
are eligible irrespective of the place of employment.
2.3.2.10 All applicants shall produce certificates from their employers about
duration and nature of employment and No Objection Certificate from
the employer by clearly stating that
i. The candidate is permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis.
ii. His/her official duties permit him/her to devote sufficient time for
research.
iii. If required, he/she will be relieved from the duty to complete the
course work
Candidates aspiring for Part-Time Ph.D. course are working corporate /
IT enabled service sectors, such candidate should submit their application
through proper channel by submitting a letter affixing e-sign (DSC
affixed) and not as an email letter subject to fulfilling the norms mentioned
in 2.3.2.5
 2.3.2.11 Candidates shall produce employment certificate from the employer every
year along with the application for continuation of registration. If the
candidate is transferred after Ph.D. admission / registration to a place
outside the jurisdiction of the University, such candidate will lose the
admission / registration and should apply again as and when required.
3. Procedure for Admission
3.1 Common Criteria
3.1.1 Admission shall be based on the criteria notified in this set of regulations taking
into account the reservation policy of the State Government from time to time.
3.1.2 University Departments / Affiliated Colleges / Research Institutions shall
admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at the level of
University Departments / Affiliated Colleges / Research Institutions.
3.1.3 Candidates with such fellowships as UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, DBT, and DST-
INSPIRE, ICMR Research Fellows / Research Associates may be admitted
directly without entrance test at any time of the year. Project fellows in MRP /
RUSA, etc., may be admitted with entrance exams anytime of the year.
3.1.4 The University / Affiliated Colleges / Research Institutions shall decide and
notify well in advance in the Institutional website subject / discipline-wise
number of seats available and schedule for tests and interviews for admission,
etc.
3.1.5 Candidates applying for inter-disciplinary research study shall, as a rule, apply
in the Department of a discipline / subject in which he / she has been awarded
the PG Degree. However, in exceptional cases, a candidate may also apply
within the school or even across disciplines, provided a substantial inter-
disciplinary research proposal is submitted by the candidate and the same is
accepted by the supervisor on the basis of the latter’s expertise and by the
Departmental Selection Committee which forwards it to the University. A co-
supervisor is not mandatory. However, it is based on the recommendation of
the Departmental Selection Committee to appoint a co-supervisor.
3.2 Selection Procedure for Institutions
3.2.1. Admission shall be made purely on merit basis: 50% of marks shall be from
the qualifying examination, i.e. PG Degree and another 50% from entrance
examination.
3.2.2. The admission process shall be completed by the Departmental Selection
Committee of the University Departments / Affiliated Colleges / Research
Institutions adhering to the Ph.D. regulations.
3.2.3. The Departmental Selection Committee shall be constituted by the Head of the
Department with all recognized supervisors in the department as members. The
 Research Supervisor shall be the convener. The Departmental Selection
Committee shall have at least three members; if not, a recognized research
supervisor from related disciplines in the institution / neighbouring institution
shall be included as a member.
3.2.4. The Departmental Selection Committee shall conduct the entire process of
admission - conduct of Entrance Examination, preparation of merit list, list of
selected candidates and verification of certificates. The minutes of the selection
process duly signed by the Departmental Selection Committee shall be
forwarded by the Head of the Institution / University Department to the
University.
3.2.5. With regard to a candidate proposing to work on the contribution of living
author(s) / person(s), a brief research proposal for conducting Ph.D. and a self-
declaration duly certified by the Supervisor shall be forwarded along with
necessary permission obtained from the concerned author(s) / person(s).
3.2.6. Based on the selection list recommended by the Departmental Selection
Committee, the Head of the Institution / University Department shall issue the
Ph.D. admission letter. However, the provisional registration shall be issued by
the University after ratifying the admission.
3.2.7. The Head of Institution shall assign a Supervisor to each candidate admitted
to the Ph.D. programme based on the mutual consent of the Supervisor and
candidate.
The Head of the University Department / Principal of the Affiliated Colleges/
Head of affiliated Research Centre’s should furnish the list of vacancy
available in their institution / Centre’s in subject wise/ department wise /
research supervisor wise during May / November month of every year to the
University. Failing which the Departments/Institutions/Centre’s not
submitting the vacancy particulars shall not entitled to get admission in that
particular session.”
3.2.8. The Head of the Institution / University Department shall communicate to the
University the list of students admitted in the Ph.D. programme along with a
list of documents as required by the University. The University will provide a
check-list for this purpose.
3.2.9. The University shall ratify admission and provide provisional registration on
perusal of records submitted by the Head of the Institution.
3.2.10. The ultimate responsibility of admission rests only with the Heads of the
Departments of the University / Principals of the Colleges / Directors of the
Research Institutions concerned. If it is observed at a later stage that the
admission accorded by the University Department / Affiliated College /
Research Institution is incorrect, the same will be cancelled by the University
 at any stage of the Ph.D. Programme. The Heads of the Departments of the
University / Principals of the Affiliated Colleges / Directors of the Research
Institutions shall certify that the selections are made on the basis of guidelines
issued by the University.
3.3 Procedure for Conduct of Entrance Examination
3.3.1. The entrance examination shall be conducted by the respective Department
/ Affiliated College / Institution and shall carry a maximum of 50 marks as
detailed below: (a) Written examination 35 marks and (b) Oral examination 15
marks. The Entrance Examination should test the candidate’s research aptitude
and knowledge in the subject and research methodology. The candidate shall
secure at least 25 marks out of 50 marks in the entrance test (Written and Oral).
A relaxation of 5% of marks (from 50% to 45%) shall be given for the
candidates belonging to SC / ST / Differently–abled category in the entrance
test examination conducted by the Universities.
3.3.2. The candidate shall take the examination only in the subject for which he / she
has applied for admission to the Ph.D. programme. The Head of the
Department / Affiliated College / Institution in consultation with the
Supervisor(s) of the concerned subject may design the question paper for the
entrance test. The question paper has to be set in both objective and descriptive
type and valued by the respective selection committee of the Department /
Affiliated College / Institutions only.
3.3.3. The Departmental Selection Committee shall prepare a list of applicants who
appeared for Entrance Examination, along with marks obtained in the Entrance
Examination, and prepare the merit list as per paragraph 3.2.1.
4. Constitution of Research Advisory Committee and its Functions

4.1 Within one month from the date of ratification of admission and issuance of
provisional registration by the University, the research supervisor shall constitute
a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for each candidate and send for the
approval of the University.
4.2 The RAC shall consist of
(a) The Research Supervisor as convener,
(b) (i) Head of Department (Ex-officio Member). If the HOD is the Supervisor,
he / she can co-opt one of the recognized supervisors from the same
department or related departments in the Institution or a neighbouring
Institution,
(ii) In case of change of Headship altered based on administrative reasons
or by rotational basis executed by the University/ Government/ Management
then such a condition by default the concerned Head of the Department have
 automatically become RAC member by virtue of his/her ex-officio position
provided that HOD should be a recognized supervisor and the research
supervisor may inform the same to the University for ratification. In case, if
the HOD is not a recognized supervisor, the next senior most recognized
supervisor must be a co-opted RAC member.
(c) one recognized Supervisor in the same discipline or related discipline from
the neighbouring Institution/Department,
(d) If there is a co-supervisor, then the co-supervisor is the fourth (ex- officio)
member.
4.3 An external member of the Research Advisory Committee can be allowed to
continue after his / her retirement with the consent of the supervisor.
4.4 The role of RAC is to meet once in six months and review the progress of research
of the candidate. This biannual meeting of RAC shall continue till the candidate
submits the thesis for evaluation.
4.5 The RAC shall approve the syllabi for the course work within six months from
the date of admission of the candidate as given in Section 6.
4.6 The RAC shall conduct the course work examination within one year from the
date of admission of the candidate. It is the responsibility of the RAC to set the
question paper, conduct examination and evaluation and pass the results with
academic integrity as given in Section 6.
4.7 The RAC shall approve the synopsis and thesis of the candidate before
submission.
4.8 The RAC shall also recommend cancellation of the Ph.D. registration and
enrollment if the candidate does not show perceptible progress in research work
as directed by the RAC. Before recommending the cancellation of Ph.D.
registration and enrollment, the RAC may record its recommendation to the
candidates and failure of the candidate in implementing the recommendation with
regard to the research work.

5 Registration Process and Continuation of Registration

5.1 At the time of ratification of admission by the University, a candidate is given
provisional registration. To obtain permanent registration, the institution should
ensure that the following regulations and academic works are successfully carried
out with respect to each Ph.D. candidate admitted in the institution:
(a) Registration for the Ph.D. program must be done by the candidate within
ONE month after getting the permission from the University. A delay by
one year for registration can be accepted with a penal fee of Rs.5000/-
and reasons for the delay must be submitted. After ONE year from the
date of provisional admission, if the candidate fails to apply for
provisional registration, that admission shall automatically get cancelled
5.2 The Supervisor shall constitute a Research Advisory Committee as stipulated in
4.0.
5.3 The institution shall complete the process of conducting course work and
examination as stipulated in 6.0.
5.4 The University shall declare the results of the course work examination and grant
the permanent registration to the Ph.D. programme.
5.5 (a) Annual Research Progress report with details of progress of course work
and research work assessed in the two RAC meetings during the year, seminars
attended and papers published by the candidate shall be prepared by the candidate
and submitted through Supervisor and Head of Institution along with fees for
continuation of registration every year. If the candidate is admitted in the January
session, then the first annual report will cover a one and half year period.
(b) The Continuation fee be collected annually based on the session for which
the candidate is admitted. i.e. for January session admission, continuation
fee is to be collected in next January session / for July session admission, it is
to be collected in next July session.
5.6 Failure to submit reports for continuation of registration shall be deemed as
discontinuance from the Ph.D. programme and the University shall declare that
the admission / registration of the candidate as cancelled by following the due
procedure.

6 Course work: Syllabi, Teaching and Examination

6.1 The 16-credit course work shall be treated as pre-requisite for Ph.D. registration.
Normally, the entire course work shall be completed in one- semester. However,
the students may be given one year time to complete the course work, that is,
before the second RAC meeting.

6.2 The curriculum design:

Teaching
Course Course Title Credit
hours/ week
I Research and Publication Ethics 2
II Research Methodology 4
III An Advanced Course in the Subject 5
IV A Course relating to Research Theme 5

Candidates have to register for the exams with the prescribed fee of Rs.250/-
per paper and mark sheets will be issued for the exams.
6.3 The syllabus for “Course I Research and Publication Ethics” has been suggested
by the UGC and the same has been approved by the Academic Council of the
University. The syllabus for Course I shall be obtained from the University.
6.4 The Institution / University Department shall facilitate the preparation of the
syllabi for the three courses, that is, Course II, III and IV. Course II shall be
common for all the disciplines in a school. Course III shall be common for all the
Ph.D. candidates in a Department. Course IV shall be specific for each Ph.D.
candidate.
a) Candidates admitted with PG Qualification should compulsorily
complete all the above four course work papers (Paper I, II, III & IV).
b) Candidates admitted with PG & M.Phil Qualifications, candidates P.G.
& M.Phil in the same subject shall complete Paper I & IV. [Paper II &
III are exempted]
c) Candidate P.G & M.Phil are in interdisciplinary subject shall complete
Paper I, III & IV. [Paper II is exempted]
6.5 The primary responsibility of teaching these four courses is with the Supervisor
with regard to his / her Ph.D. candidates. The Institution / Department can
conduct classes along with PG / M.Phil Degree programmes if the syllabi (wholly
or partly) are common for the two programmes. Common classes for these
courses at the Institutional / School / Department level shall also be conducted.
6.6 The RAC may also stipulate a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) up to 20
per cent of the total credits, that is, 4 credits.
6.7 The examination for each of the courses shall be for 3 hours and valued for 100
marks. The course work examinations should be conducted before the end of one
year after the provisional registration.
6.8 The RAC shall approve the question papers with care to see whether the
questions have been fairly distributed across all the modules / units from
the syllabus. The course work examination is to evaluate the higher level of
learning, research aptitude and research skills of the students in the specific
discipline and research theme.
6.9 The Supervisor shall conduct the examination under intimation to the Head of the
Institution / Department well in advance. The Supervisor shall value the answer
scripts and call for the RAC meeting within two weeks to pass the results.
6.10 The RAC shall scrutinize the answer scripts and approve the scheme of evaluation
and pass the results.
6.11 A candidate has to obtain a minimum of 55% of marks (or an equivalent grade
in the UGC 7 point scale or an equivalent grade / CGPA in a point scale wherever
grading system is followed) in the course work in order to be eligible to continue
in the programme and submit the Ph.D. thesis.
6.12 If a candidate has to reappear for a course, then the arrear examination shall be
conducted within the one-year period before the final registration. Candidate will
pay Rs. 250/- per one arrear exam.
6.13 Soon after the RAC meeting, the Institution / Department shall send the syllabi,
question papers, answer scripts, mark sheets and the minutes of the RAC meeting
to the University.
6.14 Candidates who completed the course work examination in M. Phil. before
admission to Ph.D. in the same subject are exempted from taking courses II and
III.
6.15 Candidates who completed the course work examination in M. Phil. before
admission to Ph.D. and admitted to a related subject are exempted from Course
II alone.
6.16 Candidates who opt for inter-disciplinary research work shall take all the course
work in a Department where they are admitted for Ph.D. even if they have
completed course work in M. Phil. in a related subject before admission to Ph.D.
6.17 Candidates with professional degrees that are not offered by the University of
Madras shall appear for all the courses in course work.

7 Duration of Ph.D. Programme, Attendance and Leave Rules

7.1 The Ph.D. programme of the two modes mentioned in section 2.3 is for a
minimum period of three years, including course work, and a maximum period
of six years from the date of joining by the candidate. One year exemption is
granted to candidates admitted after successful completion of M.Phil. programme
7.2 The candidate shall attend the Institution till he / she submits the thesis. The
Supervisor shall maintain a daily attendance register and send a monthly
attendance certificate with leave account for each candidate to the Head of the
institution.
7.3 A maximum of an additional two (2) years can be given through a process of
re-registration; provided, however, that the total period for completion of a
Ph.D. programme should not exceed eight (8) years from the date of admission
in the Ph.D. programme.

Provided further that, female Ph.D. scholars who availed of maternity leave as
per rule 7.4 and Persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability)
may be allowed an additional relaxation of two (2) years; however, the total
period for completion of a Ph.D. programme in such cases should not exceed
ten (10) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme.
7.4 A non-stipendiary woman candidate shall be granted maternity leave up to
240 days only once during the entire duration of the Ph.D. programme including
the casual leave in that academic year. A stipendiary woman candidate shall
follow the maternity leave rules stated in the fellowship agreement or these
regulations will apply.
7.5 A non-stipendiary candidate shall avail of 30 days casual leave in an academic
year. Stipendiary candidates shall follow the leave rules stated in the fellowship
agreement or these regulations will apply.
7.6 The Supervisor shall sanction casual leave to his / her Ph.D. candidate. The
maternity leave should be granted under intimation to the Head of the institution
and RAC with proper supporting documents.
8 Academic and Residential Requirements during the research study period
8.1 A Ph.D. candidate shall show continuous progress in the course work and
research work as directed by the Supervisor from time to time.
8.2 A Ph.D. candidate shall present the research work done before the RAC once in
six months and follow the recommendations of the RAC in improving or
amending the course of research work.
8.3 A Ph.D. candidate should follow all the ethical rules and regulations in force in
regard to collection of data, conduct of experiments and publication of research
findings.
8.4 A candidate registered on a part-time internal basis in all the subjects except in
those involving laboratory works shall work at least for two months in every
academic year during the course of research at the institution where the
Supervisor is attached. The Supervisor shall issue the attendance certificate
through the Head of the Institution at the time of applying for continuation of
registration.
8.5 A candidate, who has been permitted to register in a part-time programme in
subjects involving laboratory work in an Institution other than where they are
working, shall be required to work for a minimum total period of eight months in
the Institution directly under Supervisor. If required, the period of eight months
of residency may be spent in four spells of not less than two months each during
an academic year in the course of their research.
8.6 Candidates shall produce employment certificate from the employer every
year along with the application for continuation of registration. If the
candidate is transferred after Ph.D. admission / registration to a place
outside the jurisdiction of the University, such candidate will lose the
admission / registration and should apply again as and when required.
9 Conversion of Registration and Re-registration
(A) Conversion of Registration
9.1 The University may permit conversion of Ph.D. registration from full- time
mode to part-time mode for a candidate who obtained permanent registration
and completed two years (non-stipendiary) or one year (stipendiary) from the
date of admission and satisfy the employment and other rules in the respective
modes of part-time admission, that is, internal. Guest Lecturers with NET /
SLET or having UGC qualifications required for Assistant Professors will be
allowed to convert their full-time Ph.D. registration to part-time registration
after one year of service.
(a) The candidate who have got Govt. appointments for Non-Academic posts
shall be allowed for the said conversion as above, provided the
appointment shall be Regular (Permanent) in State / Central Govts. and
PSUs and such recognized bodies
(b) The period of completion i.e. 2 Year (Non Stipendiary) and 1 Year
(Stipendiary) shall be relaxed if the appointment is government after
getting proper NOC from the competent authorities for Teaching / Non-
Academic posts.
(c) If the govt. appointment gets outside the jurisdiction, such case if the
candidate has spent 2/3 of his/her minimum eligible research period or
above under Full Time mode at the research place are entitled to get
conversion with the same supervisor provided they should strictly adhere
the part-time guidelines in the rest of the period.
9.2 The University may permit conversion of Ph.D. registration from part- time
mode to full-time mode any time after obtaining Ph.D. admission, provided the
candidate satisfies the related regulations.
9.3 If the candidate is unable to submit the thesis within six years from the date of
admission, then the candidate shall apply for re- registration in the same
institution under the same Supervisor with the same topic, provided the
Supervisor is eligible to supervise Ph.D. students as per paragraph 2.10 in
Chapter 3 of these regulations. Re-registration under a new supervisor is feasible
only with No Objection Certificate from the current research Supervisor.
9.4 Application for re-registration shall be sent to the University within one month
from the date of completion of six years of the Ph.D. programme. Applications
received later than 30 days will not be considered.
 (B) Re-Registration
9.5 After re-registration, the candidate shall submit the thesis soon after re-
registration but not later than four years after re-registration. Re- registration for
the second time is not feasible.
A maximum of an additional two (2) years can be given through a process of
re-registration; provided, however, that the total period for completion of a
Ph.D. program should not exceed eight (8) years from the date of admission
in the Ph.D. program.
i. Re-Registration fee - from 6th year to 7th year
For Full time - Rs.10,000
For Part time – Rs.15, 000
ii. Re-Registration fee - from 7th year to 8th year
For Full time - Rs.20,000
For Part time - Rs.30, 000
Provided further that, female Ph.D. scholars who availed maternity leave as
per rule 7.4 and Persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability)
may be allowed an additional relaxation of two (2) years; however, the total
period for completion of a Ph.D. program in such cases should not exceed ten
(10) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. program.
i. Re-Registration fee - from 8th year to 9th year
For Full time - Rs.10,000
For Part time – Rs.15, 000
ii. Re-Registration fee - from 9th year to 10th year
For Full time - Rs.20,000
For Part time – Rs.30, 000

10 Change of Supervisors and Grievance Redressal

10.1 Ph.D. candidate shall represent any grievance to the Head of the Institution.
Depending upon the nature of grievance, the Head of the Institution shall refer
the complaint to the RAC or an appropriate grievance redressal committee in
the institution and resolve the issue within 30 days from the date of receipt of
the complaint from the student.

10.2 If the Supervisor of a Ph.D. candidate has to be changed, based on

recommendation of the RAC or grievance redressal committee or transfer of
Supervisor outside the University jurisdiction or demise of the Supervisor or by
mutual consent of the present and proposed Supervisors, then the same shall be
 approved by the Head of the Department / Institution and intimated to the
University for Ratification.
10.3 In extraordinary cases, if there is a need to change the research Supervisor just
before submission of synopsis or thereafter, then the candidate shall be allowed
to submit the synopsis / thesis under a research coordinator who will work with
RAC to facilitate the candidate to submit the synopsis / thesis. The research
coordinator will be nominated by the University and it will not be counted as
candidate under the research coordinator.
However, the University decision is final for acceptance of RAC suggestion
for the Research Coordinator [Scholars should essentially completed their
minimum period of duration (for M.Phil – 2 years and for P.G. – 3 years] and
completion of all prescribed course work.

10.4 If the change of Supervisor involves two different Institutions, then proposal for
the change along with the consent letters of two Heads of Institutions and the
two Supervisors shall be sent to the University for ratification. All the records
shall be given to the Institution where the present Supervisor is working and the
candidate is deemed to be a student of that Institution.
10.5 Since a candidate is admitted for the Ph.D. programme in an Institution, it is the
responsibility of the Institution to resolve all disputes and assign suitable
Supervisors to candidates admitted in the Institution. However, if the Institution
is unable to find an alternative Supervisor then the help of the University shall
be sought to get the list of available Supervisors in the discipline.
10.6 The rarest of rare cases of unresolved disputes shall be referred to the University
with all details and institutional processes followed. The Vice- Chancellor’s
decision is final in such cases.
10.7 In case of relocation of a Ph.D. woman scholar due to marriage or similar
reasons, the research data shall be allowed to be transferred to the University to
which the scholar intends to relocate provided all the other conditions in these
regulations are followed in letter and spirit and the research work does not
pertain to the project secured by the parent Institution / Supervisor from any
funding agency. The scholar will however give due credit to the parent
supervisor and the institution for the part of research already done.

11 Cancellation of the Ph.D. Registration

11.1 If the candidates do not complete the process of obtaining permanent

registration within 12 months from the date of admission in the Ph.D.
programme, then the temporary registration and enrolment are deemed to be
terminated.
11.2 The registration and enrolment of a candidate in the Ph.D. programme may be
terminated at any point of time on the recommendation of the Head of the
Institution for the willful violation of the rules of the Institution or the Ph.D.
regulation and for moral / ethical misconduct of the candidate.
11.3 The registration and enrolment shall be cancelled by the University on the
recommendation of the RAC and forwarded by the Head of the Institution as
stipulated in paragraph 4.8.

12 Submission of Synopsis and Thesis

12.1 After completing the minimum period of duration of programme of

research study from the date of admission, the candidate with permanent
registration is eligible to apply for synopsis / thesis. [Minimum period of
research study for M.Phil – 2 years and for PG – 3 years]
12.2 The candidate shall publish one research paper in the UGC CARE list /
SCOPUS / WOS/ Pub Med/SCI journal before the submission of synopsis. And
the candidate shall present one paper / poster in regional / national / international
seminar / conferences before submission of thesis.

12.2.1The scholar pursuing research in Humanities & Social Science

(including languages) and Science discipline shall publish one research
paper in peer reviewed / refereed journals such as SCOPUS / WOS/
Pub Med/SCI journal.

It is mandatory to include the University name in all research

publications raised from all Research Centres / Colleges which has got
recognition

12.3 The synopsis shall not be more than 5000 words. The synopsis shall be presented
before the RAC, and on its recommendation, one hard copy and a soft copy of
the synopsis shall be sent to the University with certification from the
Supervisor and Head of the Institution. Synopsis should be in white colour soft
binding
12.4 The soft copy of the thesis shall be submitted to the University library for
plagiarism check. A certificate will be issued about the level of similarity
detected based on authorized software. The thesis will be permitted for
submission if the level of similarity is deemed acceptable as per the rules framed
by the Syndicate from time to time.
12.5 The application for submission of soft copy of thesis for plagiarism check and
the relevant rules be obtained from the Librarian, Madras University Library,
Chepauk and in Libraries in other Campuses of the University.
12.6 One month after submission of synopsis and not later than six months after the
submission of synopsis, the candidate shall submit four hard copies and one soft
copy of the thesis.
12.7 If the candidate is unable to submit the thesis within six months from the date
of submission of synopsis, then shall apply for extension of time to submit the
thesis for another 6 months or completion of 6-year-period whichever is earlier.
In other words, submission of thesis beyond 6-year- period is not allowed.

13 Synopsis and Thesis Format

13.1 The synopsis and the thesis shall be in the format detailed in these rules.
13.2 The synopsis and thesis shall be written in English. However, theses in
Languages and Literature shall be in the respective languages.
13.3 The title page shall contain
(a) Title of the Thesis,
(b) Degree and Subject for which the thesis is submitted. For inter-
disciplinary research, discipline of the PG degree and the discipline of the
department where the research work is carried out shall be mentioned.
(c) Candidate’s Name,
(d) Supervisor’s Name and Designation, (Including co-supervisor).
(e) Address of the Institution
(f) University Logo is mandatory in the cover page and respective research
institution / College logo inside the cover page is optional and
(g) Month and Year of Submission
13.4 The certificates to be attached before the contents page
(a) A certificate from Head of the Institution or University Department that
the candidate underwent the research study during the period in that
institution under the supervision of the assigned Supervisor.
(b) A certificate from the Supervisor that it is the original work of the
candidate and free of plagiarism. In the case of inter-disciplinary research
study, both Supervisor and Co-supervisor shall give this certificate.
(c) An undertaking from the candidate that the thesis is his / her original
research work and is not submitted for the award of any other degree either
in full or a part thereof.
(d) In view of the recent orders received from the Dept. of Higher
Education, Govt. of Tamil Nadu vide D.O. No. 8093/K2/2022-1 dated
 22-06-2022, the following amendment may be considered for
incorporation in the regulation.
(e) Index of key terms should be provided in the first page after the index
/ content page and attach a Certificate Approved issued by Tamil
Virtual Academy at the time of thesis submission to the University
As per orders of Govt. of Tamilnadu, i.e. Each scholar is essentially
required to submit to the “Tamil Virtual Academy (jkpo; ,iza
fy;tpf;fofk;), Anna University Campus, Gandhi Mandapam Road,
Kottur Chennai 600 025” (Website link: tamilvu.org) both Tamil and
English Versions (English Version is not applicable for theses
submitted in Tamil) of (a) Abstract of the Thesis and (b) Index of key
terms (fiyr;nrhw;fs;) and attach a Certificate Approved issued by
Tamil Virtual Academy at the time of thesis submission to the
University
13.5 The style of presentation shall be decided by the Supervisor in consultation with
the RAC and in accordance with the best practices in the specific discipline.
13.6 The type set should be in 1.5 or 2.0 line space, and 12 font size. Artistic fonts
should be avoided. Print on both sides of the paper. A well stitched soft binding
is suggested. The Thesis should be printed on both sides with white colour
soft binding in A4 Executive Bond sheet.
13.7 Each scholar shall submit an abstract of thesis in Tamil language not more
than ten pages and it should be included in the thesis before the content
page.

14 Panel of Examiners and Process of Evaluation

14.1 It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to submit a panel of examiners at the
time of submission of synopsis by the candidate but not later than one month
from the date of submission of the thesis.
14.2 The Panel of Examiners shall be submitted with all the details and in the format
approved by the Vice-Chancellor.

14.2.1 South Indian Examiners in the National panel of Examiners.

In order to maintain the standard & quality, it is mandatory that for reputed
researchers from HEI’s with not below the rank of Associate Professor in teaching
/ research, with minimum of 12 years of experience and Scientist with above 15
years of experience should be suggested as a panel of examiners. In the case of
languages, the South Indian Examiners is also treated as National Examiner
category.
14.3 The examiners shall not be close relatives of the candidate or Supervisor or Head
of the Institution or a member of the RAC.
14.4 The Vice-Chancellor shall select one Foreign Examiner, one Indian
Examiner and one Oral / Viva-Voce Examiner from the panel submitted by
the Supervisor.
In order to maintain the standard & quality, it is mandatory that for
reputed researchers from HEI’s with not below the rank of Associate
Professor in teaching, with minimum of 12 years of experience and Scientist
with above 15 years’ experience should be suggested as a panel of
examiners. In the case of languages, the South Indian Examiners is also
treated as National Examiner Category.
14.5 If the panel gets exhausted or the Vice-Chancellor rejects the panel for any
reasons, or the Supervisor fails to submit the panel within the specific time
period or the Vice-Chancellor shall either ask for a fresh panel to be
submitted within two weeks by the Supervisor, or shall choose examiners
from the empanelment list of examiners available with the University. [The
empanelment list have to be prepared by the University]
14.6 The thesis will be evaluated by (a) Supervisor, (b) one Foreign Examiner and
(c) one Indian Examiner. In the case of languages, literature and certain branches
of humanities, the foreign examiner may be replaced by an Indian examiner by
the Vice-Chancellor. A copy of communication to the external examiners may
be sent to the research supervisor also, with retrospective effects.
14.7 The Foreign and Indian examiners shall submit their individual as hard/e-
copies together with the duly filled in adjudicated proforma to the
convener, marking a copy to the Controller of Examination within one
month from the date of receipt of thesis.

If any inordinate delay in receipt of the report, Vice-Chancellor is

authorized to forward the same to the competent examiner by selecting the
name from empaneled list available with University.
Together with his/her individual report and the duly filled-in proforma the
convener will prepare a consolidated report, bringing out the salient points
made in the individual reports. The consolidated report shall be prepared
and submitted by the supervisor to the Controller of Examinations within
a month.
14.8 The examiners shall submit the evaluation report in the prescribed format while
placing the thesis in one of the SIX categories
(i) HIGHLY COMMENDED, (ii) COMMENDED, (iii) COMMENDED
SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY CLARIFICATIONS DURING THE VIVA-
 VOCE EXAMINTION, (IV) COMMENDED SUBJECT TO CORRECTIONS
/ MODIFICATIONS SUGGESTED BY THE EXAMINER BEING CARRIED
OUT, (V) RESUBMIT AFTER REVISION, AND (VI) NOT COMMENDED.
14.9 If either the Foreign Examiner or the Indian Examiner has submitted the
report under “NOT COMMENDED” category, then the thesis shall be sent
to alternate Foreign or Indian examiner. If one of the external examiners
recommends rejection, the University shall send the thesis to an alternate
external examiner from the approved panel of examiners, and the viva-voce
examination shall be held only if the alternate examiner recommends
acceptance of the thesis. If the alternate examiner does not recommend
acceptance of the thesis, the thesis shall be rejected, and the Ph.D. scholar
shall be declared ineligible for the award of a Ph.D.
The viva-voce of the Ph.D. scholar to defend the thesis shall be conducted
if both the external examiners recommend acceptance of the thesis after
incorporating any corrections suggested by them.
14.10 If both Foreign and Indian Examiners have submitted the evaluation report
under “NOT COMMENDED” category, then the candidate has to resubmit the
thesis after re-registration following the procedures of re registration.
14.11 If both the Foreign and Indian Examiners have recommended for the award of
degree, then the Supervisor as convener of the viva-voce examination shall be
asked to prepare a consolidated report of the three reports from the examiners
and submit to the University.
14.12 The Vice-Chancellor shall appoint a recognized Supervisor in the same
discipline / subject from Chennai, to be the external examiner in the viva-voce
examination. In exceptional cases where subject experts are available only
outside of Chennai but within Tamil Nadu, such subject experts can be
appointed as external examiners by the Vice-Chancellor on special request.
However, in cases where subject experts are available only outside of the Tamil
Nadu / Chennai can be conducted online
14.13 The Supervisor shall conduct the viva-voce examination with the approval of
the Head of the Institution and the external examiner under intimation to the
University.
14.14 The communication for the conduct of viva-voce examination should be
sent to all related departments in the Institution and neighbouring
institutions, with a note about the placement of thesis in the Institution’s
library. A copy of the communication shall be placed in the Notice Boards
of the Department, Institution and Library.
The request for the approval of oral/viva-voce examination letter should be
given to Controller of Examination at least 3 weeks ahead from the date
 suggested / requested for viva-voce examination.
14.15 The viva-voce examination shall be conducted in a class or seminar room which
is easily approachable to the visitors. The candidate shall be given time to
present his/her research work followed by soliciting his/her
answers/clarifications raised by the examiners and the participants in the viva-
voce examination.
14.16 A joint report of the Supervisor and the external examiner certifying that the
candidate has successfully defended the thesis and carried out all the corrections
suggested by the two external examiners along with the corrected copy of the
thesis and the list of participants in the viva-voce examination shall be sent to
the University on the same day or the next working day.
14.17 The Syndicate based on the reports of the examiners about the thesis and viva-
voce examination shall recommend for the award of the degree and issue of
provisional degree certificate.
14.18 If the thesis is found to be a plagiarized work or the candidate is found to have
indulged in malpractices and unethical process of conducting the research study
at a later stage, then the Syndicate shall withdraw the degree awarded.
*****
 Chapter 2
Regulations relating to Admission,
Evaluation of Thesis and Award of Ph.D., D.Sc., D.Litt., and L.L.D

1. Preamble
The Degree of Doctor of Science / Letters / Law is awarded to a candidate, who
had already obtained Ph.D. and as per these regulations, has submitted a thesis on
the basis of original and independent research in any particular discipline or
involving more than one discipline (inter-disciplinary) as that of his / her Ph.D. and
that makes a contribution to the advancement of knowledge, which is approved by
Board of Examiners as required. It should not be just a compendium of research
works of the candidate in a subject or discipline. Rather it should be a narrative of
all the research publications tied through a theme. The post-doctoral thesis is not a
fresh research work, but a cumulative presentation of decade(s) of research work
that is guided by a common theme or research orientation, with a vision to
substantially contribute to the academic literature with fervor to advance the
knowledge in the subject / research field.
D.Sc.: Doctor of Science in Faculties of Sciences, Medicine, Engineering,
Technology, Agriculture and Veterinary Science.
D.Litt.: Doctor of Letters in Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities,
Literature and Languages.
LL.D.: Doctor of Laws to Faculty of Law.

2. Eligibility
2.1. A candidate seeking admission to D.Sc./D.Litt./LL.D programme of the
University, must have pursued outstanding post-doctoral research in the
concerned discipline and obtained the minimum qualifications required for
admission as detailed below.
2.2. The candidate must have obtained a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree from this
University or from any Indian University recognized by the UGC or Foreign
University in the world ranking (QS, Times Higher Education, Shanghai)
recognized by the UGC/AIU.
2.3. The candidate shall have 10 years of Teaching / Research experience after
obtaining Ph.D. degree.
2.4. A minimum of 30 research papers for D.Sc. and 20 papers for D.Litt/L.L.D in the
UGC listed research journals with high impact factor or highly reputed journals
in the area of his/her research. In subjects like Indian Languages, candidate shall
have 10 journal articles in the UGC CARE list / SCOPUS /
 WOS/ Pub Med/SCI journals and 10 books published by reputed publishers.
Further, the candidate shall be the first author/corresponding author in these
publications.

3. Admission and Registration

3.1. Candidates who are eligible for admission to D.Sc., D.Litt., LL.D degree as per
section 2 above shall apply to the University in the prescribed application form
in the month of June (1st - 31st June) every year with required documents along
with application and required fee.
3.2. Along with the candidate shall submit five copies of a research note in about 1500
to 3000 words on the proposed theme as per the format given in the application
form describing how the already completed research work is original and
contributes to the advancement of knowledge, and its applicability to solve
societal problem.
3.3. A Research Committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor consisting of the
following members shall scrutinize the applications of the candidates and
recommend admission before end of July every year:
(a) Dean (Research) or Dean (Academic) or Dean (Student)
(b) Director (Research Schemes & Projects or a Senior Professor in the relevant
subject)
(c) A Subject Expert (Chairman, Board of Studies (BoS) in the concerned
subject or a Senior Professor in the relevant subject)
(d) The committee will evaluate the quality of the publications at thetime of
scrutiny.
3.4. The candidates whose application is recommended by the Research Committee
for admission will be intimated. The admission cum registration shall be
completed by August 31.
3.5. The Candidate shall submit the thesis after one year and before two years from
the date of admission. An application with progress report of research work shall
be submitted seeking extension of time by one year. Under no circumstance will
extension be granted for more than three years.
3.6. The candidate shall (a) establish that the broad theme of the post- doctoral thesis
is a continuation of his/her Ph.D. thesis, (b) however, the contents of the Ph.D.
thesis shall not form a part of the post-doctoral thesis, (c) the chapters in the post-
doctoral thesis shall be interconnected and not acollection of isolated research
papers, (d) the post-doctoral thesis shall not contain any creative writing of the
candidate and (e) the post-doctoral thesis should be a narrative of all the research
publications tied through a theme and not a fresh research work, but a cumulative
presentation of decade(s) of research work that is guided by a common theme
 or research orientation, with a vision to substantially contribute to the academic
literature with fervor to advance the knowledge in the subject / research field.

4. Thesis Format
4.1. The format of the thesis is same as the one prescribed for the Ph.D. thesis. The
certificates of Head of Institution and Supervisor are however, not required for
post-doctoral thesis.
4.2. The thesis shall be accompanied by a declaration in the prescribed format signed
by the candidate. The candidate shall certify that the thesis is based on the
author’s original research work and has not previously formed the basis for the
award of any Degree such as Masters Degree or Ph.D. Degree, Diploma,
Associateship, Fellowship or other similar title. No part of the thesis shall be
based on the author’s published or unpublished PG, M.Phil. and Ph.D. or any
other degree thesis or dissertation or project report and the contents of the thesis
are in accordance with the rules specified in paragraph
3.7 in this chapter.
4.3. The candidate shall indicate in the preface of the thesis (a) the gap in the literature
and major contemporary contributions in the chosen field of research, (b) explain
how this research study is an important addition to the literature in his/her chosen
field of research, (c) that all the prescribed research ethics, guidelines and
regulations have been followed in the conduct of research and (d) the list of
publications that has to be sent for screening as per rule 6.3.

5. Submission of Post-doctoral Thesis

5.1. Six hard copies of the thesis along with a soft copy as prescribed in the application
for submission of D.Sc., D.Litt. and L.L.D thesis shall be submitted along with a
prescribed fee.
5.2. The post-doctoral thesis shall be submitted along with two hard copy and a soft
copy of Ph.D. thesis.
5.3. The candidate shall submit two volume containing (i) copies of the author’s
published papers/ copies of the books which form the basis of the D.Sc., D.Litt.
and L.L.D thesis and (ii) other papers published by the author independently or
jointly in the UGC listed journals or International Journals with high impact
factor listed in SCOPUS / WOS/ Pub Med/SCI journals.
5.4. A certificate of Plagiarism check from the University shall be attached with the
thesis.
6. Screening and Evaluation of Post-doctoral Thesis
6.1. Screening is carried out before the evaluation of the post-doctoral thesis.
6.2. The Vice-Chancellor shall ask the Chairperson, BoS-PG to give a list of nine
experts to screen the post-doctoral thesis and such experts shall satisfy the
following criteria:
(a) For D.Litt, (i) three professors from National Level Research Institutes
established by the Union Government, (ii) three professors from Institution
of Eminence among Universities and (iii) three professors from Central/State
Universities with highest grades in NAAC.
(b) For D.Sc: (i) three professors from National Level Research Institutes
established by the Union Government, (ii) three professors from Institution
of Eminence among Universities and (iii) three professors from Central/State
Universities with highest grades in NAAC.
(c) For LLD, (i) three Professors of Law from National Law Schools established
by the Union Government, (ii) three Professors of Law from Law Schools
and Law Universities established by State Governments, and (iii) Professors
of Law from Institutions of Eminence or Universities with highest grade in
NAAC.
6.3. The copies of the Ph.D. thesis and post-doctoral thesis shall be sent to two experts
selected by the Vice Chancellor from the panel of nine experts suggested by the
Chairperson, BoS-PG, such that the two are not selected from the same category.
The screening committee may be asked to screen the post-doctoral thesis and
report that the thesis satisfies the following criteria:
(a) The theme of the post-doctoral thesis is a continuation or broad theme of the
Ph.D. research work submitted by the candidate.
(b) The contents of the post-doctoral thesis form a coherent volume of research
work and not a collection of isolated chapters and creative writing.
(c) The research publications after obtaining Ph.D. degree are of the standards
that could form the basis of the Post-doctoral thesis as described in paragraph 3.6.
6.4. Only if both the experts in the screening panel certify that the post- doctoral thesis
and the publications satisfy all the criteria stipulated in paragraph 6.3, is deemed
to be qualified for further adjudication process.
6.5. The Vice-Chancellor shall ask the respective Chairperson, BoS-PG to give a
panel of three foreign examiners, three Indian examiners other than south
and three examiners from South India holding relevant DSC degree whose
academic credentials reflect their expertise in the specific field of research and
suitable to adjudicate the post- doctoral thesis. The experts may justify their
choices with a brief note on each of them. In case of languages such as Tamil,
 Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, the foreign panel may not be insisted
upon. Instead, the Chairperson, BOS-PG shall give a panel of three Indian
Examiners other than south, three Indian examiners other than Tamil Nadu
and three Indian examiner from Tamil Nadu other than Chennai.
In case, if the Chairperson, BOS-PG is the candidate for D.Sc / D.Lit &
L.L.D. such condition, Vice-Chancellor can appoint panel of examiners by
taking advice from Dean-Research.
If the Chairperson, BOS himself / herself, not possessing D.Sc./D.Lit / L.L.D
then such case Senior Professors with 25 years of experience and having
outstanding research contribution in the concerned thrust area may be
considered as an Expert.
6.6. The thesis, together with any other contributions and papers submitted, shall be
referred to the Board of three Examiners -One foreign examiners and one Indian
examiner other than south and one South Indian Examiner from the panel
received as mentioned in item 6.5
6.7. The Examiners will be requested to evaluate the thesis and to either
“commended” or “not commended” for the award of the Degree with a detailed
evaluation report. The reports of the thesis shall be sent to the Vice Chancellor.
6.8. The Dean (Research) will be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as the Convener
for consolidating the reports of the three experts, which will be placed before the
Syndicate. There shall be no viva-voce examination.
6.9. If all the three experts place the post-doctoral thesis in the category
“Commended” and recommended for the award of the post-doctoral degree, then
the Syndicate may recommend for the award of the degree based on the
consolidated report of the Dean, Research.
6.10. Even if one of the experts does not recommend for the award of the post- doctoral
degree for the thesis, then the thesis will be rejected and informed to the
candidate. The Registrar with the approval of the Vice Chancellor shall inform
the Syndicate once in a year about the list of thesis rejected for the award of post-
doctoral degree and the reasons therefor.
6.11. The decisions of the experts in the screening panel and the evaluation panel are
final. Review of such decisions is not feasible.

*****
 Chapter 3
Eligibility for Research Supervision and Recognition/
Affiliation of Research Department/Institutions and Residual Matters

This chapter deals with eligibility for Research Supervisors and recognition / affiliation
to research departments and institutions and all other matters relating to academic
research programmes.

1. Eligibility for Research Supervision

1.1 Professor and Associate / Assistant Professor in the University Department or
Affiliated Research Institution shall have at least two years of teaching / research
experience in their respective posts after obtaining Ph.D.
1.2 Professors and Associate / Assistant Professors in affiliated self-financing colleges,
having qualification approval shall have completed two years of PG teaching
after awarding the Ph.D. Degree.
1.3 Professors shall have at least five research publications and Associate/Assistant
Professors shall have three research publications in peer reviewed / refereed
journals of the relevant discipline/subjects such as SCOPUS / WOS/ Pub Med/SCI
lists at the time of publication. Such publications should be after the award of the
Ph.D. and should not be an outcome of Ph.D. research work.
(a) The Research Advisor should be the first author in the research papers.
(b) Publications should not be made in Cloned Journals / Predatory / Dubious
journals or Presentations in Predatory / Dubious Conferences.
(c) The Publications submitted to consider for supervisor recognition should
either in their direct core discipline or related / allied / relevant to their
core discipline / area of research.
1.4 A Research Supervisor shall not be permitted to get eligibility for research
supervision from other Universities with the exception of centrally funded research
institutions like CLRI, CECRI, NITTTR, CSIR, CIPET, etc. However, the research
supervisors shall indicate the list of students working in other Universities under
their guidance. In any case, the maximum students shall not exceed the UGC norms.

2. Eligibility for Research Supervision

2.1 Only a full time regular teacher of the University Department/Institution
/Affiliated College can function as a Supervisor. External Supervisors are not
allowed. Co-Supervisor who is a recognized Ph.D. supervisor may be allowed in
inter-disciplinary areas from other departments of the same institute or from other
 related Institutions within the jurisdiction of the University and with the approval
of the Research Advisory Committee.
2.2 The allocation of Research Supervisor for a selected research scholar shall be
decided by the Department concerned depending on the number of scholars per
Research Supervisor, the available specialization among the Supervisors and
research interests of the scholars as indicated by them at the time of interview / viva
voce.
2.3 A Research Supervisor/Co-Supervisor who is a Professor / Principal of an Affiliated
Institution and in the rank of a Professor, at any given pointof time, cannot supervise
more than Eight (8) Ph.D. scholars. An Associate Professor as Research Supervisor
can supervise up to a maximum of six (6) Ph.D. scholars and an Assistant Professor
as Research Supervisor can supervise up to a maximum of four (4) Ph.D. scholars.
2.4 Research supervises are permitted one additional candidate above the maximum
limit, in order to admit candidates working in their research project funded by the
State / Central Government or International Funding Agencies. This is against any
future vacancy which may arise when any candidate submits the thesis.
2.5 For Research Institutions: Senior Principal Scientists (Scientist- F)/Chief Scientist
(Scientist-G) working in research institutes in the cadre of professor are permitted
to supervise 8 (eight) Ph.D. Scholars.
2.6 Associate Professors in Self-financing Colleges / Self -supporting Departments
in Aided colleges should get qualification approval from the University in order
to supervise 6 (six) scholars as under the cadre Associate Professor.
i. For research institutions other than centrally funded research
institutions / stand-alone institutions should submit their pay scale on
par with UGC / Tamil Nadu Govt norms along with the orders issued
by the competent authorities.
ii. For the Research Institutions the Principal Scientist (Scientist- E-II) will be
permitted to supervise 6 (six) scholars as under the cadre Associate
Professor.
2.7 Scientist (Scientist-C) / Senior Scientist (Scientist-E-I) in the cadre of Assistant
Professor are permitted to supervise 4 (four) Research scholars.
(a) Scientist E-I under a Research Institution, drawing a pay band matrix equivalent
to E-II of another Research Institution, is eligible to supervise six research scholars.
2.8 Ph.D. supervisors are permitted to supervise M. Phil. dissertation also.
2.9 If a recognized Ph.D. Supervisor offers to be a co-supervisor for an inter-
disciplinary study that will not be counted as Ph.D. guidance under paragraphs
2.2 to 2.8 above. However, the number of candidates under co- guidance be
restricted to three.
2.10 A Supervisor shall not supervise his/her immediate or close relative and to this effect
 he/she shall furnish a declaration in the column provided in the application form
for admission.
2.11 A Supervisor shall not be permitted to register candidates for Ph.D. in the last two
years of his/her service. Since the retirement age varies between types of
institutions, it is the responsibility of the Supervisor to recommend admission of
doctoral students under his/her supervision two years before his/her retirement. The
Head of the Institution should monitor and certify that the research supervisor has
more than two years of service before retirement while recommending for
ratification of admission of doctoral students.
(a)The Age limit for the Directors and Research Supervisors who are working
in Affiliated Research Institutions other than Central and State Government
Institutions and Principals / Supervisors who are working in Self-Financing
colleges for registration of candidates for the Ph.D. program under their
guideship be fixed as 59 years.
(b) Faculty members with two years / less than two years of service before
superannuation shall not be allowed to take new research scholars under
their supervision. However, such faculty members can continue to supervise
Ph.D. scholars who are already registered until superannuation and as a co-
supervisor after superannuation but not after attaining the age of 70 years.
2.12 Retired teachers are not permitted to supervise under any capacity or positions like
Re-employed faculty member in a self-financing Institution, Emeritus, Guest
faculty, visiting faculty, etc.
2.13 If a Supervisor is found to be involved in plagiarism, moral turpitude with fraudulent
academic accomplishments and other activities prejudicial to the reputation of the
University, etc., his/her eligibility for research supervision will be summarily
withdrawn without assigning any reason thereof.
2.14 A Supervisor who wishes to avail leave / lien/ deputation beyond a period of six
months shall nominate a supervisor in-charge from the department or the Heed of
the Department in the concerned subject for the candidates registered with him / her
for the period of absence and shall intimate to the University well in advance
2.15 Emeritus scientists / Fellows / Professors of the University Departments or affiliated
institutions recognized for research by the University who are funded by UGC /
CSIR / ICAR and other Governmental / Non- Governmental funding agencies could
be permitted to guide Ph.D. students until they hold the above-said positions.
However, they shall not be allowed to register candidates beyond 65 years.

3. Recognition of Department/Institution for offering Ph.D. Programme

3.1 Affiliated Colleges may be considered eligible to offer Ph.D. programmes only if
 they satisfy the availability of two eligible Research Supervisors, required
infrastructure and supporting administrative and research promotion facilities as per
these Regulations.
3.2 Approved University Departments/Centres/ Chairs of the University / Post-
graduate Departments of Affiliated Colleges, R&D institutes, Research laboratories
of Government of India/State Government recognised by the University within the
jurisdiction of the University of Madras with at least two Ph.D. qualified
teachers/scientists/other academic staff in the Department concerned along with
required infrastructure, supporting administrative and research promotion facilities
as per these Regulations, stipulated under sub- clause 3.3, shall be considered
eligible to offer Ph.D. programmes. Affiliated Colleges shall additionally have (i)
successfully sent out two batches of PG students before applying for recognition,
and (ii) the necessary recognition by the authorities under which they operate to
offer Ph.D. programmes.
3.3 Affiliated Colleges with adequate facilities for research as mentioned below
alone shall offer Ph. D. programmes: (a) In case of science and technology
disciplines, exclusive research laboratories with sophisticated equipment as
specified by the Institution concerned with provision for adequate rooms for
research scholars along with computer facilities and essential software, and
uninterrupted power and water supply; (b) Earmarked library resources including
latest books, Indian and International journals, e-journals, extended working hours
for all disciplines, adequate space for research scholars in the Department/ library
for reading, writing and storing study and research materials;

4. Award of Ph.D. Degree

4.1 Ph.D. is awarded in the discipline / subject of the Department in which the candidate
is registered for Ph.D. and not in the discipline / subject of the PG Degree of the
candidate.
4.2 In the case of the award of the Ph.D degree for inter-disciplinary research, the degree
certificate shall bear both the subjects of the candidates post- graduate degree and
the discipline of the department in which the candidate has conducted his/her
Doctoral research mentioning them as “inter-disciplinary”.
4.3 Award of degrees to candidates registered for the Ph.D. programme on or after July
11, 2009 till the date of Notification of these Regulations shall be governed by the
provisions of the UGC (Minimum Standards and procedure for Awards of Ph.D.
Degree) Regulation,2009.
4.4 If the Ph.D. degree is awarded by a Foreign University, the Indian Institution
considering such a degree shall refer the issue to a Standing Committee constituted
 by the concerned Institution for the purpose of determining the equivalence of the
degree awarded by the foreign University.

5. Depository with Inflibnet

5.1 Following the successful completion of the evaluation process and before the
announcement of the award of the Ph.D. degree(s), the Institution concerned shall
submit an electronic copy of the Ph. D. thesis to the INFLIBNET, for hosting the
same so as to make it accessible to all Institutions/Affiliated Colleges.
5.2 Prior to the actual award of the degree, the University shall issue a provisional
Certificate to the effect that the Degree has been awarded inaccordance with the
provisions of these UGC Regulations 2016.

6. Publication of the Thesis

6.1 A thesis, whether approved or not, shall not be published in full without the
permission of the University and the Vice-Chancellor may grant permission for the
publication under such conditions as it may impose;
6.2 Provided that a candidate may during the course of his/her research, publish papers
in standard and research journals, as advised by his/her Supervisor, but the thesis as
a whole shall not be published without obtaining permission of the Syndicate
mentioned supra.
6.3 Permission for publication of the whole thesis should be obtained after award of the
degree.
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