In India, and particularly in states like Odisha, pursuing a PhD has long been considered the highest academic achievement. A doctoral degree carries prestige, social respect, and the promise of intellectual contribution. However, an important question needs to be asked today: Are we truly nurturing researchers, or are we merely producing degree holders through rigid categories and traditional systems that often neglect the future of the scholar? One of the most debated issues surrounding PhD admissions in India is the emphasis on category.
Reservation policies based on social categories were introduced with the noble intention of ensuring social justice and equal opportunity. Undoubtedly, these policies have helped many deserving students from marginalized backgrounds to access higher education. However, when category becomes more important than research aptitude, innovation, and vision, it raises concerns. Many talented students feel discouraged when merit alone is not the decisive factor. At the same time, some scholars enter PhD programmes primarily because they qualify through a category, without clear research motivation or long-term academic goals. A PhD is not merely a continuation of postgraduate studies; it demands deep commitment, originality, and perseverance. The critical question is not which category a student belongs to, but whether the student can create knowledge that benefits society.
A balanced system is required – one that upholds social justice while also prioritizing research quality and potential impact. Another serious concern is that many students enrol in PhD programmes without a clear understanding of their prospects. In Odisha, as in many parts of India, PhD admission is often seen as a “safe option” when employment opportunities are limited. Students join doctoral programmes hoping that “something will work out” in the future – either a teaching position or a research role. Unfortunately, the reality is harsh. Academic positions are limited, postdoctoral opportunities are scarce, and industry-linked research remains underdeveloped. Many PhD scholars spend five to seven years of their productive youth only to face unemployment or underemployment at the end. This raises a fundamental issue: Is the system responsible for guiding scholars about career pathways beyond the PhD? At present, the answer is largely no. Career counselling, industry exposure, entrepreneurship training, and interdisciplinary skill development are mostly absent from traditional PhD structures.
The traditional method of pursuing a PhD in India emphasizes coursework, literature review, data collection, thesis writing, and viva voce. While these elements are essential, the system often becomes rigid, outdated, and disconnected from real-world problems. In many universities, including those in Odisha, research topics are repetitive, incremental, and sometimes irrelevant to societal needs. Scholars are encouraged to “play safe” rather than take risks or explore innovative ideas. Supervisors, overburdened with administrative work, may not always provide active mentorship.
As a result, creativity is compromised. Moreover, the traditional PhD system values quantity over quality – number of years, number of publications, number of formalities – rather than the actual contribution of the research. This leads to frustration among scholars and limits the global visibility of Indian research. Perhaps the most painful truth is that the future of many PhD scholars is neglected. Financial insecurity, mental stress, delayed fellowships, and lack of recognition are common experiences. In Odisha, many scholars rely on limited fellowships that are often delayed, forcing them into personal and financial hardship. After completing the PhD, the struggle does not end. With limited faculty positions and minimal research funding, scholars often feel abandoned by the system. Years of rigorous effort do not translate into stable careers. This situation not only wastes human potential but also discourages future generations from choosing research as a career. PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, derived from the Greek word philosophia, meaning “love of wisdom.”
A PhD scholar is expected to be a seeker of truth, a creator of new knowledge, and a problem-solver for society. A true PhD would be: · Conducting original research · Creating new knowledge or new applications · Addressing real problems of humanity · Contributing to the progress, sustainability, and well-being of mankind A PhD is not meant to be just a degree for promotion, salary increment, or social status. It is a responsibility – to science, society, and the future. To restore the true meaning of a PhD, reforms are urgently needed: · Merit with Equity: Balance category- based access with rigorous assessment of research aptitude. · Career – Oriented PhD Programmes: Integrate industry collaboration, startups, policy research, and interdisciplinary skills.
· Outcome-Based Research: Focus on societal impact, innovation, and real-world solutions.
· Strong Mentorship: Train and support supervisors to guide scholars effectively.
· Future Security: Create post-PhD pathways through research institutions, think tanks, and industry. A PhD should not be a journey of uncertainty and neglect. It should be a platform for intellectual growth, innovation, and service to humanity. In Odisha and across India, we must move beyond rigid categories and outdated traditions to build a research ecosystem that values ideas, nurtures talent, and secures the future of scholars. Only then will the PhD truly fulfil its purpose – to give something new to the world, to save and improve lives, and to benefit mankind.
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Dadhichi College of Pharmacy.)