How to Complete the Ph.D. Program in Time and Without Complications in India?

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to i) explain every step of the Ph.D. journey along with their importance, priority, and weightage, ii) provide a Ph.D. planner template, iii) introduce a self-evaluation calculator to understand scholars’ Ph.D. progress, iv) throw some light on career opportunities for the Ph.D. holders, and v) Ph.D. holder’s responsibilities.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Postmodernism philosophical paradigm; Inductive research approach; Observation data collection method; Longitudinal data collection time frame; Qualitative data analysis.

Findings/Result: As long as the Ph.D. scholars can understand i) which step of the Ph.D. journey is important?; ii) which step needs scholars’ efforts?; iii) which steps require external support?; iv) what are the career prospects of a Ph.D. holder; v) what are the responsibilities of a Ph.D. scholar? They will be able to complete their Ph.D. journey in time and without complications.

Originality/Value: There is a vast literature about research methodology and other aspects of the research. However, only a few have explained the step-by-step process of the Ph.D. journey. In this article, we have attempted to explain every step of the Ph.D. journey; importance, weightage, and priority of each step; career options for Ph.D. holders; responsibilities of Ph.D. scholars/holders.

Paper Type: Conceptual.