The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is heading towards a more stringent research norm for PhD programmes in technical education. The task force formed to develop regulations recommends mandatory publication of research work in peer-reviewed journals and the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) disclaimers in the paper.
The task force led by former Vice President of Bangalore University KR Venugopal was tasked with developing a comprehensive framework for PHD and DSC programs in technical education. Up until now, AICTE has followed University Grants Committee (UGC) regulations that apply to other academic sources. The Task Force submitted its report to AICTE in July 2025.
Essential Publications for Research Scholars
Under the new recommendation, research scholars should publish articles based on their papers as the first author of a peer-reviewed journal or conference. Scholars who publish their works in Scopus-indexed Q1 journals may be eligible to submit their papers in just two and a half years.
The UGC currently does not require journal publications. Venugopal said the change was intended to improve the quality of technical education. He explained that unless candidates publish their papers themselves, they may have difficulty guiding future students through the research process. He also emphasized that students, not guides, will be praised as first authors.
Guidelines for AI use in research
The Task Force recommended that the use of AI in research be disclosed through the AI disclaimer, along with copyright statements, appropriate references, and plagiarism checks. Venugopal noted that AI is now a standard tool for research and teaching. He suggested that although AI is permitted, it accounts for less than 20% of the overall papers, similar to the plagiarism disclaimer, and should be properly cited.
This recommendation also provides research timelines and mentorship flexibility. High-level students can earn their PhD in two and a half years. The new rules also allow for the transition of research scholars between universities across the country. Retired faculty and practical professors are permitted to jointly govern students after retirement.
The AICTE Task Force has proposed new guidelines for awarding DSCs in engineering, technology, applied science and related fields. The program lasts for 1-3 years, aiming to become a postdoctoral scholar.
The committee worked with the NEP to review national and global doctoral standards. The report is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Education and the Official Gazette Notice.
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