rules and regulations for ph.d programme vfstr...

Rules and Regulations for Ph.D Programme VFSTR University

VFSTR University Rules and Regulations for Ph.D Programme

Rules and Regulations forThe Doctor of Philosophy

(Ph.D) Programme

VIGNAN’S FOUNDATION FOR SCIENCETECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

UNIVERSITYVadlamudi, Guntur Dist.

Website: www.vignanuniversity.org2015

http://www.vignanuniversity.org


CONTENTSRules and Regulations of Research Program Leading to Ph.D Degree

Sl. Details Page No

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. DEFINITIONS 1

3. ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION OF STUDENTS 4

4. ADMISSION PROCESS 7

5. DOCTORAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE 10

6. COURSE WORK 12

7. PROGRESS REPORT 13

8. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION 13

9. RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT 13

10. DURATION OF THE PROGRAM 14

11. CHANGE OF REGISTRATION FROM PART TIME TO

FULL TIME & VICE-VERSA 15

12. EXTERNAL REGISTRATION SCHEME 15

13. FEE PARTICULARS 16

14. PRE-SYNOPSIS SEMINAR 17

15. SYNOPSIS OF THESIS 18

16. SUBMISSION OF THESIS 18

17. PREPARATION OF Ph.D THESIS 19

18. THESIS EVALUATION 20

19. ORAL EXAMINATION 22

20. AWARD OF Ph.D DEGREE 22

21. PUBLICATION OF THESIS 23

22. THE ACT OF PLAGIARISM 23

23. POWER TO MODIFY 23


Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technologyand Research University (VFSTRU)

1. INTRODUCTION

The objectives of this document is to introduce the features, rules andregulations to be followed by all the stakeholders of the programs thatare to impart research training to the scholar, and prepare for a career inindependent investigation and original research so as to make a significantcontribution to knowledge in his/her field and profession. The trainingprogram shall ensure that it is not, an end in itself, but a means for afruitful research career.

To achieve these objectives, the training program shall ensure thefollowing:

• Acquisition of fundamental knowledge in the chosen discipline.

• Acquisition of in-depth knowledge in the field of research.

• Training in the use of both analytical and practical research toolsof the field, and develop skills and capabilities to conduct originalresearch.

The testing and examination procedure to measure the achievement ofthese objectives is prescribed in these regulations under appropriateheadings.

2. DEFINITIONS

• “Research” means systematic study or investigation in order todiscover new knowledge in the form of facts/patterns or newinterpretation of ideas or inventions of new devices or to explore aunified theory to explain diverse facts.

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• “Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)” signifies that the awardee of thedegree has undertaken a substantial piece of original research,which has been conducted and reported by the holder under properacademic supervision, and in a research environment for aprescribed period.

• “Research Student/Scholar” means a student who is admitted toPh.D Program of the VFSTRU through the procedures adopted bythe University.

• “Supervisor” means a member of the faculty of VFSTRU or aperson recognized by the VFSTRU and authorized to be a supervisorwho supervises the research work carried out by the researchscholar for the award of Ph.D degree.

• “Co-Supervisor” means a person who may or may not be amember of the faculty of VFSTRU, who is recognized and approvedby the VFSTRU to supervise the research work of a scholar jointlywith a Supervisor.

• The University Research Board (URB) is the apex policy makingbody for Research & Development and Consultancy activities ofthe university. It meets at least once a year.

Composition of the University Research Board (URB)

Vice Chancellor - Chairman

Two senior Professors from premier academic institutions - Members

Two scientists from R&D organizations or from industry - Members

Dean, Evaluation - Member

Dean – R&D - Convener

• Research Advisory Committee (RAC). RAC has to monitor andimplement the policies and decisions recommended by the URB.

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In addition RAC monitors the progress in R&D projects and activities,and makes recommendations for reaching immediate and long termgoals.

Composition of Research Advisory Committee (RAC)

Dean R&D - Chairman

All Deans - Members

All HODs - Members

Nominees of Vice Chancellor - Two Members

Doctoral Research Committee (DRC): DRC is the body thatrecommends the course work, monitors and steers the progressof the research scholar.

The Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) shall consist of thefollowing members:

Dean, R&D – Chairman.

The HOD of the Department - Member

Supervisor / Co-supervisor – Member(s)

Two members from the parent department or other departmentwithin the university or from an external organization/ institutionwho are otherwise eligible to be a research supervisor.

Board of Examiners of Thesis (BET): Board of Examiners of thethesis shall consist of two external examiners in which one ofthem is from universities or R&D organizations abroad. The externalexaminers shall be chosen by the Chairman, RAC from a panel ofeight members proposed (four from India and four from abroad) bythe DRC. However, in special cases if the foreign examiner is notavailable, then thesis will be evaluated by three Indian examiners(instead of two as mentioned above, one from India and one from

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abroad) if approved by RAC. The DRC shall propose the panel ofexaminers at the time of submission of synopsis of the thesis.

Oral Defense Evaluation Committee (ODEC): Oral DefenseEvaluation is an essential component of the evaluation process.Oral Defense Evaluation Committee of a research student shallevaluate the work carried out by the scholar. The committee shallconsist of one of the external examiners of BET selected by theChairman, RAC, HoD and supervisor(s). Other members of DRCare invitees for the oral defense. Chairman, DRC shall be theChairman of ODEC. If none of the apointed external examiners ofBET is available for evaluation of oral defense, an alternativeexaminer shall be selected by the Chairman, RAC preferably fromthe panel of examiners submitted by the DRC.

3. ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION OF STUDENTS

3.1. Categories of Students

The VFSTRU shall admit students to the research program leading toPh.D degree under the following categories.

a) Full Time: Students under this category shall work full time forPh.D course work and thesis and may receive assistantship fromthe University or fellowship from external agencies like CSIR/UGCor any other recognized funding agency or may be self-financed.

b) Part Time: Candidates employed (full time) in academic institutions/universities (including VFSTRU)/R&D organizations recognized bya regulatory body or industries that have facilities for research(approved by VFSTRU) may be considered for admission into thePh.D programme of the University, under the supervision of a guidefrom VFSTRU, through the normal admission procedure. They shallfulfill the stipulated requirements for Ph.D admission.

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c) Part-time (External): Candidates employed in an organization/institution/industry that has facilities (approved by VFSTRU) to carryout research in the candidate’s chosen field, can register as anexternal candidate. He/She should take permission to work externallyin his/her parent organization. He/She should have a supervisorauthorized by the university either from his/her organization or fromanother organization. He/She should also have a co-supervisorfrom the University.

3.2. Eligibility

3.2.1. General Guidelines

• A candidate who wishes to get admitted for Ph.D programme underfull time/part time/part time (external) scheme should apply in theprescribed form on or before the due date fixed for the same.

• External candidates employed in reputed research and developmentorganizations/National Laboratories/Industries having research anddevelopment facilities recognized by Department of Science andTechnology or by the University Research Committee of the VFSTRU,on request by the Industry can apply for external registration,provided he/she is sponsored and produces No Objection Certificate(NOC) from the parent organization.

• Members of faculty and research staff of the University who wishto work on a part time basis for a Ph.D degree should also apply inthe prescribed form on or before the due date. RAC has the powersto limit the number of Staff/Faculty members who wish to pursuePh.D degree.

• Part time candidates from outside the University must be a regularfaculty of UGC/AICTE approved degree/PG level engineering

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institutes or Scientists/Engineers employed in reputed researchorganizations.

3.2.2. Educational Qualifications

For engineering disciplines, candidates must have obtained PG degree orequivalent in one of the relevant engineering specializations as decidedby the respective departments. For management studies, the candidatemust have PG degree in the relevant field or any Masters degree withrelevant experience. For biotechnology, sciences and humanities,candidates must have a relevant PG degree or equivalent degree.Candidates must have obtained a minimum of 60% aggregate marks inthe qualifying degree.

3.2.3 Test, Interview and Admission

• Eligible candidates have to appear for a written test and interview.

• All the candidates are required to qualify in a written test conductedby the University. Candidates who have qualified in the GATE/UGC/CSIR/NET examination, or awarded with Research Fellowship byUGC/CSIR/Government Organizations are exempted from writtentest for Ph.D admission. However they should appear for theinterview.

• Based on the performance of the candidate, he/she is provisionallyselected for admission into the Ph.D programme, subjected tosatisfactory allotment of supervisor and fur ther approval byChairman, RAC.

• Candidate whose selection is approved by the Chairman, RAC, willbe admitted in to Ph.D program after payment of prescribed feesand completion of all the admission procedures.

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4. ADMISSION PROCESS

4.1. Initiation

• Ordinarily, Dean-R&D seeks the information from the Heads of theDepartments (HoD) regarding the number of Ph.D vacancies to befilled during a particular period. Once the total number is known,the same is communicated to Dean-Admissions who in turn sendout an advertisement. It could be once in a year or twice based onthe minimal availability of seats to be filled by the University.

• After the due date, all the applications received by Dean-Admissionsare sent to HoDs of respective depar tments for scrutiny. Thedepartments shortlist the candidates based on the eligibility of thecandidates and the requirement at that particular time. Shortlistedcandidates list will be sent to the Dean-Admissions who in turnsend out call letters to shortlisted candidates for attending writtentest/interview.

4.2. Written test/interview

• Every candidate has to appear for a written test at the date andtime mentioned in their call letter sent from VFSTRU by competentauthority. Candidates who have qualified in the national level testslike GATE, CSIR, UGC etc are exempted from the written test. Theirdate and time of interview would be intimated accordingly. Theshortlisted candidates of the written test examination will be askedto appear for interview before a committee duly appointed by theRAC.

• The list of selected candidates after the interview is sent to Dean-Admissions, who after completing verification of certificates andother formalities of VFSTRU will forward the list to the Dean-R&D

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with the names of the candidates. Dean-R&D will then consult therespective HoDs for finalizing the supervisors (internal/external),topic of research, doctoral committee members etc., and forwardthe same to the VC for final approval.

• If any candidate did not find a suitable supervisor within theUniversity and has identified a potential supervisor somewhereelse, the external supervisor may be recognized by the universitybased on the eligibility criteria of supervisors as described in section4.4. An internal supervisor will be allotted for such candidates andthey are considered as part-time research scholars.

• The admission process is concluded once the candidates pay therequired fees, and then the candidates formally become Ph.Dscholars of VFSTRU.

• In the first week of joining of all the Ph.D scholars, each supervisorinitiates the process of formation of DRC for each candidate asper the ‘Rules and Regulations of VFSTRU’.

• A ‘Research Calendar’ is drawn as described in section 5.3 foreach candidate once the DRC is formed.

• Each Scholar is supposed to complete a minimum of three coursesprescribed by the DRC, of which ‘Research Methodology &Technical Writing’ is a common compulsory course to all thescholars. The other two courses are related to broad research areaof the scholar and they are to be approved by the DRC. The scholaris advised to give a research seminar on ‘Review of the publishedresearch’ in the area of research of the scholar and plan of his/herproposed research. The seminar is expected to be delivered withinone year after completion of the course work.

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4.3 Choice of Supervisors

• After the interviews and the selection of candidates, tentativeallotment of research scholars to supervisors will be made by theHoDs taking into consideration the preferences of the researchscholars and supervisors with their mutual consent obtained inwriting. The list of selected candidates along with their guides isforwarded to the Dean-Admissions, who in turn forwards the sameto Dean-R&D, af ter satisfying himself with all the admissionprocedures.

• In the case of part-time/external candidates, the supervisors maybe chosen by the students/scholars from a list of externalrecognized supervisors. In such cases, the admission process isdeemed to be completed only af ter the acceptance of thesupervisor to guide the student. Alternately, if the student wishesto work under the guidance of a supervisor already identified bythe VFSTRU, the process of admission could only be completedafter the University recognizes the supervisor and receives hisacceptance in writing as per the already laid down procedure.

4.4 Supervisors and their eligibility requirements

• All the permanent faculty members of the college/institute/universityor regular faculty of AICTE/UGC approved Engineering/ManagementInstitutes and other Institutions with a Ph.D qualification and havinga minimum of two publications in refereed international journals orinternational conferences are eligible to guide Ph.D students.

• Notwithstanding to what is stated above, the RAC reserves theright to approve any faculty member as a research supervisor,depending upon the merit of the case.

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• An external supervisor could be recognized by the University if he/she fulfills the normal criteria as prescribed above. The externalsupervisor has to follow all the guidelines of the VFSTRU duringthe period of his/her recognition as a research guide.

• Any change of supervisor(s) under appropriate request, the DRCwill evaluate the merit of the case and may recommend the sameto the RAC for approval.

5. DOCTORAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE

5.1. Committee Constitution

• The Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) shall consist of thefollowing members:

1. Dean-R&D - Chairman.

2. The HOD/Dean of the Department - Member

3. Supervisor / Co-supervisor – Member(s)

4. A minimum of two faculty members from the parent departmentor other departments within the university or from an externalorganization/institution who are otherwise eligible to be aresearch supervisor.

5.2 Functions of the Doctoral Research Committee

• Shall recommend the course work for the scholar and therecommendation in the prescribed format shall be submitted to theController of Examinations through Dean – R&D for conducting thequalifying examination.

• Shall draw the Research Calendar for the scholar.

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• Shall periodically perform half yearly review of the progress ofresearch work in the case of full-time scholars and annual reviewin the case of part-time scholars.

• Shall forward the review report to the RAC on the progress ofScholar’s research program in the prescribed format.

• The progress of the research scholar will be categorized as one ofthe following by the DRC:

Excellent/Very Good/Good/Satisfactory/Not satisfactory.

• Suggest suitable remedial action if the scholar’s progress is ‘notsatisfactory’.

• If the progress of a scholar is observed to be ‘not satisfactory’ fora consecutive period of two years, the matter shall be referred toRAC for a possible termination of the registration based on therecommendation of the DRC.

• Shall assess the research work of a scholar based on a pre-synopsis seminar for submission of synopsis.

• When the scholar submits the synopsis of his/her thesis, the DRC,after due verification of the compliance requirements, shallrecommend names of external examiners for the evaluation of thethesis. The same shall be submitted to the RAC and Dean -Evaluation for further necessary action.

• On receipt of the comments/recommendations of the externalexaminers of the thesis, DRC shall submit these with theCommittee’s recommendations to the RAC for further necessaryaction.

• It is the responsibility of DRC to ensure that the work done by thescholar is authentic and not copied from any other source and

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does not fall into the category which could be considered asplagiarism. The research scholar and the supervisor (s) are requiredto submit a certificate in this regard.

5.3. Research Calendar

The Research Calendar is a document which specifies the entire calendarfor a scholar regarding his/her course work tentative schedules, timelinesfor finishing the course work, collection/review of literature, problemidentification, annual/half-yearly report submissions, research/reviewseminars, submission of synopsis and submission of final thesis. Thecalendar may deviate, but DRC will keep track of the Research Calendarand suggest suitable remedial actions as and when required.

6. COURSE WORK

The Ph.D programme is aimed at giving a broad based training in theconcerned field in addition to specialization in a particular area.

• Completion of a minimum of three courses approved by DRC atthe post-graduate/doctoral level is compulsory.

• The candidates are required to complete the course work withminimum of 50% marks in each subject. Further, if a candidatefails to clear a subject with minimum of 50% marks in threeattempts, his/her admission shall be cancelled.

• The full time candidates may attend classes along with PG studentsof the respective department or allied departments, if the subjectsprescribed to them are offered in the ongoing PG programs.

• The external and part time candidates will be permitted to writethe examination after attending the classes along with PG studentsor the classes conducted exclusively for them.

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7. PROGRESS REPORT

• A research scholar shall submit, at the end of every semester, aprogress report of research work done by him/her in the prescribedformat through the supervisor who shall forward it to the DRC. Theresearch scholar shall as well appear before the DRC once in everysemester to present his/her work for progress evaluation. Theprogress of the research scholar will be categorized as one of thefollowing by the DRC:

Excellent/Very Good/Good/Satisfactory/Not satisfactory

• The progress report is then forwarded to Dean – R&D for necessaryaction.

8. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION

• The registration of a research scholar whose progress is notsatisfactory for a period of two years consecutively or who hasnot duly registered for any semester is liable to be cancelled bythe Chairman, RAC on the recommendation of DRC.

• The registration of a research scholar who has not submitted his/her thesis by the end of the extended period as per prescribednorms will be cancelled by the Chairman, RAC on therecommendation of DRC.

9. RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT

The residential requirement (availability/presence of the scholars in thecampus/department) is essential to build the research atmosphere inthe institute and completion of the prescribed course work. The fulfillmentof residential requirement has to be certified by the DRC at the time ofsubmission of his/her thesis.

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• The full-time scholar for the Ph.D program should normally carryout his/her research work at the university. In special cases,depending on the merit of each case, the DRC may permit a scholarto do part of his/her work in another institution/organization.

• All the scholars registered for Ph.D at this university shall make atleast one presentation every semester of his/her work on a dateand time as directed by the DRC. A copy of the semester progressreport with the comments of the DRC must be sent to the Dean –R&D.

• For Part time students the residential requirement is a minimumfour weeks in the first year and a minimum of one week in thefollowing years till they submit the Ph.D thesis.

10. DURATION OF THE PROGRAM

• Research scholars can submit thesis at any time after completinga minimum of three years from the date of registration.

Early Submission:

• If a research scholar desires to submit the thesis prior to thecompletion of three years, he/she should have

• completed a minimum of two/two-and-half years (for FT/PT scholarsrespectively)

• completed the prescribed coursework as per the requirementssuccessfully

• published at least two international journal papers emanating fromthe doctoral research work

• outstanding contributions such as patents etc

• recommendation and approval of DRC

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Maximum Duration:

• The maximum duration to submit the thesis is five years (six yearsfor part time scholars) from the date of registration.

• However, the RAC may extend the period of submission of thethesis by another two years on valid reasons and on therecommendation of the DRC. The extended period is given for onlyone year and additional extension is sought before completion ofthe one year, if required.

11. CHANGE OF REGISTRATION FROM PART TIME TO FULL TIME ANDVICE- VERSA

• A student admitted to part time/external registration programmemay be allowed to change his/her registration to full time studieson the recommendation of DRC and with the approval of RAC.However, for determining the duration of the programme, one halfof the period spent, as a part time student, will be counted.

• Similarly, a student admitted to a full time Ph.D programme maybe permitted to change to a part time Ph.D programme on arequest from him/her, provided:

• he/she has completed the prescribed coursework.

• the request is endorsed by the supervisor(s) and the DRC.

• a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ is obtained from the Head/Deanof the Institution/University/ Organization which he/she proposesto join.

12. EXTERNAL REGISTRATION SCHEME

• Candidates working in research and development establishmentswith adequate research and library facilities may be consideredfor admission in to Ph.D programme provided they satisfy the

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minimum eligibility conditions. There must be a competent andqualified person to supervise his work in that organization. Thecandidate should provide the bio-data of the prospective supervisor.External registration will be granted only when the RAC recognizesthat the prospective supervisor has necessary academicqualification and competency and approves him/her as a recognizedsupervisor.

• The departments will have to identify an internal co-supervisor toeach of such candidates who would work under the externalregistration scheme. If a suitable qualified co-supervisor is notavailable in the department, the external registration to such acandidate will not be granted.

• It is for the DRC to recommend to the RAC for approval of acandidate belonging to an organization for carrying out Ph.Dresearch in a specified area under the external registration scheme.An application for admission from a candidate working in theapproved organization will be considered only if he/she wishes towork in the specified areas recognized/approved by VFSTRU.

13. FEE PARTICULARS

On selection for admission, candidates shall be required to pay theprescribed fee as determined by RAC from time to time. The fee anddeposits have to be paid on or before the stipulated dates regularly everysemester, till the successful completion of the programme and submissionof thesis or cancellation of the admission as is the case maybe. If the feeis not paid by the stipulated due date, a late fee will be levied. Nonpayment of the prescribed fee beyond the extended due date will lead tothe cancellation of admission with a prior notice to the candidate.

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14. PRE-SYNOPSIS SEMINAR

It is mandatory for every scholar to present a seminar prior to thesubmission of thesis in the concerned department to the DRC, on theresearch work carried out by him/her. The DRC is empowered to makesuggestions for improving the work on the basis of the seminar. Theseminar is followed by submission of synopsis and subsequently thethesis submission.

Guidelines for Pre-Synopsis report/seminar

1. The scholar shall submit the synopsis report in the prescribedformat to the DRC through the supervisor.

2. The exact title of thesis may also be discussed during the seminarif the same is not already approved by the DRC.

3. During the seminar, the presentation must cover the followingaspects.

• Objectives and scope of the study

• Literature review

• Identification of the research gaps based on literature review

• Problem formulation

• Research methodology

• Experimentation/ Data collection/Analysis

• General conclusions

• Specific contributions and conclusions

• Details of publications in journals and conferences

• Further scope of research

• References

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4. The presentation should mainly concentrate on the candidate’swork/contribution.

5. The suggestions/corrections given during the seminar by the DRCshall be discussed with the supervisor and may be appropriatelyincorporated in the thesis.

15. SYNOPSIS OF THESIS

1. On satisfactory completion of the research work carried out aftersuccessful completion of all the prescribed courses and seminars,the candidate shall submit to the Dean – R&D through the researchsupervisor, ten copies of the synopsis of the Ph.D work carriedout.

2. The synopsis shall be accepted only when the research scholarhas at least one paper either published or accepted for publicationin a refereed journal.

3. The synopsis defense meeting shall be organized by the DRC.

After satisfactory synopsis presentation of the research work, the

DRC shall forward five copies of the revised synopsis (if revision

of the same recommended by the DRC) and feedback report of

the synopsis viva to the Dean-Evaluation together with the panel

of examiners.

16. SUBMISSION OF THESIS

Each Candidate, after completing the necessary formalities is required

then to submit his/her thesis along with the duly filled in prescribed

application form and the evaluation fee (as fixed by RAC). A candidate

may submit the thesis any time during the stipulated duration/extended

duration of research, as is the case may be.

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17. PREPARATION OF Ph.D THESIS

1. The thesis shall be prepared in an organized and scholarly fashion

with an account of the original research work of the candidate

leading to new techniques or correlation of facts already known

(analytical, experimental etc.) and demonstrating a quality as to

make a definite contribution to the advancement of knowledge. It

should as well exhibit the candidate’s ability to under take

independent research and present the findings in an appropriate

manner with actual accomplishments of the work, plainly stated

and honestly appraised.

2. Five copies of the thesis shall be prepared and submitted to the

Controller of Examinations in accordance with the format and

specifications prescribed. Thesis shall be submitted within six

months of the date of approval of the synopsis by the DRC.

3. The thesis shall include a certificate from the concerned supervisor

(and co-supervisor, if any) to the effect that the thesis is a record

of bonafide research work carried out by the candidate under his/

her/their supervision and guidance and that the work reported in

the thesis has not been submitted elsewhere for a degree or diploma.

A similar certificate from the scholar is also included in the thesis

regarding the authenticity of the work.

4. The candidate shall submit a no dues certificate from all concerned

as specified by the Dean – R&D to the Dean- Evaluation.

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18. THESIS EVALUATION

1. The synopsis defense meeting shall be organized by the DRC.After satisfactory synopsis presentation of the research work, theDRC shall forward five copies of the revised synopsis (if revisionof the same recommended by the DRC) and feedback report ofthe synopsis viva to the Controller of Examinations together withthe panel of examiners. The research supervisor presents a list ofeight examiners (four from India and four from abroad) and thesame will be discussed in the DRC and accepted with the changes,if any. Alternatively the supervisor could give a panel of eight Indianexaminers if it is approved by DRC and RAC. Then the approvedlist of examiners shall be forwarded to the Dean – R&D for furtheraction.

2. The thesis shall be forwarded by the Dean - Evaluation to the twoexaminers (one Indian and one foreign) nominated by the Chairman,RAC from the panel of names recommended by the DRC.Alternatively the thesis shall be forwarded to three Indian examiners,if it is accepted and approved by DRC and the RAC

3. The Dean – R&D shall take such steps through the Dean –Evaluation/Controller of Examinations as deemed to be necessaryto enable the reports of the examiners to be received as quickly aspossible. The examiners are expected to send their reports in theprescribed format within two months from the date of receipt ofthe thesis.

4. The examiner shall include in his/her report an overall assessment,placing the thesis in one of the following categories:

· Recommended for the award of the degree of Doctor ofPhilosophy: Highly commended / commended.

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· Revision required (need not be resubmitted)

· Revised thesis be resubmitted

· Rejected

5. If all the examiners recommended for the award of the degree, thethesis shall be provisionally accepted. Any minor revisions,modifications etc., suggested by the examiners shall be addressed/answered by the candidate in the ‘action taken report’ (ATR) andpresented through the supervisor to the oral defence examinationcommittee (ODEC).

6. If all the examiners recommended rejection, the thesis shall berejected and the registration of the research scholar shall becancelled.

7. If one of the examiners recommends the award of the degree whilethe other recommends rejection, the Dean – Evaluation/Controllerof Examination may chose to send to another examiner. The scholarshall be advised to make the necessary corrections suggested bythe examiners before sending the thesis to the third examiner. Ifthe scholar is unable to submit the revised thesis within thestipulated time given by RAC, the registration of the research scholarshall be cancelled. When three Indian examiners are chosen forthe evaluation of the doctoral thesis, the decision shall be made togo ahead even if the two examiners recommend for the award ofthe degree.

8. If the examiners recommend for the revision of the thesis, thecandidate shall be permitted only once to revise and resubmit thethesis.

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9. The comments of the external examiners of the thesis shall besent to the supervisor as soon as they are received for necessaryaction and to prepare an Action Taken Report (ATR). The ATR isprepared by the scholar for the comments/queries made by theexternal thesis examiners and is presented to the chairman of theOral Defence Evaluation Committee and the examiner during theoral examination for their approval.

10. Individual cases not covered by the above clauses shall be referredto the RAC. On deemed fit reasons, the RAC in turn shall refer tothe DRC, if necessary.

19. ORAL EXAMINATION

1. The Board of ODEC shall be

· Dean – R&D - Chairman

· One of the examiners who has evaluated the thesis, to benominated by Chairman, RAC

· HoD of the concerned department

· Supervisor(s)

2. The ODEC shall verify whether the scholar has fulfilled all the normsand conditions of VFSTRU. The decision of the ODEC shall be finalin this regard.

20. AWARD OF Ph.D DEGREE

If the ODEC is satisfied with all the procedures followed and completed,then recommends that the candidate may be awarded the Ph.D degree.The decision of the ODEC is then forwarded to the Academic Council forthe formal final approval.

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21. PUBLICATION OF THESIS

1. A copy of the thesis shall be sent to the library reference section.

2. The abstract of the thesis will be uploaded on to the universitywebsite by the Dean – R&D.

3. The same copy of the thesis in a CD-ROM shall also be submittedto Dean - R&D immediately for depository with UGC and uploadingin INFLIBNET.

22. THE ACT OF PLAGIARISM

In the case of any malpractices such as plagiarism etc are reported/observed and proved, then the DRC shall recommend that the thesissubmitted for the award of Ph.D degree shall be forfeited and his/herresearch registration shall be terminated. He/She shall be debarred toregister for any other program in VFSTRU. Also, the recognition of his/hersupervisor shall be withdrawn for a period of five years and the supervisorshall be debarred from guiding the research scholars for any researchprogram in VFSTRU till such period. If such a case has been observedfrom an external supervisor who is not a part of VFSTRU, he/she wouldlose his/her recognition forever.

23. POWER TO MODIFY

Notwithstanding to anything mentioned in the above said rules andregulations, the University Research Board reserves the right to modifyany part or all of the above said regulations from time to time.

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