No thesis required for PhD: This IIT introduces a new model for scholars

IIT Ropar has introduced a new doctoral pathway centred on products, patents, technology transfer and startups. But can a PhD be measured by what research produces, rather than only by a thesis or paper? As China experiments with practical doctoral routes, could India adopt more such models – and ensure that its thousands of PhD scholars each year are solving problems beyond the university?

“The degree is over.” “Skills have taken the frontseat.” Such statements now form part of a wider debate on the changing purpose of higher education.

At IIT Ropar, the institute’s director, Professor Rajeev Ahuja, came up with the idea of an innovati... [4913 chars]