New Regulations for PhD Thesis Submission in Bihar Universities
Mandatory Thesis Upload to Shodhganga Portal
PhD researchers in Bihar are facing new requirements. Before receiving their PhD degrees, they must ensure their theses are uploaded to the Shodhganga portal. This directive has been communicated to the Vice-Chancellors of all state universities, emphasizing that no degree will be awarded without this crucial step. The Secretariat administration is also requesting updates from universities regarding the theses uploaded to the portal. According to the new guidelines, the research thesis must be uploaded within one week following the PhD viva-voce (oral examination).
UGC's Initiative Against Plagiarism
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has implemented this rule to combat plagiarism and ensure originality in research work. However, the Governor and Chancellor's Secretariat has expressed concerns over the insufficient adherence to this regulation by Bihar's universities. Institutions are now required to fulfill this obligation within the designated timeframe. Reports indicate that state universities have uploaded the theses of 20,152 PhD graduates to the portal, while around 50,000 more remain to be uploaded.
Benefits of the Shodhganga Portal
**Will Help Curb Plagiarism**
The UGC mandates that universities verify research theses for plagiarism prior to their upload to Shodhganga. This portal, developed under the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) initiative, aims to centralize research work from across India. It enables students and researchers from various universities to access these theses, thereby reducing the risk of research material theft.
Patliputra University's Early Compliance
**Patliputra University Has Already Issued Instructions**
Patliputra University has already adopted this regulation for its researchers since May. The university has made it clear that failure to comply with the required procedures will lead to the withholding of the PhD award notification, preventing the researcher from obtaining their degree.
Thesis Submission Format Requirements
**Report to be submitted along with the thesis**
Universities have established a specific format for thesis submissions. This format must include a title page, declaration, certificate, acknowledgments, table of contents, abstract, five chapters, list of references, questionnaire, and other essential documents. Additionally, a conclusion, summary, future research information, and a plagiarism report are also required. All submissions must adhere to this prescribed format.
