REGULATIONS

REGULATIONS (AMENDED) GOVERNING THE DEGREE

OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph. D)

(With effect from 2014)

VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY,

Jnana Sangam BELAGAVI-590018,
590018, KARNATAKA
Web: www.vtu.ac.in

Index
Sl.No

Topic

Page No

Short Title and Commencement

Definitions

1-2

Boards and Committees

2-4

Subject/Title of Research and Nature of Research Programme

4-5

Eligibility for Admission

5-6

Recognition/ Functioning of Research Guide

7-9

Intake

Notification

10

Submission of Application and Their Processing

10

10

VRAT (VTU Research Aptitude Test)

10-11

11

Pre-Registration Presentation

11

12

Preparation of List of Successful Candidates for Provisional Registration

11-12

13

Change of Research guide

12

14

Part -1 - Coursework

12-14

15

Progress Reports/Periodic Review by the Doctoral Committee

14-15

16

Part-2: Comprehensive Viva Voce

15

17

Confirmation of Ph.D. Registration

16

18

Open Seminars

16-17

19

Publication Requirements

17

20

Validity Period of Registration

17-18

21

Submission of Synopsis and Thesis

18-19

22

Adjudication of Ph.D. Thesis

19-21

23

Conduct of Final Viva Voce

21-23

24

Award of Ph.D. Degree

23

25

Depository with UGC and the University

23

26

Prohibitions

23

27

Repeal and Savings

24

28

Interpretation

24

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, BELGAUM
REGULATIONS (AMENDED) GOVERNING THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph. D)

(With effect from 2014)

Section No.

Amended Regulations

Ph.D.-1

SHORT TITLE AND COMMENCEMENT

Ph.D.-1.1

These Regulations shall be called VTU Regulations Governing the Degree of Doctor of

Ph.D.-1.2

Philosophy (Ph.D.) - 2014.

These shall come into force from the date of their notification by the University and be applicable for
the candidates who seek registration for Ph.D. in the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Architecture,
Faculty of Science (Physics /Chemistry/mathematics /Library Science /Physical Education and
Computer Applications), and Faculty of Management Studies.

Ph.D.-1.3

All correspondence concerned Ph.D. like Reports/presentation /Thesis shall be in English language
only.

Ph.D.-2

DEFINITIONS

Ph.D.-2.1

In these Regulations unless the context requires otherwise or it is specifically so defined:

a) High Power Committee means a committee constituted by the University to govern the
activities Ph.D. programme.
b) Admission Committee means a committee constituted by the University to carry out the
activities concerning the admission of candidates to the Ph.D. programme.
c) AICTE means the All India Council for Technical Education, established at New Delhi by an
Act of Parliament in 1987.
d) AIU means the Association of Indian Universities, with its headquarters at New Delhi.
e) Coursework means the courses prescribed as a part of the Ph.D. programme, which all the
candidates shall successfully complete as a pre-requisite.
f) Co-Guide means the additional Research Guide who supervises/guides the doctoral research
of a candidate along with the Research Guide.
g) Degree at Undergraduate/ Postgraduate/ Doctor of Philosophy level means UG/ PG/ Ph.D. in
abbreviated form..
h) Doctoral Committee means the committee constituted by the University to review the
research progress of a candidate.
i)

Dual Degree means two Degrees, viz., M.Sc. (Engg.) By Research /Master of Engineering
(ME)/Master of Technology (M. Tech.) /Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) and Ph.D. for
which registration has to be made concurrently.

j)

FIP means the Faculty Improvement Programme of the UGC.

1

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
k) GOI means the Government of India in abbreviated form.
l)

GoK means the Government of Karnataka in abbreviated form.

m) Intake means the number of students sanctioned for admission to a Research Centre/Faculty
of the University in a year.
n) NRI/FN/PIO means Non-Resident Indian/Foreign National/Person of Indian Origin categories
in abbreviated form.
o) QIP means the Quality Improvement Programme of the GOI.
p) Research Guide means a qualified faculty member / scientist recognised by the University to
supervise/guide the Ph.D. /M.Sc. (Engg.) By Research candidates.
q) Research Centre means a College / Institute / Department / Research establishment and the
like, recognized by the University for the candidates to pursue Ph.D.

in an approved

discipline.
r) VTU-RRC: Visvesvaraya Technological University- Research Resource Center
s) Refereed Journal means a reputed professional journal or literary journal or publication in
which the research articles or papers are selected for publication by a panel of referees who are
experts in the field.
t)

UGC means the University Grants Commission established at New Delhi by an Act of
Parliament in 1956.

u) VRAT means VTU Research Aptitude Test conducted by the University for short listing the
merit list of candidates for admission to the Ph.D. programme.
v) University means the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), with its Headquarters at
Belagavi, Karnataka.
w) Viva Voce Board means a committee of experts appointed by the University to conduct the
final viva-voce on the Thesis submitted by the candidate.
Ph.D.-3

BOARDS AND COMMTTEES

Ph.D.-3.1

Constitution of Boards/Committees
The University shall constitute the following Boards and Committees for monitoring the Ph. D.
Programme:
2

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
a) High Power Committee
b) Admission Committee
c) Doctoral Committee
d) Viva Voce Board and,
e) Such other Boards/Committees, as may be required.
The composition, duties and responsibilities of the Boards and Committees are as given below:
Ph.D.-3.1.1

High Power Committee

The High Power Committee shall be constituted by the Vice-Chancellor. The scope of the committee
shall be,
a) To lay down the policy connecting Ph.D. regulations from time to time.
b) To resolve any issues raised by the Admission Committee or issues referred by the Registrar,
VTU, Belgaum
c) Any other related matter.
The tenure of the committee shall be 3 years. The committee may meet as often as required, subject to
a minimum of two meetings in an academic year.

Ph.D.-3.1.2

Admissions Committee
The Admissions Committee to be constituted by the Vice Chancellor for each Faculty, shall consist of:
1. Dean of the Faculty,

-Chairperson

2. Nominee of the Executive Council,

-Member

3. Nominee of the Academic Senate,

-Member

4. Nominee of the Vice Chancellor,

-Member

5. Registrar,

-Member Convener

The Admission Committee shall be responsible for :

a) Scrutinising applications for the exemption of VRAT (VTU Research Aptitude Test) as per
regulations 10.2.
b) Scrutinising applications for eligibility for Ph.D. Program.
c) To scrutinize the eligibility of Guide /Co-Guide.
d) Constituting an Expert team as required for Pre-registration Presentations.
e) Approving the number of candidates under each Guide after VRAT and Presentation.
The tenure of the Committee shall be 2 years. The Committee shall meet as often as required.
Ph.D.-3.1.3

Doctoral Committee: ( Region Wise / Institute )

The Head of the Institute shall constitute a Doctoral Committee for each candidate and shall have the
following composition:
1. Head of the Institute,

-Chairperson

(or his/her Nominee approved by the Principal )

2. Two domain experts, (at least one external expert) may be identified by the Head of the
3

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Institution /Research Center Head on the recommendations of the Research Guide from time to
time.
3. Research Guide,

-Member-Convener

4. Co-Guide (if any),

-Member

All the expenses related to doctoral meeting shall be borne by the institute where the candidate has
registered for his/her Ph.D. Program.
VTU-RRC
Doctoral Committee for VTURRC is to be constituted by Vice-Chancellor , VTU, Belgaum

1. Dean

-Chairperson

(or his/her Nominee appointed by the Vice-Chancellor )

2. Two Domain experts, from the PG Centre (at least one external expert).
3. Research Guide

-Member

4. Co- Guide (if any)

-Member

The Doctoral Committee may be re-constituted by Head of Institute/Dean in the case of nonavailability of existing member(s) or for any other valid reason, in consultation with the Research
Guide(s). The Doctoral Committee shall be responsible for reviewing and monitoring the progress of
the candidate from his/her commencement of Ph.D. research to submission of the Thesis. The
Committee shall be free to meet as often as required. However, The committee shall meet at least
twice in a academic year. The Doctoral Committee shall send a half yearly progress report of each
candidate to the University.
Ph.D.-3.1.4

Viva Voce Board

The Viva Voce Board to be constituted by the Vice Chancellor for each candidate soon after The
receipt of favorable Reports from all the adjudicators, the composition of the board shall be as follows:
1. Research Guide,
2. Co- Guide (s), if any,
3. Identified Adjudicator,
The Board shall conduct the final Viva

-Chairperson
-Co-Chairperson
-Member
Voce for the candidate to defend his/her Ph.D. Thesis. The

board shall submit the reports in the prescribed format to the University.
Ph.D.-4

SUBJECT / TITLE OF RESEARCH AND NATURE OF RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Ph.D.-4.1

List of Faculties
The University shall permit the registration for Ph.D. in the following Faculties, namely,
a) Faculty of Engineering
b) Faculty of Architecture
c) Faculty of Science (include Nano-Technology, MCA, Library Science and Physical
Education),and
d) Faculty of Management Studies

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Ph.D.-4.2

Inter-Disciplinary Subject Areas

A candidate is allowed to pursue Ph.D. program in a subject area of inter-disciplinary nature subject to
the approval from Admission Committee.

Ph.D.-5

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION

Ph.D.-5.1

Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirement for candidates to get admitted to the Ph.D. Programme shall include the
following:

Ph.D.-5.1.1

Categories of Candidates and Other Requirements

There shall be provision for the following categories of candidates for admission to Ph.D.
a) Full-Time: Candidates who shall pursue Ph.D. research on full time basis,
b) Part-Time: In-service candidates having a minimum professional experience of one year after
his/her UG Degree from among faculty members working in any Engineering College /
Polytechnic / University / Deemed to be University (recognized / accredited by appropriate
bodies in India) or research staff of public / private organizations, are eligible to pursue Ph.D.
on a part time basis.
c) Full-Time/Part Time (Special): NRI/FN/PIO candidates under these groups shall be eligible
for either Full Time as indicated in 5.1.1(a) or Part Time (as indicated in 5.1.1(b) basis)
However, the

candidates shall have passed the UG / PG programmes with medium of

instruction in English or qualified in TOFEL/ELTS, or equivalent. The candidates shall be able

to communicate and submit the thesis in English language only.
d) Dual Degree: Students studying M.Sc.(Engg.) by Research

/M.Tech., may be allowed to

upgrade to Ph.D. as per 5.2.1 (a) or (b) as applicable.

e) Distance mode: Students who have obtained PG degree in Engineering/Science disciplines
through distance mode are not eligible. However, candidates with MBA & MCA degrees
obtained through distance mode may be allowed as per UGC/AICTE norms in this regards.
Ph.D.-5.1.2

Study leave / Employment / Clearances

a) Employed candidates, who take up Ph.D. Programme on full time basis, shall produce a NOC
certificate from their employer-organization(s) with a sanctioned study leave of a minimum
period of three years with full salary.
b) Candidates not having employment, who take up Ph.D. Programme on full time basis shall be
forbidden from taking up any employment during such period of Ph.D. work. However, they
can apply for scholarships / fellowships / stipends, if any, with intimation to University.
c) Foreign students shall hold valid passport/visa, clearance from MHRD and other agencies as
mandated by the GOI throughout the duration of the course.

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Ph.D.-5.2

Minimum Qualifications to be Satisfied

The minimum academic qualifications to be satisfied by the candidates seeking admission to the Ph.D.
Programme, shall be as given below in respect of the different Faculties:

Ph.D.-5.2.1

Faculty of Engineering
a) The candidates shall possess a Masters Degree in Engineering / Technology or equivalent
from the VTU or any other University recognised by it, with a minimum CGPA of 6.75 out of
10 or First class at either the Bachelors or the Masters Degree in Engineering & Technology
discipline.
b) The candidates pursuing M. Tech. Degree at the University who have successfully completed
the prescribed coursework in the first three semesters of study with outstanding merit of either
a minimum CGPA of 7.75 out of 10 or 70 % aggregate marks and demonstrated good research
aptitude shall be eligible for up-gradation to M. Tech. + Ph.D. Integrated Dual Degree
Programme, subject to approval by the Admissions Committee.

Ph.D.-5.2.2

Faculty of Architecture
a) The candidates shall possess Masters degree in Architecture / allied specialisation or
equivalent recognised by the University, with a minimum CGPA of 6.75 out of 10 or First
class at either the Bachelors or the Masters Degree in the respective discipline.
b) The candidates pursuing M. Arch. Degree at the University who have successfully completed
the prescribed coursework in the first three semesters of study with outstanding merit, having
either a minimum CGPA of 7.75 out of 10 or 70 % aggregate marks and demonstrated good
research aptitude shall be eligible for up-gradation to M. Arch. + Ph.D. Integrated Dual Degree
Programme, subject to approval by the Admissions Committee.

Ph.D.-5.2.3

Faculty of Science
The candidates shall possess M.Sc. Degree in Physics/ Chemistry/ Mathematics/Nano-Technology
Library Science/ Physical Education/ MCA from a recognised University with a minimum CGPA of
6.75 out of 10 or First Class at either the Bachelors or the Masters Degree.

Ph.D.-5.2.4

Faculty of Business Administration

The candidates shall possess MBA Degree from the recognized University with a minimum CGPA of
6.75 out of 10 or First Class degree in MBA.

Ph.D.-5.3

Relaxation of Minimum Requirements

A candidate belonging to SC / ST / Category-I / Physically challenged or any other reserved category
as notified by GOK from time to time shall have a relaxation not exceeding 5 % or equivalent grade in
the minimum prescribed qualification level for the general category of students.

Ph.D. Regulations-2014

Ph.D.-6

RECOGNITION / FUNCTIONING OF RESEARCH GUIDE

Ph.D.-6.1.1

Procedure for Recognition

a) Persons seeking recognition as a Guide / Co- Guide shall apply in the prescribed format to
University for their recognition as a Guide / Co-Guide through the Head of the Institution.
b) The guide/co-guide seeking to guide research students shall possess BE/B.Tech as basic
degree in relevant field to guide Ph.D. candidates in the faculty of Engineering. The guide/coguide

seeking

to

guide

research

students

in

Science

Faculty

shall

possess

B.Sc./B.Lib/BPED/BCA or equivalent degree in relevant field. The guide/co-guide seeking to

guide research students in Faculty of Architecture shall possess B.Arch or equivalent degree in
relevant field. The guide/co-guide seeking to guide research students in Faculty of
Management may have any basic degree at UG level with MBA from recognised university.
c) Guide/co-guide shall possess Masters degree and Ph.D. in relevant field of Faculty awarded by
Universities recognized by VTU.
d) Research students can opt a co-guide having basic degree, Masters degree and Ph.D. from
Faculty other than the stream considered for admission, provided the topic of research is of
interdisciplinary kind and the fact that co-guide can contribute to guidance with his/her
expertise. However the guide shall be of same Faculty as indicated in Ph.D. 6.1.1 (a) and (b).
The decision of admission committee in this matter is final and binding on the matter of
allotment of co-guide.
e) A research student can opt for one guide and one co-guide only. Multiple co-guides are not
permitted to guide a single research student.
f)

The age for recognizing such a Guide / Co- Guide shall be limited to not more than 65 years
as on the re-opening day of that academic year.

g) The person seeking recognition as a Guide/ Co- Guide shall be a full time staff member of an
Institution working in the Department which is recognized by the University as a Research
Centre, or an employee working in a recognised organization/instutution registered in VTURRC.
h) The Guide/ Co- Guide seeking recognition to Guide/ Co- Guide a candidate shall be declared
eligible only on the recommendation of the Admission Committee of the University.
i)

If the Guide/ Co- Guide is transferred, retired or resigned before a Research Scholar submits
the thesis, the Admission Committee may permit the Scholar to continue to work under the
earlier Guide/ Co- Guide or permit an alternative arrangement with the consent of all the
concerned.

j)

In the case of the Guide / Co- Guide not being available for a period of more than six months
7

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
(for reasons like going abroad, ill health, etc) and if the Research Scholar desires to choose a
new Guide / Co-Guide, the Research Scholar may apply to the University enclosing the
consent of the earlier and the proposed Guides, which shall be considered by the Admission
Committee of the University.
k) In case of death of the Guide/ Co- Guide, the Research Scholar shall identify a substitute
Guide/ Co- Guide and send an application to the University along with the consent letter of the
new Guide and head of institution/organisation.
l)

The Admission Committee may consider such applications received under any of (e), (f) and
(g) regulations and permit the Research Scholar to have an alternative Guide/ Co- Guide. If the
Committee accepts the request, the University shall communicate the same to the Research
Scholar, Guide/ Co-Guide and the Research Centre. In case the Committee does not approve
the request, then the reasons for the same along with further directions to enable the Research
Scholar to continue research shall also be communicated.

m) Organisations/Industries/affiliated Colleges subject to the approval of Admission Committee.

However, the degree shall be awarded in the area of Research, which forms a major part of his
/ her research, as decided by Admission Committee.
n) If a Person seeking recognition as a Guide/Co-Guide has a Ph.D. from a foreign University
then he/she shall produce a copy of passport, visa details , proof of registration to Ph.D. and
proof of stay in the foreign country
o) Registered Guide/Co-Guide shall send updated information in prescribed format, while
forwarding the application of Research Scholar.
p) A research guide or co-guide may be disqualified to guide research students in VTU upon
complaints received and investigation completed in case of fake degree/information provided
to VTU and in case of proven harassment of students by the guide. Vice-Chancellor may
appoint a committee to investigate such cases and submit the report.
q) The following acts of research guide may lead to disqualification of guide from guiding any
research student.

Influencing the external examiner to write favaurable report on thesis.

Making effort to intervene in external examiners evaluation work.

Writing thesis valuation report on behalf of external examiners and making

arrangements to send the such reports from External Examiners.

MODALITIES
a) Prescribing fee for registration, course work examinations, fees for dissertation evaluation &
pre-Ph.D. comprehensive Viva-Voce schedule, submission of periodic progress reports,
change of topic and /or Guide/Co-Guide, submission of thesis, calendar of events and such
8

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
other matters relating to any of the above shall be governed by the administrative orders issued
by the University from time to time.
b) Not with standing any of the above regulations, the Vice-Chancellor shall be empowered to
take suitable decisions based on the merit of the individual cases.

Ph.D.-6.2.

Functioning of Research Guide

Ph.D.-6.2.1

There shall be a possibility for assigning a Research Guide and Co- Guide for a candidate registered
for the Ph.D. Degree at a Research Centre in special cases, as may be decided by the Admission
Committee.

Ph.D.-6.2.2

Guide and Co-Guide, with either of them being from the Research Centre where the candidate has
registered for Ph.D.

Ph.D.-6.2.3

No person shall guide his/her blood relative or spouse for Ph.D., as defined by VTU.

Ph.D.-7

INTAKE

Ph.D.-7.1

Number of Candidates per Research Guide

The following norms / procedure shall be strictly adhered to while assigning the Research Guides to
the candidates admitted at a Research Centre. Any violation of these norms/ procedure shall result in
the University taking serious steps like de-recognition of the Research Centre or the Research Guide.
(a) Each Research Guide shall supervise not more than 08 candidates, (including reservation
category & Co-guide ) at a time including the candidates who have registered for Ph.D. degree
at other Universities (acceptance for supervision of Ph. D. students at other Universities shall
be with the written permission of the University).
(b) The students of a research guide who have completed the final Viva-Voce shall not be
considered while counting the number of candidates assigned to a Research Guide.
(c) A Research Guide shall not be assigned more than two newly admitted candidates during an
academic year.
(d) Under special consideration, admission committee may recommend upto four candidates at
once to a guide with proper reasoning. This extraordinary case shall be exercised carefully by
the admission committee and must be approved by high power committee.

Ph.D.-7.2

Change of Research Centre

There candidates are allowed to shift from one Research Centre to another within the University due
to reasons like, lack of research facilities, non-availability of Research Guide(s). In all such cases, the
decision of the Admission Committee shall be final and binding.

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Ph.D.-8

NOTIFICATION

Ph.D.-8.1

University Notification
The University may call for Applications for Admissions normally in the months of January and
June of every academic year.

Ph.D.-9

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS AND THEIR PROCESSING

Applications from the eligible candidates shall be submitted as follows:

Ph.D.-9.1

Submission of Applications to the University

The eligible candidates satisfying the Regulation Ph.D.- 5 shall submit their applications for admission
to the University in the prescribed format along with other necessary documents; viz., attested copies
of degree certificate(s), marks cards of all related examinations, employers certificate if employed,
and such other documents as may be prescribed.

Ph.D.-9.2

Functions/Responsibilities of the Admission Committee

The Admission Committee shall arrange for,
(a) Scrutiny of the applications to determine their eligibility, including those eligible for
exemption from the VRAT.
(b) Conducting the VRAT and Evaluation.
(c) Preparation of the consolidated list(s).
(d) Arranging for Pre-Registration Presentations

Ph.D.-10

VRAT (VTU Research Aptitude Test)

Ph.D.-10.1

Conduct of VRAT
(a) All the eligible applicants shall appear for the VRAT, which shall determine the candidates
aptitude for research. The marks obtained by the candidates in the VRAT shall be valid for a
period of two years.
(b) The candidate shall score 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates) in VRAT to get qualified.
(c) A candidate can reappear to VRAT examination for indefinite times to get qualified.

Ph.D.-10.2

Exemption from VRAT

The following categories of candidates may be exempted from appearing the VRAT with the approval
of Admission Committee:
(a) Faculty Members under QIP / FIP, and
(b) Candidates qualified in UGC-CSIR, JRF

Ph.D.-10.3

Eligibility for Pre-Registration Presentation

The candidates who are successful in the VRAT and all those belonging to the categories listed under
Regulation Ph.D.-10.2 shall appear for the pre-registration Presentation.
10

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
List of the qualified candidates based on cut off marks decided by Admission Committee, shall be
called for Pre-registration Presentations before the admission committee.
Ph.D.-10.4

Preparation of Other Lists

a) The candidates who have cleared the UGC-CSIR JRF with valid score shall be called for
Pre-registration Presentations.
b) The faculty members seeking registration under QIP/FIP shall be required to appear for Preregistration Presentations.

Ph.D.-11

PRE-REGISTRATION PRESENTATION

Ph.D.-11.1

Presentation Performance
(a) If the performance of a candidate is not satisfactory at the Pre-Registration presentation
conducted, the Admission Committee may give one more chance subsequently to the
candidate to appear for the Pre-Registration presentation, provided that his/her eligibility
requirements are valid under Regulations Ph.D.10.1 and Ph.D.-10.2.
(b) Admission committee may suggest changes / improvements in Title / Synopsis submitted /
presented by the candidate.
(c) The candidate failing in the second attempt in presentation shall not be eligible for provisional
registration to Ph.D. But such a candidate shall have to appear for VRAT afresh, if required.

Ph.D.-12

PREPARATION OF LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR PROVISIONAL

REGISTRATION

Ph.D.-12.1

Admission Procedure
(a) A candidate desirous of upgrading his/her M.Sc. (Engg.) by Research/M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch.
registration to Ph. D. Integrated Dual Degree programme, shall submit his/her research
proposal to the University before the end of third Semester, which shall be the basis to
determine his/her research aptitude by the Admission Committee..
(b) Each candidate shall have to seek admission only in such branch of discipline for which the
department is recognized as a Research Centre by the University.
(c) At this stage, each candidate shall also submit a panel of four domain experts proposed by the
Research Guide(s) through the Research Centre for constituting the Doctoral Committee,
along with the prescribed fees to the University for provisional Ph.D. registration.
(d) In case, any information provided by the candidate is found to be false, the candidate may be
debarred from Ph.D. programme at any stage.

Ph.D.-12.2

The Ph. D. Programme

(a)Upon receiving the research proposal / outline and the panel of domain experts proposed along
11

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
with the prescribed fees, the Vice Chancellor shall constitute the Doctoral Committee as per
Regulation Ph.D. 3.1.3
(b) After provisional registration, the Ph.D. programme of a candidate shall consist of three parts
in sequence, namely,
Part-I: Coursework,
PartII: Comprehensive Vice Voce,
Part-III: Pre-Submission Colloquium
Part-IV: Synopsis Submission followed by Thesis Submission and successful Defense.
(c) The Coursework for all categories of candidates listed under Regulation 5.2 shall be as
prescribed under

Regulation 14,

except those of the M.E./M. Tech./M. Arch. + Ph.D.

Integrated Dual Degree programmes for whom, there shall be no separate requirement for
Coursework and such candidates shall be exempted from Part-I.
(d) A candidate shall be free to apply for a change in the Research topic /Coursework for the
consideration of the Doctoral Committee before the completion of Part-I. But, the candidate
shall not be permitted to change the Research topic after the completion of Part-II.
(e) All the Ph.D. registrations shall be provisional initially and they shall be confirmed only on the
successful completion of both Part-I and Part-II.
Ph.D.-12.3

Role of Doctoral Committee

The Doctoral Committee shall scrutinize and approve the Coursework (Part-I), conduct
Comprehensive Viva-Voce (Part-II), and review/monitor periodically (at least once in six months) the
research progress of each candidate until his/her submission of the Ph.D. Thesis.
The Progress report of the candidate shall be signed by the Doctoral Committee and sent to University.

Ph.D.-13

CHANGE OF RESEARCH GUIDE

Ph.D.-13.1

Procedure to be Followed
a) The request by a candidate for change of Research Guide and/or Co-Guide shall be permitted
by the University only under exceptional circumstances, such as disability on health grounds
of the Guide and/or Co-Guide and on the endorsement/ recommendation by the Research
Centre and the Doctoral Committee.
b) In the cases like transfer, retirement or resignation of the Research Guide/Co-Guide before the
candidates submission of the thesis, the Dean shall normally permit the candidate to continue
to work under the same Research Guide/Co-Guide or in exceptional cases, permit an
alternative arrangement with the consent of the Doctoral Committee.

Ph.D.-14

PART-I - COURSEWORK

Ph.D.-14.1

Proposing Coursework
(a) For each candidate with Masters degree or equivalent qualification in the Faculty of
12

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Engineering, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Management Studies, Faculty of Science, the
candidate shall choose courses from the list of courses announced by the University.
(b) Candidate from Engineering / Architecture, MCA and Management Studies stream is required
to choose four subjects, out of which one subject namely Research Methodology is
compulsory. In the remaining three courses the candidate may choose two courses from the
parent stream and may choose one course from any streams relevant to topic of research as
recommended by the Guide. The candidate may also choose all three courses from the Parent
Stream.
(c) In Applied Science, except MCA, a Ph.D. candidate is required to choose six subjects, out of
which one subject namely Research Methodology is compulsory. In the remaining five courses
the candidate may choose four courses from the parent stream and may choose one course
from any stream recommended by the Guide. The candidate may also choose all five courses
from the Parent Stream.
In addition to the above, candidate seeking to upgrade from M.E./ M.Tech./M.Arch. to Ph.D.
under integrated dual degree program shall undertake a course on Research Methodology
prescribed by the University.
Ph.D.-14.2

Coursework Approval

Ph.D.-14.3

Coursework Lists
(a) After getting provisional Ph.D. registration, all the candidates, namely Full-Time, Part-Time
and Full-Time (Special) shall take up the coursework recommended by the Doctoral
Committee, which shall be a compulsory requirement,
(b) All the candidates shall submit their applications along with the prescribed fees for the
examinations in the individual courses of Coursework in response to the notifications issued
by the University in this respect.

Ph.D.-14.4

Setting up of Question Papers

(a) Question papers shall be set by the identified examiners appointed for this purpose by the
University from the panel recommended by the Admission Committee.
(b) The question paper must be set for maximum marks of 100 and shall have similar format as
prescribed for Masters degree of VTU.
(c) The question paper setter and answer paper valuator must be a Ph.D. holder.

Ph.D.-14.5

Evaluation of Answer Scripts

Answer scripts of all the candidates shall be valued independently by two valuators possessing Ph.D.

Ph.D.-14.6

Averaging of Marks Awarded

If the difference between the marks awarded by the two examiners is less than or equal to 14%, the
marks awarded to the candidate shall be the average of the two valuations.
13

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Ph.D.-14.7

Appointment of Third Examiner

If the difference between the marks awarded by the two examiners is greater than or equal to 15%, a
third examiner shall evaluate the concerned answer script(s). The average of the marks of the nearest
two valuations shall be considered as the marks secured by the candidate. However, if one of the three
evaluations lies exactly midway between the other two, then the higher two marks shall be taken for
averaging.

Ph.D.-14.8

Prescribed Passing Standards

(a) For passing the Coursework (Part-I), for Ph.D. the candidate shall obtain a minimum of 50%
of the marks allotted to each Course in the University Examination.
The University shall have the provision to issue Grade Card(s) to the candidates for the
Coursework.

Ph.D.-14.9

Norms for Maintaining Provisional Registration

The following norms/standards shall be applicable to all the candidates for maintaining their
provisional registration:
a) A Ph.D./M.Sc.(Engg.)by Research Candidate shall complete the entire coursework within
two consecutive years from the date of provisional registration or a maximum of four
consecutive coursework examinations shall be conducted by the University from the date of
provisional registration of PART-I.
b) Candidates failing to fulfill the above requirements are liable to get their provisional
registration automatically cancelled and no further extension/coursework examinations will be
permissible for completing the coursework. Such candidates are free to apply for provisional
registration for Ph.D./M.Sc.(Engg.) afresh.

Ph.D.-15

PROGRESS REPORTS / PERIODIC REVIEW BY THE DOCTORAL COMMITTEE

Ph.D.-15.1

The Integrated Dual Degree Programme

The procedure to be followed for qualifying for two Degrees under the programme and also for the
exit option shall be as follows:

Ph.D.-15.2

Award of Two Degrees

Upon successful completion of provisional registration including Part-II (Comprehensive Viva Voce)
and Part-III (Synopsis Submission followed by Thesis Submission, and successful Defense), the
candidates for the Integrated Dual Degree shall be eligible for receiving two degrees, namely, M.Sc.
(Engg.) by Research / M.E./M. Tech.+ Ph.D. as the case may be in the Faculty of Engineering or M.
Arch.+ Ph.D. in the case of Architecture.

14

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Ph.D.-15.2.1

Exit Option
In case of unsatisfactory progress of research work by a candidate for the Integrated Dual Degree
towards Ph.D. award as observed at any stage, the Doctoral Committee shall be free to recommend
the candidate to exercise the exit option to get only the M.E./M. Tech. or M. Arch. /M.Sc.(Engg.)
Degree, as the case may be. The candidate shall be eligible to earn the Masters Degree at or after the
end of fourth semester of normal Masters degree programme, by re-orienting his/her research
proposal, conducting additional work if any, on the advice of the Research Guide(s) and
preparing/submitting a suitable thesis/ dissertation to the University to meet the requirements of the
Masters Degree and then passing in the final oral examination.

Ph.D.-16

PART-II: COMPREHENSIVE VIVA VOCE

Ph.D.-16.1

Request for Comprehensive Viva Voce

The candidate shall submit a written request for the conduct of comprehensive Viva Voce, within six
months after successful completion of Coursework (Part-I).
In the case of health / employment related problems of a candidate unable to take the comprehensive
Viva Voce as above, the University shall be free to allow a further period of six months for this
purpose, on receipt of a written request from the candidate with the recommendations of his/her
Research Guide(s) and the Doctoral Committee through the Research Centre.

Ph.D.-16.2

Scheduling Comprehensive Viva Voce

The Research Centre, in consultation with the Doctoral Committee and the University, shall schedule
the date/time for the comprehensive Viva Voce preferably within four weeks upon receipt of the
written request from the candidate for this.

Ph.D.-16.3

Conduct of Viva Voce

The Doctoral Committee shall conduct the comprehensive Viva Voce in the English language.
The comprehensive Viva Voce shall be a closed-door oral examination consisting of the Doctoral
Committee members (as examiners), and the candidate. The Doctoral Committee shall be free to invite
additional examiner(s) if need be, chosen from amongst a panel of two experts recommended by the
Research Guide for assisting it in the Viva Voce.

Ph.D.-16.4

Content and Form of Viva Voce

The Comprehensive Viva Voce shall consist of a presentation by the candidate on his/her topic of
research, including the work done till date and the proposed future work.
The Doctoral Committee (and the additional examiner(s), if present) shall test the candidate for
fundamental concepts in the coursework and applied knowledge to carry out the proposed research
work.

Ph.D.-16.5

Performance Standards at Viva Voce

The Doctoral Committee shall communicate the result of the Comprehensive Viva Voce to the
15

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
University through the Research Centre as:
(a) The Committee is satisfied at the successful completion of Viva Voce and the candidate shall
continue the research work. OR
(b) The Committee indicates the deficiencies in specific areas in which the candidate needs
strengthening of knowledge and suggesting a date preferably within the next three months for
re-examination.
(c) If the Doctoral Committee does not recommend the continuation of research work by the
candidate even after the second attempt, the provisional registration of the candidate shall
stand cancelled automatically.
(d) The committee may suggest refining of thesis title, objectives and orientation.

Ph.D.-17

CONFIRMATION OF Ph.D. REGISTRATION

Ph.D.-17.1

Procedural Steps
After the successful completion of coursework (Part-I) and the Comprehensive Viva Voce (Part-II),
the Doctoral Committee shall recommend to the University for issuance of notification to the
candidate of Confirmation of Registration.

Ph.D.-17.2

Issue of Notification
The University shall issue the necessary notification within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the
communication from the Doctoral Committee.

Ph.D.-18

OPEN SEMINARS

Ph.D.-18.1

Mandatory Pre-Ph.D. Seminars to be given

Prior to the submission of Synopsis (required under Part-III), each candidate shall give two pre-Ph.D.
presentations, commonly known as, open seminars at the Research Centre, which shall be open to all
the faculty members and research scholars, for getting feedback and comments/suggestions from them,
for being suitably incorporated into the draft Thesis, under the advice of the Research Guide(s).
The Recommendation of Doctor Committee shall be submitted with the Synopsis to the University

Ph.D.-18.2

Pre-Submission Colloquium
The candidate shall present a pre-submission colloquium before the Doctoral Committee,
demonstrating his/her preparedness to submit the synopsis.

Ph.D.-18.3

Permission for Submission of Thesis

Considering the research work of the candidate, his / her performance at the pre-submission
colloquium and other technical aspects, the Doctoral Committee shall be free to permit the candidate
to submit the Thesis.

16

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Ph.D.-18.4

Pre-Submission Colloquium to be Repeated

If the Doctoral Committee is not satisfied with the research work of the candidate, it may, in
consultation with the Research Guide(s), recommend for improvements, if any. In such a case, the
candidate shall appear for pre-submission colloquium once again before the Doctoral Committee
within a period of three months to get permission for submission of the Thesis.

Ph.D.-18.5

Anti-plagiarism check and Submission of the Thesis

(a) The candidates thesis shall undergo plagiarism check as per VTU norms.
(b) The plagiarism shall be checked by software approved by VTU and percentage of plagiarism
(similarity Index) shall be as permitted by VTU owing to software limitation to identify the
self-written research papers and definitions and common theory.
(c) The candidate may be given two more chances to re-submit the thesis for plagiarism checking
by VTU
(d) VTU may fix suitable charges to the candidate for plagiarism check at VTU.
(e) After getting the clearance from the university in this regard the candidate shall submit six
hard copies and one soft copy of the Thesis in the prescribed format based on the research
work conducted, to the Research Centre within three months from the date of submission of
the Synopsis. The Research Centre shall send five hard copies and one soft copy of the Thesis
to the Registrar (Evaluation).
In case the candidate is unable to submit his Thesis within three months from the date of submission of
the Synopsis, he / she shall be free to seek extension of time from the Vice Chancellor supported by
the recommendations of the Research Guide(s) and the Doctoral Committee forwarded through the
Research Centre.
The candidate shall also pay the prescribed Thesis submission fees, and produce the No Dues
Certificates from the Research Centre while submitting the Thesis.

Ph.D.-19

PUBLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D.-19.1

Mandatory Publications requirement

Each candidate shall publish a minimum of two research papers in a Refereed Journal based on his/her
research work for the Ph.D. Degree, before submission of the Synopsis for adjudication, and produce
evidence for the same in the form of reprint or acceptance letter from the Publisher(s) of the Journal.

Ph.D.-20

VALIDITY PERIOD OF REGISTRATION

Ph.D.-20.1

Maintenance of Registration
During the period when the registration of the candidate is in force, the candidate shall pay the
prescribed tuition and other fees to the University/Research Centre at the notified time intervals.

17

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Ph.D.-20.2

Minimum Period for Submission of Thesis by Full-Time Students

Full-Time candidates for the Ph.D. Degree including those upgraded to the M.E./M.Tech./M. Arch. +
Ph.D. Integrated Dual Degree programmes, shall be normally eligible for submission of the Thesis
after a minimum period of three years from the date of provisional registration, subject to fulfillment
of all the prescribed requirements.

Ph.D.-20.3

Minimum Period for Submission of Thesis by Part-Time Students

Part -Time candidates for the Ph.D. Degree including those upgraded to the M.E./M. Tech./M. Arch. +
Ph.D. Integrated Dual Degree programmes shall be normally eligible for submission of the Thesis
after a minimum period of four years from the date of provisional registration, subject to fulfillment of
all the prescribed requirements. However, the candidate may be allowed to submit Thesis before four
years with recommendation by the Doctoral Committee and with the approval of High Power
Committee.

Ph.D.-20.4

Maximum Period for Submission of Thesis by Full-Time Students

The maximum period for submission of the Ph.D. Thesis by Full-Time candidates including those
upgraded to the M.E./M. Tech./M. Arch. + Ph.D. Integrated Dual Degree programmes, shall be five
years from the date of provisional registration. But, the Vice Chancellor shall have the powers to
extend the maximum period for submission of the Ph.D. thesis by such a candidate on the specific
recommendations of the Doctoral Committee forwarded through the Research Centre on receipt of a
request for extension from the candidate not less than three months prior to the completion of the
stipulated period. The decision of the Vice Chancellor in this regard shall be final. In the case of
failure of the candidate to submit the Thesis even after the extended period, the registration shall be
cancelled, after issuing a show-cause notice to the candidate.

Ph.D.-20.5

Maximum Period for Submission of Thesis by Part-Time Students

The maximum period for submission of the Thesis for Part-Time candidates shall be six years. But,
the Vice Chancellor shall have the powers to extend the maximum period for submission of the Thesis
by such a candidate on the specific recommendations of the Doctoral Committee forwarded through
the Research Centre on receipt of a request for extension from the candidate not less than six months
prior to the completion of the stipulated period. The decision of the Vice Chancellor in this regard
shall be final. In the case of failure of the candidate to submit the Thesis even after the extended
period, the registration shall be cancelled, after issuing a show-cause notice to the candidate.

Ph.D.-21

SUBMISSION OF SYNOPSIS AND THESIS

Ph.D.-21.1

Eligibility
Upon qualifying successfully in the Coursework (Part-I) and the Comprehensive Viva-Voce (Part-II),
and satisfactory research progress followed by publication(s) in Refereed Journal(s), the candidate
18

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
shall be ready to submit the Research report to the Doctoral Committee for recommendation to submit
Synopsis to University Synopsis first and subsequently the Thesis, within the validity period.
Ph.D.-21.2

Submission of Synopsis
At least three months prior to the submission of the Thesis, the candidate shall submit a Synopsis of
the Thesis in English language. The candidate shall submit six hard copies and one soft copy of the
Synopsis in the prescribed format to the University through the Research Centre along with:
(a) Application for adjudication of the Thesis.
(b) Certificate from Research Guide(s) stating that (i) Comprehensive Viva-Voce, at least one
publication in a Refereed Journal, and all other academic requirements are fulfilled and (ii)
There is prima facie case for the submission of the Thesis and the Thesis does not contain
any work, which has been previously submitted for the award of any Degree anywhere.
(c) Undertaking from the candidate as well as research Guide(s) shall mention that:
The Thesis is based on the individual, original work of the candidate, which is previously
unpublished research work.
It shall be ensured by the Research Guide(s) that: The Thesis shall not contain any material
that infringes the copyright of any other individual or organization and does not hurt the
sentiments of any individual(s) or religion(s). The information such as text, tables, equations,
diagrams, figures, charts, graphs, and photographs taken from sources such as published
work, like research papers, books, periodicals, Web Sites or other sources has been cited
appropriately. Further, the opinions expressed or implied in the Thesis shall be entirely of the
candidate.
(d)

Certificate from the Research Centre that there are no arrears of dues up to the date of
submission of the Synopsis/Thesis.

Ph.D.-22

ADJUDICATION OF Ph.D. THESIS

Ph.D.-22.1

Panel of Adjudicators
The period of three months between the submission of Synopsis and that of the Thesis by the
candidate shall be used by the University for deciding the panel of adjudicators.

Ph.D.-22.2

Selection of Adjudicators
The Research Centre shall arrange to send Six hard copies and one soft copy of the Synopsis to the
Registrar (Evaluation) along with a proposed panel of eight experts for adjudication of the thesis as
approved by the Doctoral Committee, of whom four experts shall be from abroad. The complete postal
address, e-mail ID, Telephone and fax numbers and the broad area of specialization of each proposed
Adjudicator shall be provided along with the panel submitted.
19

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
The Vice Chancellor shall choose two Adjudicators from the suggested panel for adjudication of the
Thesis, with at least one being from outside the country, and send invitation letters to them along with
a copy of the Synopsis in each case. Their acceptance shall be preferably obtained within three
months from the date of invitation, before taking further steps.
Ph.D.-22.3

Appointment of Adjudicators to Evaluate the Thesis

The University shall arrange for the Thesis to be evaluated by the Research Guide (and jointly by the
Co-Guide, if any) and two more Adjudicators identified as per Regulation 23.2.

Ph.D.-22.4

Dispatch of Copies of Theses to Adjudicators

The University shall send a copy of the Thesis to each Adjudicator for evaluation, with a request to
evaluate the Thesis and send the Evaluation Report(s) preferably within a period of three months.
If the Report is not received from the Adjudicator(s) within this period, a reminder once in a month to
that effect shall be sent to the concerned Adjudicator(s).
If any Adjudicator does not send the Report even after three reminders or does not reply to the
communications from the University, the Vice Chancellor shall be free to identify another Adjudicator
either from the panel or outside the panel under special circumstances.

Ph.D.-22.5

Receipt of Thesis Reports at the University

All the Adjudicators shall evaluate the Thesis and send their Reports (at least 250 words in length)
independently to the Registrar (Evaluation). However, it shall be possible to submit a Joint Report in
the case of Research Guide and Co-Guide adjudicating a Thesis.
The Reports shall include:
a) A critical analysis of the work of the candidate as embodied in the Thesis and an evaluation of
the work in terms of its contribution to the advancement of knowledge
b) List of questions to be asked or points to be clarified if any, at the final Viva Voce.
c) A definite recommendation as to whether the Thesis attains the standard for the award of Ph.D.
or not.
The Adjudicators shall make any one of the following recommendations:
i. That the Thesis is accepted in the present form and recommended for the award of Ph.D.
Degree. OR
ii. That the Thesis needs minor clarifications indicated in the Report which need to be clarified by
the candidate at final Viva-Voce and it is recommended for the award of Ph.D. Degree. OR
iii. That the Thesis needs minor corrections to be made by the candidate as indicated in the
Report, which need to be incorporated in the Thesis and clarified at the final Viva Voce and it
is recommended for the award of Ph.D. Degree. OR
iv. That the Thesis needs major corrections as indicated in the Report and the revised Thesis to be
referred back to the Adjudicator for fresh evaluation. OR
20

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
v.

That the Thesis is rejected for the reasons specified in the report and not recommended for
award of Ph.D. Degree.

Ph.D.-22.6

Consideration of Thesis Reports

On receiving favorable recommendations from all the Adjudicators, including the Research Guide(s),
the Registrar (Evaluation) shall convey the same to the Research Guide(s) along with copies of the
Reports received and request to conduct the final Viva Voce of the candidate.

Ph.D.-22.7

Scheduling of Final Viva Voce

The composition of the Board for the final Viva Voce shall be as as specified under Regulation3.1.3.
In case, the Identified examiner informs in writing his / her inability to be present at the Viva Voce, the
Research Guide (s) shall intimate the same to the Registrar (Evaluation), who shall nominate another
examiner from the panel of examiners in consultation with the Vice Chancellor. The date/time of the
Viva Voce shall be fixed by the Research Guide(s) in consultation with the other Member(s) of the
Board, the Research Centre and the University.
The candidate shall provide suitable clarification(s) to all the queries of the Adjudicators at the time of
Viva Voce.

Ph.D.-22.8

Rejection of Thesis, based on Negative Reports

If both the external Adjudicators (other than the Guide(s)) do not recommend the candidate for the
award of the Ph.D. Degree, the Thesis shall be rejected.
It shall be open for the candidate to seek registration for this Degree at the University, afresh.

Ph.D.-22.9

Appointment of Additional Adjudicator, if necessary

The Thesis shall not be accepted for award of the Degree if any one of the Adjudicators (other than
the Research Guide(s)) finds that the research work is not up to the expected standard, as given in
his/her Report along with detailed reasons for the same. In such cases, the Report shall be considered
by the concerned Doctoral Committee for deciding on the need of appointing an additional
Adjudicator. A fourth Adjudicator shall be appointed by the University from the panel, based on this
decision, who shall be invited for this purpose, by following Regulation Ph.D. 23.2. If the fourth
Adjudicator, after evaluating the Thesis gives a favorable Report, the Registrar (Evaluation) shall
initiate further steps as per Regulation Ph.D. 22.5. If the fourth Adjudicator also does not approve the
Thesis, then the Thesis shall be rejected.
It shall be open for the candidate to seek Ph.D. registration at the University, afresh.

Ph.D.-23

CONDUCT OF FINAL VIVA VOCE

Ph.D.-23.1

Procedure for Final Viva Voce

The final Viva Voce shall be conducted by the Viva Voce Board at a Centre approved by the
University, which shall, normally be the Research Centre in which the research work was carried out
21

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
or the Regional Centre of VTU or the institution where the Research Guide/Co-Guide is based.
The composition of final Viva Voce Board (as per Regulation Ph.D. 3.1.3) shall be as follows:
a) Research Guide,

-Chairperson

b) Co-Guide, if any,

-Co-Chairperson

c) Adjudicator identified by the Vice Chancellor -Member

The procedure for conducting the Viva Voce shall be as follows:
1. The Research Guide(s) shall schedule a date/time for the Viva Voce in consultation with the
Adjudicator selected by Vice Chancellor, the research Centre and the University and shall
inform the date/time to the candidate and the Registrar (Evaluation) in advance.
2. The Research Guide(s) shall invite the Head of the institution, members of the teaching staff
and research scholars to attend the Viva Voce. The candidate shall make a brief presentation of
the research work carried out highlighting the important findings / conclusions. After the
completion of the presentation, the Research Guide(s) shall give opportunity to the invitees to
seek clarifications from the candidate.
3. After the presentation, the Board only shall examine the candidate to test his/her understanding
of the subject matter of the Thesis and seek answers to the written queries of the Adjudicators
in their Thesis Evaluation Reports. The candidate shall be required to produce all the
documents, data and analysis in support of the research work presented in the Thesis.
4. On completing the Viva Voce, the Board shall submit a Report to the Registrar (Evaluation)
indicating clearly whether the performance of the candidate was satisfactory and if so, giving
specific recommendation for the award of the Ph.D. Degree to the candidate.
5. In case the performance of the candidate is not satisfactory, the Board shall report accordingly,
giving reasons for the same and recommending another Viva Voce to be conducted after three
months. The University shall arrange another Viva Voce as required, with the composition of
the Board unchanged.
Ph.D.-23.2

Consolidated Report
After successful completion of the Viva Voce, the Viva Voce Board shall prepare and forward the
Consolidated Report along with duly corrected version of both the hard and the soft copies of the
Thesis through the Research Centre to the University. Then the University with the approval of its
Authorities shall award the Ph.D. Degree to the Candidate.
The Vice Chancellor shall have the powers to constitute an Expert Committee to investigate into
plagiarism issues connected with the Thesis, in the case of receipt by the University of any complaints
either from the adjudicator(s), other individuals or any other sources. In the event of a Thesis being
proved to be copied, plagiarized or misrepresented academically, the University shall have the powers
to rescind the degree.
22

Ph.D. Regulations-2014
Ph.D.-23.3

Handling of Plagiarism Issues

The Vice Chancellor shall have the powers to constitute Expert Committees to investigate into
plagiarism issues connected with any Ph.D. Thesis submitted to the University, in the case of receipt of
any complaints either from the Adjudicator(s), other individuals or any other sources. In the event of a
Thesis being proved to be copied, plagiarized or misrepresented academically, the University shall
have the powers to rescind the Degree. Such candidates shall not be eligible for registering for any
Degree programme at the University in the future.

Ph.D.-24

AWARD OF Ph. D. DEGREE

Ph.D.-24.1

Degree Certificates
Upon the approval by the Executive Council, the University shall issue a Provisional Ph.D. Degree
Certificate to the candidate certifying that the Degree has been awarded in accordance with the VTU
Regulations Governing the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 2014. The University shall
award the Ph.D. Degree Certificate during the forthcoming Convocation. In the case of candidates for
the Integrated Dual Degrees, each one shall be entitled to receive the M.Sc.(Engg.) by research,
M.E./M. Tech. or the M. Arch. Degree as the case may be, along with his/her Ph. D. Degree.

Ph.D.-24.2

University shall hold the copyright of the Thesis submitted to it.

Ph.D.-25

DEPOSITORY WITH UGC AND THE UNIVERSITY

Ph.D.-25.1

Submission to UGC
Following the successful completion of the evaluation process and announcement of the award of the
Ph.D. Degree, the University shall submit a soft copy of the Ph.D. Thesis to the UGC within a period
of thirty

days, for hosting the same on its Information and Library Network (abbreviated as

INFLIBNET), accessible to all the Institutions / Universities. The University shall also maintain a
repository of such Ph.D. Theses in its Library.

Ph.D.-26

PROHIBITIONS

Ph.D.-26.1

Prohibition of Statutory Officers from Ph. D. Registration

The Statutory Officers of the University shall not be permitted to register for the Ph.D. Degree of the
University during the period of their tenure at the University.

Ph.D.-26.2

Prohibition of Candidates from Registering for any other Degree

No Ph.D. candidate of the University shall be permitted to pursue any other Degree programme within
the University or at other Universities / Institutions, concurrently with his/her on-going registration as
a candidate for the Ph.D. Degree.

23

Ph.D. Regulations-2014

Ph.D.-27

REPEAL AND SAVINGS

Ph.D.-27.1

Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations, the provisions of any guidelines, orders,
rules or regulations in force at the University shall be inapplicable to the extent of their inconsistency
with these Regulations.

Ph.D.-27.2

The University shall issue such orders/instructions, and prescribe such format/procedure, as it may
deem fit to implement the provisions of these Regulations

Ph.D.-28

INTERPRETATION

Ph.D.-28.1

Any question as to the interpretation of these Regulations shall be decided by the University, whose
decision shall be final. The University shall have the powers to issue clarifications to remove any
doubt, difficulty or anomaly which may arise during

the implementation of the provisions of these

Regulations.
************

24