Pursuing a PhD is often considered the pinnacle of academic achievement. It represents years of dedication, research, and hard work. Yet, in India, pursuing a PhD is frequently seen in a negative light, with many prospective scholars expressing concerns about the overall experience. Why does the idea of doing a PhD in India evoke such strong, often negative reactions? Is the experience really that challenging, or is there more to the story? Let’s delve into some of the key reasons why doing a PhD in India can be such a daunting journey, and why it’s important to understand these challenges before making the commitment.
1. Power Dynamics and Misuse of Authority
One of the biggest issues that plague the Indian PhD system is the unbalanced power dynamic between supervisors (also known as guides) and research scholars. This problem is especially pronounced in government institutions, where guides often treat research students as subordinates rather than collaborators. There’s a running joke that male scholars are considered the "naukars" (servants), expected to perform non-academic tasks for their guides, while female scholars are viewed as potential “mistresses”. This toxic power play can make the research environment uncomfortable and demotivating.
Supervisors often exert absolute control over a student’s work, dictating not just academic progress but also personal life choices. They may take credit for research ideas, delay the publication of papers, or use their influence to prevent students from changing labs or even universities. This power imbalance makes it extremely difficult for students to voice their concerns or stand up for themselves, leading to frustration and burnout.
2. Unpredictable Completion Timelines and Financial Uncertainty
Unlike in the corporate world, where the effort put in often correlates to tangible outcomes, a PhD in India can be highly unpredictable. Scholars can find themselves locked into a 5-7 year program with no guarantee of successful completion. In some cases, after investing years of hard work, students may have to walk away without a degree due to issues with supervisors, lack of resources, or even personal conflicts.
Financial instability is another major issue. While some students qualify for fellowships like the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or GATE scholarships, many others don’t have access to regular stipends. Even those with stipends can face delays in disbursements, as bureaucratic red tape and inefficiencies can hold up payments for months. This leaves students struggling to make ends meet, forcing them to depend on family support or take up part-time jobs to survive.
3. Lack of Research Infrastructure and Resources
India’s investment in research and development (R&D) is considerably lower than that of many developed countries. This is reflected in the poor research infrastructure available to many PhD scholars. Access to high-quality laboratories, modern equipment, and research databases is limited, which hampers the quality and scope of research. In many cases, students have to source basic materials themselves, making it difficult to produce research that meets international standards.
This lack of resources also limits the type of research that can be conducted. Many scholars find themselves working on outdated or irrelevant topics simply because they don’t have access to the latest technology or funding for more innovative projects. Without access to proper resources, conducting cutting-edge research becomes nearly impossible, leading to substandard work and limited career prospects.
4. Limited Career Opportunities Post-PhD
One of the biggest fears among prospective PhD candidates in India is the limited career opportunities available post-PhD. While in countries like the USA or Germany, PhD graduates have ample opportunities in both academia and industry, the situation in India is far less promising. The number of academic positions available is disproportionate to the number of PhD graduates, creating a bottleneck. Additionally, many industries in India do not value a PhD degree as much as they do practical experience, further limiting career prospects outside of academia.
The result is that many PhD holders find themselves stuck in poorly paid postdoctoral positions or adjunct teaching roles, with little chance of moving up the ladder. In contrast, those with a master’s degree and relevant work experience often find better-paying positions much more easily, leading to a perception that a PhD is not a worthwhile investment.
5. Mental Health Issues and Lack of Support
The demanding nature of a PhD program, coupled with the lack of adequate support systems, takes a heavy toll on the mental health of many scholars. Depression, anxiety, and burnout are common among PhD students, who often struggle to find a balance between their academic responsibilities and personal well-being. The isolation of working on niche research topics, combined with the pressure to publish, can make the journey extremely lonely.
In India, mental health support for PhD scholars is almost non-existent. Institutions rarely have dedicated counselors or support groups to help students cope with stress and anxiety. The stigma surrounding mental health further prevents scholars from seeking help, making it difficult for them to navigate the emotional challenges of their academic journey.
6. Gender Bias and Harassment
Female scholars face additional challenges in the form of gender bias and harassment. It’s not uncommon for women to be subjected to sexist remarks or treated as intellectually inferior by their male counterparts or even by their supervisors. Instances of sexual harassment, while often unreported, are a dark reality in many research institutes.
These biases create a hostile environment that not only affects the mental well-being of female scholars but also hampers their academic progress. Women often have to work twice as hard to prove their competence and still find their achievements undervalued or overshadowed.
7. The Lack of Industry-Academia Collaboration
One of the key reasons for the poor job prospects of PhD graduates in India is the lack of collaboration between academia and industry. While countries like the USA and Germany have a strong tradition of industry-funded research and joint projects, Indian academia largely functions in isolation. This results in a disconnect between the skills developed during a PhD program and the skills sought by the industry, making PhD graduates less employable.
To bridge this gap, Indian institutions need to foster stronger relationships with industries and create more opportunities for students to work on real-world problems. This would not only make PhD graduates more employable but also improve the quality of research being conducted in the country.
Is It All Bad?
While it’s true that the PhD experience in India can be extremely challenging, it’s not entirely bleak. There are several institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), that offer world-class research opportunities and supportive environments. Scholars at these institutions often find themselves working with top-notch faculty on cutting-edge research projects, and many go on to secure prestigious postdoctoral positions abroad.
Additionally, the government has been making efforts to improve the research ecosystem in India by increasing funding for projects, providing scholarships, and setting up research parks and incubators. With time, it is hoped that the PhD experience in India will become more rewarding and less daunting.
Conclusion: Should You Pursue a PhD in India?
If you’re passionate about research and are prepared to face the challenges that come with it, a PhD in India can still be a rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to go in with your eyes open and understand what lies ahead. Choosing the right supervisor, securing a fellowship, and having a clear career plan are crucial to navigating the PhD journey successfully.
Before committing, make sure to speak to current and former PhD scholars, visit potential research institutes, and carefully consider whether the environment and resources available align with your research goals. While the path may be difficult, for those who are determined and well-prepared, it can still lead to a fulfilling academic and professional career.