In a major step towards academic digitisation, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has introduced an online system for the submission of PhD theses and abstracts. Under the newly framed regulations, doctoral candidates will now be able to complete the submission process via a dedicated university portal.
The move comes as a response to the currently cumbersome and time-consuming manual process, which requires students to physically submit seven hard copies of their thesis and summary, along with various supporting documents such as coursework records, research papers, and fee receipts. Following this, students must await approval from the Dean, who then suggests three subject experts. Only after receiving positive responses from these experts can the viva-voce be scheduled—a process that often extends over several months.
Highlighting the inefficiencies and delays in the existing system, Vice Chancellor Dr. Madhavi Khode Chaware approved the proposal to digitise the entire PhD submission workflow. As per the new policy, both the thesis and pre-submission summary must be uploaded online, allowing greater accessibility and reducing logistical burdens for students.
University officials stated that while the complete transition will require around three years for full implementation due to the complexity of the process, online registration has already been enabled. The new system is also expected to be cost-effective, eliminating the expenses associated with printing and couriering physical copies, and improving transparency in communication with subject experts.
The digitisation effort is seen as a student-friendly reform that aims to modernise higher education administration and ensure a smoother, more efficient PhD evaluation process.
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