Race for PhDs: How a Master's Degree is Losing Its Value in India

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend in Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) where a PhD degree is increasingly deemed a necessary qualification for job appointments in teaching, research, or even administrative roles, overshadowing the significance of a Master's degree. The diminishing value of Master's degrees should be seen as an alarming indicator by all institutions and stakeholders.

This trend, however, raises several questions about the necessity and value of doctoral degrees in comparison to master's degrees. Concurrently, industries in India are not demonstrating an equivalent emphasis on PhD graduates, preferring to focus on outsourcing research and development (R&D) responsibilities to developed countries where researchers have a conducive environment for innovation.

The promise of leveled education is that you can earn a livelihood across its various levels by educating yourself with the necessary knowledge or skills to create economic value for others. For example, if you pursue a vocational skill-oriented course, such as being a carpenter, welder, or tailor, you can earn an equivalent livelihood by charging for your services through producing furniture, performing repairs, or stitching clothes, respectively.

Let's go one step higher, and enter The Higher Education.

Why do Diploma?

A diploma should help you earn a professional job requiring technical skill or start your own specialized business enterprise to scale-up operations through specialized machinery or equipment that a consumer would not afford to own and instead would want to obtain value from you, the business owner or technician. For example, a diploma holder in civil engineering could start a construction and renovation business, and could undertake projects such as building residential houses, renovating commercial spaces, or even specializing in structural repairs.

Why do Bachelors?

Taking a step further with a Bachelor's degree, individuals gain the expertise to delve into more complex and specialized areas. For instance, a Bachelor's degree holder in computer science might pursue a career as a software developer, creating innovative applications or working on complex software projects for businesses. Alternatively, they could establish their own software development firm, offering customized solutions to clients and scaling operations through advanced technological tools and expertise.

How about a Masters?

Elevating to the Master's degree level signifies a mastery of a specific subject and the ability to engage in specialized teaching, or advanced research, and critical analysis. A Master's degree holder in environmental science, for example, could contribute to environmental policy development as a consultant for government agencies or non-profit organizations. Alternatively, they might establish an environmental consultancy firm, offering specialized expertise in sustainability practices, impact assessments, and resource management. With a Master's degree, individuals are equipped to undertake roles that demand high-level expertise, shaping policies, and making significant contributions to their field.

Then, Why do a PhD?

PhD is the highest academic degree and represents the pinnacle of educational attainment. Does it sound right to you? Is it the pinnacle of educational attainment? Really, take a pause and think deep about the answer. I think we know the answer..

Anyways, it involves original research, a dissertation, and a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in a specific field. The focus is on advancing the understanding of a subject through groundbreaking research. PhD holders often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, or take on leadership roles in industries. Unlike the other degrees mentioned, a PhD is more geared towards contributing to the academic and scientific community through original contributions to knowledge.

Question is whether this is indeed happening in Indian Higher Education?

Shift Towards PhDs in Teaching Roles:

HEI's obsession in India with PhD degrees can be attributed to several factors:

a. Perceived Superiority:

PhD graduates are often perceived as more knowledgeable, skilled, and competent than those holding master's degrees. This belief is fueled by the misconception that a PhD signifies a higher level of broader expertise in a specific field, instead in reality it is a narrower level of specialized expertise in a subject area which may not be useful for value creation in the short-term.

b. Promotion Prospects:

In many cases, obtaining a doctoral degree has become a prerequisite for promotion to senior academic or administrative positions. As a result, faculty members feel compelled to pursue this path to advance their careers. The issue is their teaching skills and /or work experience may take a back-seat, even be ignored affecting the quality of student's learning.

c. Government Regulations and Policies:

Government initiatives and funding agencies often mandate PhD degrees as a minimum requirement for eligible candidates, further fueling the demand for doctoral programs.

Then, why don't we make it mandatory for a Member of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha to be a PhD Degree holder? Let's make it mandatory for all top-level job for Ministers, Politicians, and Industry CEOs / Founders / Chairmans etc., to necessarily be a PhD Degree holder otherwise they're not eligible.

Sounds like a practical approach?

Diminishing Value of Master's Degrees:

a. Credential Inflation:

The perception that a PhD is the pinnacle of academic achievement has led to credential inflation, where a Master's degree is perceived as insufficient for higher education teaching positions.

b. Proliferation of Master's Graduates:

The increasing number of individuals obtaining Master's degrees has led to a saturation in the job market, making it challenging for these graduates to stand out in the crowd.

c. Perception of Mastery:

The term "Master" in Master's degree has lost some of its original connotations of expertise due to the widespread availability and accessibility of Master's programs.

d. Perception of Outdated Skills:

Master's degrees may be viewed as outdated or insufficient due to the rapid advancement of technology and research in various fields. This perception can lead employers to favor PhD graduates who are assumed to have more up-to-date knowledge and skills.

e. Newly found Emphasis on Research:

PhD programs typically involve extensive research, and institutions might prioritize candidates with doctoral qualifications to enhance the research culture within academia.

Industry Perspectives on PhD Qualifications:

Industries in India exhibit reluctance towards hiring PhD graduates as researchers due to several reasons:

a. Gap Between Academia and Industry:

While educational institutions insist on PhD qualifications for teaching roles, industries in India do not always prioritize PhD holders, especially if the job role does not involve high-level research.

b. Limited Resources:

Indian industries often lack the financial resources and infrastructure required to support cutting-edge R&D initiatives, making it difficult to retain PhD holders for long periods.

c. Focus on Cost-Effective Solutions:

Industries in India are primarily concerned with providing cost-effective solutions rather than investing heavily in advanced research projects, making PhD graduates an unnecessary expense.

d. Outsourcing R&D:

Indian industries often outsource research and development to developed countries, where the infrastructure and environment for cutting-edge research are more established.

Conundrum of "Great Researchers" in India:

a. Quality vs. Quantity:

The push for a higher number of researchers might compromise the quality of research if not coupled with the necessary infrastructure and support.

b. Encouraging Research Environment:

Instead of expecting every graduate to become a "great researcher," there is a need to create an environment that nurtures research and development within the country.

The Future:

Redefining higher education in India by balancing master's and PhD degrees and fostering collaborative academic-industrial partnerships can create a more comprehensive, value-driven education system. By acknowledging the importance of both master's and doctoral degrees, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge required for diverse careers, and providing a conducive research environment, Indian institutions can pave the way for a higher education landscape that benefits students, academics, and industries alike.

The race for PhD qualifications in Indian educational institutions reflects a complex interplay between academic standards, industry demands, and the pursuit of research excellence. While a PhD undoubtedly holds value in certain contexts, reevaluating the importance of Master's degrees and bridging the gap between academia and industry can contribute to a more balanced and effective higher education system in India.

The future of higher education in India lies in striking this balance, ensuring that all graduates, regardless of their degree level, have access to quality education and the opportunity to contribute to society in meaningful ways. By focusing on skill development, collaboration, and a conducive research environment, Indian institutions can prepare students for successful careers and position the country as a leader in higher education and innovation.

Disclaimer: This content is intended to explore the changing dynamics in education and discuss perceptions around different academic degrees. It is not intended to undermine the achievements or value of PhD degree holders. The significant contributions of individuals with PhD qualifications w.r.t the diverse educational paths or choices individuals had made in pursuit of knowledge or expertise; are duly respected and acknowledged by the author.