Role of External Co-Guides in Industry-Sponsored PhDs.

Introduction

Industry-sponsored PhD programmes are steadily gaining ground in India as universities attempt to bridge the gap between academic research and practical industrial applications. Unlike traditional university-funded doctoral research, these programmes are supported, at least partially, by industry stakeholders. They often focus on real-world challenges such as product development, process optimisation, or innovation-driven problem-solving. Within this structure, the role of external co-guides becomes especially significant. These individuals, usually from industry or research organisations outside the sponsoring university, contribute applied knowledge and professional insight that complement the academic guidance offered by the primary supervisor.

This blog examines the role of external co-guides in industry-sponsored PhDs, with particular reference to UGC guidelines, institutional practices, and the evolving expectations of academia–industry collaborations in India.

Understanding Industry-Sponsored PhDs in India

Industry-sponsored PhDs differ from regular doctoral programmes in three ways:

1. Funding: The financial support often comes from industries, which may cover tuition, stipends, or research expenses.
2. Research Orientation: The focus is largely problem-solving with tangible industrial benefits, although academic rigour is maintained.
3. Supervisory Structure: To balance theory and practice, co-supervision models are encouraged.

In this context, external co-guides serve as the crucial link between industrial application and scholarly inquiry.

Who Can Be an External Co-Guide?

Universities generally recognise external co-guides from the following backgrounds:

• Senior industry professionals with substantial R&D experience.
• Scientists working in government laboratories such as CSIR, DRDO, or ISRO.
• Researchers from reputed private R&D centres.
• International collaborators with demonstrated expertise in the scholar’s area.

While UGC does not prescribe rigid eligibility for co-guides, many universities require them to hold a PhD or have at least 15–20 years of professional expertise in relevant domains.

Complementary Role to the Main Guide

The primary supervisor in an industry-sponsored PhD is usually a faculty member from the university. Their role is to ensure academic standards, compliance with regulations, and methodological rigour. The external co-guide, by contrast, brings:

• Practical insights from real-world industrial challenges.
• Access to specialised facilities, equipment, or datasets not available in universities.
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders, funding bodies, and technical teams.
• Mentorship on innovation and commercialisation, helping scholars translate ideas into products or processes.

Together, they form a dual-support system that nurtures both academic contribution and industrial relevance.

Benefits for PhD Scholars

The inclusion of external co-guides can greatly enhance a scholar’s experience:

1. Holistic Perspective: Students learn to balance theory with application, an essential skill in today’s research ecosystem.
2. Exposure to Industry Culture: Regular interactions with industry co-guides prepare scholars for careers outside academia.
3. Improved Employability: Industry-aligned research guided by external mentors often leads to job offers, patents, or start-up opportunities.
4. Enhanced Resources: Scholars may access advanced laboratories, testing facilities, or industrial prototypes through the co-guide’s networks.

Institutional Framework and Approval

Most universities require a formal process for appointing an external co-guide in industry-sponsored PhDs. This involves:

• Proposal Submission: The scholar and main supervisor propose the co-guide’s name, qualifications, and justification.
• Approval by Research Advisory Committee (RAC): The RAC evaluates whether the proposed co-guide’s expertise is relevant and beneficial.
• MoU or Agreement: In some cases, the university signs a memorandum of understanding with the industry partner to formalise the role.

Challenges in Appointing External Co-Guides

Despite clear benefits, the system is not without difficulties:

1. Regulatory Ambiguity: UGC does not provide detailed rules for industry co-guides, leaving universities to create varied practices.
2. Commitment Issues: Busy industry professionals may struggle to dedicate consistent time to mentoring.
3. Confidentiality Concerns: Research may involve proprietary industrial data, which can restrict open academic publication.
4. Evaluation Differences: Academic and industrial metrics of success may not always align, causing tension between guides.

Case Studies from Indian Institutions

• IIT–Industry Collaborations: Many IITs formally integrate industry scientists as external supervisors, particularly in applied engineering projects.
• Private Universities: Institutions like Amity and BITS Pilani often encourage industry co-guides to strengthen their applied research credentials.
• Government Schemes: Initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research mandate collaboration with industry mentors, effectively institutionalising the role of external co-guides.

Evolving Guidelines and the Way Forward

Indian higher education bodies are increasingly recognising the importance of structured industry involvement. While UGC’s minimum standards for supervisors remain academic, universities are encouraged to draft internal policies that allow for meaningful external guidance. Over time, clearer frameworks may emerge to:

• Set minimum qualifications for industry co-guides.
• Define their responsibilities relative to primary supervisors.
• Standardise intellectual property (IP) and publication rights.
• Encourage international industry experts to participate virtually.

Conclusion

The role of external co-guides in industry-sponsored PhDs represents a vital mechanism to blend academic excellence with industrial applicability. By bringing in specialised expertise, access to facilities, and industry insights, they complement the work of the primary supervisor and enrich the scholar’s research journey.

Although challenges remain—particularly in regulation, commitment, and intellectual property management—the growing acceptance of industry co-guides signals a progressive shift in Indian doctoral education. For scholars, embracing this model means gaining not only a doctoral degree but also skills, networks, and opportunities that extend far beyond the university campus.