Introduction
In today’s competitive world, your resume is more than just a list of qualifications—it is your identity on paper. People carefully include degrees, awards, and experiences that show their skills and contributions. But what if you’ve received an honorary doctorate? Can such a symbolic recognition be included in your resume? Will it add value or raise eyebrows?
This blog explores how honorary doctorates can be mentioned in professional profiles, the right way to present them, and the cautions one must keep in mind to maintain clarity and credibility—especially in the Indian context.
Honorary Doctorates Are Not Academic Qualifications
Before adding anything to your resume, it’s important to understand what an honorary doctorate represents. Unlike a traditional PhD, which requires coursework, research, and a thesis defence, an honorary doctorate is awarded as a mark of recognition for a person’s contribution to society, a specific field, or humanity at large.
This means that while it is a legitimate award, it is not an earned academic qualification. In India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is clear that honorary degrees are not to be treated as academic credentials in official or academic eligibility settings.
Can It Be Included? Yes—but with Clarity
The short answer is: yes, you can include an honorary doctorate in your resume or professional biography—but it must be done transparently and respectfully.
Here are the right ways to include it:
- Under a Separate ‘Honours and Awards’ Section
Instead of placing it alongside academic degrees, it’s better to list the honorary doctorate under a section titled “Honours and Awards”, “Recognitions”, or
“Achievements”.
- Use the Correct Terminology
Always include the phrase “Honorary Doctorate” or “Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa)”, etc., with the term “honorary” clearly stated.
- Include the Awarding Institution and Year
Mention the name of the university, the field of recognition (if applicable), and the year it was awarded. For example:
Honorary Doctorate in Social Work, awarded by XYZ University, 2022.
What Not to Do
Misrepresentation is a common risk when listing honorary doctorates. To avoid confusion or accusations of exaggeration, here’s what you must avoid:
- Do not place it under ‘Education’ or ‘Academic Qualifications’. It is not an earned degree.
- Do not prefix ‘Dr.’ to your name in your resume. Many institutions, especially in India, discourage this unless the honorary nature is clarified.
- Avoid suggesting that it qualifies you for teaching, research, or professional licensure. It doesn’t.
Transparency maintains both your credibility and the dignity of the award itself.
How It Adds Value
Although it is not an academic qualification, an honorary doctorate can still enhance your resume in important ways:
- Demonstrates Recognition
It shows that your work has been acknowledged by an academic or cultural institution—a sign of public and intellectual respect.
- Highlights Social or Professional Impact
It adds a layer of depth to your resume, showing that you’re more than your job title—you’ve made meaningful contributions to society or your field.
- Establishes Moral Authority
Especially in fields like education, social service, arts, or public health, an honorary degree signals a lifetime of value-driven work.
Examples of Appropriate Resume Mentions
Here are a few sample entries that reflect correct and professional usage:
- Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt.) in Rural Development – awarded by ABC State University, 2021, for contributions to sustainable farming practices.
- Recipient of Honorary PhD (Honoris Causa) from XYZ University, 2023, in recognition of work in social entrepreneurship.
These examples are clear, modest, and truthful. They allow readers to appreciate your recognition without misunderstanding your formal qualifications.
What If You Have Multiple Honorary Degrees?
Some individuals receive more than one honorary doctorate, especially if they have contributed across different regions or disciplines. In that case, it’s best to list them all under the ‘Honours’ section chronologically, just as you would for multiple awards.
Still, keep your main academic credentials separate, and do not overemphasise the honorary degrees—they are symbolic acknowledgements, not professional licenses.
How It Affects Public or Government Profiles
If you’re applying for government roles or academic posts in India, remember that honorary degrees carry no weight in eligibility criteria. For instance:
- You cannot teach in a college or university solely on the basis of an honorary doctorate.
- You cannot qualify for government jobs where a formal academic PhD is a requirement.
However, in roles where public influence, advisory input, or societal leadership is important, the honorary title—when disclosed properly—can be a helpful addition to your profile.
Use in Digital Profiles and Introductions
Many people also wonder if it’s acceptable to mention their honorary doctorate in places like LinkedIn bios, speaker introductions, or public websites.
Yes, it is—but the same rules apply:
- Use the term “Honorary Doctorate” or “Doctorate Honoris Causa”.
- Never omit the “honorary” part in public contexts.
- Avoid using the “Dr.” prefix in official documents or educational settings unless customarily accepted by the institution.
Being upfront earns more respect than trying to appear overqualified.
Conclusion
Honorary doctorates are a beautiful recognition of your work—but like any form of honour, they must be presented with honesty and humility. When included properly in a resume, they add value, personality, and a story of contribution.
But remember, they do not replace academic degrees or qualify you for professional titles. In the Indian professional landscape, where integrity and clarity matter as much as achievement, how you present yourself makes all the difference.
So yes, go ahead and include your honorary doctorate—but do it the right way, and let your real story shine through.