Introduction
In recent years, digital honorary doctorate programs have become more visible and accessible — especially across India. From artists and entrepreneurs to educators and community leaders, individuals from various backgrounds are being recognised for their impact through online convocations hosted by digital universities.
While the concept of receiving an honorary doctorate is widely appreciated, there’s often confusion surrounding one key aspect: the event charges. Are they legal? What do they cover? Do they make the degree invalid or commercial? This blog explains, in clear and practical terms, how event charges work — and why they are not the same as “buying” a degree.
What Are Event Charges?
Event charges are the costs associated with organising and conducting a digital or hybrid convocation event. These charges are typically paid by recipients who are being honoured in a formal, structured ceremony. They are not the cost of the honorary degree itself — which is conferred based on merit and nomination — but rather for the logistics and documentation surrounding the recognition.
Think of it as similar to how even regular students pay a convocation fee for a certificate or gown rental. The degree is earned, but the event has costs that must be covered.
What Do Event Charges Typically Include?
Here is what is usually covered under honorary event charges in digital programs:
- Convocation Organisation
- Hosting the online ceremony
- Zoom or webinar platform licensing
- Event coordination and management
- Moderators or emcees
- Documentation and Certificates
- Designing the honorary doctorate certificate
- Printing, sealing, and framing (if applicable)
- Digital version preparation with verification code
- Courier or postal dispatch (international/domestic)
- Citation Preparation
- Drafting an academic-style citation in the recipient’s name
- Translation (if in regional language)
- Designing the layout for event reading
- Media and Video Work
- Creating honorary video montages
- Event recording and editing
- Photo cards or social media graphics for the recipient
- Administrative Handling
- Email invitations and technical help
- Personalised support before and after the event
- Database entry, verification archiving, and QR link setup
Each of these activities involves human effort, technology, and time — especially for large-scale convocations that may include 30 to 100 recipients.
Is It Legal to Charge for Events in Honorary Programs?
Yes — it is entirely legal for universities, including digital ones, to charge for event logistics related to honorary recognitions. There are some important distinctions to keep in mind:
- The honorary degree itself is not for sale — it is conferred based on nomination and approval.
- Charges are clearly communicated upfront — often labelled as event, citation, or documentation fees.
- No false academic equivalence is promised — i.e., it is always described as honorary, not equivalent to a PhD by research.
- GST or service breakdown is sometimes provided — for transparency.
- Certificates clearly mention ‘honorary’ or ‘honoris causa’ — following global norms.
Therefore, as long as the language is clear, and the process is followed properly, such charges are legally and ethically sound.
Why Are Charges Needed at All?
Some recipients ask, “If it’s honorary, why should I pay anything?”
The answer lies in the nature of digital operations.
Unlike a government-funded convocation or a university with massive alumni budgets, most digital universities operate independently and do not charge tuition from honorary recipients. But the services — citations, logistics, shipping, staff — still cost money.
Event charges help maintain the dignity and standard of the honorary process. Without them, the university would not be able to:
- Print and send high-quality certificates
- Host events that feel professional
- Ensure proper recordkeeping
- Offer translation or multilingual support
- Archive digital copies for future reference
In short, the charges ensure that your honorary doctorate feels like a real academic honour — not just a casual email or message.
Are These Charges the Same Across All Universities?
No. Charges can vary based on several factors:
- Whether the university is based in India or abroad
- Whether a physical certificate is dispatched or only a digital version
- Number of recipients in a batch (shared costs or personalised events)
- Event scale — some include guest speakers, media, or entertainment
- Language and translation services included
On average, event charges may range from ₹7,000 to ₹25,000 depending on these inclusions. High-profile international convocations with media coverage and framed certificates may cost more.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
While event charges are normal, there are some warning signs that suggest a program may not be authentic:
- No clear mention of honorary or honoris causa in the certificate
- Degree offered immediately on payment without any review or profile submission
- Fake claims of UGC or AICTE approval for honorary programs
- Overuse of marketing gimmicks like “limited seats” or “apply before midnight”
- No university name or location mentioned on certificates
Always verify the institution, check past events, and ask for sample citations or degree copies if unsure.
Does Paying Event Charges Mean You Bought the Degree?
Not at all.
Just like a regular student paying ₹500 for a convocation robe does not mean they bought their degree, paying event or documentation charges in an honorary process does not reduce the honour. You are not paying for recognition — you are contributing to the process that celebrates your recognition with dignity.
In fact, most respected individuals who receive honorary doctorates — including social workers, artists, and entrepreneurs — understand this and value the effort involved in organising a formal event.
Conclusion
Event charges in digital honorary doctorate programs are a practical, legitimate, and respectful way to conduct ceremonies, deliver documents, and maintain academic dignity. They do not reduce the honour — they enable it.
By understanding what you are paying for, and by verifying the source and process, you can confidently participate in your recognition — and feel proud of the degree, the moment, and the memory.
In today’s digital world, where respect travels through screens and certificates cross borders by post, event charges are simply part of making your milestone feel real.