Introduction
In a time when academic titles are often used for social status, branding, and even career advancement, verifying the authenticity of honorary doctorates has become more important than ever. With numerous individuals using the prefix “Dr.” and various platforms offering quick recognitions for a fee, the lines between genuine and questionable honorary degrees are often blurred.
So, how can someone verify if an honorary doctorate is legitimate or misleading? Is there a process to fact-check such recognitions? The answer lies in knowing what to look for and where to look.
This blog provides a practical guide for students, journalists, researchers, and the general public on how to verify whether an honorary doctorate is authentic, ethical, and academically sound.
Why Authenticity Matters
Honorary doctorates are supposed to represent high respect and societal contribution. When a genuine institution bestows such a degree, it’s a reflection of collective appreciation for someone’s achievements.
However, when fake or unverified honorary degrees are used:
- Public trust in education is weakened
- Real achievers are overshadowed by influencers
- Academic decorum suffers
- Misuse of the title “Dr.” becomes common
This makes it vital to distinguish fact from fiction.
Step 1: Check the Name of the Issuing Institution
The first and most essential step is to verify the university or institution that awarded the honorary doctorate.
Ask yourself:
- Is the institution a recognised university under the laws of its country?
- Does it appear on government, academic, or regulatory portals?
- Is it listed by India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) if it’s an Indian university?
- Does it have a working website, verified contact details, and academic departments?
Beware of institutions with fancy foreign-sounding names but no real campus, academic records, or student body. Just because a name includes “International,” “Global,” or “World” doesn’t mean it is recognised.
Step 2: Search for Publicly Available Records
Genuine honorary doctorates are usually awarded during convocations or academic events, and such recognitions are publicly announced.
You can look for:
- News reports from trusted media outlets
- Press releases or convocation bulletins
- University annual reports or event videos
- Social media posts by the university itself (on official pages, not third-party promotions)
- Previous recipients listed on the institution’s official site
If you can’t find a mention of the award anywhere outside of the recipient’s personal profiles, it’s a red flag.
Step 3: Verify if the Title Is Clearly Marked as “Honorary”
A key point in verifying authenticity is ensuring the degree was honorary and not falsely portrayed as earned. Some individuals claim to hold a PhD without disclosing it is honorary.
Check if the citation or certificate includes words like:
- “Honoris Causa”
- “Honorary Degree”
- “Doctor of Letters (Hon. D.Litt)”
- “Doctor of Science (Hon. D.Sc)”
- “Doctor of Philosophy (Honorary PhD)”
If the wording is vague or the degree is claimed without “honorary” being mentioned, further scrutiny is needed.
Step 4: Understand the Nature of the Event
Genuine universities conduct formal ceremonies for honorary degrees, often alongside regular convocations. Look for signs of such an event:
- Was the award given in a convocation or in a hotel or private hall?
- Was the chancellor, vice-chancellor, or academic council involved?
- Are there videos, photographs, or media covering the event?
Some fake setups conduct mass “award events” where dozens of people are recognised in one sitting, often with payment involved. These are typically red flags.
Step 5: Cross-Verify With Regulatory Authorities
In India, you can check:
- The UGC’s list of recognised universities
- AICTE’s portal for institutions
- State higher education councils
- Internationally, consult UNESCO’s list of accredited universities or that country’s higher education authority
If the awarding body is not found on any such platform, chances are high that the degree has little or no academic standing.
Step 6: Look for Third-Party Validation
When in doubt, search for:
- Interviews or official recognition by government agencies or public institutions
- Mentions in reputed academic journals or publications
- Awards from other known universities or educational bodies
A well-deserved honorary doctorate is often one of many recognitions received. If the doctorate stands alone, with no trace of other achievements, you may need to dig deeper.
Step 7: Check If There Was a Nomination or Evaluation Process
Institutions with integrity do not offer honorary doctorates on direct payment or application. They follow a process that includes:
- Nomination by faculty, alumni, or external bodies
- Internal review by a degree committee or senate
- Approval by the university’s highest academic body
- Background checks and citation drafting
If the recipient claims they “applied” and “got approved in 2 days,” it raises suspicion.
Common Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Instant honorary PhD offers online
- No mention of the awarding body in any public record
- Degree certificates without institutional logos or proper signatures
- Self-glorifying language like “conferred by global council of thinkers” without proof
- Overuse of the “Dr.” prefix on business cards, resumes, and social media without context
What to Do If You Discover a Fake Claim
If you suspect someone is using a fake or misleading honorary degree, you may:
- Ask them respectfully for more information about the awarding body
- Contact the mentioned university and request confirmation
- Inform relevant academic or regulatory authorities if misuse is suspected in official spaces
- Encourage greater awareness in public forums without personal attacks
Many people accept such titles innocently without knowing the academic implications. Education is always the better path than humiliation.
Conclusion
Fact-checking an honorary doctorate is not just about identifying frauds—it’s about preserving the value of genuine achievements. With simple research, cross-checks, and an eye for detail, you can determine whether an honorary PhD is earned through respect or bought through convenience.
In an era of titles, certificates, and digital claims, truth still matters. And it begins with asking the right questions.