Introduction
Honorary doctorates are a powerful way for universities to acknowledge individuals who have made significant contributions to society, culture, science, education, or public life. While these degrees are not applied for in the traditional academic sense, they can be formally recommended through a nomination process. Many people in India wonder: Can I nominate someone I admire for an honorary doctorate? What’s the correct way to do it? In this blog, we explore the structured process behind nominating a person for an honorary doctorate, especially within Indian academic institutions.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Before understanding how to nominate, it’s important to know who can be nominated. Honorary doctorates are typically awarded to individuals who:
- Have made a long-standing, visible contribution to society
- Represent values of service, leadership, innovation, or transformation
- Have demonstrated integrity and public respect
- Are not employees or active members of the awarding institution (in most cases)
Fields of impact may include:
- Arts, music, literature
- Scientific discovery and innovation
- Public health and rural service
- Entrepreneurship with social responsibility
- Education and cultural preservation
- Humanitarian work
It’s important to ensure that the nominee has not received the same honour from the same institution previously, as most universities award it once per individual.
Who Can Submit a Nomination?
This varies by university, but the following individuals or bodies are commonly allowed to nominate:
- University faculty members
- Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, or Deans
- Senate or Academic Council members
- Distinguished alumni
- Government or academic advisory committees
- Occasionally, public nomination is accepted via formal application when invited
If you’re outside the institution, it’s best to work with someone who is affiliated with the university or to respond to an official call for nominations, if announced.
The Nomination Process: Step by Step
Here’s how the nomination process typically works in Indian universities:
1. Prepare a Detailed Nomination Dossier
This should include:
- Full name, background, and contact information of the nominee
- A comprehensive biography or CV
- A statement of contribution and justification for the honour
- Evidence of impact (awards, recognitions, news features, publications, etc.)
- Letters of support or testimonials (optional but helpful)
2. Submit to the Right Body
Send the dossier to the appropriate office—usually the Registrar or Academic Council—as per the university’s guidelines. Some institutions have a downloadable form or a formal template for this purpose.
3. Internal Review
The nomination is reviewed by a screening committee, often made up of senior academic members. They assess the validity, reputation, and alignment of the nominee with the institution’s ethos.
4. Final Approval
Shortlisted nominations are placed before the University Senate or Governing Council for final approval. In state universities, the Governor or Chancellor may have to give the final sign-off.
5. Conferral
If approved, the honorary doctorate is conferred during the university’s next convocation ceremony. The recipient is formally invited and honoured publicly.
Things to Keep in Mind
- It’s a confidential process: Universities rarely disclose nominations until approval is final.
- No fees should ever be involved: A legitimate honorary doctorate is never sold or paid for.
- Justification matters: The strength of the nomination depends not just on the person’s fame, but on how well their contributions are framed and evidenced.
- Not all nominations result in an award: Some institutions award only one or two honorary degrees per year, based on strict internal criteria.
Conclusion
Nominating someone for an honorary doctorate is a meaningful way to ensure their contributions are formally recognised by the academic world. While not everyone may be selected, submitting a nomination allows universities to discover impactful individuals who might otherwise go unnoticed.
If you know someone whose work has uplifted communities, transformed fields, or inspired change, helping their story reach a university is a step toward honouring what truly matters—contribution over qualification. verifying one, it’s always wise to seek information from credible, neutral sources.