Introduction
Honorary doctorates are often seen as the final moment of recognition—someone walks onto a convocation stage, receives a ceremonial hood or scroll, and is introduced as “Doctor” before an applauding audience. But behind that public moment lies a structured and serious process, governed by university rules and academic ethics. In India, where higher education is carefully regulated, the awarding of honorary doctorates follows a methodical path. This blog walks through how Indian universities decide who to honour, the steps they follow, and what safeguards are in place to preserve the credibility of this prestigious recognition.
Step 1: Internal Policy and Authority
Not every academic institution in India is empowered to award honorary doctorates. Only universities recognised by the UGC and empowered under the UGC Act, 1956 or respective state legislation can legally confer such degrees.
Each university’s statutes or ordinances outline:
- The type of honorary degrees they are permitted to award (e.g., D.Litt, D.Sc., LL.D., or Doctor Honoris Causa)
- Who has the authority to nominate and approve
- How many honorary degrees may be conferred in a given year
- The values or criteria the university seeks to uphold
This legal and procedural framework ensures that the award is not given arbitrarily or used for promotional purposes.
Step 2: Nominations and Shortlisting
The process usually begins with nominations. These can come from:
- The Vice-Chancellor
- Heads of departments or deans
- Members of the Senate or Academic Council
- University alumni
- In rare cases, public nomination through formal calls
Each nomination is accompanied by a dossier, which includes:
- The nominee’s biography
- Their achievements and contributions
- Awards, recognitions, and social impact
- Justification for why the honour is deserved
The aim is to present a well-documented case that shows alignment between the nominee’s life work and the values of the institution.
Step 3: Evaluation by a Screening Committee
Once nominations are received, a screening committee or sub-committee is formed—usually under the Academic Council. This body evaluates:
- The credibility of the nominee
- The depth and duration of contribution
- The absence of legal or public controversies
- The symbolic alignment with the institution’s mission
This stage involves background verification and is intended to maintain the prestige and integrity of the university.
In some cases, external subject experts are also consulted, especially when the nominee is from a specialised domain like medicine, technology, or international diplomacy.
Step 4: Senate or Governing Body Approval
Nominations that clear the screening stage are then placed before the university’s Senate, Governing Council, or Executive Body for final discussion and approval.
Some institutions also require the approval of:
- The Chancellor of the University (usually the Governor in state universities)
- A special Honorary Degree Committee
- The Board of Management (for private deemed-to-be universities)
Approval is often unanimous or by majority resolution, and is documented in official records.
Step 5: Conferral at Convocation
Once approved, the honorary doctorate is formally conferred during the next convocation ceremony. The recipient is invited as a special guest, and a detailed citation is read aloud, explaining the reasons behind the honour.
The degree certificate clearly states that the award is “Honoris Causa” to distinguish it from earned academic doctorates. This ensures clarity for both the recipient and the public.
Some universities also publish the list of honorary degree recipients in their annual reports or websites, preserving transparency.
Safeguards Against Misuse
To maintain public trust, universities follow several safeguards:
- No monetary transactions are allowed at any stage
- No self-nomination is permitted
- The number of honorary doctorates awarded is usually limited per year
- Recipients must maintain a clean public record
- The term “honorary” must always be explicitly mentioned in official documentation
These steps ensure that the honour is not diluted and that it continues to stand for service, excellence, and integrity.
Conclusion
The process of awarding an honorary doctorate in India is neither casual nor symbolic alone—it is a careful academic and ethical procedure. Behind each honorary degree stands a university’s reputation, mission, and judgement.
For those who admire or question such honours, understanding the process offers insight into how institutions balance tradition, academic responsibility, and societal recognition.
And for individuals who receive it, the honorary doctorate is not just a title—it is a public trust, rooted in rigour and respect.ek information from credible, neutral sources.