Introduction
In India, higher education is governed by well-defined rules—and the title of “Doctor” is not handed out casually. Among the many forms of academic recognition, the Honorary Doctorate holds a unique space. It is a ceremonial award, not earned through exams or research, but through impactful public contribution. Yet, not everyone knows that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has clear guidelines about the awarding and use of such degrees. This blog breaks down what the UGC says about honorary doctorates in India, and what that means for institutions and recipients alike.
What Is the Role of UGC?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the apex regulatory body for higher education in India. Established under the UGC Act of 1956, it governs:
- The recognition of universities
- The validity of degrees
- The standards for academic practices across the country
No university can legally award a degree—earned or honorary—unless it is empowered to do so by the UGC. This also includes regulations around the conferral, usage, and recognition of honorary doctorates.
Key UGC Guidelines on Honorary Degrees
The UGC does not issue a separate act only for honorary degrees, but its guidelines and circulars over time make the following points clear:
1. Only Recognised Universities Can Confer Degrees
Honorary doctorates can be awarded only by:
- Central universities
- State universities
- Deemed-to-be universities
- Institutions of National Importance
All must be recognised by the UGC under relevant sections of the UGC Act.
2. Honorary Degrees Must Be Clearly Stated as “Honoris Causa”
Universities must ensure that the honorary nature of the award is made explicit. The title must be written as:
- “Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa)”
- “Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa)”, etc.
This ensures no confusion with earned PhDs or academic doctorates.
3. Honorary Degrees Cannot Be Used as Formal Qualifications
Recipients of honorary doctorates are not allowed to:
- Use the degree as an academic qualification in CVs
- Claim eligibility for teaching posts or research positions
- Use “Dr.” in legal or academic documents without clear disclosure
The degree is symbolic and honorary, and not meant for academic or professional advantage.
4. Honorary Degrees Should Not Be Sold or Commercialised
Any honorary degree awarded in exchange for money or sponsorship is strictly against UGC norms. Institutions doing so risk losing their academic credibility—or worse, their recognition status.
Universities must maintain:
- A formal nomination and evaluation process
- Transparent approvals by academic councils or governing bodies
UGC’s Stance on Fake and Foreign Degrees
The UGC has consistently warned the public against:
- Unrecognised foreign universities offering “honorary PhDs”
- Online degree mills operating under foreign-sounding names
- Use of unverified honorary degrees for employment or social media branding
In 2021 and 2023, the UGC published circulars reminding universities and individuals not to misuse honorary titles or promote non-legitimate recognitions.
They have also issued lists of “fake universities” and clarified that degrees from unapproved foreign institutions may not be accepted in India for any official or legal use.
For Institutions: Responsibilities Under UGC Norms
Indian universities that award honorary degrees must:
- Ensure the recipient has significant, verifiable contributions to society
- Avoid political or commercial bias in selection
- Maintain clear records of the senate or council approval
- Publish the names of recipients in official convocation reports or on the website
- Never accept or solicit money for honorary recognitions
Failure to follow these norms may result in scrutiny from UGC or legal challenge.
Conclusion
UGC guidelines make one thing clear: honorary doctorates are symbols of respect—not substitutes for academic merit. Whether you’re a university offering one or an individual receiving one, understanding these norms helps protect the value and integrity of the recognition.
If you’re unsure whether a degree is legitimate or whether a university is allowed to offer it, the UGC website and public notices are reliable places to check.
In a system where education is taken seriously, transparency and respect for the title “Doctor” go hand in hand.