Introduction
For many Indian PhD scholars, writing a thesis in English can feel like an additional research project in itself.
Even those who are confident speakers may struggle when it comes to formal writing—especially in the highly structured, academic tone that a doctoral thesis demands. English, for most scholars in India, is not the language of home, or even school.
Yet, it remains the standard for research submission in the majority of Indian universities, particularly in private institutions that expect English-language formatting and referencing norms.
This gap between thinking and writing often causes stress, delays, and a quiet sense of insecurity. Scholars begin to doubt their research simply because their sentences don’t sound “academic enough.”
But with the right mindset and support, writing a thesis in English when it’s not your first language becomes a skill that can be learned—not a barrier to research success.
Why Language Shouldn’t Undermine Research Confidence
The first thing scholars must understand is that language and intelligence are not the same. A powerful idea can be hidden under hesitant English, just as perfect grammar can be used to say very little.
In the Indian academic space, especially in interdisciplinary and social science research, many strong thinkers come from vernacular backgrounds—regional universities, rural colleges, or Hindi- and Tamil-medium institutions.
Their challenge is not about ability, but about translation—of ideas into form.
Private universities in India often encourage international-style formatting and publishing, but do not always offer structured academic writing support. As a result, students rely on informal help—friends, YouTube videos, or templates found online.
This patchwork approach can work, but only when paired with conscious language learning.
Tools like Grammarly or QuillBot are commonly used, but they must be seen as aids, not solutions. Grammar checkers can help catch errors, but they can’t ensure academic tone or discipline-specific clarity.
In fact, overuse of paraphrasing tools sometimes makes writing feel robotic or vague. Indian scholars should use these tools for polishing—not for producing—text.
One realistic strategy is to write the first draft in your most comfortable language—whether it’s Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, or Marathi—and then translate it slowly into English, section by section.
This allows your original ideas to remain intact, while giving you time to work on the language gradually.
There’s no need to “think in English” from the start if it slows you down. Start in the language that lets you think clearly.
Another approach is to maintain a personal glossary. Many Indian research scholars struggle with repeating the same words or avoiding overly simple vocabulary.
Having a list of common academic phrases—like “This chapter examines…”, “The findings suggest…”, or “Previous research indicates…” can help build fluency over time. These are not filler lines; they are legitimate scaffolds for formal writing.
For scholars who read academic work in English but don’t yet write comfortably, note-taking becomes crucial. Try summarising journal articles in your own words, even if they are not perfect.
This builds confidence and helps you move from passive understanding to active use of language. The more you write, the easier it becomes to shape your thoughts in English.
Building a Sustainable Writing Process, Not Just a Perfect Sentence
Indian PhD candidates often face added pressure to “write correctly” from the start. Supervisors may mark up every sentence, or peers may dismiss drafts that feel too “raw.”
This can lead to hesitation and over-reliance on editors. But thesis writing is not about getting it right in one go—it’s about building clarity draft by draft.
One strategy is to separate writing and editing. In your first few drafts, focus only on expressing your arguments and findings.
Don’t worry about grammar. Once the structure is in place, review one chapter at a time for language refinement. This pacing reduces stress and allows for better focus.
It also helps to get feedback early—from peers, mentors, or support groups. Many Indian scholars hesitate to share incomplete writing, fearing judgement. But the truth is, writing improves through dialogue.
Even informal academic writing groups within your university WhatsApp group or department can offer fresh eyes and constructive suggestions.
If budget allows, hiring a language editor for the final stage of thesis writing can be worthwhile—especially if your university allows or expects polished English. But scholars must choose editors who understand academic structure, not just grammar.
The editor should support your clarity, not rewrite your voice.
Finally, patience is key. For scholars who studied in a non-English medium or are returning to academics after a long gap, fluency will take time.
But with steady reading, active writing, and realistic milestones, it is entirely possible to produce a thesis that is both rigorous in content and competent in language.
Conclusion
Language should never become a wall between a scholar and their research goals. Writing a PhD thesis in English, especially when it’s not your first language, is not about mastering accent or style—it’s about finding your rhythm, respecting your thought process, and letting the language serve your ideas, not dominate them.
In India’s rich academic diversity, multilingual scholars are not exceptions—they are the norm. With thoughtful strategies and consistent effort, even hesitant writers can become confident communicators.
When the thesis is done—not just written, but understood and expressed—it reflects not just academic achievement, but personal growth across languages and learning styles.