Ahmedabad: Gujarat University has overhauled its PhD thesis assessment process by transitioning to a fully digital system. The university expects the digital mechanism to significantly shorten evaluation timelines, allowing research scholars to complete their doctorates faster.Around 25 research scholars submit their theses every month at GU, which has awarded nearly 5,700 PhD degrees since its inception.Under the existing system, once a thesis is submitted, it is sent to external referees through a lengthy process involving identification of suitable experts, sending consent letters by post, waiting for their response, and dispatching physical copies of the thesis. Postal delays, address mismatches, and logistical bottlenecks often delayed the evaluation process from six months to over a year.Under the new system, all correspondence with external referees will shift exclusively to official university email addresses. Consent received via email will be considered valid, and theses will be shared in digital format. Evaluation reports submitted electronically will also be accepted as official records.The digital transformation is expected to accelerate result declarations and ensure quicker award of PhD degrees. The transition will also significantly cut printing, packaging, and mailing costs. University officials noted that the green initiative aligns with Union govt’s Digital India vision to foster transparent and efficient academic administration.Vice-chancellor Jagdish Joshi said the system will make the evaluation process faster, more transparent, and student-friendly.
