China's Practical PhDs Prompt Rethink of India's Doctoral Education Model

China's recent introduction of "practical PhDs," awarded for tangible products rather than traditional theses, has sparked discussion on reforming India's doctoral education. Indian PhD programs often emphasize publication quantity over research quality and societal relevance, leading to prolonged completion times and potential superficiality. The shift in China highlights applied innovation and real-world impact, prompting Indian universities to reconsider evaluation criteria to better align doctoral work with societal needs and reduce academic delays.