Honorary Doctorate Degrees in India (UGC Guidelines)

Honorary Doctorate Explained: Meaning and Significance

An honorary doctorate, or honoris causa, is a special recognition by universities to honour individuals for their outstanding contributions in diverse areas encompassing science, arts, literature, public service, business, or social work. Unlike regular PhDs, honorary doctorate degrees do not require you to perform any research, submit a thesis, or take exams.

While symbolic, this degree is significant and worthy of recognition and respect. Those receiving honorary doctorates may give a speech at convocation ceremonies. The honorary doctorate does not grant academic rights, such as supervising students or serving as a formal credential for performing research. It primarily recognises various accomplishments of service and excellence.

Who can legally give an honorary doctorate in India?

Institutions with the legal right to award degrees can give honorary doctorates. The UGC Act of 1956 clearly states: “The right of conferring or granting degrees shall be exercised only by a university established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act, or a State Act, or an institution deemed to be a university.” 

This implies that:

• A recognised university (central, state, private, or deemed) may award an honorary degree.
   

• Private groups, trusts, or name-similar organisations that are not legally universities cannot award valid degrees.

Standard eligibility criteria used by Indian universities

UGC does not list a single national checklist for every honorary doctorate. Instead, universities follow basic principles and their own detailed rules. Indian universities usually consider the following points (for example, IIT Bombay’s policy) for honorary degrees:

1. Outstanding, sustained contribution in a field (science, literature, public service, arts, etc.).
    

2. National or international standing—the person’s work should be recognised beyond local impact.
    

3. No commercial exchange — the degree award should not be sold or given in return for any money.
    

4. Formal nomination and vetting — nominations usually come from faculty members, committees, or governing bodies.
    

5. The name is usually approved by senior bodies, such as a search committee, the Senate/Academic Council, and the governing board.
   (See IIT Bombay’s guidelines as an example: IIT Bombay guidelines)
    

Example (procedure): At IIT Bombay, departments nominate candidates. A Senate Search Committee vets nominations and recommends names to the Senate. After approvals, the Board of Governors and visitor (if required) give final clearance.

What an honorary degree means — and what it does NOT mean

• It is an honour, not an academic qualification. Recipients do not gain the academic rights of a PhD (such as supervising PhD students or claiming research credentials).
   

• Using the title “Dr” is sensitive. Conventions differ. Many institutions ask recipients to clearly show the award is honorary (for example: Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa)). Misleading use can cause ethical or legal concerns.
   

• It cannot be used as a formal qualification for jobs or academic posts. Employers and institutions treat it as an award, not as proof of academic training.

These points are often highlighted in Indian media and education advisories, especially warnings about fake degrees and unrecognised institutions.

Red flags: fake or commercial honorary degrees

There is a problem with fake degree sellers and diploma mills. A few recent Indian media pieces and legal commentaries call out the misuse of honorary doctorates and urge stricter rules (for example, LegalBites’ analysis arguing for reform). Universities and the UGC regularly warn the public to verify awards and avoid “buyable” doctorates.

Simple check: It should be considered suspicious if a degree is offered for money or if the institution isn’t listed with the UGC.

Can a university revoke an honorary degree?

Yes. Most reputable universities keep the right to withdraw or revoke an honorary award if later information shows the recipient acted in ways that bring disrepute. The revocation process is part of university statutes and governance procedures.

Good examples from India

• IIT Bombay has a clear nomination and multi-stage approval process (departments → Senate Search Committee → Senate → Board).
   

• Public convocation examples: Indian universities like Osmania University regularly confer honorary doctorates to national figures during convocation; these events are public and cited in the mainstream press.

These examples show the usual path: documented nomination → internal review → senior approvals → convocation.

Famous Indian Honorary Doctorate Recipients

India has a long history of conferring honorary doctorates to those who have made outstanding contributions in various fields such as science, arts, trade and commerce, as well as service to society, recognition for remarkable achievements, and contributions and service which inspire the society and/or advance knowledge or culture.

The above examples depict that honorary doctorates in India celebrate outstanding contributions in various fields—be it science, arts, business, or public service. They also underline that true recognition follows UGC guidelines and can only be granted by legally authorised universities.

Best practices for universities and applicants

For universities:

• Could you make the rules for nominations explicit and clear? 

• Keep the confidentiality until a decision is made. 

• Record citations that explain why the person is honoured.
   

For individuals and employers:

• Treat honorary degrees as awards, not as academic credentials.

• Could you verify the accreditation of the awarding institution on the UGC-recognised list?

• Could you ask for formal citation text and university documentation when in doubt?

Conclusion

Honorary doctorates in India stand as a gesture of respect and special acknowledgement from universities for those who have made a big difference in science, arts, business, or public service.