detailed Article - explaining the PhD Thesis Submission Minimum Requirements - Example
PhD Thesis Submission Minimum Requirements
FPhD scholars must collect a minimum of 12 points from research publications and patents to become eligible for thesis submission. Older batches may follow either the old scheme or the new scheme.
This system is introduced to ensure that PhD students publish their research in quality journals and not in fake or low-standard journals.
1. SCI / SSCI / AHCI / ABDC A – Q1 Journals (High Quality Journals)
These are the top-level international journals. Q1 means the journal is in the top 25% of its field.
a) Subscription Based or Open Access with IF > 4 → 8 Points
If you publish in a Q1 journal which is subscription-based OR open access with Impact Factor above 4, you will get 8 points.
This is the highest scoring category because such journals have strict review process and high reputation.
b) Open Access or Hybrid Open Access with IF < 4 → 4 Points
If your Q1 journal is open access or hybrid open access but has Impact Factor less than 4, you will get only 4 points.
This is because many open access journals charge money and quality may vary.
2. SCI / SSCI / AHCI – Q2, Q3, Q4 Journals (Medium Quality Journals)
These journals are also indexed but not in the top 25%.
a) Subscription or OA with IF > 4 → 4 Points
If you publish in Q2/Q3/Q4 journal which is subscription-based or has Impact Factor above 4, you get 4 points.
b) Open Access or Hybrid with IF < 4 → 2 Points
If your journal is open access or hybrid and Impact Factor is below 4, then you will get only 2 points.
3. Scopus / ABDC BDC Journals → 1 Point
If your paper is published in a Scopus indexed journal or ABDC BDC category journal, you will get only 1 point per paper.
These journals are considered basic level for PhD credit.
4. Scopus Book Chapters
First Two Book Chapters → 1 Point Each
If you publish book chapters indexed in Scopus, the first two chapters will give 1 point each.
From Third Book Chapter Onwards → 0.5 Point
Any book chapter after the first two will give only 0.5 point.
5. Scopus Conference Papers
First Four Conference Papers → 1 Point Each
If you publish papers in Scopus indexed conferences, the first four papers give 1 point each.
From Fifth Paper Onwards → 0.5 Point
Any conference paper after four gives only 0.5 point.
6. Patent Published
First Two Patents → 1 Point Each
If your patent is published (not granted), the first two patents give 1 point each.
From Third Patent Onwards → 0.5 Point
Any additional published patent gives only 0.5 point.
7. Patent Granted
First Patent Granted → 4 Points
If your patent is officially granted, it gives 4 points because it proves originality.
Subsequent Granted Patents → 2 Points Each
Any additional granted patent gives 2 points.
Important Mandatory Rule
Out of the total 12 points, at least ONE publication must be an SCI journal paper.
This rule ensures that every PhD scholar publishes at least one high-quality journal article.
Example for Easy Understanding
- 1 SCI Q1 journal = 8 points
- 2 Scopus journals = 2 points
- 2 Scopus conference papers = 2 points
Total = 12 points → Eligible for thesis submission
Final Conclusion
This new rule encourages scholars to focus on quality rather than quantity. Instead of publishing many low-quality papers, scholars should aim for SCI indexed journals and patents.