The Mounting PhD Dropout Crisis in Indian Universities

India's higher education landscape is witnessing a troubling trend: a significant number of research scholars are abandoning their PhD programs midway. Recent studies and reports highlight dropout rates hovering around 30-40% in prestigious institutions like the IITs, mirroring global averages but exacerbated by unique local challenges. According to All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) data from 2021-22, over 42,000 students enrolled in PhD programs in sciences alone, yet only about 7,200 completed their degrees, pointing to an attrition rate as high as 40%. This crisis threatens India's ambition to become a global research hub, as talented minds opt out of academia.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET) for 2025 saw a 14% rise in qualifiers, with 1.28 lakh candidates eligible for PhD admissions. However, only a mere 4%—around 5,269—secured Junior Research Fellowships (JRF), leaving the majority without financial support. This funding gap is a primary driver pushing scholars toward quitting.

Financial Hardships Fueling the Exodus

A recent India Research Watch (IRW) poll of over 1,100 PhD scholars revealed stark realities: 25% earn less than Rs 10,000 per month, 35% between Rs 10,000-30,000, and 14% receive no stipend at all after deductions. Delays in stipend disbursals, sometimes lasting 3-4 months, force many into part-time jobs, extending research timelines or leading to outright dropouts. For context, a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), provided by agencies like UGC, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), or Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), offers Rs 37,000 monthly initially, rising to Rs 42,000 after two years—but access is limited, and payments are erratic.

In metropolitan cities like Delhi or Mumbai, where living costs exceed Rs 20,000 monthly, these amounts barely cover basics, let alone research expenses like conference travel or equipment. Scholars report borrowing from family or taking loans, compounding stress. For those eyeing research jobs post-PhD, the uncertainty makes industry roles—offering 2-3 times higher salaries—more appealing.

Mental Health Struggles Among PhD Aspirants

The psychological toll is profound. PhD pursuits involve years of uncertainty: failed experiments, rigorous reviews, and family pressures for those in their late 20s or 30s. A study on re-entering dropout students highlighted elevated anxiety and depression levels compared to continuing peers. Toxic lab environments, isolation, and 'publish or perish' culture amplify this, with many scholars experiencing burnout.

• Delayed feedback from supervisors leads to demotivation.
• Lack of peer support networks in under-resourced departments.
• Pressure to produce novel publications amid limited infrastructure.

Marginalized students from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds face additional caste-based discrimination, worsening mental health outcomes. Seeking solace in higher ed career advice resources can help, but systemic change is needed.

Supervisor Relationships: A Key Dropout Trigger

Research publications underscore strained guide-student bonds as a major factor. A 2023 ResearchGate study surveyed PhD students, finding negative relationships—marked by poor communication, exploitation, or indifference—directly correlating with higher dropout intentions. Supervisors often overburden scholars with their publication quotas, delaying thesis progress. In one case, a Jadavpur University researcher waited months for feedback, stalling momentum.

Administrative hurdles compound this: obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for conferences or utilization certificates for funds can take weeks, diverting focus from core research.

Infrastructure and Funding Gaps in Universities

Many Indian universities, especially state ones, suffer outdated labs and manual processes. West Bengal exemplifies this: PhD applications plummeted due to absent fellowships and faculty shortages, with retirements outpacing hires. Nationally, PhD enrollment is just 0.5% of higher ed students, lagging China's robust systems.

Recent budgets allocated funds for research clusters, but disbursal remains slow. Explore opportunities at Indian universities via platforms like AcademicJobs.com.

Dim Job Market: Why Stay in Academia?

Post-PhD, academic positions are scarce. IITs and IIMs award thousands of PhDs yearly, but faculty vacancies persist due to hiring freezes. Starting salaries in academia (Rs 50,000-80,000) pale against industry (Rs 1-2 lakh+). Many pivot to higher ed jobs or tech, viewing PhD as a 'dead-end'.

• Over-supply of PhDs vs. limited tenured posts.
• Lack of non-academic career guidance during programs.
• Brain drain: Talented scholars head abroad or to startups.

Regional Variations: Spotlight on West Bengal

In West Bengal, funding crises have halved PhD intakes at University of Calcutta. Political interference and delays cost scholars years— one lost two pursuing enrollment post-JRF approval. Similar issues plague other states, per UGC reports.

Insights from Recent Research Publications

2025 saw key outputs: NITI Aayog's internationalization report flags PhD quality gaps. KPMG analysis notes PhD faculty rising to 60% in top 100 institutions, yet output lags due to attrition. Journals like PLOS Medicine discuss STEM gender gaps tied to dropouts.

A ScienceDirect paper unpacks supervision's mental health impact, advocating peer networks.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Real Stories

Dr. Punarbasu Chaudhuri (Univ. Calcutta) blames fellowship shortages; scholars like Anuja Saha decry delays. IRW's Achal Agrawal calls for stipend hikes costing Rs 600 Cr annually.

Proposed Solutions and Reforms

Experts urge:

• Timely stipends and expanded JRFs.
• Mentor training and two-track PhDs (academic/non-academic).
• Digital admin for efficiency.
• Industry-academia ties for jobs.

Budget 2026 boosts research; leverage academic CV tips.

Alternative Paths and Future Outlook

PhD skills transfer to industry; many thrive in AI, biotech. Platforms like Rate My Professor aid choices.

With reforms, India could retain talent. Check higher ed jobs, university jobs, research jobs, or post your profile to thrive beyond academia.

Photo by Ashima Pargal on Unsplash