Patiala: In a first for the state, Punjabi University has launched a ‘PhD for Executives’ programme, allowing experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and senior executives to pursue doctoral research without leaving their workplaces.The programme aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and govt by encouraging research on real-world challenges emerging from industrial, administrative and entrepreneurial ecosystems. University authorities said it seeks to integrate workplace experience with academic research to drive innovation, technology development and evidence-based policymaking.In the first phase, the programme will be open to four categories of applicants: executives with at least five years’ experience in industries registered as LLPs or private limited companies, executives in govt departments and public sector undertakings, professionals working in autonomous bodies, and entrepreneurs associated with start-ups registered on the Government of India’s Start-up India portal.Admissions will be governed by the university’s PhD Ordinances, with detailed eligibility criteria, admission schedule and application process to be announced on the university’s website.The programme includes a 12-credit coursework aligned with the University Grants Commission’s doctoral regulations and is designed to equip executive scholars with advanced research skills while allowing them to integrate their professional expertise into academically rigorous research.Vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh said the initiative would enable professionals to convert years of workplace experience into impactful research. “Punjabi University has always believed that meaningful research should address the needs of society and industry. The programme will strengthen academia-industry collaboration and contribute to innovation, better policymaking and sustainable development,” he said.Dean academic affairs Jaswinder Singh Brar said executive professionals bring valuable practical insights that can enrich academic research, while dean research Ritu Lehal said the initiative would promote interdisciplinary, application-oriented research benefiting industry, government and society.
