India is witnessing a huge boom in PhDs. Every year, around 30,000 to 35,000 people earn doctoral degrees. The number of research scholars in universities has reached nearly 350,000. On paper, this looks like an impressive achievement. But the reality on the ground tells a very different story.

A PhD was meant to create new knowledge, solve national problems, and help society progress. Sadly, in many places, it has become just a way to add "Dr" before one's name. Showmanship has replaced learning, numbers have replaced quality, and formalities have replaced original thinking.

Many research scholars today do not feel like researchers. They feel like ‘research coolies’. They work for years but receive pressure, uncertainty, and exploitation instead of respect, guidance, and security.

One of the biggest problems is the ‘publish or perish’ culture. Universities and teachers are often judged by the number of research papers they produce. As a result, the focus has shifted from good research to publishing as many papers as possible.

This race has created a thriving business. People pay others to write research papers, publish them in fake or poor-quality journals, or divide one study into several smaller papers. Many such papers are later withdrawn, damaging the reputation of Indian research.

Sadly, much of this research is of little use to industry, farmers, hospitals, or society. It simply gathers dust in university libraries or online archives. Another serious issue is the unequal relationship between research guides and scholars. In many institutions, supervisors have enormous control over a student's future.

There have been complaints that research scholars are made to do personal work for their guides. Some are asked to drive cars or do household chores. Cases of sexual harassment have also been reported. In some places, guides have even been accused of demanding expensive gifts or cash to approve a thesis. Students who complain may find their thesis delayed for months or even years. The relationship often resembles that of an employer and a worker rather than a teacher and a student.

Even India's leading institutions are not completely free from these problems. Long working hours, pressure to spend 70 to 80 hours a week in laboratories, and constant demands to prove performance have pushed many research scholars into mental stress.

A PhD is already a difficult journey. Low scholarships, uncertain career prospects, loneliness, and constant pressure often lead to anxiety and depression. Many universities also lack proper mental health support.

Even after completing the degree, the future does not look very promising. Every year, thousands of new PhD holders enter the job market, but permanent university positions are limited. Industry also does not fully utilise research talent.

As a result, many PhD graduates are forced to work as guest faculty, temporary lecturers, or in jobs unrelated to their qualifications. After years of hard work, they often fail to receive the opportunities and recognition they expected.

India's patent numbers have increased, but only a small share of these technologies reaches the marketplace. Apart from a few IITs, IISc, and some leading institutions, most university research never leaves the laboratory. It benefits neither industry nor ordinary citizens.

That is why the number of PhDs is rising, but innovation is not growing at the same pace. Research should solve real problems, not simply increase the number of published papers.

The government has launched several initiatives, including the National Research Foundation, industry-linked PhD programmes, and better financial support. These are welcome steps, but much more needs to be done to reform the entire system.

Research guides must be held accountable. Students deserve a respectful and supportive environment. Mental health should receive serious attention, and stronger partnerships must be built between universities and industry. Above all, research should focus on solving the country's real problems.

India does not need to become the country with the highest number of PhDs. It needs research that increases farm productivity, improves hospitals, develops new technologies for industries, creates jobs, and makes life better for ordinary people.

As long as a PhD remains mainly a badge of prestige, research scholars will remain ‘research coolies’ instead of creators of knowledge. The true value of a doctoral degree lies not in the certificate, but in the positive change it brings. That is the change India needs most.