Tips to finish a PhD degree fast and easy

This blog post of PhDTalks lists the important tips required to finish a PhD faster and easily. These PhD tips are implemented in almost all subject categories.

To complete a PhD fast, a researcher needs to put in a lot of effort and time. He should diligently plan his work before. Working along with supervisors and peers in an organization leads to good criticism. Their valuable suggestions can help a researcher in organizing work, writing research papers, and giving presentations effectively. Planning and implementing accordingly makes a PhD easier. 

Below given are some key points that should be followed by a researcher to complete a PhD fast and easily: 

1. Choose a right PhD topic

A topic that is related to post-graduation subjects should be chosen. A researcher should select a topic that he is well versed in. He/she should question himself like “Which topic I am interested in?”, “Is theoretical or practical approach more suitable?” etc. These questions will lead a researcher to have a clear mind with subtle expectations.  These expectations can be met during research.  This makes it a researcher to proceed while doing his/her Ph.D. He/she can save his/her time if he/she has already collected the needed resources beforehand. These resources can be books, journals, or academic papers. Furthermore, he can take guidance from his seniors and professors on how to proceed with the research. 

 2. Understanding the topic

 While doing PhD the researcher must understand the topic, The basic requirements, methodology, and action plan. After thoroughly researching the topic, he/she should devise stages. These stages with timelines should be decided beforehand. The initial stage could be the planning stage 

During this stage, he can plan the research program, and gain more information regarding it. He/she can attend various webinars and seminars to enrich his knowledge. He can arrange the apparatus and experimental setup required for the research work. During the next stage, he can start working on the research plan. This can be started by doing experiments and noting down results. These results have to be drafted.  Making a checklist is necessary to ensure everything is done on time. The next stage should be editing and rechecking. The research should be completed in its final phase. Next with the help of a guide and peers, a final draft should be submitted. Then suitable corrections should be done and resubmitted. 

3. Selecting a good PhD Guide/Supervisor

It is essential for a Ph.D. scholar to find a strong and suitable guide for his research. A guide who can give good feedback and support the researcher throughout his studies. The guide’s constructive criticism will help the researcher make him do PhD fast. Also, the guide will help the researcher select established journals for publication of his research paper. He can also guide him in attending good seminars and presenting his work there. Having good guidance will make a researcher do his/her PhD fast. 

4. Taking assistance

A researcher should seek assistance from other research scholars, friends, and colleagues who have experience in this field. Suggestions and advice from such people are a great help to a researcher in getting his research work done faster. He/she should create groups and form connections with similar-minded people. While doing so he can clarify his doubts and also help them with theirs. 

A researcher should monitor his work constantly and make necessary changes. He/she should always be active in social media and groups to know about research advances being made in his field. He can collaborate with other researchers and publish along with them to get more knowledge and experience. Taking advice and implementing them wisely makes a researcher complete his work faster. 

Steps to writing a research proposal for Ph.D./ Post Doc

5. Accepting criticism

A researcher should have an open mind and accept criticism from the guide, scholars, and other reviewing committees. He should make efforts to improve his research proposal. He must have patience and learn to manage his time effectively and should not feel dejected even if does not get approved at once. He should commit to doing his research. A researcher should keep editing and reviewing their work until it gets approved. 

Types of research articles: Check them one by one

How to write a scientific review paper?

6. Limiting the topic

A researcher should limit his research topic. He should focus on a single topic. Using too many diversified topics can complicate the research and waste a lot of time. It is important to decide what one is going to research and how to using resources. These can be useful in proving a point, questioning the existing thesis, or challenging the existing norms. A researcher should play the role of supporter or antagonist while doing his research. It makes it easier if he takes a single stance and maintains it throughout his paper. 

7. Being cordial with department staff

For a researcher having a good relationship with the guide, peers and other staff is very essential. This staff includes lab assistants, technicians, and librarians. At the start of the semester itself, a researcher should familiarize himself with his department and members so that they can aid him. He can take their help while operating devices or writing a paper. An experienced professional will always make the PhD work easier and faster. 

8. Prioritization of the tasks

For a researcher, it is necessary to write down the tasks in an action plan. These tasks should be prioritized according to their efficiency in achieving goals. For example: doing experiments should be prioritized before writing a research paper. As a research paper needs the experiment details it cannot be done without them.  

9. Having specific goals 

Goals that can be realistic, measurable, and can be finished in a limited period should be selected. These goals should be rearranged according to the time left. Organizing and managing these goals daily is necessary. Such an organization helps the researcher do his PhD fast. 

10. Accuracy

The results we get through experiments are expected to be precise and accurate. It is necessary to have a good experiment method that captures the above. For getting the best experimental results it is better to define the objectives, plan the execution, and then get ready with the tools. 

Conclusion

For a researcher to get his/her Ph.D. done faster it is important to choose a proper topic and understand it. Get a good guide, and take assistance while accepting criticism. He/she should have attainable goals that can be specific and prioritized. By following the above steps the desired can be achieved. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortest time to complete a PhD?

According to UGC Guidelines for Ph.D., the minimum time to finish a PhD in India is three years.

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