A Comprehensive Review of the PhD Experience at IIT Gandhinagar: Challenges and Injustices

Many prospective PhD students are deterred by the less-than-ideal experiences shared by current and former students of the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN). This comprehensive review delves into the challenges and injustices faced by PhD students at IITGN, including the administration's ethics, professorial practices, and the overall environment. Should you be considering a PhD from IITGN, it is crucial to be fully informed about the experiences others have had.

1. The Current Climate at IIT Gandhinagar

Prospective PhD students should be aware that IITGN may not be the best fit for them. The campus may look visually appealing, with extensive advertising and marketing efforts, but the underlying reality is quite different. Many students find that the advertisements significantly misrepresent the true state of affairs at the institute.

Since the current director's tenure, a toxic atmosphere has permeated the PhD program, leading to a hostile environment for students. The administrative body is known to engage in unethical practices such as regular surveillance of student and employee emails. This lack of trust and transparency can be a significant emotional and psychological burden on students, hindering their academic progress.

2. Professorial Practices and TA Roles

Professorial practices at IITGN are highly concerning, especially regarding teaching responsibilities. Many professors rely heavily on their teaching assistants (TAs) for administrative tasks, leaving them to shoulder a disproportionate burden of workload. For instance, professors often assign TAs to create PowerPoint presentations, grade assignments, and even assist in the design of course curriculums. This excessive workload can be detrimental to both the TAs and the overall quality of education.

Furthermore, there are cases where PhD students face unfair treatment, particularly if they belong to a faculty member targeted by the administration. In such situations, academic prospects can be severely impeded, making the PhD experience even more challenging and fraught with anxiety. The arbitrary and unfair treatment meted out by certain faculty and administration can significantly impact the students' research opportunities and career prospects.

3. Lack of Academic and Personal Freedom

Academic freedom is a fundamental aspect of higher learning. However, at IITGN, this principle is often hindered by an oppressive environment that discourages dissent and encourages blind obedience. Currently, students report that there is very little room for speaking out or protesting against injustices. The culture of secrecy and rat-race mentality often force students to accept whatever is thrown their way, rather than challenge it constructively. This not only undermines the academic integrity of the institute but also the well-being and growth of its students.

4. Documentation of Issues

To provide a more comprehensive overview, several links document the various instances and incidents faced by IITGN students and employees. These resources are invaluable for prospective students and anyone seeking to understand the true nature of the institute. By reading these accounts, one can gain a more accurate picture of the challenges and injustices faced by those who pursue their PhDs at IITGN.

Conclusion

For those considering a PhD from IIT Gandhinagar, it is advised to exercise caution and full awareness of the potential challenges. The institute's unethical practices, lack of academic freedom, and biased professorial practices can create an inhospitable environment for students. Prospective students should carefully weigh these factors against their personal and professional goals. If the PhD experience is important to you, it may be wise to explore alternative institutes that provide a more supportive and ethical academic atmosphere.

Keywords: IIT Gandhinagar, PhD experience, academic freedom, professional environment, unethical practices