Is a PhD Still Worth It in 2026? | IIT Delhi PhD Graduate Reveals All | Out of Syllabus Ep.7

Описание: Is a PhD still relevant in 2026? Can you do one without being in academia? What does life actually look like during and after a PhD?

In this episode of Out of Syllabus, I sit down with Dr. Chitwan Lamba, who completed her PhD in Management from IIT Delhi. Chitwan breaks down every myth, misconception, and reality about pursuing doctoral research in India.

From CXO-level professionals in her cohort to publishing books and running consulting projects during her PhD, Chitwan's journey challenges everything we thought we knew about doctoral programs.

If you've ever wondered whether a PhD is for you - whether you're 25 or 60 - this conversation will change your perspective.

We talk about:
00:00 - 01:54 Introduction: Why PhD in 2026?
01:55 - 04:50 How a PhD Happens & Who Can Actually Do It
04:51 - 06:22 PhD in India vs Abroad: The Rigor Reality
06:23 - 08:48 Conferences, Research & Why PhDs Aren’t Isolated: Myth vs Reality
08:49 - 13:07 Finding Your Research Niche & Cohort Dynamics
13:08 - 14:51 Exploring Multiple Topics & Research Flexibility
14:52 - 17:05 Interdisciplinary Research & Career Trajectories
17:06 - 20:23 Your PhD Thesis: Not Your Best Work & Research as Curiosity
20:24 - 25:51 Career Pathways Beyond Academia: Books, Consulting & Teaching
25:52 - 26:58 What Professors Actually Do & University Rankings
26:59 - 31:47 Choosing Your Institute, Supervisor & The Selection Process
31:48 - 34:14 Age is Just a Number: From 19 to 60 in One Classroom
34:15 - 35:47 Is PhD Still Relevant? Advice for Aspiring Researchers
35:48 - 36:36 Final Thoughts & Closing

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone considering a PhD, questioning its relevance, or simply curious about what doctoral research actually involves in 2026.

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