Can You Use “Dr.” After Receiving an Honorary Doctorate in India?
- Hawkins University
- Oct 14
- 10 min read
Introduction:
The concept of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India has become a symbol of respect and recognition. Universities across the country often award this degree to individuals who have made remarkable contributions in fields such as education, science, social work, art, or business. Unlike a regular academic degree, an honorary doctorate is not earned through traditional coursework or research; instead, it is a gesture of appreciation for one’s influence and impact on society.
In India, many prestigious universities—including both public and private institutions—bestow honorary degrees during convocation ceremonies. These honors are usually awarded to leaders, scholars, artists, and philanthropists whose achievements have enhanced the reputation of the country or the institution itself.
However, while receiving an honorary doctorate is undoubtedly prestigious, a common question arises: Can recipients use the title “Dr.” before their name? The answer depends on understanding the legal and ethical framework surrounding the Honorary Doctorate Degree in India. This blog explores those aspects in detail, clarifying the difference between recognition and academic entitlement.
What Does the Title “Dr.” Signify?
The prefix “Dr.” carries significant academic weight and social respect. Traditionally, this title is reserved for individuals who have earned a doctorate degree through rigorous academic research, typically a Ph.D., M.D., or other recognized doctoral qualification. It symbolizes a high level of scholarly achievement and mastery within a specific field of study.
However, in the case of an Honorary Doctorate Degree, the situation differs. While universities may use the term “doctorate” when conferring such awards, recipients have not completed the standard academic requirements—such as thesis submission or peer-reviewed research. The honorary title celebrates contribution rather than scholarly work.
Therefore, while it might feel tempting to adopt the title “Dr.” after receiving an honorary doctorate, doing so without clarification may mislead others into believing that one has earned an academic doctorate. In many cases, even recipients of global honorary doctorates, such as celebrities or philanthropists, refrain from using the title professionally.
In India, this distinction is especially important because academic titles are protected under educational regulations. Understanding this difference helps preserve the credibility of both earned and honorary degrees.
Honorary Doctorate Degree in India: Legal and Academic Status
In India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is the primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing higher education institutions and their degree-awarding rights. According to the UGC’s Regulations on the Conferment of Honorary Degrees, only universities established under the UGC Act are authorized to confer honorary degrees, and even then, such degrees must be approved by the university’s governing body or chancellor.
An Honorary Doctorate Degree in India does not grant the same legal or academic privileges as an earned doctorate. This means recipients cannot claim the title “Dr.” before their names or represent themselves as having an academic qualification. The UGC has clarified that honorary doctorates are purely symbolic honors—they recognize contribution, not confer academic rights.
Furthermore, the honorary degree must be clearly identified as such in any official mention. For example, one may write, “Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by XYZ University (2024)” rather than “Dr. [Name]”.
The rapid rise of Honorary Doctorate Online offers additional complexity. Many unrecognized institutions claim to award honorary doctorates virtually, often in exchange for fees. These degrees hold no legal validity in India. Only recognized universities can confer genuine honorary titles.
Can You Legally Use “Dr.” After Receiving an Honorary Doctorate?
This is perhaps the most asked question: Can someone use the prefix “Dr.” after receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India? The straightforward answer is no, unless explicitly permitted by the awarding institution—which is extremely rare.
Under Indian law and UGC norms, using the title “Dr.” without an earned doctorate is considered misrepresentation. It can mislead others into assuming the holder possesses academic expertise that they do not actually have. While there is no criminal punishment for the misuse of the title, it can damage professional credibility and even invite disciplinary action in academic or corporate environments.
Universities in India clearly state in their honorary degree notifications that the title does not entitle the recipient to assume the prefix “Dr.” For example, when prestigious institutions like Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, or Banaras Hindu University confer honorary doctorates, they specify that the degree recognizes distinction in a field of work but does not constitute an academic qualification.
Therefore, individuals who receive such honors should use them respectfully and responsibly—by acknowledging them as honorary. For instance: ✅ Correct: “Mr. A. Kumar, recipient of Honorary Doctorate in Social Service (2025)” ❌ Incorrect: “Dr. A. Kumar”
This distinction preserves the integrity of both the academic system and the spirit of honorary recognition.
Difference Between Honorary and Earned Doctorate Degrees
The key difference between an earned doctorate and an honorary doctorate lies in academic effort and purpose. An earned doctorate—such as a Ph.D., M.D., or D.Litt.—is the result of years of research, publication, and academic contribution. It requires submission of a dissertation, peer review, and approval by an academic committee. The holder of such a degree gains both academic rights and professional authority in their discipline.
In contrast, an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India is an acknowledgment of societal or professional impact, not academic performance. It cannot be used to gain teaching rights, claim research credentials, or assume the title “Dr.” officially. It is a symbol of honor, not qualification.
While the honorary degree holds immense prestige, it should be viewed as a recognition of service and excellence, not as an academic credential. Many global personalities—like film icons, social reformers, and business leaders—have received honorary doctorates and proudly mention them without misusing the title.
The rise of Honorary Doctorate Online programs has blurred this line for some individuals. However, most of these online degrees are unrecognized by the UGC and hold no official validity in India. Recipients must verify that the awarding body is a legitimate, accredited university before accepting or publicizing the honor.
Ethical and Social Implications of Using “Dr.” After an Honorary Degree
Using the prefix “Dr.” after receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India raises several ethical and social considerations. The honorary doctorate is intended to honor someone’s exceptional contribution to society, not to grant them the same academic authority as a person who has completed years of rigorous research and study.
When a recipient uses “Dr.” before their name without clarification, it can lead to misrepresentation—whether intentional or not. The general public often assumes that the title “Dr.” implies an earned doctorate, like a Ph.D. or M.D. Hence, using the prefix without specifying its honorary nature can be misleading.
From an ethical standpoint, doing so undermines the hard work of scholars and researchers who have dedicated years to earn their doctorates. It can also create credibility issues in professional and public settings. Many eminent personalities who have received honorary doctorates, such as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Amitabh Bachchan, and Ratan Tata, chose not to use “Dr.” despite their honors, thereby setting a strong example of integrity and humility.
The honorary doctorate should be viewed as a symbol of respect, not a title of authority. Upholding this distinction ensures the value of the recognition remains genuine and preserves the dignity of academic institutions across India.
Cases and Examples in India
Several notable Indians have received the Honorary Doctorate Degree for their outstanding contributions across fields like science, arts, philanthropy, and public service. However, few have chosen to use the “Dr.” title publicly, adhering to both ethical standards and cultural norms.
For example, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, was awarded more than 40 honorary doctorates by prestigious universities worldwide. Despite that, he never used “Dr.” as a prefix in formal documents or interactions—he preferred being addressed simply as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Similarly, business leaders such as Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani have received multiple honorary doctorates but never use the title in professional communication.
In contrast, there have been isolated instances where individuals have faced backlash for misusing the title “Dr.” after receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India. Social media and public opinion often react strongly to any perceived misuse of academic titles, as such behavior is seen as diminishing the value of genuine scholarly achievements.
These examples highlight that the true prestige of an honorary doctorate lies not in adopting the “Dr.” prefix, but in the recognition of one’s lifetime achievements and service to humanity. It is a gesture of gratitude and admiration, not a professional credential.
Honorary Doctorate Online: Is It Valid in India?
In recent years, the concept of Honorary Doctorate Online has gained traction. Various global organizations and unaccredited institutions advertise quick or paid honorary degrees, often conferred virtually through online ceremonies. However, recipients should exercise caution, as most of these online honorary doctorates have no legal recognition in India.
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), only recognized universities in India have the authority to confer honorary degrees. These institutions must follow a strict approval process through their Academic Council and Executive Council before awarding such honors. Any honorary degree offered online or through private entities without UGC approval is considered invalid.
Several websites claim to offer Honorary Doctorate Online programs in exchange for payment, promising certificates and titles like “Doctor of Humanity” or “Doctor of Philanthropy.” However, these degrees do not hold academic or legal value under Indian law. Displaying or using such titles can harm an individual’s reputation and lead to public scrutiny.
To verify the legitimacy of an honorary degree, recipients should ensure that:
The awarding body is recognized by the UGC or a government authority.
The degree is clearly stated as “honorary” in all official documentation.
No payment was made for receiving the honor (genuine honorary doctorates are never sold).
Thus, while online education has many benefits, the Honorary Doctorate Online trend should be approached with awareness and caution to avoid falling into the trap of fraudulent degree mills.
Proper Etiquette for Using an Honorary Doctorate Title
If you have been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India, it is important to use and present the honor respectfully. While the prefix “Dr.” should not be used, there are several appropriate ways to acknowledge your honorary degree.
✅ In your bio or resume: You may write — “Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by XYZ University (2025)”. This provides clarity and transparency while honoring the institution’s gesture.
✅ In formal introductions or public speeches: You may mention — “Recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from [University Name] for contributions to [Field].”
✅ On digital profiles or social media: If you wish to mention it online, always specify the nature of the degree. For example, “Received an Honorary Doctorate in Literature from ABC University” instead of “Dr. [Name].”
✅ Avoiding misuse: Refrain from printing “Dr.” on visiting cards, nameplates, or official documents unless you hold an earned doctoral qualification. Misuse can lead to reputational and legal complications.
By following this etiquette, recipients maintain both their dignity and the integrity of the Honorary Doctorate Degree. This approach reflects humility, transparency, and respect for the academic community.
Ultimately, the goal is not to gain a title but to honor the values of contribution and excellence that the honorary doctorate stands for.
Conclusion:
The Honorary Doctorate Degree in India is a symbol of recognition bestowed by universities upon individuals who have made significant contributions to society. It reflects gratitude, respect, and acknowledgment rather than academic achievement.
While it may be tempting to use “Dr.” after receiving such an honor, doing so contradicts both UGC guidelines and ethical academic practice. The honorary doctorate is not meant to replace an earned doctorate—it is meant to stand as a tribute to personal and professional excellence.
The true prestige of an honorary doctorate lies not in the title, but in the values it represents: contribution, service, leadership, and social impact. Those who receive it should carry the honor with humility and transparency, acknowledging it proudly but using it responsibly.
In today’s digital age, where Honorary Doctorate Online programs are often misused, maintaining the sanctity of genuine honorary degrees is more important than ever. Recipients and institutions alike must preserve the distinction between recognition and qualification to uphold the integrity of the education system in India.
So, to answer the central question — Can you use “Dr.” after receiving an Honorary Doctorate in India? The answer is no—not legally, and not ethically. But you can and should celebrate the honor for what it truly is: a mark of your outstanding service and lifelong contribution to humanity.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I legally use the title “Dr.” after receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India?
No. According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, recipients of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India are not legally permitted to use the prefix “Dr.” before their name. The honorary doctorate is a symbolic recognition, not an earned academic qualification. It acknowledges your contribution to society but does not confer any academic or professional rights.
2. What is the difference between an honorary doctorate and an earned doctorate?
An earned doctorate, such as a Ph.D. or M.D., is achieved through academic study, research, and examination. An honorary doctorate, on the other hand, is awarded to recognize outstanding achievements in fields like literature, science, arts, or social service. The former grants academic privileges and the right to use “Dr.”, while the latter is purely honorific in nature.
3. Are Honorary Doctorate Online programs valid in India?
No, most Honorary Doctorate Online programs offered by private or foreign institutions are not recognized by the UGC or Indian law. Only universities established under the UGC Act have the authority to confer honorary degrees. Any honorary doctorate obtained online or through payment is not legally valid in India and should be avoided.
4. How should I mention my honorary doctorate in my profile or resume?
If you have received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in India, the correct way to mention it is by specifying it as honorary. For example: “Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by XYZ University (2025).” Avoid using “Dr.” as a prefix. This maintains transparency and honors both your contribution and the institution’s gesture.
5. Why do universities award honorary doctorates?
Universities award honorary doctorates to individuals who have made significant contributions to their field, society, or nation. It is a gesture of appreciation and respect for their work in promoting knowledge, innovation, or social welfare. The Honorary Doctorate Degree in India serves as a recognition of impact rather than a certification of academic study.
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