Key Insights
- The word “doctor” comes from the Latin verb docere, which means “to teach”. It was an academic title for centuries before it became linked with medicine.
- A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a doctoral degree, so a person who has been awarded one is entitled to use “Dr” as an academic title.
- Most medical practitioners in India hold an MBBS, which is technically a bachelor’s degree. For them, “Dr” is a professional title recognised within medical regulation.
- In India, legal restrictions around “Dr” mainly concern medical practice. The problem arises when someone uses the title to present themselves as a medical practitioner without a recognised medical qualification.
- A PhD scholar can use “Dr” only after the degree is formally awarded, not during the programme or at thesis submission.
- Recipients of honorary doctorates are conventionally advised not to use “Dr” as a prefix before their name.
In India, the word “doctor” usually brings one picture to mind: a person in a white coat with a stethoscope. So when a chemistry professor, an economist or a management researcher introduces themselves as “Dr”, many people are surprised. Some even ask whether it is correct for a PhD holder to use the title at all.
This question comes up often on social media, in family conversations and in workplaces. Research scholars themselves have raised it in public posts, pointing out that people who hold a PhD or another doctoral degree have been formally conferred the right to be called doctor. To understand why, we need to look at what the word actually means, where the title came from and how it is used in India today.
What Does the Word "Doctor" Actually Mean?
The word “doctor” comes from Latin. It is formed from the verb docere, meaning “to teach”, and in its original sense it simply meant “teacher”.
In medieval Europe, the title was given to people who had mastered a subject so thoroughly that they were considered qualified to teach it to others. In older usage, the word could even be applied to any learned person. This is why the title belongs to scholarship first and to medicine second.
A Short History of the Doctoral Title
- Medieval universities and the licence to teach – The earliest European universities, such as those in Bologna and Paris, awarded a licence to teach (licentia docendi). A person who completed the highest level of study in theology, law or medicine was granted the title of doctor, which confirmed that they could teach that subject at a university. Medicine was only one of several faculties that used the title.
- The modern PhD – The PhD as we know it today took shape in the 19th century at the University of Berlin (now Humboldt University), where it was awarded to people who had carried out original research in the sciences or humanities. This model of a research doctorate spread to universities across Europe, America and eventually India.
“Philosophy” in Doctor of Philosophy does not refer only to the subject of philosophy. It comes from the Greek philosophia, meaning “love of wisdom”, and covers almost every academic field. That is why a person can hold a PhD in Physics, Commerce, Management, Hindi or Computer Science.
How Did "Dr" Become Linked With Medical Practitioners?
If the title began in academia, why do most people associate it with medical practitioners? The answer lies in professional custom.
Over time, physicians in Britain came to be addressed as “Dr” as a courtesy title, even when their qualification was a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery rather than a doctorate. India inherited much of this British medical tradition. As a result, an MBBS graduate who is registered to practise is addressed as “Dr”, even though MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
Because a family physician is the “Dr” most people meet regularly, the medical meaning of the word became the everyday meaning. The academic meaning did not disappear. It simply became less visible outside universities and research institutions.
So, Is It Correct to Call PhD Holders "Dr"?
Yes. A person who has been awarded a PhD has earned a doctoral degree, and “Dr” is the standard abbreviation used for doctorate holders. People who complete a Doctor of Philosophy commonly use the title Doctor, although the etiquette can vary by field, culture and society. Those who work in teaching, academic or research roles are usually addressed with the title in both professional and social settings.
In fact, the academic use of the title is older than the medical one. Both uses are valid. They simply mean different things:
- Medical “Dr”: signals that a person is qualified and registered to diagnose and treat patients.
- Academic “Dr”: signals that a person has completed a doctoral degree and made an original contribution to knowledge in their field.
Medical Dr vs Academic Dr: A Quick Comparison
| Medical “Dr” | Academic “Dr” |
|---|---|
|
Basis of the title: Recognised medical qualification and registration with the relevant council |
Basis of the title: An earned doctoral degree from a recognised university |
|
Typical qualifications: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, MD, MS |
Typical qualifications: PhD, DSc, DLitt, LLD and other doctoral degrees |
|
Academic level: Professional undergraduate or postgraduate degree |
Academic level: Doctoral level, the final tier of the academic degree structure |
|
Regulatory framework in India: NMC, DCI, NCISM, NCH (depending on the system of medicine) |
Regulatory framework in India: UGC regulations and the awarding university |
|
Where the title is used: Clinics, hospitals and healthcare settings |
Where the title is used: Universities, research, publications and formal professional settings |
|
Can the person treat patients? Yes, if registered |
Can the person treat patients? No, unless they also hold a recognised medical qualification |
What Are the Rules Around "Dr" in India?
There is a lot of confusion here, so it helps to separate two questions: who can use “Dr” as an academic title, and who can use it in a medical context.
1) PhD in India: how the degree is awarded
In India, PhD programmes are governed by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022. A PhD generally takes a minimum of three years, including coursework, and involves original research, a thesis and a viva voce examination. Once the university awards the degree, the holder has earned a doctorate and can use “Dr” as an academic title.
2) Where the legal restrictions actually apply
India’s legal and regulatory concerns about the “Dr” prefix are mostly about protecting patients. Laws such as the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 and the rules of medical councils aim to stop people from presenting themselves as medical practitioners when they are not qualified to practise medicine.
A recent example shows how sensitive this area is. On 9 September 2025, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued a letter stating that physiotherapists were not entitled to use the “Dr” prefix, arguing that it could mislead patients. The very next day, the DGHS withdrew that letter, saying the matter required further examination. Later, the Kerala High Court directed authorities to ensure that physiotherapists and occupational therapists without a recognised medical qualification did not use the prefix. Since this matter has been under ongoing review, readers should check the latest official position.
Key takeaway: these debates are about healthcare professionals and patient safety. They do not take away the right of a PhD holder to use “Dr” as an academic title. However, a PhD holder should never use the title in a way that suggests they are qualified to treat patients.
Types of Doctoral Degrees That Carry the "Dr" Title
| Degree | Details |
|---|---|
| PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | Type: Research doctorate What to know: The most common doctoral degree in India, governed by UGC regulations |
| DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) | Type: Professional doctorate What to know: Research focused on business practice. In India, UGC-regulated doctorates are PhDs, and many DBAs are offered by foreign universities, so check the recognition of the awarding institution |
| DSc / DLitt | Type: Higher doctorate What to know: Awarded by some universities for a substantial body of published research, often after a PhD |
| LLD (Doctor of Laws) | Type: Higher or honorary doctorate What to know: Often awarded as an honorary degree in India |
| Honorary Doctorate (honoris causa) | Type: Honorary title What to know: Recognises contribution to society. It is not an earned degree |
When Can a PhD Scholar Start Using "Dr"?
This is one of the most common questions among research scholars. The general practice is:
- During the programme: use “PhD Scholar” or “Research Scholar”.
- After thesis submission, before the viva: use “PhD Candidate” or “PhD (Thesis Submitted)”.
- After the degree is formally awarded: use “Dr” once the university has declared the result or issued the degree or provisional certificate.
Using “Dr” before the degree is officially awarded can be treated as misrepresentation, especially in job applications and official documents.
What About Honorary Doctorates?
An honorary doctorate (honoris causa) is given to recognise a person’s contribution to a field or to society. It is not awarded for completing research or coursework. By convention, recipients are advised not to use “Dr” as a prefix. The more accepted practice is to mention it as a suffix, for example “Ramesh Kumar, DLitt (Hon.)”.
Learners should also be careful about “doctorates” sold by unrecognised bodies. The UGC periodically publishes a list of fake universities, and a title from such an institution holds no academic value.
How to Use the "Dr" Title Correctly
- Choose one format: write either “Dr Anjali Sharma” or “Anjali Sharma, PhD”. Using both together is considered repetitive.
- Add your field where confusion is possible: in healthcare or public settings, “Dr Anjali Sharma (PhD, Biotechnology)” makes it clear that the title is academic.
- Follow the norms of your workplace: some organisations use first names for everyone, while academic institutions usually prefer formal titles.
- Never imply medical practice: a PhD holder must not prescribe medicines, give clinical advice as a medical professional or use the title on anything that suggests medical practice.
Common Misconceptions About the "Dr" Title
| Misconception | Fact |
|---|---|
| Only medical practitioners are real doctors. | The title began in academia. Both academic and medical uses are valid. |
| An MBBS is a doctoral degree. | MBBS is a bachelor’s degree. “Dr” is used as a professional title for registered practitioners. |
| PhD holders are legally barred from using Dr in India. | There is no general bar on the academic use of the title. Restrictions focus on misrepresenting oneself as a medical practitioner. |
| You can use Dr after submitting your thesis. | The title can be used only after the degree is formally awarded. |
| An honorary doctorate is the same as an earned PhD. | An honorary doctorate recognises contribution. It is not an earned academic degree. |
Should You Pursue a Doctorate for the Title?
The “Dr” title is a recognition of years of research, but it should not be the main reason to choose a doctoral programme. A doctorate is a long commitment that involves independent research, publications and a thesis. It suits learners who want to build a career in teaching, research, policy or senior advisory roles, or who want to study a problem in depth.
Before you apply, check the recognition of the university, the regulatory approvals of the programme, the research areas available, the availability of supervisors and whether the format fits your professional commitments. Speaking to a Career Development Advisor or to faculty members in your field can help you decide whether a PhD, a DBA or another route suits your goals.
Explore Doctoral Programs:
Doctoral Degree Online PhD Degree Online PhD Distance Learning PhD for Working Professionals Part Time PhD DegreeConclusion
PhD holders are called “Dr” because “doctor” was an academic title long before it became associated with medicine. The word means “teacher”, and the title was originally given to scholars who had mastered a subject well enough to teach it. The modern PhD continues this tradition by recognising original research and expertise in a field.
In India, medical practitioners and doctorate holders both use “Dr”, but in different contexts. Medical regulation protects patients by preventing anyone from misrepresenting themselves as a medical practitioner, while the academic use of the title recognises an earned doctoral degree. As long as the title is used after the degree is formally awarded, and never in a way that suggests medical practice, calling a PhD holder “Dr” is correct.
Why Are PhD Holders Called Dr: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are PhD holders called Dr?
PhD holders are called Dr because they have earned a doctoral degree. The word “doctor” comes from the Latin docere, meaning “to teach”, and was originally given to scholars qualified to teach a subject at university level.
Is it correct to call a PhD holder "Dr"?
Yes. A PhD is a doctoral degree, and “Dr” is the standard title for people who hold one. The academic use of the title is actually older than its medical use.
If MBBS is a bachelor's degree, why are MBBS graduates called Dr?
MBBS graduates are called Dr as a professional title. The custom comes from British medical tradition, which India inherited, and it applies to registered medical practitioners.
Is there any law in India that stops PhD holders from using Dr?
There is no general law that stops PhD holders from using Dr as an academic title. Legal restrictions in India focus on preventing people from presenting themselves as medical practitioners without a recognised medical qualification.
When can a PhD scholar start using Dr before their name?
A PhD scholar can use Dr only after the university formally awards the degree, which usually happens after the thesis evaluation and viva voce. Before that, titles such as PhD Scholar or PhD Candidate are appropriate.
Can honorary doctorate holders use Dr as a prefix?
By convention, honorary doctorate holders are advised not to use Dr as a prefix. They can mention the honour as a suffix, such as DLitt (Hon.) or LLD (Hon.).
Can I write both "Dr" and "PhD" with my name?
It is better to use one. Write either “Dr Anjali Sharma” or “Anjali Sharma, PhD”. Using both together is considered repetitive.
Are DBA holders also called Dr?
A DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is a professional doctorate, and holders use Dr. Since many DBAs available to Indian learners are offered by foreign universities, it is important to check the recognition of the awarding institution.
Can a PhD holder use Dr in a hospital or healthcare setting?
A PhD holder may use the title as an academic title, but should make it clear that it is not a medical qualification, for example by adding the subject after the name. They must never imply that they can diagnose or treat patients.
Do PhD holders in other countries use Dr?
Yes. PhD holders use Dr in many countries, including the UK, the US and Germany, though the etiquette varies. In academic and research settings, the title is widely used across the world.
