To further expedite the process of granting the degree, the university has simplified the rules for online viva.

Earlier, a scholar joining an institution abroad immediately after submitting his thesis had to seek the vice-chancellor's consent for appearing in viva online. If the permission was denied, the scholar had to come over for the test.

"Now, any candidate can take the test online," the vice-chancellor said.

That apart, the university is trying to introduce a system of submitting dissertations online.

The scholars have welcomed the move, though a section is peeved over the lack of guidelines for research guides.

Sharmila Roy (name changed), who has almost completed her research in physical science, admitted that the measures have started bearing fruit.

"We would like to bring it to the notice of the authorities that scholars are still puppets in the hands of their guides and this is resulting in a decline in the quality of research. The university should frame guidelines on the eligibility of guides and assess each research work," said a spokesman for Calcutta University Research Scholars' Association.