The PhD Viva, often known as the viva voce examination, is an essential part of the process of earning a doctorate degree. Its value comes from being a tool for assessing the candidate's level of familiarity with the subject matter, as well as their capacity to do independent research. The viva is the oral examination when the candidate defends their thesis in front of a panel of experts in the field. This comprehensive test provides for a detailed evaluation of the candidate's research strategy, results, and contributions to the area. In the viva, students get the chance to show off their knowledge and prove they've added something new to the body of knowledge with their study.

 It also equips students to respond rationally to any objections or queries posed by the examiners. Passing the PhD Viva is a significant milestone that demonstrates not just academic prowess but also perseverance and devotion. It is evidence that the applicant has excelled academically and has a thorough grasp of the material at hand. In sum, every prospective doctoral student would do well to familiarize themselves with the importance of the PhD Viva, since it marks a significant step toward acquiring a doctorate degree and demonstrating oneself as an expert in one's chosen subject.

One, know what is required of you in terms of your thesis's presentation. In the past, defending a thesis required a face-to-face interview with at least two examiners (internal and external) present. They would then provide a consolidated report outlining the necessary rectifications.
 

However, after the COVID-19 epidemic, online PhD vivas became more prevalent, with examinations increasingly taking conducted using videoconferencing tools like Microsoft Teams, Skype, and Zoom.
You will be told in advance about the plans and any technological considerations, but the virtual experience will generally follow the same pattern as before. Our video interview guides might help you ace your online PhD viva.
 

The viva chair is often the internal examiner, but may also be an outside party. Your PhD advisor may join the exam with your permission from the examiners.
If you've written your thesis and are prepared to explain how you got to this point, you shouldn't be nervous about the defense. The viva voce may possibly be fun for you.
The examiners are there to help you figure out where and how to publish your research, in addition to evaluating your thesis.
Results between 'pass' and 'fail' might vary, but it's quite unusual for a PhD candidate to make a mistake now. Minor revisions are usually requested before a doctorate is granted, although complete resubmission is rare.
 

Despite the high success rate, the viva examination might be challenging on a cognitive level. Due to the mental complexity of the subjects you will be arguing, thorough preparation is essential.
No matter the result, you should be open to the examiners' suggestions on how to strengthen your case.
Have a firm grasp on your thesis
Even though you know the PhD viva isn't a memory test (you may bring a copy of your thesis and your notes), you should still study hard to fully comprehend what you've written and demonstrate your expertise in your subject.
 

You should give some thought to how this unique contribution fits in with the existing body of work in the discipline as a whole. This will undoubtedly raise questions, not the least of which is whether or not the idea has potential for further development in light of future studies.
Make sure the pagination is the same in your version as the one the examiners are looking at to prevent any confusion when you explain sections of the document to them (they will also have a digital or physical copy).
 

Examine the thesis as a way to refocus and collect your ideas if you find yourself at a mental roadblock during the viva.
3 Be prepared for viva questions
At the viva voce, the examiners will ask you a series of questions, but you shouldn't be nervous about it. All of the questions will revolve around your thesis and the significance of your research and findings to your chosen academic discipline.
 

When preparing for the viva, you should anticipate questions such, "What new contribution has your thesis made to this field of study?"

• Define the primary research objectives you wished to investigate.
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of your argument?
What would you do differently if you were to begin working on your thesis from scratch?
• Explain what you would do next if money weren't an issue.
•Where do you see yourself in five years?
While you don't need to memorize everything, it might benefit to practice your responses in advance, preferably aloud by setting up a mock mini viva. This is because you won't be limited to using your notes during the test, so you can allow space for spontaneity. If your viva is going to be conducted online, you should practice with your advisor or a buddy to iron out any kinks.
 

It may seem easy, but just be sure you respond to the questions asked. It's simple to go off topic, and doing so may prompt the examiners to ask you questions regarding topics you hadn't anticipated.
Conversely, feel free to inject some character into your arguments and tell some tales to illustrate the growth you've experienced and the skills you've honed over the last few years.