ABSTRACT
Doctoral defences play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity and credibility of doctoral education. In Mongolia, however, defence practices, administered through centralised committees rooted in Soviet academic traditions, face significant structural, cultural, and ethical challenges. This study explores how doctoral defences have become vulnerable to academic and research misconduct, including favouritism, plagiarism, contract cheating, political interference, and corruption. Using a basic qualitative study design informed by critical theories, this research draws on in-depth interviews with 37 stakeholders (defence committee members, faculty, doctoral students, and policymakers) and a document review of defence-related regulations. The study is critical in orientation and reveals underlying systemic issues shaped by socio-economic, cultural, historical, and institutional factors by drawing on neoliberalism and post-socialist legacies. Thematic analysis identified six emerging themes: subjective and opaque decision-making; patronage and political influence; violations of research integrity; misconduct related to international students; administrative and financial pressures on doctoral candidates; and concerns about committee competence and selection. Stakeholders proposed reform direction, including a gradual transition to independent institutional defences, shifting from a high-stakes assessment model to a more developmental approach, strengthening merit-based committee selection, differentiating research and professional doctorate pathways, and reforming defence-related cultural and procedural practices. By situating Mongolia’s experience within broader post-socialist transformations, this study contributes to global discussions on developing credible, equitable, and development-oriented doctoral assessment systems.