Page "Delft University of Technology" Paragraph 47

Doctoral defense is of ceremonial nature.

It lasts exactly for an hour, during which doctoral candidate must answer all questions from every committee member.

Sometimes doctoral candidate is accompanied by one or two Paranymphs, who theoretically might help defend a question asked by a committee member.

The defense is ended by Bedel, who enters a senate room, holding a university staff and says in Latin It's time ().

After that committee moves to a separate room to decide whether to grant a doctorate or not.

After that committee moves back to a room where a defense is held, introduced by a Bedel, and if the doctorate is granted promotor presents laudation praising a new doctor.

All ceremony is chaired by a rector or its representative.

Doctoral defense at TU Delft is public.