The Ph.D. work requirement varies greatly from university to university let leave about the countries. I agree with Chana that the requirement of publication as first author in peer-reviewed journal makes it comparatively harder. I also agree with Harkey that it can not be measured by the number of hours spent; but we can see it as a dedication of a scholar. As far as I know, I've not heard of any requirement of getting 'A' in courseworks. Truth is that it depends on lot on individual basis as well. I'd also like to say that given the fact that the Ph.D. holder has gained some knowledge with his/her research, he can get into different fields in today's multi-disciplinary academia. However, he/she do needs to show the credibility of it, and the article published on kantipur or other newspaper featuring him/her won't qualify for it. Mr. Kumar Basnet has shown dishonesty from the beginning before even before starting a new career, and it makes harder for other people to believe about his works, and questions about credibility of his works, or he has to work harder to prove honesty about himself if the employer ever finds about his dishonesty.