Doctoral exams, also known as orals, are examinations that must be passed in order to obtain a doctoral degree. These exams typically involve a series of questions and answers that are posed by a panel of experts in the field. The purpose of the exams is to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. The exams are usually conducted over a period of several days and can be quite rigorous. Passing these exams is a major milestone in the pursuit of a doctoral degree.