New Delhi, Oct 7: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched the “Ph.D. Excellence Citation” to recognize exceptional doctoral research across various fields, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes innovation and knowledge creation.
At a meeting on October 3, 2024, the UGC announced that ten citations will be awarded annually to outstanding Ph.D. scholars. Disciplines like Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Indian Languages will be acknowledged for their contributions.
The selection process will involve two stages: an initial screening at the university level, followed by a final review by a UGC-appointed committee. Factors such as originality, research impact, and methodology will be considered when evaluating the submissions.
A UGC study revealed that Ph.D. admissions have surged significantly, growing from 77,798 in 2010-11 to 161,412 in 2017-18, reflecting a 10% annual increase. The study also highlighted that 30% of Ph.D. degrees were in Science, 26% in Engineering and Technology, and 12% in Social Sciences.
UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar emphasized that this initiative aligns with NEP 2020’s vision to encourage groundbreaking research in Indian universities. Eligible scholars who have defended their theses in accredited universities can participate, with each university able to nominate up to five theses across designated fields.
