In a move to encourage innovation and a unique approach to education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the ‘PhD Excellence Citation.’ This prestigious award, established in line with the National Education Policy 2020, aims to recognize and reward exceptional doctoral research across diverse disciplines.
The decision to launch the ‘PhD Excellence Citation’ was taken at a commission meeting held on October 3, 2024. The UGC plans to award ten citations annually to PhD scholars who have demonstrated exceptional research capabilities in fields ranging from Sciences and Engineering to Social Sciences and Indian Languages.
To ensure fairness and rigor, the UGC has devised a two-level selection process. The first stage involves a screening committee at the university level, which will initially evaluate the nominated theses. The top contenders then advance to the final selection committee at the UGC level. This committee will assess the theses based on several criteria, including originality, contribution to knowledge, research methodology, clarity, impact, and the overall presentation of the thesis.
This initiative underscores the growing emphasis on research in Indian higher education. A UGC study reveals a significant surge in research degree pursuits, with PhD admissions doubling from 77,798 in 2010-11 to 161,412 in 2017-18, reflecting a 10% annual growth rate. This trend is further reflected in the breakdown of PhDs awarded across various disciplines:
*
Science:
30%*
Engineering and Technology:
26%*
Social Sciences:
12%*
Indian Languages:
6%*
Management:
6%*
Agricultural Sciences:
4%*
Medical Sciences:
5%*
Education:
5%*
Commerce:
3%*
Foreign Languages:
3%The ‘PhD Excellence Citation’ aims to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of these scholars, fostering a culture of excellence in research within Indian universities.
Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the UGC, stated, “This initiative is set to recognize outstanding doctoral research across a range of disciplines. In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes the creation and exploration of new knowledge as vital to India’s future, the PhD Excellence Citation is an effort to identify and commend exemplary research work in Indian universities.”
Eligibility for the award is open to research scholars who have defended their thesis in Indian universities, including state, central, private, and deemed universities. However, only universities accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act can participate. Each university is allowed to nominate up to five theses annually, one from each of the five disciplines.
