UGC Launches 'PhD Excellence Citation' To Recognise Outstanding Research Across Disciplines

The UGC has introduced the "Ph.D. Excellence Citation" to annually honor exceptional doctoral research annually, supporting NEP 2020's focus on advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in various disciplines.

In an effort to promote innovation and a fresh approach within the education sector, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes advancing knowledge exploration. To support this vision, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the "Ph.D. Excellence Citation" to annually recognize and reward exceptional research across various disciplines. This decision was made during a commission meeting on October 3, 2024, where the UGC outlined its plan to award ten citations each year to outstanding Ph.D. scholars in fields ranging from Sciences and Engineering to Social Sciences and Indian Languages.

The UGC has proposed a stringent two-tier selection process. This includes an initial screening committee at the university level followed by a final selection committee at the UGC level. The evaluation criteria will focus on originality, contribution to knowledge, research methodology, clarity, impact, and the overall presentation of the thesis.

A UGC study highlights a notable rise in research degree enrollments, with Ph.D. admissions more than doubling from 77,798 in 2010-11 to 161,412 in 2017-18, reflecting a 10% annual growth rate. The study also provides a detailed breakdown of Ph.D.s awarded across subjects: Sciences (30%), Engineering and Technology (26%), Social Sciences (12%), Indian Languages (6%), Management (6%), Agricultural Sciences (4%), Medical Sciences (5%), Education (5%), Commerce (3%), and Foreign Languages (3%).

As part of its commitment to fostering high-quality research, the UGC launched the "Ph.D. Excellence Citation" to recognize and celebrate top Ph.D. research in various fields each year. "This initiative aims to acknowledge exceptional doctoral research across a wide range of disciplines," said Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the UGC. "In line with NEP 2020, which stresses the importance of creating and exploring new knowledge for India's future, this citation is a step toward identifying and rewarding outstanding research in Indian universities."

Research scholars who have defended their theses at Indian universities, including state, central, private, and deemed institutions, are eligible to apply. However, only universities accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act are eligible to participate. Each university can nominate up to five theses annually, one from each of the five selected disciplines.

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