The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched the PhD Excellence Citation 2025, a prestigious initiative aimed at acknowledging exceptional doctoral research contributions. This recognition is a part of UGC’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation and high-quality research in Indian universities. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the initiative seeks to highlight groundbreaking work that advances knowledge and addresses societal challenges.
The PhD Excellence Citation is designed to create a robust research ecosystem in India by recognizing original and impactful research. By doing so, the program aims to inspire innovation, encourage interdisciplinary work, and foster a culture of excellence in higher education institutions. The UGC has announced that the nomination process is now open, and universities are invited to submit their candidates for this honor.
The award underscores the pivotal role of doctoral research in driving innovation and knowledge creation. According to a UGC study conducted on PhDs awarded between 2011 and 2018, there has been a steady growth in the number of students pursuing research degrees. The number of PhD admissions doubled during this period, increasing from 77,798 in 2010-11 to 161,412 in 2017-18, reflecting a 10 per cent annual growth rate. This upward trend highlights the growing emphasis on research as a critical element of India’s higher education landscape.
Recognising Excellence in Research! 🏅
UGC invites nominations for the PhD Excellence Citation 2025. Nominate your scholars and showcase their groundbreaking work to the academic community.
🗓️ Last Date for Nomination 31st March 2025.
🖇️ Visit: https://t.co/44F08tAXEl… pic.twitter.com/5nui3lVQoV— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) January 8, 2025
By instituting the PhD Excellence Citation, the UGC aims to bring greater visibility to quality research and recognise scholars whose work has made a significant impact. The award also serves as a platform to inspire upcoming researchers, foster interdisciplinary dialogue, and highlight research that addresses India-centric issues.
The award is open to doctoral research across five major disciplines: Sciences (including Agricultural and Medical Sciences), Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences (including Education and Humanities), Indian Languages, and Commerce & Management. Universities that are recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act and accredited by NAAC can participate. Each institution can nominate up to five theses, one from each discipline.
Eligible candidates must have defended their theses in accordance with UGC regulations and received their PhD degrees through convocation during the calendar year 2024. A key requirement is that the theses must be uploaded on the INFLIBNET portal to ensure accessibility and transparency. Research outputs that include publications or patents will be given preference, showcasing the broader impact of the work on academia and society.
The selection process involves two levels of evaluation to ensure fairness and rigor. First, each participating university will form a screening committee to shortlist candidates based on originality, innovation, methodology, societal impact, and clarity of research. The screening committees are tasked with evaluating the overall quality and potential of the work while prioritising research that addresses India-centric issues.
Following the university-level screening, the shortlisted candidates’ applications will be forwarded to UGC’s selection committees. The UGC will form five discipline-specific committees to review and select two winners from each field. The criteria include the thesis’s originality, its contribution to knowledge, research methodology, and its impact on the field or society. The committees will also consider the presentation quality and the candidate’s ability to defend their work during the viva voce.
The nomination process for the PhD Excellence Citation 2025 officially began on January 1, 2025. Universities have until March 31, 2025, to submit their nominations through the UGC’s online portal. The final selection of winners will be announced on August 1, 2025, and the award ceremony will be held on September 5, 2025, coinciding with Teacher’s Day celebrations.
This timeline ensures a structured and transparent evaluation process while aligning the award ceremony with a day that honors the contributions of educators and researchers.
One of the key highlights of this initiative is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research. With the growing importance of multidisciplinary approaches in addressing complex societal challenges, the PhD Excellence Citation encourages scholars to explore cross-disciplinary frontiers. The award’s broad disciplinary coverage reflects UGC’s recognition of the diverse nature of research and the need for collaboration across fields.
This approach is particularly relevant in light of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes the integration of knowledge across disciplines. By recognizing interdisciplinary work, the award aims to encourage innovation that transcends traditional academic boundaries.
The PhD Excellence Citation is not just an award; it is a step toward building a sustainable and high-quality research ecosystem in India. By celebrating excellence, the initiative seeks to set benchmarks for doctoral research and inspire upcoming scholars to pursue innovative and impactful work.
Furthermore, the recognition provides an opportunity for scholars to connect with the broader academic and research community. It opens doors to collaborations, funding opportunities, and platforms to share their findings. For universities, the award enhances their reputation and showcases their commitment to nurturing talent and advancing knowledge.
The UGC’s PhD Excellence Citation 2025 is a testament to the importance of research in shaping India’s future. By recognizing exceptional doctoral work, the initiative not only honours individual achievements but also contributes to the broader goal of making India a global knowledge superpower.
Universities are encouraged to participate actively and showcase their scholars’ groundbreaking work. The recognition serves as a reminder of the transformative power of research and its potential to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.
As the academic community gears up for this prestigious honor, the PhD Excellence Citation stands as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute meaningfully to society.
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