UGC to award young researchers with 'PhD Excellence Citation', application date extended until April 15

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also been given an extension to submit the nominations for the 'PhD Excellence Citation' 2025. The deadline for submission has now been pushed to April 15, 2025. The universities earlier had to apply by March 31, 2025. The extension is a result of numerous requests made by universities throughout the nation.

UGC, in an officially issued notice, informed: "UGC invited nominations for 'PhD Excellence Citation' from universities on 01.01.2025 with 31.03.2025 as the cut-off date. Since UGC received applications from universities for a further extension of the date, it has now decided to further extend the cut-off date up to 15.04.2025. Universities are hereby requested to submit nominations on the specified portal by or before 15.04.2025."

UGC PhD Excellence Citation: Important details

UGC launched the PhD Excellence Citation to recognize young scholars for their contributions in different disciplines of academia. The program has been launched with the aim to encourage excellence in doctoral research and enhance India's academic landscape.

The awards are conferred in five major streams:

Sciences (including Agricultural and Medical Sciences)

Engineering & Technology

Social Sciences (including Education and Humanities)

Indian Languages

Commerce & Management

10 scholars will be recognized every year, with two awardees for every stream. The awards will be given away in an annual citation function to be organized on Teacher's Day, September 5.

UGC PhD Excellence Citation: Selection process

The selection process for the PhD Excellence Citation entails two phases of scrutiny:

University-Level Screening Committee: Every participating university will have a screening committee to screen and recommend candidates from the five eligible streams.

UGC-Level Selection Committee: The shortlisted contenders will be evaluated by a national-level selection committee constituted by the UGC to decide on the final award.