The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the PhD Excellence Citation, a prestigious new award designed to recognize and honour exceptional doctoral research in India. The initiative, set to launch on October 15, 2024, aims to foster a culture of excellence in research and innovation within the country's academic landscape.
The PhD Excellence Citation will celebrate the work of young scholars who have completed their doctoral degrees within the last five years. It seeks to motivate researchers to pursue cutting-edge studies that can contribute to academic and societal advancement.
A stringent selection process will be implemented, with expert panels reviewing nominations and evaluating the research's quality, impact, and innovation. The top PhD scholars will be honoured with a citation certificate, a cash prize of ₹2 lakh, and valuable opportunities for international collaborations, further supporting their academic careers and enhancing their research profiles.
According to India Today reports, the UGC Chairman emphasised that the award is intended to inspire a new generation of researchers to strive for academic rigour and creativity. This initiative is expected to motivate scholars and elevate the overall quality of research across Indian universities and institutions. By recognizing the contributions of outstanding PhD graduates, the UGC aims to strengthen India's position in the global research community and promote a culture of high academic standards.
With the launch of the PhD Excellence Citation, the UGC reaffirms its commitment to advancing academic excellence, supporting innovation, and nurturing research talent in India's higher education sector. The award strategically promotes India's growing research capabilities and encourages groundbreaking work in various disciplines.