The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the PhD Excellence Citation program, an initiative designed to acknowledge and promote exceptional doctoral research within India. This program, set to begin in 2025, aims to encourage innovative research and foster a robust research culture across diverse fields, thereby strengthening India's academic landscape.
Each year, ten PhD Excellence Citations will be awarded to recognize outstanding doctoral theses across various disciplines, including Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences, Indian Languages, and Commerce and Management. The initiative is open to state, central, private, and deemed universities recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act. Universities eligible for participation are invited to nominate up to five theses for consideration each year.
The UGC has outlined strict criteria for evaluation, focusing on the research's originality, innovation, and societal or academic impact. The ability of the candidate to robustly defend their thesis will also be a crucial aspect of the evaluation. The rigorous assessment process is expected to set a high benchmark for doctoral research in India.
In announcing the program, the UGC Chairman emphasised that the PhD Excellence Citation is intended to encourage researchers to pursue excellence and to make meaningful contributions to India's knowledge economy. By recognizing exceptional doctoral work, the UGC aims to inspire upcoming researchers to aim higher and engage in research that can contribute to India’s development.
The nomination phase for universities will commence in January 2025, allowing institutions ample time to put forward their most distinguished doctoral research. The evaluation process is scheduled to culminate in August 2025, with the results announced that month. An awards ceremony will be held on September 5, 2025, coinciding with India’s Teachers' Day, underscoring the role of educators and researchers in building the nation.
According to the Indian Express, the PhD Excellence Citation seeks to promote cutting-edge research, enhance the quality of India’s research ecosystem, and provide much-needed recognition for outstanding doctoral work. This recognition is not only an honour for individual researchers but also an endorsement of the institutions supporting such high-calibre research.
The initiative has been widely lauded by the academic community, who view it as a promising step toward fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence within the country. Through this program, the UGC aims to make impactful strides in positioning India as a global research leader across multiple disciplines.