UGC Introduces Ph.D. Excellence Citation to Honor Top Researchers in India
In an effort to boost innovation in education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched the “Ph.D. Excellence Citation” to annually recognize outstanding research across various fields. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to advance knowledge exploration. The decision was made during a UGC meeting on October 3, 2024.
Selection Process
The UGC plans to award ten citations each year to exceptional Ph.D. scholars in disciplines such as Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Indian Languages. A two-level selection process will be implemented, involving a screening committee at the university level and a final selection committee at the UGC level. The evaluation criteria include originality, contribution to knowledge, research methodology, clarity, impact, and thesis presentation.
Growth in Ph.D. Pursuits
A UGC study highlights a significant increase in Ph.D. admissions, doubling from 77,798 in 2010-11 to 161,412 in 2017-18, with a 10% annual growth rate. The study also details the distribution of Ph.D.s awarded: Science (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%).
Eligibility and Participation
Research scholars who have defended their thesis in Indian universities, including state, central, private, and deemed universities, are eligible to apply. Only universities accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act can participate. Each university can nominate up to five theses annually, one from each of the five disciplines.
UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar stated, “This initiative is set to recognize outstanding doctoral research across a range of disciplines.”
Doubts Revealed
UGC -: UGC stands for University Grants Commission. It is an organization in India that looks after the standards of higher education in the country.
Ph.D. -: Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy. It is the highest university degree that someone can earn, and it involves doing a lot of research in a specific field.
Excellence Citation -: An Excellence Citation is a special award given to recognize outstanding work or achievement. In this case, it is given to top researchers for their exceptional research work.
National Education Policy 2020 -: The National Education Policy 2020 is a policy introduced by the Indian government to improve the education system in India. It aims to make education more holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary.
Accredited -: Accredited means officially recognized or authorized. In this context, it refers to universities that meet certain standards set by the UGC.
Theses -: Theses are long pieces of writing based on original research, submitted by students as part of their Ph.D. degree requirements.
