• Source:JND
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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched the "Ph.D. Excellence Citation," an initiative to annually acknowledge and reward exceptional research across various disciplines. This decision was made during a commission meeting on October 3, 2024, where the UGC announced plans to award ten citations every year to Ph.D. scholars excelling in fields ranging from Sciences and Engineering to Social Sciences and Indian Languages. The primary goal of this initiative is to elevate knowledge exploration to the next level.

Selection Process

To ensure a thorough and fair evaluation process, the UGC has proposed a two-level selection system. The initial screening will be conducted at the university level, followed by a final selection by a UGC committee. The criteria for evaluation include:

- Originality of research
- Contribution to the knowledge base
- Research methodology
- Clarity and impact
- Overall presentation of the thesis

Surge in Ph.D. Admissions

A recent UGC study shows a significant rise in research degree enrollments, with Ph.D. admissions doubling from 77,798 in 2010-11 to 161,412 in 2017-18, reflecting a 10 per cent annual growth rate. The study also highlights the distribution of awarded Ph.D.s across various disciplines:

- Science: 30%
- Engineering and Technology: 26%
- Social Sciences: 12%
- Indian Languages: 6%
- Management: 6%
- Agricultural Sciences: 4%
- Medical Sciences: 5%
- Education: 5%
- Commerce: 3%
- Foreign Languages: 3%

This notable surge in Ph.D. admissions has initiated the UGC to introduce the "Ph.D. Excellence Citation" to honor top scholars and promote high-caliber research in Indian universities.

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Eligibility and Nomination Process

Research scholars who have defended their thesis in Indian universities—whether state, central, private, or deemed universities—are eligible to apply for the citation. However, only universities accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognised under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act can participate. Each participating university is permitted to nominate up to five theses annually, with one nomination from each of five disciplines.

"This initiative is set to recognize outstanding doctoral research across a range of disciplines. In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes the creation and exploration of new knowledge as vital to India's future, the Ph.D. Excellence Citation is an effort to identify and commend exemplary research work in Indian universities," said Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, of UGC.

(With ANI Inputs)

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