The University Grants Commission prepares 'Ph.D. Excellence Citation' to ensure excellence in research in doctoral works across disciplines, as these qualify for recognition with high professional standards and produce publishable quality research work that can contribute independently towards knowledge per se. With this, the National Education Policy 2020 targets to strengthen knowledge pursuits and distinctively contributes to education.
This resolution was passed at the commission on 3rd October, 2024. Here, the UGC resolved to confer ten prestigious citations on a yearly basis using prestigious scholars of their top Ph.D. level. These include SCI, Engg, SS and IL in India besides others for outstanding work that comes under the respects of their related disciplines.
Therefore, the selection process would include a robust two-stage evaluation process. It would be screened at the university level by a committee before being finally selected by the committee at the UGC level. All the submitted theses would have an evaluation process considering aspects such as originality, the impact of the research, methodology, and clarity in the theses.
A recent UGC study reports a substantial rise in Ph.D. admissions, which have nearly doubled from 77,798 in 2010-11 to 161,412 in 2017-18, showing an annual growth rate of 10%. Statistics also give an overview of the pattern of Ph.D.s bestowed upon students in various subjects: 30% in Science, 26% in Engineering and Technology, 12% in Social Sciences, and 6% each in Indian Languages and Management.
This initiative is proposed for outstanding doctoral research across a range of disciplines. The National Education Policy 2020 has identified creation and exploration of new knowledge as necessary to India's future, and the Ph.D. Excellence Citation is an effort towards identifying and commending exemplary research work in Indian universities,\" said UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar.
Scheme of Application of the Scheme The research scholars who have successfully defended their theses at Indian universities including state, central, private and deemed universities are eligible for applying under the scheme. Only the NAAC accredited institutions and recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act are eligible for applying to this scheme. For a year each university can nominate five theses, one in respect of each of the five disciplines.
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