UGC to Introduce PhD Excellence Citation to Promote Quality Research
UGC to introduce PhD Excellence Citation to reward exceptional doctoral research across disciplines, promoting quality research aligned with NEP 2020. Ten awards will be given annually on Teachers' Day.
Amit 14 Oct, 2024
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The UGC, in its meeting on October 3, 2024, approved this decision and has since released the guidelines for public feedback. As per the guidelines, the Ph.D. Excellence Citation will be awarded to ten PhD recipients annually, with two awards per discipline. These citations will be conferred every year on September 5, coinciding with Teacher's Day, a significant date in the Indian academic calendar.
This citation will recognize and reward outstanding doctoral research from young scholars across various disciplines. The initiative, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is designed to enhance the quality of research and innovation in higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country.Promoting Research Excellence Aligned with NEP 2020
The "PhD Excellence Citation" highlights the importance of quality research in India's journey towards becoming a global knowledge superpower. In line with the NEP 2020, which emphasizes the need for creating and exploring knowledge for India's future, this initiative by the UGC is designed to inspire and reward outstanding doctoral research across disciplines. UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, emphasized that this award will drive innovation and recognize research that contributes significantly to national and global progress. "This initiative will contribute to India’s aspirations of becoming a global knowledge superpower by recognizing outstanding doctoral research," Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar stated.Recognizing Exceptional Doctoral Research
The PhD Excellence Citations will be awarded annually, honoring ten exceptional doctoral theses across five broad fields of study:- Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Social Sciences
- Indian Languages
- Commerce and Management
Ph.D. Excellence Citation Eligibility
The Ph.D. Excellence Citation will be open to research scholars who have defended their theses in Indian universities, including state, central, private, and deemed universities recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act. These universities must also be accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Research scholars who obtained their PhDs between January 1 and December 31 of a given year will be eligible to apply. Each university can nominate up to five theses annually, one from each of the following streams: sciences (including agricultural and medical sciences), engineering and technology, social sciences (including education and humanities), Indian languages, and commerce and management.Ph.D. Excellence Citation Application Process
The application process will involve uploading a URL link to the recommended thesis on the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) platform, along with relevant research publications, patents, and compliance with the UGC’s PhD regulations. The UGC will write to universities in January each year, inviting nominations. The final date for submission will be March 31.Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process
The UGC's two-level selection process emphasizes the importance of academic and research excellence. The key criteria that participating universities will use to evaluate and shortlist candidates through their screening committees typically include:- Originality and Innovation: The thesis must demonstrate original thinking and innovative approaches to addressing a research problem.
- Contribution to Knowledge: The research must significantly contribute to the existing body of knowledge in its respective field.
- Methodology: The research design, execution, and analysis must be methodologically sound and rigorous.
- Writing and Presentation: The thesis should be well-written, logically structured, and include high-quality visuals, tables, and references.
- Impact on Society: Research addressing India-centric issues and offering solutions for societal problems will be given priority.
Nomination Guidelines for Universities
UGC-recognized and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)-accredited universities—whether state, central, private, or deemed—are permitted to nominate candidates. Each university is allowed to submit up to five nominations per year, with one nomination from each of the five recognized disciplines. The nomination process will open on January 1 each year, and the submission deadline is set for March 31 . Universities will be responsible for submitting their nominations, ensuring that only the best work is put forward.Selection and Award Process
A selection committee will carefully review the nominated theses and recommend the winners to the UGC by August 1 . These recommendations will culminate in the formal announcement and presentation of the PhD Excellence Citations on Teachers' Day, September 5 —a symbolic gesture highlighting the importance of academic research in the education sector.Enhancing India's Research Ecosystem
The introduction of PhD Excellence Citations is viewed as a significant development in India’s higher education landscape. By acknowledging the best research work, the UGC aims to inspire young scholars to pursue academic excellence and contribute meaningfully to the global body of knowledge. This initiative also ties into broader efforts to elevate the standard of research and innovation in India’s universities, helping to fulfill the goals of the NEP 2020. The UGC’s move is expected to provide a major boost to doctoral scholars, providing them with both recognition and motivation as they contribute to the nation’s intellectual and scientific progress.UGC to Introduce PhD Excellence Citation FAQs
What is the PhD Excellence Citation?
The PhD Excellence Citation is an annual recognition introduced by the UGC to reward outstanding doctoral research by young scholars across various disciplines.
When will the PhD Excellence Citations be awarded?
The citations will be conferred every year on September 5, coinciding with Teacher's Day, a significant date in the Indian academic calendar.
Who is eligible to apply for the PhD Excellence Citation?
PhD scholars who have defended their theses at UGC-recognized universities (state, central, private, and deemed) that are also NAAC-accredited can apply. The eligibility period is for theses defended between January 1 and December 31 of a given year.
What is the nomination process for the PhD Excellence Citation?
Each eligible university can nominate up to five theses per year, one from each of the recognized streams. The universities will submit nominations via the UGC’s official process between January 1 and March 31.
How can universities submit nominations?
Nominations are submitted via an official process that includes uploading the thesis URL link on the INFLIBNET platform, along with relevant research publications and patents, in compliance with UGC’s PhD regulations.
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