UGC PHD EXCELLENCE CITATION AIMS TO BOOST HIGH-QUALITY RESEARCH

UGC PHD EXCELLENCE

CITATION AIMS TO BOOST

HIGH-QUALITY RESEARCH

To create a quality research ecosystem, identify high-quality

PhD work among young research scholars and recognize them,

the UGC is instituting the ‘PhD excellence citation.’

HE“Each university may constitute its screening committee to

shortlist candidates for the pad excellence citation,” says

Amidala Jagadesh Kumar, UGC chairman. HEIs may use the

following parameters while shortlisting the theses. Originality

and innovation. The thesis should demonstrate original thinking, innovative approaches to a specific research problem or

topic, and methodology. The quality and rigor of the research

methodology employed in the thesis will be crucial. This

includes the design, execution, clarity, and structure. The thesis

should be well-written, organized, and structured clearly and

coherently, references and citations, the proper use of

references and citations to acknowledge previous work and

sources of information is essential. Presentation: the

presentation of the thesis, including figures, tables, and other

visuals, should be of high quality. Defense: the candidate’s

ability to defend their thesis during the viva voce or oral

examination is also considered.

“Given the heterogeneous nature of the country and the

prevailing multidisciplinary education, the HEIs will decide on

the suitability of a thesis in a particular stream.” Says professor

Kumar. “Eminent professors and researchers from top

institutions in India will be part of the selection committees.

Each committee will pick two candidates from their respective

streams based on the potential of the thesis to contribute

significantly to the existing body of knowledge in the files of

study. The committee shall also consider the publications and

patents emanating from the thesis. Thesis work done in

collaboration with industry will be encouraged. The committee

will give priority to India-centric issues and solutions.

Universities may upload the nominations on the application

portal which will be created for this purpose. The selection

committee for each stream will evaluate the nominations and

recommend two for PhD excellence citation to UGC. The

selection committee formed by UGC may also be free to decide

on the suitability of a thesis under a particular stream. UGC will

facilitate the winners with a citation in a function organized by

UGC on September 5 every year,” says Professor Kumar.

Scholars from five streams including sciences (agricultural

science, medical sciences), engineering and technology, social

science (including education and humanities), Indian languages,

commerce and management will be eligible for the PhD

citation.

“The UGC will ensure that field-specific committee with experts

from various disciplines will examine the theses to ensure that

evaluation standards are appropriate for each field,” says

professor Kumar.