Mon Nov 11 11:56:00 UTC 2024: ## UGC Launches PhD Excellence Citation to Recognize Outstanding Young Researchers

**New Delhi, India** – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the launch of the PhD Excellence Citation, a prestigious award aimed at recognizing exceptional doctoral research across Indian universities. Starting January 1, 2025, the award will be given annually to 10 researchers, with two citations awarded in each of five academic streams: Sciences (including Agricultural and Medical Sciences), Engineering & Technology, Social Sciences (including Education & Humanities), Indian Languages, and Commerce & Management.

The initiative aims to foster a robust research ecosystem by recognizing outstanding doctoral work and encouraging young researchers to contribute to India’s evolving academic landscape. The citation aims to acknowledge and reward research that exhibits originality, innovation, significant contribution to knowledge, robust methodology, and potential impact on the field or society, particularly with a focus on India-centric issues.

**Eligibility and Selection Process:**

To be eligible for the citation, universities must be recognized under the UGC Act and hold NAAC accreditation. PhD candidates who successfully defended their theses between January 1 and December 31 of a given year and submitted their theses to the INFLIBNET website are eligible for nomination.

The selection process involves two stages: a university-level screening committee and a UGC-level selection committee. The university-level committee, composed of academic experts, will evaluate candidate theses based on criteria such as originality, innovation, contribution to knowledge, methodology, clarity and structure, impact, referencing, presentation, and the candidate’s performance during their viva voce. The top candidates from each stream will be forwarded to the UGC-level selection committee for final consideration.

**Award Ceremony and Impact:**

The PhD Excellence Citation will be awarded annually on Teacher’s Day, September 5. The initiative is expected to motivate and inspire young researchers to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and address pressing issues facing India.

The UGC believes that the PhD Excellence Citation will play a vital role in elevating the standard of doctoral research in India and fostering a culture of academic excellence.

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