UGC to honour young researchers with 'PhD Excellence Citation', application deadline extended till April 15: Check details here

The University Grants Commission ( UGC ) has extended the deadline for submission of nominations for the ‘ PhD Excellence Citation ’ 2025. Universities can now submit their entries until April 15, 2025, through the designated portal. Earlier, the last date to apply was March 31, 2025. The extension comes in response to multiple requests from universities across the country.

UGC, in an officially released notification, stated: “UGC invited nominations for 'PhD Excellence Citation' from universities on 01.01.2025 with 31.03.2025 as the last date. As UGC received requests from universities to extend the date, it has now decided to extend the last date till 15.04.2025. Universities are requested to complete nominations on the designated portal on or before 15.04.2025.”

The complete notice can be read here.

UGC PhD Excellence Citation: Key details UGC introduced the PhD Excellence Citation to honour young researchers for their impactful contributions in various academic fields. The initiative aims to promote excellence in doctoral research and strengthen India’s academic ecosystem.

The awards are granted across five key streams:

• Sciences (including Agricultural and Medical Sciences)
  
• Engineering & Technology
  
• Social Sciences (including Education and Humanities)
  
• Indian Languages
  
• Commerce & Management

Each year, 10 researchers will be honoured, with two recipients from each stream. The awards will be presented during an annual citation ceremony held on Teacher’s Day, September 5.

UGC PhD Excellence Citation: Selection process The evaluation process for the PhD Excellence Citation involves two levels of scrutiny:

• University-Level Screening Committee: Each participating university will constitute a screening committee to evaluate and nominate candidates from the five eligible streams.
  
• UGC-Level Selection Committee: Shortlisted candidates will be reviewed by a national-level selection committee formed by the UGC for the final award decision.