Number of PhD scholars in Gujarat rose 160% in 6 years

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat witnessed a one-and-a-half times increase in the number of candidates enrolling for doctoral programmes in 2017-18 compared to 2011-12.
This high rate of growth, about 17% annually, demolishes the notion that research studies are not given much importance at Gujarat varsities and that there are few takers for these programmes.
In 2011-12, 2,270 candidates enrolled for PhD studies.In 2018-19, this number had reached 5,917, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) annual report, which was recently published by the HRD ministry.
“The government started a special campaign a few years ago to get experienced people to university campuses to boost research studies.
“The availability of research guides has improved in the last few years as a result,” said Anju Sharma, principal secretary, Gujarat education department.
The student-teacher ratio, which was 27:1 a few years ago is now 24:1. Over the last eight years, the number of universities offering PhD programmes in the state also doubled, from about 22 in 2011-12 to about 44 now.
“In 2018-19, the number of PhD candidates rose by 70 from the previous year. This year we aim to accommodate a total of 450 candidates for doctoral studies based on their performance in group discussions and entrance tests,” said Nitin Pethani, vice-chancellor of Saurashtra University.
The increase in numbers indicates that universities and institutes in Gujarat are encouraging more original research.
“In 2013-14, we admitted 300 students in PhD courses. This year the number is likely to cross 650. To achieve this, we have roped in associate professors and assistant professors with adequate experience and good research backgrounds to act as guides for doctoral students,” said Himanshu Pandya, vice-chancellor of Gujarat University.
Dr Anil Nayak, acting vice-chancellor of Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, said they have been admitting some 300-350 PhD students every year for the last few years. “Efforts are under way to increase the availability of research guides,” he added.