Declining trend in PhD enrolment hampering research ecosystem

In recent years, India has witnessed a disturbing trend—a decline in PhD enrolments in national institutions.

- BIJU DHARMAPALAN

In recent years, India has witnessed a disturbing trend—a decline in PhD enrolments in national institutions. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, the total number of PhD enrolments in India stood at approximately 2.02 lakh, accounting for only 0.5 per cent of the total student enrolment. While this figure has shown a gradual increase over the years, recent data from premier institutions such as IITs, IISc, and central universities indicate a worrying decline in PhD admissions. For instance, IIT Bombay saw a nearly 30 per cent drop in PhD applications in 2022 compared to previous years, and similar trends have been observed in other IITs and NITs. Many national institutions couldn't find quality candidates from those who have qualified for national-level tests like CSIR, GATE, etc.

This trend could have far-reaching consequences for the country's research ecosystem and global competitiveness if left unchecked. Doctoral education is pivotal in knowledge creation, innovation, and economic growth. A shrinking pool of PhD scholars threatens India's academic and industrial research output and undermines its aspirations of becoming a knowledge superpower.

Research institutions are the bedrock of scientific and technological advancements, serving as hubs for innovation, discovery, and intellectual progress. While principal investigators, faculty members, and senior scientists often receive the limelight for breakthroughs, the research scholars—doctoral candidates, post-doctoral fellows, and junior researchers—form the backbone of these institutions. They drive experimental work, data analysis, and the continuous pursuit of new knowledge. Without these people, none of our scientific institutions could survive even for a day.