Convocation on January 17: MU to award 577 PhD degress this year; sharp rise after slump due to Covid

Among the 577 PhDs to be awarded this year, 256 are from Faculty of Science and Technology,144 from Commerce and Management, 106 from Humanities and 71 from Interdisciplinary Studies. According to the university administration, the number of 577 is also expected to increase by the time the convocation event is to be held in January where Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof Ajay Kumar Sood will be the Chief Guest and will deliver the convocation address.

In 2018, the Mumbai University awarded 507 PhDs.

In years after that the number kept reducing and it dropped to only 153 in 2021, a slump believed to have been due to the pandemic-related challenges.

While the number of PhDs awarded each year after that continued to increase gradually, it is only now that the number has crossed 500 PhDs.

Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University, Dr. Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, said, “The notable increase in PhD enrolment at the University of Mumbai reflects the University’s sustained focus on strengthening research excellence and adhering to global academic standards. Initiatives such as the establishment of a dedicated Research and Development Cell, the implementation of a University Department Ranking Framework, and various research promotion activities have created a supportive academic environment.”