A Surge in PhD Aspirants, But a Funding Freeze?
The UGC NET June 2025 results are in, revealing a significant 14% increase in candidates qualifying for PhD admissions – a total exceeding 1.28 lakh. This surge showcases a burgeoning interest in academic research within India. However, this positive trend is overshadowed by a concerning reality: a mere 5,269 candidates secured Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs).
This stark contrast paints a picture of a potential crisis. A 6% JRF cap signifies a massive funding gap, leaving a large number of promising scholars facing significant financial hardship. Experts fear this imbalance will severely impact research quality and inclusivity, hindering the growth of India’s research ecosystem. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that despite expanding eligibility criteria, the number of available JRFs and the overall budget remain stagnant.
The situation calls for urgent action. Many are advocating for a more dynamic approach to fellowships, exploring alternative funding models and demanding increased government support. With the ambitious goals outlined in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), addressing this funding disparity is critical to nurturing India’s future researchers and ensuring the nation’s continued progress in academic and scientific fields. The current situation risks undermining NEP 2020’s aspirations for a vibrant research landscape.
