Vadodara/Ahmedabad: The Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) recorded nearly a 50% jump in doctoral enrolment within a year of introducing biannual PhD admissions, signalling a shift in how universities are expanding research capacity.
MSU admitted 308 research scholars in 2025-26 — 205 in the first cycle and about 103 in the second — compared to 215 admissions in 2024-25 when the process was held only once a year.
Officials said the twice-a-year intake widened access, enabled better planning, and improved utilization of research supervision capacity.
The university announced that PhD admissions for 2026-27 will continue under the biannual system, in line with University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022, with a focus on transparency, academic rigour and research integrity.
As part of broader reforms, MSU strengthened its doctoral structure through mandatory coursework in research methodology and publication ethics, along with domain-specific training. Measures such as regulated supervisor-scholar ratios, research advisory committees and continuous mentoring were also institutionalized.
MSU vice-chancellor Prof Bhalchandra Bhanage said the changes are aimed at creating a dynamic research ecosystem, while officer on special duty (PhD programmes) Prof Karanam Pushpanadham emphasized continuous evaluation through seminars and viva voce to maintain quality standards. The university also introduced supernumerary seats for foreign students to promote internationalization and multidisciplinary research, in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
Meanwhile, at Gujarat University (GU), demand for doctoral programmes continues to outstrip available seats, even as the university prepares to begin its fresh admission cycle.
In 2024-25, GU offered 936 PhD seats across departments and received around 2,900 applications. In 2025-26, while seats were reduced to 805, the university still saw 2,647 applicants, reflecting sustained interest in research programmes.
GU officials said the next admission cycle will begin around June and continue through the monsoon months, with a multistage selection process including written entrance tests, group discussions and interviews before final enrolment.
University authorities noted that PhD intake is governed by supervisor availability, with a standard cap of three scholars per guide. However, variations arise when existing scholars seek extensions to complete their research, temporarily limiting fresh intake in some departments.
"We are making all efforts to maximize PhD enrolment at the university so that more students can pursue research," said GU registrar Piyush Patel.
