Mumbai University is witnessing a remarkable resurgence in its research output, with the number of doctoral degrees set to be awarded this year skyrocketing by a significant 43%. The figures have jumped from 401 last year to an impressive 577 so far this year, marking a major milestone for the institution.
A Nine-Year High in Doctoral Graduates
University authorities have projected that the final count is likely to surpass the 600 mark by the time the annual convocation is held on January 17, 2026. This achievement will represent the highest number of PhD graduates produced by the university in the past nine years. The last time the institution crossed the 500-doctorate threshold was back in 2018.
The current upswing follows a sharp decline during the pandemic years, when submissions hit a low of just 153 in the second year of Covid-19. Since that difficult period, the numbers have been on a steady path of recovery. Officials note that several candidates are still in the final stages of their work and are expected to complete their submissions before the grand convocation ceremony in January.
Strategic Initiatives Fuel Research Growth
Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni attributed this notable rise in PhD enrolment to the university's sustained commitment to bolstering research excellence and aligning with global academic standards. He highlighted several key initiatives that have created a more supportive ecosystem for scholars.
"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," stated Kulkarni. "These measures have strengthened research governance and infrastructure, resulting in growing confidence among young researchers and increased participation in doctoral programmes."
Breakdown of Disciplines and Convocation Details
An analysis of the 577 approved PhD degrees reveals a clear leader: the faculty of science and technology accounts for nearly 45% of the total. This is followed by commerce and management with 144 doctorates, and the humanities with 106.
Popular subjects among researchers include Business Policy and Administration (BPA), chemistry, education, Hindi, and business management. Chemistry continues to be a nationally sought-after field for doctoral studies, as corroborated by data from the All-India Survey of Higher Education.
The upcoming convocation will be a grand affair, presided over by the Governor and Chancellor of public universities in the state, Acharya Devvrat. The chief guest for the event will be Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, who will deliver the convocation address. The ceremony will see over 1.5 lakh undergraduate and postgraduate degrees conferred alongside the doctorates.
A total of 21 gold medals will be awarded to 19 students for outstanding academic performance. For those unable to attend in person, the entire convocation will be live-streamed on the official digital platforms of Mumbai University.
