Research scholars are not merely assistants or trainees; they are integral to the progress of research institutions and the country
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 find it difficult to find quality candidates, even among those qualified for national-level tests like CSIR, GATE etc. If left unchecked, this trend could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s research ecosystem and global competitiveness. 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, postdoctoral fellows, and junior researchers—form the backbone of these institutions.
Despite their critical contributions, research scholars often face numerous challenges, including funding constraints, lack of job security, and the pressure to publish. Long hours in the lab, coupled with the demand for high-quality research outputs, can affect their well being. Additionally, exploitation by supervisors is rampant in many universities, with scholars being forced to take on personal tasks.
Institutions must recognise these challenges and work towards creating a supportive environment that ensures their intellectual and personal growth. Moreover, the lack of lucrative career opportunities post-PhD discourages many from taking up doctoral research. While undergraduate and postgraduate programs attract significant enrolments due to their immediate employability prospects, doctoral research is often viewed as a long, arduous journey with uncertain career rewards. Many PhD holders are forced to work on meagre salaries in many academic institutions. In industry, the salary package of a PhD holder is poor compared to people with mere diplomas and degrees.
Higher qualification is a disqualification for many industries. The stagnation of research fellowships, delays in stipend disbursement, and the lack of well-structured post-doctoral opportunities further deter students from pursuing research. Fewer PhD students mean fewer research publications, reduced global rankings, and decreased funding opportunities. Research scholars are not merely assistants or trainees; they are integral to the progress of research institutions. Recognising their contributions and supporting their journey is essential for the sustained advancement of science and technology.
This, in turn, affects the credibility of national institutions, making them less attractive to international collaborations. A weak research culture forces India to rely on foreign technologies and innovations, increasing dependency on imports and reducing self-reliance. This hampers the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, making the country vulnerable to technological and economic dependencies.
(The writer is the Dean-Academic Affairs, at Garden City University, views are personal)
