Mumbai: Mumbai University has recorded a sharp increase in its PhD output this year, with the number of doctoral degrees set to be awarded increasing 43% from 401 last year to 577 this year so far. University officials said the figure is likely to cross 600 by the time the annual convocation is conducted on Jan 17, 2026—making it the highest number of PhD graduates in the past nine years. The rise comes amid MU’s growing focus on research.The last time the university crossed 500 PhD graduate degrees was in 2018. During the pandemic, submissions dropped sharply, touching a low of 153 in the second year of Covid-19. Since then, the numbers have steadily recovered, with several candidates still in the pipeline and expected to complete submissions before the convocation in Jan.Vice-chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni said the notable increase in PhD enrolment at the university reflects the 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. These measures have strengthened research governance and infrastructure, resulting in growing confidence among young researchers and increased participation in doctoral programmes,” said Kulkarni.Of the 577 PhD degrees approved so far, nearly 45% are from the faculty of science and technology, followed by 144 from commerce and management, and 106 from the humanities. TOI had earlier reported, based on the data from 2022-23, nearly 10% of researchers pursued PhD in Business Policy and Administration (BPA), followed by chemistry. Education, Hindi and business management and management studies are some of the other popular subjects. Chemistry is sought-after nationally too, according to data from the All-India Survey of Higher Education.The convocation in Jan, during which over 1.5 lakh undergraduate and postgraduate degrees will be conferred, will be presided over by governor and chancellor of public universities in the state Acharya Devvrat. Ajay Kumar Sood, principal scientific adviser to the govt of India, will be the chief guest and deliver the convocation address. A total of 21 gold medals will be awarded to 19 students for outstanding performance. The ceremony will be live-streamed on official MU platforms.
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