Vikram Dev University to Introduce PhD Program in Jeypore, Marking a Major Boost to Higher Education and Research

Jeypore, April. 30:: Students will no longer have to face difficulties in pursuing higher education. A PhD (Doctorate) program is going to be introduced at Vikram Dev University. A notification regarding this has been issued.
A total of 76 students will be able to pursue research across 12 departments. The university has also released a list of 19 senior professors who will serve as PhD supervisors. A detailed notification for student applications will be published soon. According to Vice-Chancellor Hrushikesh Senapati, the course work is targeted to begin in the first week of July.
The notification issued by the Controller of Examinations bears number 266. It includes names of 19 senior professors (PhD supervisors) for 12 departments.
Among them are:
In Zoology: Dr. Prashant Kumar Patra, Dr. Sairendra Maharana, Dr. Durgaprasad Panigrahi
In Chemistry: Dr. Sujit Kumar Dehuri
In Commerce: Dr. Debadatta Indoria
In Economics: Dr. Trubal Kumar Beniya
In Education: Dr. Manoranjan Pradhan
In English: Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sethi
In History: Dr. Rushabh Kumar Sahu, Dr. Ishwar Parida
In Mathematics: Dr. Nikunja Bihari Barik, Dr. Sajidananda Mishra
In Odia: Dr. Arun Kumar Raj, Dr. Kshired Chandra Nayak, Dr. Pritidhara Samal, Dr. Lopamudra Wai
In Philosophy: Dr. Laxman Patra
In Sociology: Dr. Sagarika Mishra
In Zoology (additional): Dr. Sushil Kumar Gadnayak
A senior educationist welcomed the move, stating that the introduction of the PhD program is a positive step. As per regulations, candidates must qualify the UGC-NET examination to pursue a PhD. Those with higher ranks will be eligible for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) and can later apply for Assistant Professor positions. Candidates with lower ranks can still apply for PhD programs.
The PhD process will include six months of coursework and examinations. After qualifying, students can register their research topic. Over the next two years, they will submit their thesis and complete evaluations. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded a Doctorate degree.
To be eligible as a PhD supervisor, a professor must hold a PhD, have at least 8–10 published research papers, and possess a minimum of two years of post-PhD experience.
It is worth mentioning that a meeting regarding the introduction of the PhD program was held in the first week of December 2023, where the proposal was approved by the PG Council. However, progress was delayed due to certain reasons. Later, on April 5, 2024, the university invited applications for PhD supervisors, and after scrutiny, the final list has now been published.