Mumbai University to award 577 PhDs in 2026, up 43% over 2025

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 JanVice-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.