Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has emerged as the leading institution under the Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research, securing a total of thirteen fellowships as per two recently released national selection lists. No other university or research institute has matched this number, positioning PAU at the forefront of industry-linked doctoral research in the country.
The Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research is a prestigious public–private partnership jointly implemented by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the Confederation of Indian Industry. The programme is designed to promote industry-oriented, outcome-driven doctoral research by encouraging young scholars to work on challenges of national and commercial relevance. Selected fellows receive an enhanced monthly fellowship of approximately ₹1 lakh, jointly funded by the Government of India and the respective industry partner supporting the research.
Among the PAU scholars, Deepti Jaswal is pursuing her doctoral work in collaboration with Shivambu International under the BDM Foods banner. Renuka Sahu is associated with Mahalaxmi Seeds, Johar Singh with Aujla Seeds, Machhiwara, and Akshi Attri with Higgs Healthcare. Uday Kumar B V is working with Star Agriseeds Private Limited, while Komal has partnered with Savannah Seeds Private Limited. Arti Gupta is collaborating with Neva Plantations LLP, and Gurpreet Kaur with Onkar Seeds Private Limited.
In addition, Sutej Singh Bains is engaged with Rasi Seeds Private Limited, Aachal Mahadevrao Futane with Goldking Biogene Private Limited, Tarun Kumar Meena with IFSA Seeds Private Limited, Gaurav Augustine with Prasad Seeds Private Limited, and Dilpreet Kaur Mangat with Aquamasters.
PAU’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given the participation of premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science in the fellowship programme. Even when multi-campus institutions are considered collectively, PAU, as a single, integrated university, accounts for the highest number of fellows, reflecting its strong institutional capacity and research coherence.
Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, attributed this success to sustained investments in postgraduate education, structured industry collaborations, and a research ecosystem that connects scientific inquiry with practical agricultural challenges. He described the outcome as a reaffirmation of PAU’s long-standing focus on applied research, supported by strong faculty mentorship and industry confidence.
Dr Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, noted that the fellowships highlight the growing national importance of PAU’s PhD programmes in areas such as seed development, plant biotechnology, horticulture, climate resilience, and agri-innovation.
The selections underscore the ability of agricultural universities to compete at the highest levels of doctoral research funding when supported by strong institutional frameworks and industry engagement. With thirteen fellows selected in a single cycle, PAU has not only achieved a significant milestone but has also reinforced the strategic role of agriculture-driven science and innovation in India’s research and development landscape.
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