AcSIR holds 9th convocation; Dr Jitendra Singh hails i-PhD programme
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the 9th Convocation of the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) on 23 November 2025, calling its 'i-PhD' programme, launched in 2023, a novel concept linking imagination and innovation with industry.
Summary
Every i-PhD scholar must develop a technology relevant to translational research or start-ups. AcSIR, just over a decade old, hosts nearly 7,000 students mentored by over 3,100 scientists across 79 campuses, drawing on CSIR, ICMR, DST, ICAR, MoES and universities. It ranked 9th in NIRF 2025 (Research category) and 10th in the Nature Index.
Key facts
- Event
- 9th Convocation of AcSIR
- i-PhD
- Launched 2023; scholars must develop a technology
- Scale
- ~7,000 students; 3,100+ scientists; 79 campuses
- Rankings
- 9th NIRF 2025 (Research); 10th Nature Index
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In NIRF 2025, the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) was ranked 9th in which category?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Research
AcSIR ranked 9th in NIRF 2025 (Research category) and 10th in the Nature Index.
Consider the following statements about AcSIR's 'i-PhD' programme: 1. It was launched in 2023. 2. Every i-PhD scholar is mandated to develop a technology relevant to translational research or start-ups. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Science & Technology release.