Details of the Ph.D. Students
Doctoral research has remained one of the defining pillars of the Department of Psychology since its establishment in 1981. Over the past four decades, the Department has cultivated a vibrant and intellectually stimulating research environment, fostering original scholarship that addresses contemporary psychological, educational, organisational, and societal challenges through scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice.
Since its inception, the Department has successfully awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree to more than 100 research scholars (as of 2026), reflecting its enduring contribution to the advancement of psychological knowledge and the development of accomplished academicians, researchers, mental health professionals, counsellors, and practitioners. The Department has also welcomed international research scholars, further enriching its academic diversity and strengthening its global research outlook.
The Department has witnessed remarkable research progress in recent years. During the last five years alone, more than fifteen research scholars have been awarded the Ph.D. degree, demonstrating the sustained growth, academic vitality, and research excellence of its doctoral programme. Doctoral research undertaken within the Department spans a wide spectrum of contemporary areas, including Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Positive Psychology, Mental Health, Behavioural Sciences, Community Psychology, Human Resource Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Ageing, Health Psychology, Stress Management, and Psychological Well-being.
At present, the Department has five full-time doctoral research scholars, all pursuing their research under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Pankaj S. Suvera, Professor and Head, Department of Psychology. The current full-time research scholars are:
- Ms. Pooja D. Mytra
- Ms. Jyoti Sharma
- Ms. Saraswati Kishori
- Ms. Sejal Senva
- Mr. Sandip Rohit
The Department’s research ecosystem is further distinguished by the outstanding achievements of its scholars. Four full-time doctoral research scholars have been awarded the prestigious SHODH (Scheme of Developing High Quality Research) Fellowship by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Government of Gujarat, in recognition of their academic excellence and research potential. In addition, Ms. Sejal Senva has been awarded the highly competitive UGC National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes (NFSC) by the University Grants Commission, Government of India, reflecting the Department’s sustained commitment to fostering research excellence and academic distinction.
The Department actively promotes a dynamic culture of research through interdisciplinary collaboration, publication in peer-reviewed journals, participation in national and international conferences, funded research projects, academic partnerships, and community-oriented research initiatives. Under the academic leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Pankaj S. Suvera, the Department continues to strengthen its research ecosystem by encouraging innovation, critical inquiry, ethical scholarship, and socially relevant psychological research that contributes meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge and the well-being of society.
With its distinguished research legacy, accomplished faculty, dedicated scholars, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence, the Department of Psychology continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for doctoral education and research. It remains devoted to nurturing future scholars, advancing psychological science, and contributing to national development through impactful research, innovation, and intellectual leadership.