Mapping Trends in Science Doctoral Theses at RTM Nagpur University (2000–2020)

Abstract

The present study undertakes a comprehensive scientometric examination of doctoral research output in the Faculty of Science at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) during the period 2000–2020. A dataset comprising 913 Ph.D. theses was compiled from official records of the University Ph.D. Section and the Shodhganga digital repository. The analysis applies established bibliometric indicators to evaluate disciplinary distribution, temporal growth patterns, relative growth rate (RGR), doubling time (Dt), annual growth rate (AGR), quinquennium-wise productivity, gender participation, research supervisorship, pagination characteristics, and citation behavior.

The findings reveal that Chemistry emerged as the most prolific discipline, contributing nearly one-fourth of the total doctoral output, while the year 2016 recorded the highest number of thesis submissions. Citation analysis indicates a substantial reliance on journal literature, with an average of over 200 references per thesis, though marked disciplinary variations are evident. The study further highlights noticeable fluctuations in annual research productivity, persistent gender imbalance favoring male scholars, and a concentration of supervisory responsibility among a limited number of guides. Overall, the analysis provides valuable insights into doctoral research dynamics, supervisory practices, and scholarly communication trends within the sciences at RTMNU.