The first doctoral degree in India was awarded in 1857 to Anandachandra Vedantavagisha from the University of Calcutta.

The University of Calcutta was the first to offer a doctoral program in India in 1857.

The initial focus of doctoral programs in India was on Arts and Humanities.

Doctoral programs in Science and Technology began to gain prominence in India in the early 20th century.

Industrialization played a significant role in the expansion of doctoral programs in India after Independence.

The main objective of the UGC's Doctoral Fellowship Scheme introduced in 1949 was to provide financial assistance to doctoral students.

The Chhatre Committee was appointed by the UGC in 1964 to review the status of doctoral programs in India.

The key recommendation of the Chhatre Committee regarding doctoral programs was to introduce a comprehensive qualifying examination.

The UGC's Doctoral Research Fellowship Scheme was revised in 1975 to include a provision for research assistantships.

The Special Assistance Programme was introduced by the UGC in 1984 to promote research in emerging areas.

The main objective of the UGC's Faculty Improvement Programme introduced in 1985 was to provide financial assistance to faculty members for research.

The Research Awards Scheme was introduced by the UGC in 1991 to promote research in social sciences and humanities.

The UGC's Doctoral Fellowship Scheme was revised in 2000 to include a provision for a research contingency grant.

The Special Assistance Programme was introduced by the UGC in 2004 to promote research in engineering and technology.

The main objective of the UGC's Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme introduced in 2009 was to provide financial assistance to post-doctoral researchers.