Five Indian students, representing diverse fields such as law, philosophy, and astrophysics, have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for 2025. This accolade grants them the opportunity to commence fully funded postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in October 2025, alongside a global cohort of scholars.
The recipients include a law student specializing in citizenship rights, a literature graduate pursuing museum anthropology, a philosophy scholar investigating epistemological injustice, an astrophysics enthusiast from IIT-Bombay, and a veterinary science student. They will join over 100 scholars worldwide in pursuing advanced studies under the Rhodes Scholarship program.
Founded in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most distinguished graduate fellowship globally. In India, these scholarships have been awarded since 1947 to candidates who exemplify exceptional academic achievements and leadership qualities.
Elizabeth Kiss, CEO of the Rhodes Trust, expressed her excitement, stating, "The Rhodes Trust is thrilled to welcome the exceptional 2025 Class of Rhodes Scholars Elect, who represent diverse perspectives and cultures worldwide. For over a century, the Rhodes Trust has cultivated a dynamic community of outstanding individuals at Oxford."
She further remarked, "We eagerly anticipate the meaningful contributions these scholars will make at Oxford and as alumni, working toward a more equitable and sustainable world."
The Indian Rhode Scholars for 2025 are:
- Rayan Chakrabarti is pursuing a master’s degree at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s School of Arts and Aesthetics.
- Vibha Swaminathan, a final-year law student at National Law School, Bangalore.
- Avanish Vats, a researcher focused on accessibility in education and healthcare for individuals with disabilities in Jharkhand.
- Shubham Narwal, a student of veterinary science and animal husbandry at ICAR, Bareilly.
- Pal Aggarwal, a final-year BTech student in engineering physics at IIT-Bombay.
The Rhodes India Secretariat commended the applicants for their talent and diversity, stating, “Each year, we are amazed by the intellect, character, and empathy demonstrated by candidates from various disciplines, institutions, and regions of India.”
Acknowledging the efforts of the selectors in the competitive process, the secretariat celebrated the five Rhodes Scholars-Elect, highlighting their access to Oxford’s unparalleled intellectual resources and a lifelong network dedicated to creating a better world.
