The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1903, continues its prestigious tradition of identifying and nurturing exceptional talent with the selection of five outstanding Indian scholars for 2025. This year’s cohort represents a diverse range of academic interests, from astrophysics to veterinary science, embodying the scholarship’s commitment to fostering multidisciplinary excellence.
Applications for the 2026 Rhodes Scholarships will open in June 2025. As these five scholars prepare to join the global Rhodes community at Oxford in October 2025, they carry forward a legacy of excellence while bringing their unique perspectives to address contemporary challenges.
The Class of 2025
Rayan Chakrabarti: Bridging Art and Memory
From the halls of JNU’s School of Arts and Aesthetics, Rayan brings a unique perspective on memory studies and critical heritage. His ambitious project to archive the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact in South Asia demonstrates the scholarship’s emphasis on addressing contemporary global challenges.
Vibha Swaminathan: Champion of Legal Rights
A promising legal mind from National Law School, Bangalore, Vibha’s focus on citizenship regimes and human rights litigation showcases the Rhodes commitment to social justice and legal reform.
Avanish Vats: Breaking Barriers
As the third visually impaired scholar from India, Avanish’s selection highlights the scholarship’s inclusive vision. His work on accessibility in education and healthcare, combined with his philosophical pursuits, exemplifies the Rhodes ideal of using personal challenges to drive positive change.
Shubham Narwal: Pioneering Veterinary Research
Making history as India’s first Rhodes Scholar in veterinary medicine, Shubham’s dedication to conservation and clinical embryology represents the scholarship’s support for innovative scientific research.
Pal Aggarwal: Reaching for the Stars
An IIT Bombay physicist with dreams of becoming an astronaut, Pal embodies the Rhodes tradition of ambitious vision combined with academic excellence.
The Selection Process
The rigorous selection process reflects the scholarship’s commitment to identifying not just academic excellence but also exceptional character and leadership potential. The scholars were chosen after multiple rounds of interviews by a distinguished committee of experts across diverse fields.
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