India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a remarkable achievement, five exceptional Indian students have been selected for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship 2025. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone as these individuals will join a global cohort of scholars heading to the University of Oxford in October 2025, further cementing India’s growing presence in the global academic community. The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902, is one of the oldest and most esteemed academic honors in the world. It is awarded annually to outstanding individuals from around the globe, recognizing their leadership abilities, academic excellence, and commitment to making a difference in their respective fields. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare for the duration of the program, which typically lasts between two to three years.
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The selection process for the Rhodes Scholarship is renowned for its rigor and competitiveness. It involves comprehensive academic assessments, personal interviews, and evaluations of applicants’ leadership skills and personal statements. The five scholars selected for the 2025 cohort were chosen for their extraordinary academic achievements and their demonstrated commitment to social causes, leadership, and community service. Since the award’s inception in 1902, over 150 Indian students have received the Rhodes Scholarship.
Notable alumni of the Rhodes Trust from India include former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, renowned economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and eminent jurist Harish Salve. These distinguished figures have made significant contributions to their respective fields, and the latest cohort of scholars promises to continue this legacy of excellence. This year’s Rhodes Scholars are an outstanding group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and academic pursuits. Here are the five scholars selected from India for the Rhodes Scholarship 2025.
Rayan Chakrabarti
Rayan Chakrabarti is an academic, poet, and translator, specializing in memory studies, critical heritage, and anthropology. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Arts and Aesthetics at Jawaharlal Nehru University and holds a degree in Literature from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Rayan’s work focuses on establishing an archive and museum to chronicle the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact in South Asia, with a focus on truth, reconciliation, and reparations. His interdisciplinary approach promises to offer new insights into how societies remember and recover from significant historical events.
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Vibha SwaminathanÂ
Vibha Swaminathan is a law student at the National Law School of India University and has a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. Vibha’s research interests lie at the intersection of poverty, gender, religion, and language in citizenship laws. She has been actively involved in human rights advocacy, particularly in citizenship litigation, where she has drafted petitions and assisted lawyers with pro bono cases. At Oxford, she intends to explore legal precarity in citizenship determination, combining public law with criminology and refugee studies.
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Avanish VatsÂ
Avanish Vats, hailing from Ranchi, is a Philosophy graduate from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. His academic interests include epistemology, and he has conducted research on accessibility in education and healthcare for disabled individuals in Jharkhand. Avanish is also a talented tabla player and filmmaker, passionate about making philosophy more accessible to disabled communities. His multidisciplinary approach to philosophy is expected to foster more inclusive academic environments and societal change.
Shubham Narwal
Shubham Narwal, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, has shown a deep commitment to nature conservation. He plans to study Clinical Embryology at Oxford, focusing on strategies to conserve the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. Shubham’s passion for wildlife conservation and his academic pursuit of veterinary science highlight his dedication to protecting India’s biodiversity. He is also an avid basketball player and a Harry Potter enthusiast, bringing a well-rounded personality to his scholarly ambitions.
Pal AggarwalÂ
Pal Aggarwal is a final-year B.Tech. student in Engineering Physics at IIT Bombay. With a passion for astrophysics, mathematics, and data science, Pal has collaborated with leading researchers at the National University of Singapore and the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics. She aspires to pursue a DPhil in Astrophysics at Oxford, with the dream of becoming an astronaut. Pal is also a vocal advocate for women in science and has a deep interest in psychology. Away from academics, she is a trained Bharatnatyam and contemporary dancer, demonstrating her diverse interests and talents.
As these five scholars embark on their journey to Oxford, they will become part of a distinguished network of individuals committed to creating positive change in the world. The Rhodes Scholarship continues to provide a unique platform for young leaders to engage with global challenges and develop the skills needed to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. The selection of these five Indian students for the Rhodes Scholarship 2025 not only highlights their individual accomplishments but also underscores India’s growing influence in the global academic and leadership arena. With their diverse fields of study and shared commitment to social impact, they are poised to make significant contributions to their communities and beyond.
