Five Indian students have been selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2025, marking another significant achievement for India's representation at one of the world's most prestigious academic programs. The announcement, made by the Rhodes Trust, follows a competitive application process, which included two rounds of preliminary interviews. After careful consideration, five outstanding candidates emerged from the pool of applicants to receive this coveted scholarship.
The chosen scholars, Rayan Chakrabarti, Vibha Swaminathan, Avanish Vats, Shubham Narwal, and Pal Aggarwal, will head to the University of Oxford in October 2025. There, they will join over one hundred scholars from around the globe to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies. According to Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, CEO of the Rhodes Trust, 2025's class embodies a remarkable diversity of cultures and perspectives from various disciplines and parts of India.
Each year, the Rhodes Scholarship aims to select individuals who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also exceptional character and leadership qualities. This program, originating at Oxford University in 1903, has been awarding scholarships to Indian students since 1947. Annually, five scholarships are allocated to deserving candidates, reflecting the legacy of excellence and commitment to addressing global challenges.
Rayan Chakrabarti, currently pursuing his Master’s degree at Jawaharlal Nehru University, focuses on memory studies and anthropology. His research interests revolve around establishing archives and museums dedicated to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly within the South Asian region. Chakrabarti’s work reflects his commitment to documenting and preserving cultural heritage.
Vibha Swaminathan is making her mark as a final year law student at the National Law School, Bengaluru, having previously earned her BA with Honors in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. Swaminathan’s academic pursuits are centered on exploring the legal and political vulnerabilities within citizenship regimes. She aspires to merge her legal expertise with human rights litigation to contribute to societal equity.
Next is Avanish Vats from Ranchi, renowned for his resilience and insightful perspective as the first visually impaired scholar-elect from India. He graduated from St. Stephen’s College with a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, concentrating on making philosophical concepts accessible to individuals with disabilities. Vats has actively engaged with the State Disability Commissioner’s office, conducting relevant research on educational and healthcare accessibility.
Shubham Narwal, another notable scholar, is breaking new ground as the first Indian Rhodes scholar from the veterinary medicine field. He is currently studying Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute. Eager to pursue his MSc in Clinical Embryology, Narwal's passionate focus lies in devising conservation strategies for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
Lastly, Pal Aggarwal is completing her Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics at IIT Bombay. Her academic dedication is paired with ambitions of venturing deep within astrophysics, as she aims to study high-energy astrophysics at Oxford. Aggarwal’s aspirations include contributing to space science and advocating for women's representation within the scientific community. She also balances her academic pursuits with her passion for dancing.
Applications for the upcoming class of 2026 Rhodes Scholarships will open in June 2025, offering new opportunities for aspiring global leaders committed to addressing the pressing challenges of our time. More details about the application process can be found on the Rhodes Trust's official website.
Meanwhile, Jamaica also announced its own Rhodes Scholar for 2025, Aundrene Cameron, who has recently been recognized for her impressive academic accomplishments. Cameron is not only the 2023 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen but also boasts first-class honors from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and is currently pursuing her Legal Education Certificate.
Following rigorous interviews among ten finalists, the selection committee was greatly impressed by the caliber of candidates vying for the scholarship. Cameron plans to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at Oxford, with hopes to contribute to the efforts combating human trafficking.
The Rhodes Scholarship is not merely about academic accolades. It serves as part of a broader narrative, instilling values of leadership, community service, and the ambition to enact positive change globally. The individual stories of these scholars reflect diverse backgrounds, strong commitments to their fields, and the potential to inspire and drive meaningful transformations within their communities and the world.
Members of the selection committees, including prominent experts, laud the remarkable qualities displayed by each candidate, underscoring the rigorous selection process. With such remarkable talents entering the growing cohort of Rhodes Scholars, the future looks bright for advocacy and change.
Whether by addressing pressing issues related to health, law, education, or scientific advancement, these scholars stand poised to make significant contributions to society as part of the Rhodes community. Their journeys will undoubtedly inspire future generations to pursue unparalleled academic and service excellence on global platforms.
