Evaluating the progress and impact of Shodhganga: enhancements, challenges and future directions for India’s centralized ETD repository

Abstract

Purpose

This paper critically evaluates Shodhganga, India’s centralized digital repository for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). It explores the repository’s impact, open access policy and the roles of participating universities and the implementing agency.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a comprehensive analysis of Shodhganga’s features, including advancements in its user interface, participation rates and infrastructure. It reviews the repository’s progress and contributions from various institutions and compares Shodhganga with prominent international ETD repositories.

Findings

Significant enhancements have been observed in Shodhganga’s user interface and infrastructure. The repository has experienced increased contributions from universities, Centrally Funded Technical Institutes and Institutions of National Importance, with the highest number of theses submitted in 2023. Social science theses constitute a substantial portion of these submissions.

Research limitations/implications

The research underscores the necessity for improvements in Shodhganga’s software and hardware infrastructure. It offers recommendations to address identified issues and suggests technological advancements to align with modern user needs and sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

This paper provides unique insights into Shodhganga’s current challenges and offers actionable recommendations for future enhancements. It contributes to the understanding of digital repository management and its impact on academic research accessibility.

Citation

Panda, S.K., Dey, S., Bhatt, A. and Satapathy, A. (2025), "Evaluating the progress and impact of Shodhganga: enhancements, challenges and future directions for India’s centralized ETD repository", Digital Library Perspectives, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 5-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-08-2024-0137