Norbuling Rigter College (NRC) has consistently advanced its academic and research landscape through strategic initiatives that promote a culture of inquiry, scholarly writing, and evidence-based learning. The College Research Committee (CRC) serves as the central body responsible for coordinating and promoting research-related activities. It organizes seminars, workshops, and capacity-building programmes to enhance the research competencies of both faculty and students.
With a multidisciplinary faculty base, NRC provides consultancy and applied research expertise in diverse domains such as socio-economic studies, education, public policy, financial and organizational analysis, data management, and content development. These initiatives reflect the college’s broader vision to integrate knowledge creation with real-world problem-solving.
Key areas of consulting and applied research include:
- Socio-economic and policy impact studies
- Customer and organizational satisfaction surveys
- Baseline and evaluation studies
- Data analysis and financial analysis
- Education and curriculum design
- Business and proposal development
- Report writing and technical editing
Research Capacity Development
The college has taken significant steps to build research capacity among its academic community. Two major annual events, the NRC Research Conference and the Rigter Student Colloquium, serve as important platforms for faculty and student researchers.
- Annual Conferences:
NRC has hosted two major conferences to date. The first national conference (2023) welcomed research papers from various higher education institutions across Bhutan. The second (2024) evolved into an international event with participation from Indian universities, strengthening cross-border academic collaboration. The third conference is scheduled for November 2025.
- Rigter Student Colloquium:
Held annually since 2023, this forum provides an opportunity for final-year students to present their undergraduate research findings. In 2025, participation expanded to include students from other Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) colleges and partner institutions in India, fostering inclusivity and research networking.
- Faculty Research Training:
Under the HAPPY Project, NRC trained 15 interdisciplinary faculty members in qualitative research methods. The training equipped participants with systematic data collection, interpretation, and analytical skills to enhance classroom engagement and research quality.
Conferences and Research Collaborations
Over the past three years, NRC has strengthened its academic reputation through international partnerships and conference collaborations. These engagements have significantly increased faculty exposure, visibility, and scholarly output.
Key Conferences Hosted or Co-organized
- “Towards a Sustainable and Equitable Future: Role of Science, Technology, Politics, and Economics on Social Transformation”
(May 2025, in collaboration with Banaras Hindu University, India) - “International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Business Sustainability”
(May 2024, co-organized with YERA and Commerce & Management Association of India) - “Embracing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability & Life Skills”
(August 2024, with Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, India, and international partners from UAE, USA, Nepal, and India) - “Sustainable Development in South Asian Countries: Present Status, Issues, and Challenges”
(June 2023, Paro, in collaboration with MASWE, Tirpude College of Social Work, and VaJaHa Foundation, India) - “Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation”
(November 2022, in collaboration with CMS Vatavaran Film Festival and Forum, Canada Presents Bhutan)
These academic platforms have provided exposure for faculty and students to share findings, engage in discourse, and develop collaborative research projects with global peers.
Books Authored by NRC Faculty
NRC faculty members have contributed several noteworthy books that enrich academic discourse and learning resources:
The book focuses on short-term fund management and covers key concepts relevant to the B.Com 2nd-year curriculum. It can serve as a useful reference book for students.
A balanced blend of theory and practice, uncovering how behaviour, culture, and leadership interact to influence organisational effectiveness.
A comprehensive exploration of management concepts, integrating case examples from diverse contexts.
A documentation of Bhutanese popular beliefs, placing them within a cross-cultural context.
- Dr H. V. Jhamb, Fundamentals of Cost Accounting and Fundamentals of Management Accounting
Widely used textbooks with practical exercises and theoretical insights for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Research Publications and Scholarly Output (2023–2025)
NRC has achieved a remarkable milestone in its research journey. From having no peer-reviewed publications during the first accreditation cycle in 2022, the college now proudly records 54 peer-reviewed publicationsand 18 ongoing projects as of September 2025.
This rapid growth demonstrates the faculty’s scholarly commitment and the institution’s evolving academic strength. Nineteen faculty members have published in reputed national and international journals, reflecting NRC’s growing visibility in the academic community.
List of some Research Publications (2022–2025)
| Author | Title / Focus Area | Year | Status / Type |
| Puran Gurung | Attitude towards Women in Political Participation in Bhutan; Math Anxiety and Gender Differences; Perceptions of Women Leadership in Sports | 2023–2024 | Published / International |
| Ugyen Thinlay | Financial Performance Analysis of Bank of Bhutan; Impact of Green HRM Practices on Staff Satisfaction | 2023 | Published / International |
| Pema Tshering | Series of Dzongkha language and cultural studies papers | 2022–2025 | Multiple Published Works / National |
| Kuenzang Dorji | Diplomacy and Sustainable Development; Impact of AI on Learning; Faculty Mentorship and Research Culture | 2023–2025 | Published & Ongoing / National & International |
| Tshering Yangden | Book of Abstracts Compilation | 2023 | Published / National |
| Dorji Choda | Library and IT Service Enhancement; Gender and Language Study | 2024–2025 | Ongoing / Reports & National |
| Geeta Adhikari | Happiness Diplomacy; Protection of Women Refugees | 2024 | Ongoing / International |
| Khagi Maya Dhakal & Dekey Chhoden | Impact of COVID-19 on Education in Bhutan | 2022 | Published / International |
| Sangay Zam & Jigme Nidup | Bjagoed Menchu: Cultural Legacy Study; Water Quality Assessment in Doteng | 2024–2025 | Published & Ongoing |
| Dr Tshering Phuntsho | Marketing and Financial Management Studies; Waste Management; Green Behaviour | 2022–2025 | Published & Ongoing / National & International |
| Dr Haqnawaz Ahmad | Arab-Israel Uprising and U.S. Role | 2024 | Published / International |
| Sudev Mariyil | Impact of AI on Students; Work-Life Balance; Emotional Intelligence and Learning | 2023–2025 | Published & Ongoing / International |
| Yeshi Samdrup | E-payment Adoption; Employee Well-being; Land Ownership and Climate Change | 2024–2025 | Published & Book Chapter / International |
| Dr Aaditya Pradhan | Role of Banks in Bhutan; Waste Management; SAARC Economic Studies | 2023–2025 | Published & Ongoing / National & International |
| Passang Lhamo | Cultural Identity through Cuisine; Post-COVID Socioeconomic Studies | 2023–2025 | In Press / Ongoing |
| Dr Sourav Basu | Employee Motivation, Performance Appraisal, and HR Practices | 2022–2024 | Published / National & International |
| Dr Jamtsho | Assessing Bhutan–India Economic Relations Since 2008 | 2025 | PhD Thesis / Published |
Commendable rise in publications and research engagements underscores Norbuling Rigter College’s dedication to fostering a strong research ethos. By combining academic rigor with applied inquiry, NRC continues to empower faculty and students to contribute meaningfully to the body of knowledge within Bhutan and beyond.
As the college prepares for its upcoming accreditation, its dynamic growth in research output stands as a testament to institutional excellence, collaborative spirit, and the pursuit of scholarly innovation.