Background: Knowledge of digital technology is crucial for everyone in today’s world, as it is leaving an indelible mark on education day by day. Therefore, digital literacy becomes essential for students engaged in research. In light of the impact of technology, the researcher conducted a study to assess the awareness and use of digital resources among the research scholars at SSJ University, Almora, in the hill state of Uttarakhand.

Purpose: The primary objective of the study was to assess the level of awareness and usage of digital resources among the research scholars enrolled in the PhD programme.

Methods: A descriptive survey was employed, given the nature of the study. A sample of 48 research scholars from the social science and science faculties was selected using random sampling, and data were collected using a self-constructed tool, viz., the Digital Awareness and Usage Questionnaire.

Results: After data analysis, it was found that most research scholars have equal awareness of digital resources across specific demographic variables. Some differences were found in the use of digital resources based on family income, gender, and locality. Female and science scholars are integrating digital resources more than their male counterparts. Twenty percent of science scholars fall into the ‘high usage’ category, whereas none of the humanities scholars are represented in this category. Additionally, the low-income group shows 0% representation in the ‘Very High’ usage category. A gap was also observed between awareness and usage: 33% of respondents reported very high awareness, while only 4% reported very high usage. Research scholars are aware of digital resources, but most of them do not use them to the extent of their awareness.

Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is recommended that HEIs should adopt innovative research approaches, strengthen technological infrastructure, integrate digital technology functionally through training workshops for capacity building, and implement policy interventions that focus on digital proficiency and promote digital transmission.