Questions raised over PhD offered by private universities in state

Questions raised over PhD offered by private universities in state

17.01.2025

Ahmedabad : There are reports indicating that numerous private universities in Gujarat are accepting PhD candidates without proper evaluation. Some institutions stand accused of selling doctoral degrees, while others have developed a reputation for inappropriately awarding PhDs. The UGC regulations stipulate that universities must conduct entrance examinations for PhD admissions, followed by additional steps including group discussions. Candidates holding MPhil degrees may be exempt from entrance tests, and institutions must implement reservation category guidelines. 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has established detailed guidelines for PhD admissions across Indian universities, which require institutions to implement entrance examinations for admitting students. The UGC consistently monitors the doctoral admission procedures at various universities to ensure compliance. Following a recent investigation, the UGC discovered violations of regulations in PhD admissions at three private universities in Rajasthan, leading to the termination of their doctoral programmes. The UGC imposed a five-year ban on these institutions from conducting PhD programmes. The universities facing action include OPJS University, Churu, Rajasthan, Sunrise University, Alwar, Rajasthan, and Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. TNN