New Delhi: The University Grants Commission has taken severe action against three universities in Rajasthan, banning them from admitting PhD students for the next five years because of serious violations of rules and regulations for doctoral programs.
OPJS University of Churu, Sunrise University in Alwar, and Singhania University in Jhunjhunu have been prohibited from conducting PhD from the next five year period that is from 2025-26 to 2029-30 from admitting students since a UGC Standing Committee, set up to scrutinize the compliance of universities regarding PhD has made this recommendation.
"Universities should be dedicated to upholding the highest standards in PhD programmes," said UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar. UGC will take appropriate action against institutions that fail to follow UGC's PhD regulations.
The Standing Committee, responsible for suggesting rectification measures and recommending action against non-compliant institutions, held that these universities failed to comply with both UGC PhD Regulations and academic norms while awarding a doctoral degree. Even after they were given a chance to present their case, the committee termed their responses as unsatisfactory.
He further informed that the regulation authority is scrutinising the efforts put forth for supervision by the regulating authority. "We are also in the process of checking the quality of PhD programs in a few other universities. If they are found to violate the PhD regulations, action will be taken against them too," he stated.
"It is necessary to single out such erring institutions and prevent them from admitting PhD students. We should ensure that the integrity and global reputation of Indian higher education remain uncompromised," said the UGC chairman.
University Grants Commission has taken strict action against 3 universities who are found to be compromising the integrity of the Ph.D. degree. These institutions have been barred from admitting new Ph.D. students for the next five years. This is a strong message to all… pic.twitter.com/C3IwU7sIBY
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) January 16, 2025
"A standing committee of the UGC has found that the universities did not follow provisions of UGC's PhD regulations and also academic norms for award of PhD degrees. The universities were found to be compromising the integrity of the degree and have been debarred from enrolling new PhD students for next five years," UGC Secretary Manish Joshi said.
"Prospective students and parents are advised not to take admission in PhD programme offered by these universities as their degrees shall not be treated recognised or valid for the purpose of higher education and employment," he added.
(With inputs from PTI)