Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A controversy has erupted at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) after it came to light that PhD Research Advisory Committee (RAC) interviews for the Yoga subject were conducted without issuing an official notification. The irregularity was exposed when a female PhD aspirant, Sonali Atmane from Gwalior, lodged a formal complaint upon discovering that the interviews had already been conducted in “secrecy”.

The interviews, which took place on February 18, were held without informing all eligible candidates, leaving some aspirants, including Atmane, unable to participate. PhD cell in-charge Prof. Ashesh Tiwari has since summoned the head of the School of Yoga for an explanation.

Candidates left in the dark

PhD admissions at DAVV began in January, after which the university instructed departments to issue RAC notifications and schedule interviews between February 5 and 28. While most departments followed this protocol, no official announcement was made for Yoga subject interviews. Atmane visited the university on February 17 to inquire about the process but was told to check the website for updates.

However, by February 22, she learned that the interviews had already been conducted and results declared, prompting her complaint. The Yoga department has only 8 PhD seats, for which 18 candidates were shortlisted after scrutiny. However, due to the lack of notification, only 12 candidates appeared for the interview.