BHU PhD Admission:
For the first time, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has intervened in a university's admission process. UGC placed a hold on the PhD admission process at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on April 28, 2025. This decision affects 466 PhD seats for the 2024-25 session, which will remain vacant until the investigation concludes.
Why Did UGC Halt BHU's PhD Admission?
UGC's action follows concerns over transparency and adherence to regulations within the PhD admission process. Recently, UGC initiated a nationwide quality check for PhD programs. During this review, irregularities were reported at BHU. Complaints reached UGC stating that BHU did not fully comply with the stipulated admission guidelines.
Initially, BHU admitted PhD candidates through the Research Entrance Test (RET), but from the 2024-25 session, admissions began based on UGC NET/CSIR NET scores following new UGC rules. However, the process still faced allegations of opacity. Additionally, reports from student bodies and social media posts have accused BHU's administration of corruption and favoritism.
Source: aajtak
UGC's Action
Following allegations of malpractice and favoritism in BHU's admissions, UGC decided to impose a freeze on the process and form a committee to investigate BHU's PhD programs. UGC also warned that other universities breaching regulations would face action. Until the committee's report is out and a decision is made by the relevant authority, BHU has been instructed to refrain from proceeding with PhD admissions.
According to UGC, universities must adhere to the minimum standard procedures for PhD admissions and degree conferrals as outlined in the UGC Regulation 2022. To ensure compliance with these guidelines, UGC has decided to establish a committee.
Impact and Response
This suspension has been a setback for students aspiring to pursue PhDs at BHU. While many students expressed disappointment on social media, some welcomed the move, believing it would curb bias and corruption, leading to a more transparent process. Nonetheless, there is concern that delays in the investigation might impact students' futures.
