JNU Considers To Opt Old System Of Entrance Examination For PhD

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is considering the possibility of reinstating the old system of its entrance examinations for PhD admission by out of UGC NET scores, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) claimed. The administration has invited suggestions from the stakeholders in this regard. The decision was considered in the July 3 meeting of the vice-chancellor and Deans of Schools.

The JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, said that no decision has been taken on it. She said that the decision has not been taken yet and the university has asked for suggestions only as the NTA might take time to conduct and release the result which can delay the admission process. The fellowship of the students is also lingering due to the delayed process. Notably, the UGC-NET exam was canceled by the Ministry of Education based on the reports of a paper leak. Now the re-examination is scheduled from August 21 to September 4, which may further delay the result.

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According to the VC, there are logistical issues also to reinstating the old system of entrance examination which might take some time. So far no decision has been taken and if the university takes any decision regarding this, it will be notified on the website, she added.

The JNUTA in a letter on Thursday said, “JNUTA considers this to be a vindication of its long-standing position on the matter of entrance examinations as well as a positive response to the specific demand raised by it after the cancellation of the June 2024 UGC-NET Examination”. The letter read that the decision to move to use the UGC-NET scores for PhD admissions in 2024-25 was imposed and was not based on the deliberations within the faculty or from the authority.

The teacher body is also demanding to adopt the JNUEE for post-graduate and undergraduate admission concerning the alleged irregularities reported in several exams conducted by the NTA.