University of Rajasthan Drops Written PhD Entrance Exam, Admissions to Proceed via Interview
In a significant shift for doctoral admissions, the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur has officially begun preparations for PhD admissions for the current academic session. The university has decided to drop the written entrance examination this year, opting instead to conduct admissions solely through interviews in strict alignment with the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
Committee Formed to Oversee Admissions Process
Vice-chancellor Prof Alpana Kateja has proactively established a dedicated committee to supervise the entire PhD admission procedure. This committee has issued directives to all university departments, mandating them to submit comprehensive details regarding vacant PhD seats. University officials have projected that the total number of available PhD seats across all departments is expected to surpass 400 for this session.
The process of identifying and finalizing these vacant seats is scheduled for completion in April, after which the university will formally invite applications from prospective candidates.
New Admission Criteria: NET Score and Interview
"Admissions for the PhD program will be conducted shortly. A committee is currently assessing the number of vacant seats, and the admission process will commence accordingly. Our objective is to finalize all admissions by June, enabling research work to begin with the new academic session. This year, admissions will be based on NET scores and the subsequent interview," stated Vice-chancellor Prof Alpana Kateja.
Under the newly implemented regulations, eligibility for admission is restricted to candidates who have successfully qualified in the UGC NET, CSIR NET/JRF, or equivalent national-level examinations such as GATE or CEED. The university anticipates offering admissions for over 1,000 seats in total, reflecting a substantial capacity for new research scholars.
Interview Process and Selection Methodology
Candidates will be shortlisted for interviews based on their percentile scores in the aforementioned national tests. The selection protocol stipulates that the number of candidates invited for the interview will be precisely twice the number of notified PhD seats available in each respective department or centre. The interview itself will carry a weight of 100 marks, forming the sole basis for final selection alongside the qualifying test score.
Addressing Past Delays and Academic Challenges
The move comes against a backdrop of admission process delays over the past two years, which have had tangible repercussions for aspiring scholars. Sajjan Saini, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Rajasthan, highlighted the issue, noting, "Due to the prolonged delays in the admission process, the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) eligibility lapsed for numerous students. While awaiting the university's admission process, many were compelled to seek admission in private institutions instead. The academic sessions for 2024 and 2025 now stand on the brink of being declared 'Zero Sessions'."
Broader Academic Reforms and Faculty Initiatives
In a related development from August of the previous year, the university's academic council put forth a recommendation to allow research scholars to teach regular classes concurrently with their doctoral studies. This initiative is viewed as a strategic measure to mitigate severe faculty shortages, with reports indicating that over 60% of teaching positions at the university are currently vacant. The proposal aims to enrich the academic experience for both scholars and students while addressing institutional staffing gaps.
The University of Rajasthan's revised PhD admission framework marks a pivotal change, streamlining the process to reduce delays and align with national standards, thereby potentially enhancing its research ecosystem and academic output.
