The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken significant measures against three universities in Rajasthan for allegedly manipulating their PhD programs. These institutions have been prohibited from admitting students into PhD courses for the next five years, meaning they cannot register any new PhD candidates from the 2025-26 academic year through to 2029-30. UGC Chairman Prof. M. Jagdish Kumar emphasized that universities must uphold the highest standards across all programs, including PhDs, and that enforcement actions will persist against those that fail to comply with PhD regulations.
Currently, the UGC is reviewing data from an additional 30 universities, and it is possible that similar actions may be taken against others in the near future. Prof. Kumar stated that the quality of PhD programs at these institutions is under scrutiny, and if any violations of the rules are discovered, appropriate actions will follow. He highlighted the importance of identifying institutions that do not adhere to regulations to prevent them from offering PhD admissions.
The three universities in Rajasthan that have been barred from admitting PhD students are:
– OPJS University, Churu
– Sunrise University, Alwar
– Singhania University, Jhunjhunu
The UGC has specifically advised students and parents against enrolling in PhD programs at these universities, as admissions will be prohibited until the 2029 academic session. Any student who enrolls during this period will find their degree invalid.
Regarding the reasons for this action, UGC Chairman Prof. M. Jagdish Kumar explained that several criteria are evaluated under UGC regulations for operating a PhD program, including:
1. The admission process
2. The significance of the entrance test
3. The limited weightage of the interview
4. The evaluation process conducted each semester after PhD admission
5. The submission of the PhD thesis for review.