For the 2023–2024 academic year, the university will be using new rules for PhD Scholars admission. Students can now take admission via the National Testing Agency’s Common University Entrance Test as part of this initiative. The objective of this modification is to optimise the admission process and guarantee a uniform evaluation for potential PhD candidates. The CUET-PhD is a major step toward the university’s goal of improving the overall quality of the admissions process. It is important to note that prospective applicants become acquainted with the updated testing process. This is in order to promote a more seamless admissions process.
On June 13, the University of Delhi implemented new rules for PhD Scholars admission, ushering in significant changes. Under these updated guidelines, doctoral candidates are now required to publish a minimum of two research papers. These must be published in journals recognized for their credibility and prominence. This shift aims to elevate the research standards and contributions of scholars within the university.
One notable alteration involves the evaluation process for the thesis. In this, not only external examiners but also research supervisors will play a role in assessing the scholarly work. Additionally, the University of Delhi has introduced new rules for PhD Scholars admission for PhD programs. This will execute from the 2023-24 academic year.
Prospective students will be admitted through the Common University Entrance Test, administered by the National Testing Agency. However, individuals falling under the teaching and non-teaching categories currently employed by the university are exempt from this entrance examination requirement. Instead, these candidates have the privilege of directly participating in the interview process for admission.
Furthermore, the university has extended a welcome concession for non-teaching staff, granting them the flexibility to pursue doctoral programs. This accommodation reflects a commitment to facilitating academic advancement for all eligible individuals within the university community.
Prakash Singh, the director of South Campus at Delhi University, recently shared updates regarding significant amendments in the rules governing the minimum standards and procedures for conferring a PhD degree. Additionally, alterations have been implemented in the admission process, with the adoption of CUET PhD as the exclusive method for PhD admissions, as communicated to PTI.
Among the new rules for PhD Scholars, one noteworthy amendment stipulates that prospective PhD scholars now need to publish a minimum of two research papers in journals listed by the University Grants Commission (UGC Care) before submitting their theses. As a means of substantiating this criterion, scholars must provide tangible evidence in the form of either a letter or a reprint.
These changes reflect a comprehensive effort to enhance the quality and rigour of PhD programs at Delhi University, placing a heightened emphasis on research output and academic contributions as integral components of the doctoral journey. By incorporating these amendments, the university aims to uphold and elevate the academic standards associated with the pursuit of a PhD.
Singh emphasised that the university will now exclusively consider papers published in specific journals. He noted a concerning rise in publications from less recognized journals. Additionally, Singh has highlighted a previous requirement to publish a minimum of two papers, which have been discontinued but are being reintroduced now.
The University of Delhi granted 910 PhDs in the previous academic year. According to PTI’s earlier guidelines, a PhD research scholar must publish a minimum of one research paper in a refereed journal before submitting the thesis. Substantiating adherence to this condition requires presenting evidence in the form of either a reprint or an acceptance letter.
In addition, a recent amendment was endorsed during the Executive Council. This meeting states that the assessment of a scholar’s PhD thesis will now involve both their research supervisor and a minimum of three external examiners. They will be renowned experts in the relevant field and have not affiliated with the university. The revised regulations specify that these external examiners has to seasoned academics with a commendable track record of scholarly publications in the specified field.
This signifies a noteworthy change in the evaluation process. It is introducing a broader and more diversified perspective into the assessment of PhD theses. The involvement of external examiners who have not employed by the university aims to ensure impartiality. They aim for a thorough examination of the scholarly merit of the research work. Furthermore, the emphasis on the examiners’ substantial contributions to academic publications underscores the significance of their expertise. This examines the capabilities of the students standing within the field. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the rigour and credibility of the evaluation process for PhD theses.
