IN SYNC WITH NEP 2020: UGC PROPOSES REVISED NORMS FOR PHD ADMISSION

LUCKNOW : Under the New Education Policy (NEP)-2020, those holding four-year undergraduate degrees with a minimum CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 7.5 with 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme (after 4-year undergraduate degree) with at least 55% marks in aggregate will be eligible for admission to PhD programmes, according to revised norms proposed by the University Grants Commision (UGC).

Under the NEP-2020, universities and colleges will now offer 4-year undergraduate degrees with multiple exit and entry options. Other eligibility criteria are 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme or a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree with research should have a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10.

The candidates who have cleared M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) course with at least 55% marks in aggregate or a person whose M.Phil dissertation has been evaluated and recommended for award of the degree may be admitted to the PhD programme in any institution on a provisional basis even before the viva voce or final defence.

The UGC has proposed a relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/ differently-abled, economically weaker section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the commission from time to time.

These regulations may be called University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022. Every degree-granting autonomous college and every affiliated college are allowed to offer PhD programmes.

PhD programme shall be for a minimum duration of two years excluding course work and a maximum of six years.