look news india
Taking a historic decision in the field of higher education and research, Delhi University (DU) has made a major change in its PhD admission rules. DU has amended the PhD Ordinance adopting the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) implemented under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Under this new rule, now meritorious students who have completed four years of graduation will be able to get direct admission in PhD without post-graduation (Master’s degree). The aim of this step is to save time of talented youth and provide them great opportunities to move forward in the field of research and innovation at an early age.
Mandatory requirement of master’s degree abolished, students’ time will be saved
According to the traditional academic system, to take admission in PhD, it was mandatory for any student to first complete a 3-year bachelor’s degree and then a 2-year master’s degree (like MA, MSc or M.Com). This entire process took a lot of time. But now after the implementation of the new rules, students who have completed 8-semester i.e. 4-year undergraduate course will be eligible to apply directly for PhD research without any master’s degree. This will save one to two years of precious time of the students and they will be able to directly enter the world of research.
Strict condition of 75% marks for direct PhD admission
However, getting direct admission in PhD after four years of graduation will not be easy, because Delhi University has set strict eligibility criteria for this. It is mandatory for general category candidates applying under this category to have at least 75% marks or its equivalent CGPA in 4-year undergraduate course.
Along with this, relief has been given to students of reserved categories. There is a provision of 5% relaxation in the minimum marks limit for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC-NCL), Persons with Disabilities (PwBD) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS). This means that students from these reserved categories will be required to have at least 70% marks in 4-year graduation.
What are the rules for those with 3-year graduation and traditional post-graduation?
DU has clarified that there has been no change in the rules for students studying under the old education system, which are as follows:
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1-Year Master’s Degree: Students who have done 1-year Master’s degree after 4-year graduation must have obtained at least 55% marks (50% for reserved category) at PG level.
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2-Year Master’s Degree: The minimum eligibility requirement of 55% marks will also remain applicable for candidates completing 2 years Master’s degree after traditional 3-year graduation.
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M.Phil holders: Students who have completed M.Phil course with at least 55% marks will also be considered fully eligible for admission to Ph.D.
Final selection will be based on entrance test and interview
All candidates seeking direct admission to PhD after four years of graduation will have to go through the selection process prescribed by the University. Under this, candidates will have to pass national level entrance examination (like UGC NET, CSIR NET or DU entrance exam). After being successful in the examination, the students will be finally selected on the basis of interview of the concerned department. With this visionary step of DU, the level of research in the university will further improve and young researchers will be able to make their scientific and educational contribution to the development of the country at an early age.