PhD test under new UGC norms gets 4,000 takers

Till last year,around 150 candidates used to register for PhD. The test hopes to keep a check on the number and quality of theses,but the number of applications have in fact,increased manifold. “The increase in the registrations can be attributed to the fact that the PhD holders,who wish to become a college teachers will be exempted from the NET/SET,” said Pandit Vidyasagar,director of board of college and university development (BCUD) of the varsity.

The last date for applying online for the entrance exam is January 25. However,the printout of the application is to be posted before January 31. Candidates who have completed masters’ degree would be eligible for the entrance exam.

There will be two question papers for the test. One will be aptitude-based test on general knowledge and the other paper will be related to the subject in which the PhD is to be done. The candidates who possessMPhil degree or has passed the NET or SET would be exempted from the test.

The Bhalchandra Mungekar Committee formed by UGC had found that the students with poor academic records could also get enrolled and acquire a doctorate degree in three-five years,folllowing which an entrance test was deemed necessary.