Violation of Norms? HPU's UIT faces scrutiny over PhD admission -

Shimla, Jan 14,

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Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) is under scrutiny following allegations of irregularities in PhD admissions at the University Institute of Technology (UIT). The controversy arose after a letter to the Education Minister highlighted alleged violations of admission norms, with claims that a candidate without a fellowship or scholarship was admitted in breach of the university’s advertised guidelines.

According to the complainant, Abhishek Sharma, the university had advertised PhD admissions for 28 departments on September 27, 2024. The notice stated that only candidates holding National-level fellowships such as JRF or CEED were eligible for admission. While 27 departments adhered to this policy, UIT allegedly admitted a candidate who does not hold any scholarship. Sharma cited an RTI response confirming the candidate’s lack of fellowship and questioned the legitimacy of the admission process.

Sharma’s letter called for immediate action, stating that such exceptions compromise the integrity of the university and the aspirations of students who work hard to meet stringent criteria. He also pointed out a lack of transparency in UIT’s use of a Standing Committee for admissions, a practice not observed in other departments.

As per latest information (Jan 14) the Chief secratery has forwarded the complaint to the university Vice Chancellor and Registrar. ” Complaint/ representation is forwarded for your kind information and necessary action please. It is requested to kindly look into the matter and take appropriate necessary action as per rules and inform the mailer accordingly please of the factual position/ action taken,” stated the CS mail to the university management.

In response to the allegations, HPU officials clarified that the university is in the process of transitioning to the new PhD admission guidelines under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Dean of Studies Prof. BK Shivram stated that the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations will be adopted, with admissions based on the National Eligibility Test (NET) score and interview performance, eliminating the university’s separate entrance exam. A committee of senior professors and deans is drafting the new regulations, which will be implemented after approval from the Academic Council and the Executive Council.

University is adopting new rules for PhD admissions as it would categorized the students into three groups: candidates with NET-JRF (eligible for PhD admission and assistant professorship), NET-qualified candidates without JRF (eligible for PhD admission and assistant professorship), and NET-qualified candidates (eligible for PhD admission only). Admissions will be based on a 70-30 formula, with 70% weightage to the NET score and 30% to interview performance.

So now as the university prepares to adopt NEP-based regulations, stakeholders hope for a fair and transparent system that upholds the institution’s credibility.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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