JNU Mulls Return to In-House PhD Entrance Exams Amid UGC NET Cancellation

Jawaharlal Nehru University may return to in-house entrance tests for PhD admissions post-UGC NET cancellation over integrity concerns. Vice Chancellor's decision sparks positive feedback from JNU Teachers Association while students and faculty advocate for university-conducted exams.

By Vishu Adhana—Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is contemplating a switch back to in-house entrance examinations for PhD admissions following the cancellation of the UGC NET exam due to integrity issues.

Admissions for PhD programs were initially to be managed via the now-scrapped UGC NET for this academic session. However, in a recent statement, the JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) announced that the university might revert to conducting its own entrance exam.

According to JNUTA, Vice Chancellor Santishree D Pandit made the decision on July 3, 2024, considering an in-house entrance test as a viable alternative after the June 2024 UGC-NET Examination was canceled.

A senior official from the university confirmed these discussions. Teachers and students have consistently raised issues with the NTA-led examination, prompting calls for JNU to resume its entrance tests.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) had conducted the exams in recent years, requiring PhD candidates to take a Computer Based Test. JNU had adopted the NET scores for PhD admissions, in line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, but plans are now shifting post-UGC NET's abrupt cancellation on June 19 amid integrity concerns.

The JNUTA's statement expressed approval of the decision made during the meeting with the Vice Chancellor and Deans of Schools on July 3, 2024, welcoming input from the faculty of Schools/Centres.

(With inputs from agencies.)