'NET, entrance mandatory for PhD admission'; Kerala VC intervenes following Kerala Kaumudi report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vice-Chancellor thwarted attempts from Kerala University to grant PhD admission to government officials without NET (National Eligibility Test) entrance. VC Dr Mohan Kunnummal confirmed discussing the matter during yesterday’s academic council session but reasserted that the demand could not be agreed upon.

VC did not relent even though there was a demand to grant relaxation to unaided college teachers with 7 years of service. Kerala Kaumudi first reported the university's shrewd move, which breached the UGC rules.

Government, aided college and university teachers with seven years of service are allowed admission to PhD without NET or entrance. Scientific research institutes including VSSC are also exempted. In the same way, moves were made to give concessions to government officials and unaided teachers.

The VC feared research quality plummeting and irregularities forming if more officials were granted admissions. The VC also demanded that the concession given to government-aided college and university teachers be waived. This was opposed by teachers and syndicate members. The council did not make a final decision on the matter. UGC has proposed to make PhD admission based on NET score only.