Periyar University’s Ph.D. Admission Changes Face Backlash from Student Groups

Debate Intensifies Over Periyar University’s Alignment with NEP in New Ph.D. Admission Rules

In a heated dispute over academic regulations,  the Students Federation of India (SFI) and Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) have accused Periyar University of pushing the controversial New Education Policy (NEP). They are demanding the immediate repeal of the new PhD admission rules. The university's recent move to align with the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines of 2022 has sparked outrage, with faculty members revealing that new eligibility criteria, set to take effect from July 1, 2024, could dramatically alter the academic landscape. As tensions rise, all eyes are on Periyar University, where the battle for educational equity and accessibility is unfolding.

However, SFI and DVK have objected to including the qualification "10+2+4" for PhD admissions, claiming that this follows the New Education Policy, which allows candidates to enter a PhD program without completing a PG degree, provided they have completed a four-year UG program. DVK President Kolathur Mani accused Periyar University of indirectly implementing the Union Government's NEP by allowing PhD admissions without a postgraduate degree. He highlighted that the Tamil Nadu government had not approved the NEP and urged it to oppose the university’s move, calling for the cancellation of the new regulations and the continuation of the previous guidelines.

SFI District Secretary S. Pavithran claimed that the university had introduced these new regulations deliberately to divert attention from ongoing issues within the administration. He argued that if the regulations were enforced, it would essentially accept the NEP’s 16-year education qualification requirement for PhD admissions, which he believed would limit opportunities for Tamil Nadu students. Pavithran called on the government to take action against the officials responsible for issuing the regulations.

Periyar University officials have, however, denied the allegations. The Vice-Chancellor, R. Jagannathan, was unavailable for comment. The controversy surrounding Periyar University's new Ph.D. admission regulations underscores the ongoing struggle for educational equity and policy alignment in India.

Editor's Note:

The recently introduced PhD admission regulations at Periyar University have sparked significant debate and opposition from student and social organizations. While the university claims the changes align with the University Grants Commission's 2022 guidelines, critics argue that these regulations indirectly implement the New Education Policy (NEP) and may limit opportunities for students in Tamil Nadu. Supporters believe the regulations could benefit students by offering a more flexible and streamlined path to PhD programs, particularly for those who have completed a four-year undergraduate course. However, detractors, including the Students Federation of India (SFI) and Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK), worry the changes could undermine the quality and accessibility of higher education, especially for postgraduate students. As this debate continues, it remains crucial to assess whether these regulations will offer meaningful benefits to students or exacerbate existing challenges. 

Skoobuzz urges higher authorities to ensure transparent communication and thoughtful consideration of all students' needs.