A group of teachers and research aspirants from the University of Mumbai has urged the administration to extend the validity of PhD Entrance Test (PET) scores, which are set to expire for many students by the end of the year.
“This request comes amid a stalled guideship process. Only a limited number of researchers can be allotted to a single guide. Since many professors were not granted guideship before this academic year, a seat crunch has emerged, and several students may lose chance to pursue research in university and affiliated colleges,” said Vijay Pawar, head, Maharashtra Union of Secular Teachers (MUST).
As previously reported by mid-day, the university’s Research Recognition Committee (RRC) results for professor guideship are still pending, despite proposals being submitted last year following the Board of Directors meeting earlier this year. Typically, guideship results are announced shortly after the BOD meeting.
“It is also important to consider that professors retire every year. With fewer guides and no new appointments, students are left without research opportunities,” Pawar added, noting that he himself has two students awaiting guideship approval.
With PET validity nearing expiry, many students have been forced to take up research areas outside their interest.
“Research aspirants usually choose professors who’ve published in their field. In my case, the professor I wanted to work with still hasn’t got guideship approval, so I had to join another college with a different mentor. While my mentor is helpful, my research area has completely shifted,” said a 30-year-old student. A Mumbai University representative said, “PhD courses are run as per UGC guidelines. A committee is already working on changes, and once its report is out, all pending matters will be resolved soon.”
