Reinstate JNU entrance exam for PhD admissions: JNUSU urges university

NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union has urged the university to reinstate the JNU entrance exam (JNUEE) for PhD admissions. The students’ body requested JNU administration to revoke the circular wherein JNU announced usage of the National Eligibility Test (NET) scores for admission to PhD programmes instead of entrance exam starting from 2024-25 academic session.

In a memorandum submitted to the Director of Admissions, the student organisation raised concerns regarding the effect of JNU’s decision on students from marginalized communities and female candidates.

“Firstly, this decision would intensify the existing alienation of students from marginalized sections of society. The reliance on NET scores overlooks the diverse backgrounds and experiences of PHD aspirants, particularly those from marginalized communities,” JNUSU said in the memo.

The students argued that replacing JNUEE with NET for JNU PhD admissions will increase dependency on viva voce. There have been several complaints of discrimination during viva for PhD, the students’ body alleged. The move will create additional barriers to higher education leading to further inequalities within academic, it worried.

NET for PhD admissions

Talking about the probable irregularities that may arise from using NET for research admissions, JNUSU said that there is a risk of privileged students with access to resources for exam preparation being favoured and the holistic assessment of candidates’ capabilities will be done away with. The students’ union stated that the NET exam is not designed for the interdisciplinary nature of research.

Another problem that the students’ body found is the removal of deprivation points. “Thirdly, the removal of deprivation points, which provide crucial support to women and marginalized students, compounds the inequities inherent in this proposed system. Deprivation points serve to level the playing field, offering equal opportunities to students who have faced systemic disadvantages. Their removal undermines efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within the university,” it said.

Also read Anti-student policy, undermines autonomy of universities: JNUSU on UGC NET for PhD admissions

JNUSU was also concerned about not being involved in the university’s academic council for decision making as it represents the student community. It said that students resented the decision which shows their opposition.

“As representatives of the student body, we strongly condemn this move and urge you to reconsider this decision and reinstate the JNUEE for PHD entrance. We believe that a fair and inclusive entrance exam process, taking into account the concerns of women and marginalized communities, is essential to uphold the principles of justice and equality within our university,” JNUSU urged.