UGC debars OPJS University from enrolling PhD scholars

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formally designated OPJS university, a private institution in Rajasthan, as an 'unrecognised' university for failing to comply with the commission's regulations regarding the awarding of PhD degrees. According to the UGC's official notice, the PhD degree-granting processes at OPJS university which is a private university at Rajasthan have not been followed correctly.

The decision to debar OPJS university from enrolling scholars in its PhD programmes was made after the university failed to submit the requisite data concerning the PhD degrees given in 2018, despite several requests and a show-cause notice.

The UGC raised great concern about the university's noncompliance, which resulted in the university's immediate debarment. The institution is not allowed to accept new students into its PhD programmes, according to the university body. Additionally, the UGC has advised students not to enrol in the PhD programmes this university offers since they would not be accepted.

The UGC established a standing committee to regulate if universities are adhering to the process and conferring PhD degrees in compliance with UGC regulations. During the initial stage of the procedure, 14 universities were required to provide information regarding PhD degrees granted in 2018 in a format that was specified by the committee.

“Prospective students and parents are hereby advised not to take admission in the PhD programme offered by the OPJS university from now onwards. In the absence of UGC approval, PhD awarded by the university shall not be treated as recognised/valid for higher education and employment," the official notice said.

The university has been disqualified as, according to the UGC's notification, it failed to provide the necessary information or show up for the meeting. The committee added that it will make recommendations on ways to reduce violations.