0
0 The University Grants Commission (UGC) has reasserted its commitment to maintaining high academic standards in the country’s Ph.D. programs. UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, emphasized that the Commission is not going to take universities lightly for failing to adhere to established quality norms.
According to UGC, institutions granting Ph.D. degrees without following the regulatory norms, such as inadequate supervisions, short completion timelines, or low-quality research, will incur stringent penalties. “We have constituted expert committees for evaluation of such universities. Universities that are found violating rules will be debarred from offering Ph.D. courses,” said Kumar.
Further Reforms in the Pipeline
The Commission is also leading reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), such as the four-year undergraduate degree program, an academic bank of credits, and flexible degree options. These reforms are aimed at modernizing higher education, but some states, like Tamil Nadu, prefer to write their own State Education Policies (SEP).
Challenges in Higher Education
The other issue addressed was the lack of adequate funding and recruitment in state universities. Many institutions operate with significant faculty shortages, affecting their ability to maintain teaching quality and expand academic programs. Prof. Kumar urged state governments to fill sanctioned positions and invest in infrastructure.
Academic Bank of Credits by Year-End
A key NEP initiative, the academic bank of credits, is set for a December 31 deadline. This digital platform allows students to store and transfer credits across institutions, simplifying the process of academic progression and providing digital access to transcripts and certificates.
Encouraging Foreign Campuses
UGC is also in talks with foreign universities to establish campuses in India. Several institutions have expressed interest, but more discussions are needed to finalize plans.
Conclusion
UGC’s measures reflect its vision to elevate the global standing of Indian higher education. The Commission’s insistence upon quality standards for Ph.D. programs and its broader reforms aim toward a robust, credible academic ecosystem.
Average Rating