NEP allows students to pursue PhD in 2 subjects simultaneously

New Delhi: As per the new National Education Policy, students of different universities across the country will be able to pursue PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in two subjects simultaneously, from the coming academic year 2023-24.

Students will be able to do PhD research in two or more academic subjects in an interdisciplinary manner, University Grants Commission (UGC) said.

The UGC has also informed all the universities and higher educational institutions of the country about the new rules for PhD admissions that will be given in universities on the basis of these rules.

The UGC has also constituted a standing committee aimed at monitoring the entire process of appointment of teachers and award of PhD degrees in higher educational institutions.

This standing committee can complain to the UGC about higher educational institutions not following the rules. The committee may also recommend action to the UGC against such educational institutions.

The UGC said, "The standing committee will collect information on the selection of specific institutions, faculty appointments and PhD degree awards. Along with this, the committee will also verify the documents to ensure compliance with UGC rules in these institutions."

Many universities have made rules for PhD admission on the basis of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). These include Delhi University as well.

Notably, admissions for all undergraduate courses in Central universities will be made based on the merit list of the CUET. Delhi University has made CUET mandatory for postgraduate admissions. However, teaching and non-teaching staff working at Delhi University can directly appear for the interview for PhD admission.

Delhi University is going to take the help of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which will be conducting the CUET examinations from the academic year 2023-24 for PhD. These exams will be named 'CUET PhD.'

In a similar development, under the new Education Policy, the students of the central university will also be able to pursue two courses together.

Students will have an option that they can opt for a regular course and another via distance learning.

According to educationist G.S. Kandpal, the new education policy gives freedom to central universities to conduct two courses together and allows students to join online courses.

With inputs from IANS