PhD row escalates: Why JNUs own entrance exam matters

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-07-01 16:21:09 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-01 14:18:37

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PhD entrance row between JNUSU and administration intensifies over administration's decision to accept UGC-NET scores. The students and faculty at JNU are outraged over the "non-inclusive" nature of the exam, calling it solely a "chance-based assessment".

The controversy over the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration 's decision to make the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) a qualifying criterion for PhD admissions has deepened, with students and faculty members accusing the administration of "neglecting" the university's own entrance exam.

The criticism stems from the perception that the UGC-NET is a "chance-based assessment" that privileges certain candidates over others due to varying questions and assessment criteria in each iteration of the exam.

The controversy comes amid a larger debate over the role of entrance exams in admissions, with some experts advocating for a more holistic evaluation of candidates that considers multiple factors beyond test scores.

The standoff between the administration and students underscores the passion with which JNU's community of scholars continues to advocate for the university's founding principles of inclusivity and academic freedom.

The row also highlights concerns about the growing commercialization of higher education, with institutions prioritizing short-term revenue generation over academic integrity and equity.

As the controversy escalates, it remains to be seen how the administration will address these concerns and find a resolution that upholds the university's values while also ensuring the highest academic standards.

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