Jamia allows year-round PhD applications for foreign scholars

New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia will now accept applications from foreign PhD scholars throughout the year, a facility that was not available earlier. However, while applications can be submitted on a rolling basis, selected candidates will be permitted to begin their research only from the next academic session.The provision, applicable exclusively to international students, was approved by the university's academic council through an amendment to Ordinance 9 (IX), which governs PhD admissions. Admissions for domestic candidates will continue to follow the existing fixed timelines.Earlier, foreign scholars — including those sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) — were admitted only during the regular admission cycle, under the supernumerary quota and in line with domestic admission schedules.Under the revised rules, international applicants may apply round the year through the Office of the Foreign Students Advisor (FSA). After preliminary screening by the FSA, applications will be forwarded to the department concerned, centre or faculty for further evaluation.Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the Department Research Committee (DRC) or Centre Research Committee (CRC). Those found suitable will be issued acceptance letters along with a proposed research topic, subject to approval by the Board of Studies (BoS) or Committee of Studies (CoS). The DRC or CRC will also recommend supervisors and co-supervisors.According to the notification, selected candidates may complete admission formalities after obtaining the required study visa. Their coursework and formal registration, however, will be aligned with the next regular PhD batch or academic session.The amendment reiterates that foreign scholars will be admitted against supernumerary seats, over and above the sanctioned number of PhD seats.Faculty members — including professors, associate professors and assistant professors — may supervise up to two international research scholars at a time under this category.Preference will be given to candidates who have qualified recognised English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, with the FSA responsible for verifying the validity of the scores.University officials said the move is aimed at streamlining the admission process for international scholars, while ensuring academic schedules remain aligned with existing PhD batches.