BHU approves reforms to make PhD admissions more transparent, time-bound

Varanasi: The academic council of BHU has approved a series of reforms aimed at making the PhD admission process more accessible, transparent and student-friendly. The meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prof.Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi.

One of the key proposals passed by the council allows university departments to conduct a screening test before interviews for PhD admissions, if required. Earlier, all eligible candidates could directly appear for interviews. Under the new system, departments will have the flexibility to shortlist candidates through a screening examination before the interview stage.

Officials said the format and operational details of the screening test will be decided by a university-level committee, whose formation has also been approved by the council. Another major reform approved during the meeting provides for preparation of a combined merit list of main subjects and allied subjects for PhD admissions. Candidates securing positions in the combined merit list will be granted admission to the concerned department, removing the earlier distinction between main and allied subjects.

University authorities said the move is expected to simplify the admission process and improve transparency and student confidence.

The council also approved a proposal to provide category-wise seat information to candidates before admissions begin. Reserved seats will now be calculated on the basis of the total seats available across all units of a department, including the main campus, Women’s College, South Campus and affiliated colleges.

According to officials, candidates from reserved categories will then be allocated to respective units accordingly to ensure fairness and smooth implementation of reservation policies. The council further approved a proposal to conduct the PhD admission process twice every year.

Vice-chancellor Prof Chaturvedi said the reforms would help attract talented students from across the country and ensure timely completion of admissions and academic schedules.