The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken decisive action against three private universities in Rajasthan—OPJS University in Churu, Sunrise University in Alwar, and Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University in Jhunjhunu—by prohibiting them from enrolling PhD students for the next five academic years, from 2025-26 to 2029-30. This move comes after these institutions failed to comply with the UGC’s PhD regulations and academic standards.
A standing committee established by the UGC conducted a thorough evaluation of these universities’ adherence to PhD guidelines. The committee discovered significant non-compliance with the UGC’s PhD regulations and academic norms essential for awarding doctoral degrees. Despite being given opportunities to explain their shortcomings, the responses from these universities were deemed unsatisfactory. Consequently, the committee recommended barring them from PhD admissions for five years.
In its official notice, the UGC stated, “The University was given an opportunity to explain why they failed to comply with the provisions of the UGC Ph.D. Regulations; however, the responses received from the JJTU were not found satisfactory. The Standing Committee has, thus, recommended that the UGC may debar Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Chudela, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, from enrolling Ph.D. students for the next five years.”
The UGC has directed these universities to immediately cease enrolling PhD students. Additionally, it has advised prospective students and their parents against seeking admission to PhD programs at these institutions. The notice emphasizes that, without UGC approval, PhD degrees awarded by these universities will not be recognized for higher education or employment purposes.
This action underscores the UGC’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards in doctoral programs across India. By enforcing strict compliance with its regulations, the UGC aims to preserve the integrity and credibility of PhD degrees awarded by Indian universities. This serves as a reminder to all higher education institutions about the importance of adhering to established academic norms and regulations.
For students, this development highlights the necessity of thoroughly evaluating the credentials and compliance status of universities before enrolling in PhD programs. Ensuring that an institution adheres to UGC regulations is crucial for the validity and recognition of the degree in both academic and professional arenas.
The UGC’s decisive action serves as a warning to other institutions about the consequences of non-compliance with academic regulations. It reinforces the principle that the quality and integrity of higher education cannot be compromised. Universities must prioritize adherence to established standards to uphold the value of the degrees they confer and to maintain the trust of students and the broader academic community.
