Calicut University likely to lower PhD eligibility criteria

KOZHIKODE: Calicut University has given merit a go-by while framing new guidelines for PhD admissions. The

eligibility for applying for the programme, as per the new draft regulation prepared by the varsity, is 50% marks in post graduate degree. It is 55% now. And for foreign students, a mere pass in PG is the requirement. They are also exempted from entrance tests. Similarly, those working in national laboratories need just a pass mark. Teachers in aided and government colleges as well as higher secondary schools have also been exempted from taking the entrance test. The proposals were circulated among heads of departments on Wednesday and they were asked to submit their suggestions to the varsity within 48 hours. According to sources, the university will ratify the new regulations this month itself without even the mandatory ratification from the academic council. Academicians say the new regulations will dilute the quality of research work taking place in the varsity. "Why should PhD be made a mass degree? No other university in Kerala or probably the entire country has brought down the eligibility criteria for PhD programmes. Such a move will bring down the quality of research taking place on the campus. It also violates the principles laid down by institutions like UGC and CSIR, which have set 55% marks as the basic qualification for junior research fellow (JRF) examinations," said K P Muraleedharan, dean, commerce and management studies in the university. Under the new norms, it is not merit but the discretion of the supervisory teacher that would decide who are finally admitted to PhD programmes from the list of eligible candidates. Academic circles say giving such discretionary powers to teachers would undermine merit. "Such personal criteria should not come into play while granting admission. It should instead be decided on the basis of marks scored in PG exams," Muraleedharan added. K A Siraj, member, syndicate sub-committee for research, said relaxing the eligibility criteria would enable more people to take up research. "There are several people currently employed in various organizations who are interested in taking up research. We need not deny them the chance just because they didn't score high marks in PG course. We will however insist that they pass the entrance examination to qualify for PhD admission," he said.