The University Grants Commission (UGC) has barred three Rajasthan universities from admitting PhD students for a period of five years. This decision came after the universities violated the norms in awarding PhD degrees.
The three universities are OPJS University in Churu, Sunrise University in Alwar, and Singhania University in Jhunjhunu. The universities are prohibited from enrolling students for PhD between the academic years 2025-26 and 2029-30.
The UGC issued a notice on Thursday stating that it had established a standing committee to review whether universities adhered to its regulations when granting PhD degrees. The committee identified non-compliance in these three universities. Even after providing them an opportunity to respond, the committee found their explanations unsatisfactory. Consequently, the UGC instructed the universities to immediately stop enrolling PhD students.
The UGC also advised students not to enroll in PhD programs at these institutions, warning that it would not recognise any degrees issued by them.
Last month, in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha regarding allegations of “private universities selling degrees,” Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar identified ten private universities facing such complaints, as reported through the Central Vigilance Commission. Among these were OPJS University and Singhania University.
Additionally, the Rajasthan government had already restricted OPJS University in Churu from admitting students for the 2024-25 academic year. The UGC also confirmed that it barred OPJS University from enrolling PhD candidates as of December 2023.