The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) PhD admission process for the academic session 2024-25 has been put on hold by the University Grants Commission (UGC) after serious irregularities came to light. This move has left thousands of aspirants in limbo, triggering widespread student protests across the campus.
UGC Orders Inquiry Committee to Investigate BHU Admission Irregularities
In a letter dated Monday, UGC Secretary Amish Joshi confirmed that several discrepancies were found in the PhD admission process at BHU. A special inquiry committee has been formed to look into department-level violations and regulatory non-compliance. The committee will submit its report soon, and no further admissions will be processed until then.
Ministry of Education Summons BHU Officials to Delhi
Amid mounting pressure and ongoing student protests, the Ministry of Education has called Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Kumar and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arun Kumar Singh to Delhi for clarification. The ministry is seeking accountability for the administrative lapses that have triggered chaos in one of India’s most prestigious universities.
BHU Administration Office Locked, Admission Counters Closed
Following the UGC directive, the BHU administration shut down its admission counters two days before the official deadline of April 30. All departments have been instructed not to contact shortlisted candidates or proceed with any new PhD admissions. This abrupt halt comes even as 944 candidates were already admitted out of the 1,466 available seats.
Important Notice:
Students already admitted have been asked to report to their respective departments by May 15, but further instructions are awaited based on the inquiry committee’s findings.
Students Continue Protests on BHU Campus
Students have been protesting non-stop for over a month, alleging favoritism, lack of transparency, and irregular merit lists in the PhD admissions. On Sunday, they surrounded the university’s central office, demanding a fair probe and complete transparency in the process.
What’s Next?
- No new admissions until the inquiry committee submits its report.
- UGC to decide further actions based on the findings.
- Students already admitted must wait for updated instructions.
- Education Ministry likely to take strict action against those found responsible.
