Universities in the state will offer M.Phil and PhD in correspondence mode after
a gap of two years.
This follows the recent decision of the University Grants
Commission to lift a two-year ban on offering M.Phil and PhD through correspondence
mode.
However, the universities will not be allowed to set up study centres outside their
jurisdiction to offer M.Phil and PhD through correspondence mode. The UGC had imposed
a ban on M.Phil and PhD through correspondence mode in 2009 following large-scale
complaints against several universities regarding irregularities in admission procedures
and awarding PhDs and M.Phils against norms.
In AP, Dravidian University was under fire for granting over 8,000 PhDs in just
two years by setting up study centres across the state. It was alleged that the
varsity had allowed private players to set up study centres, charging around 1 to
2 lakh for awarding PhDs.
The state subsequently imposed a ban on awarding PhDs and M.Phils through
correspondence mode. Other universities, however, opposed the ban, saying they followed
the norms while awarding the degrees. The UGC consulted legal experts who advised
lifting the blanket ban subject to the conditions that all relevant norms are followed.
Courtesy: Times of India
