Karnataka Universities Oppose UGC's Criteria for PhD Admissions Across India

The Karnataka State Government is likely to raise objections against PhD admission criteria after consultation with the universities. 

"The government is contacting all state universities to provide their concerns and objections against UGC's latest PhD admission criteria. This is a serious concern and necessary steps to be taken soon," M. C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education of Karnataka said. 

On the contrary, UGC claims that considering NET scores for PhD admission is in the best interest of the students as they need not appear for university-level entrance exams and merely NET scores will allow them to apply for any university across India. 

UGC further added that this was a necessary part of the National Education Policy (NEP - 2020) and is planned to be implemented from the academic year 2024-25. 

However, organisations like the All-India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO), are against the statement by University Grants Commission (UGC). As per the student organisation, making NET scores mandatory for PhD admission will negatively impact students with disadvantaged backgrounds as they cannot afford the expensive coaching. AIDSO further demands the union government to revoke the decision immediately, as reported by The Hindu.