Allocation Of 100% PhD Seats To JRF Category Candidates In Selected Centres A Well Considered Policy: JNU Tells Delhi HC

The Jawaharlal Nehru University has informed the Delhi High Court that the allocation of 100% PhD Seats to JRF category candidates for the academic session 2021-22 in selected centres is a well-considered policy decision taken by the highest body of academic experts which is the University's Academic Council in conformity of UGC Regulations 2016.

The development came after a short affidavit was filed on behalf of JNU in a plea seeking direction to reconsider the decision to allocate 100 percent Ph.D seats to JRF category candidates and none for non-JRF category in its seven centres.

Opposing the said plea by stating that the petition was filed to gain political mileage rather than serving any public interest, JNU also submits that allowing the said relief would derail the entire admission process to lakhs of aspiring students in various courses offered by the University.

JNU has also informed the High Court that JRF is one of the most prestigious fellowships awarded to candidates who qualify an "intense competitive examination at the national level" conducted by the UGC i.e. the UGC NET exams for Assistant Professorship and thus the holders of JRF have a proven acumen in their respective fields.

It has also been stated that JNU formulates all its rules or regulations or framework within the guidelines formulated by the University Grants Commission.

It has also been stated that JNU is gradually moving towards a unified system of admissions, making the qualification of the JRF a "benchmark for quality research work in order to enhance the academic environment and standards."

"It is stated that Distribution/allotment of PhD seats in a School/Centre under JNUEE/JRF qualified candidates is entirely decided by the respective School/Centers keeping in mind the availability of seats with individual Supervisor. It is stated that as clause 6.5 of UGC regulations 2016 a Professor, an Associate Professor and an Assistant Professor can supervise a maximum of 8, 6 and 4 Ph.D. students respectively and research facility and the same is approved by the Academic Council." The affidavit reads.

The short affidavit also states that the petitioner is in fact seeking to dilute a conscious practical decision taken by the academic council of the University by merely citing 5 cases of students who have allegedly been prejudiced without disclosing their age or professional qualifications.

"It is further submitted that in challenging the process of selection of JRF qualified students, the Petitioner is seeking to indirectly challenge the process of admission of such students in other centres where the mode of selection is a mix of both JNUEE as well as through viva voce, for JRF qualified students, with the sole malafide intention to extend the scope of the present petition, which is impermissible in law." The affidavit reads.

Last month, a division bench comprising of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh issued notice on the petition. The matter will now be heard on August 20.

Title: Students' Federation of India- Jawaharlal Nehru University Unit v. Jawaharlal Nehru University