Lucknow: Lucknow University’s academic council on Saturday approved the ‘PhD Ordinance 2026‘, , under which the university will conduct PhD admissions twice a year (May and Dec). The admission process will have three phases.
In the first and second phase, the university will give preference to those who have qualified national level fellowships, doctoral courses and cleared eligibility tests conducted respectively by various higher education bodies. These candidates can directly appear in interviews for admissions.
In the third phase, the university will conduct a Research Entrance Test (RET) for those candidates who do not fall under phase one and two. This entrance test is conducted to allow candidates without national fellowships or NET compete fairly for the remaining seats.
Under the new ordinance, candidates who have completed four-year (8-semester) undergraduate course will also be eligible for purusing PhD.
Moreover, PhD scholars earlier had up to 8 years (6 years plus 2-year extension) to complete their research. The new ordinance reduces this to 7 years (6 years plus 1-year extension).
Further, faculty in self-financed courses can now also serve as supervisors for PhD. Earlier, teachers of regular courses could supervise PhD.
International co-supervisors will also be allowed for interdisciplinary research.
Further, if a regular PhD candidate gets a job during research, she/he can switch over to part-time course.
To maintain academic integrity, plagiarism and AI assistance has been increased from 5% to 10% each.
Vice-chancellor, JP Sainis said, “The PhD Ordinance 2026 is a step forward in providing flexibility, transparency and global research opportunities while ensuring the career security of our scholars.”
