Nagpur: A new PhD regulation introduced by Nagpur University (NU) has made it difficult for many PET-qualified students to secure supervisors for research due to a sharp reduction in the number of eligible guides.Under Direction 7 of 2026, only teachers from departments or colleges that have both postgraduate programmes and recognised research centres are eligible to supervise PhD scholars. The move rendered several previously approved guides in affiliated colleges ineligible. Some subjects, including Philosophy and Statistics, reportedly have no eligible guides.NU Senate member Manmohan Bajpai submitted a representation to governor and chancellor Devvrat Acharya and vice-chancellor Manali Kshirsagar, urging intervention to address the crisis. Bajpai contended that while the university conducted the PhD Entrance Test (PET) and qualified a large number of candidates, the limited availability of recognised supervisors left many unable to enrol for doctoral research.He claimed mismatch between available supervisors and eligible candidates widened to nearly 1:10, severely restricting admissions.Bajpai argued that while the university cited UGC regulations as the basis for the revised norms, it should adapt its rules to local realities. He also pointed out that vacancies in teaching posts have further compounded the shortage of eligible supervisors, adversely affecting both aspiring researchers and faculty members.Among measures suggested, Bajpai urged NU to restore eligibility to all previously recognised PhD supervisors across disciplines, including qualified faculty members from affiliated colleges whose names are not in the approved list.He also sought permission for retired professors to supervise doctoral scholars, arguing that they could devote more time to mentoring research students.
