Nagpur: A growing shortage of PhD supervisors at Nagpur University (NU) dominated discussions at the university’s Senate meeting on Monday, with members raising concerns that hundreds of aspiring researchers are struggling to find eligible guides despite successfully clearing the PhD Entrance Test (PET).Senate members argued that the problem has intensified following the implementation of direction 07/2026, which has effectively prevented many qualified teachers from affiliated colleges from serving as PhD supervisors.Under the existing regulations, a faculty member can be recognised as a PhD guide only if the college where they serve offers a postgraduate programme or houses a recognised research centre. Senate members pointed out that several teachers meet all other academic requirements but remain ineligible solely because of this condition.The issue has become particularly severe in disciplines such as physical education and other specialised subjects, where research scholars are reportedly finding it increasingly difficult to secure suitable supervisors for their doctoral work.The issue was raised by Senate members who urged the university to grant guide recognition to eligible teachers and publish their names on the university’s PhD portal. The members also proposed allowing retired professors to continue guiding research scholars.The members called for amendments to existing rules so that qualified teachers working in degree colleges could also be permitted to serve as PhD guides.NU officials acknowledged that the shortage of research guides is a genuine and pressing issue. They clarified that the university does not oppose the concept of empanelment and is aware of the difficulties being faced by research scholars.Senate decided to constitute a committee to conduct a detailed study of the issue and recommend an appropriate course of action.University officials informed House that necessary data related to the availability of guides and research scholars has already been compiled. It was also decided that the matter would be placed before Joint Board of Vice Chancellors (JBVC) and that the university would share the ground reality with UGC, while seeking a practical solution to address the shortage of PhD supervisors.
