- Source – Indian express
- Link – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-rot-in-indias-higher-education-system/article68351549.ece
- Syllabus – GS Paper 02
- Topic – Social Justice – Education
What is the issue?
- The introduction of NTA’s Common University Entrance Test (CUET) in 2022-23 led to delays in PhD admissions across Indian universities, including JNU.
- Despite historical autonomy, JNU faced administrative challenges due to CUET.
Key Points to be noted:
- Delays and Administrative Challenges:
- PhD admissions delayed until mid-March 2023, disrupting the academic calendar by eight months.
- Abrupt cancellation of planned CUET left universities unprepared.
- Regulatory Changes and University Autonomy:
- UGC Regulations, 2022, reinstated universities’ rights to conduct their own PhD entrance exams.
- Some Central universities (including JNU) continued using NTA, citing executive decisions.
- Role of NTA and Executive Decisions:
- NTA’s influence persisted despite opposition from faculty and students.
- JNU pressured to conform to NTA’s standardized testing format.
- Controversies and Lack of Transparency:
- Contradictory stances by Ministry of Education and UGC caused confusion.
- Lack of documented contracts raised questions about decision-making.
- Impact on Academic Calendar and Governance:
- NTA-controlled calendars disrupted traditional admission timelines.
- Vice-Chancellors’ compliance raised concerns about autonomy and integrity.
- Call for Reform and Restoration of Autonomy:
- Stakeholders urge universities to reclaim autonomy, especially for PhD admissions.
- Transparency needed to restore confidence in higher education governance.
Reforms should clarify frameworks and restore autonomy to maintain academic standards.