PhD aspiring doctors indignant with MUHS decision of retaking varsity test afresh

The anguish and frustration amongst PhD aspiring doctors seem to have sprung out from a communication gap between University of Pune (UoP) and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). PhD candidates feel cheated and indignant at the decision taken by the MUHS to take another entrance exam to prove their mettle. Doctors enlisted for PhD with universities across the state of Maharashtra have been transferred to MUHS as per the state government resolution. The decision put students who are mid-way their research into a state of ordeal which is even worse for more than 65 candidates of UoP who haven't even started their research yet.

The problem clearly seemed to have emerged due to the serious lack of communication and transparency between MUHS and UoP. According to vice-chancellor of MUHS, Dr. Arun Jamkar, the problem arose when UoP decided to conduct entrance tests and select candidates for PhD despite the notification issued by the state government. When the order became effective in 2009, 143 doctors who were already conducting research were accepted transfer to MUHS. UoP took another round of entrance exam in 2010, where 65 to 70 PhD candidates were enlisted again under health sciences faculty.

However, these shortlisted candidates were neither allotted guides, nor did their research start. Jamkar justified MUHS' decision of retaking a separate entrance exam by saying that the functioning of both the varsities is different. He further backed the decision by blaming the students for their lack of information. "MUHS also conducted entrance exams at the same time and since candidates wanted to do PhD, they should have enquired and appeared for our entrance tests..." said Jamkar.

Source: Biswamitra Ningombam (Shiksha Team)