JNU rejects allegations of discrimination against SC, ST, PWD candidates for PhD admissions

JNU has stated that as per its admission policy every SC/ST/PWD candidate who qualifies PhD Entrance Examination is called for viva voce

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has rejected news reports in certain sections of media alleging that the University has a discriminatory approach against PhD. aspirants from marginalized sections of society.

Issuing a statement, Director Admissions, JNU has stated that the university strictly implements the reservation policy of the Government of India for admission into various programmes of studies. “The university follows a fair, transparent and inclusive admission policy which is the foundation of its proven academic excellence,” reads the statement by JNU.

Earlier, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has alleged that several PhD aspirants belonging to marginalised sections, SC, ST, PWD have been awarded low scores in their viva voce. Some of the candidates claimed that the JNU interview panels were formed arbitrarily and despite presenting their research proposals, they were awarded low scores because of which they fell short of the required cut-off to get admitted into the university.

'Every SC/ST candidate called for Viva'

Issuing a statement over these allegations, JNU has stated that as per the admission policy adopted by the University, every SC/ST/PWD candidate who qualifies for JNU Entrance Examination for PhD admissions is called for viva-voce irrespective of the number of seats available for admission in their respective categories.

Its statement reads: “Whereas, students from other categories who qualify the JNU entrance examination for PhD admissions are called in a particular ratio depending upon the number of seats available for admission in their respective categories. This amply reflects the concern and commitment of the university to the cause of the students from the marginalized categories in providing an opportunity to every qualified SC/ST/PWD candidate.”

JNU has also stated that the members of the PhD Selection Committees who conduct the viva voce are not provided with the information regarding the categories of the candidates in order to eliminate any bias and prejudice whatsoever.

“The Observers belonging to reserved categories are appointed invariably to ensure that no discrimination is done to the candidates during the viva voce. The university strictly implements the reservation policy of the Government of India for admission into various programmes of studies.

The university follows a fair, transparent and inclusive admission policy which is the foundation of its proven academic excellence,” mentions the statement by JNU, Director Admissions.

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