Coimbatore: Bharathiar University to implement UGC norm on scholar-guide ratio

COIMBATORE: Bharathiar University in Coimbatore has finally decided to implement the University Grants Commission’s 2016 regulation fixing a cap on number of PhD and MPhil students a faculty member can guide.In a communication to principals of affiliated colleges and directors of approved research institutions, University Registrar (in charge) B Vanitha on Monday wrote, “I am directed to inform you to follow the UGC Regulation 2016 from 2018-19 onwards (i.e., from July 2018 onwards). Further, the strength to be followed for one guide as per the UGC Regulation 2016 should be within the maximum sanctioned strength of the department including full time and part time.”

According to the UGC Regulation-2016, a professor can guide a maximum of eight PhD and three MPhil students. Similarly, an associate professor can guide a maximum of six PhD and two MPhil students and an assistant professor can guide a maximum of four PhD and one MPhil students. While the duration of the MPhil programme is one year for regular and two years for part time students, the duration of PhD programme is three years for regular and part-time. Presently, many college and university faculty members are guiding more than the limit prescribed by the UGC. With the implementation of the UGC Regulation, the faculty members have to follow limit.  

“At times, there are faculty members guiding 15-20 PhD students simultaneously. In Tamil Nadu, apart from Bharathiar University, the other State-run universities implemented the UGC Regulation of 2016 from July 2017 onwards. Bharathair University is the last State-run University to implement the UGC Regulation,” said N Pasupathy vice president of Association of University Teachers. AUT former general secretary C Pichandy said that the move will help improve quality of research.

Only three new tech institutes apply to Anna University
Only three new technical education institutions — one standalone management institute and three architecture colleges -- have applied to Anna University seeking affiliation this year. Till now, the University did not receive any application for starting a new private engineering college in the State, said a senior official from the University.

Anna University, which started affiliation inspection from February, were now in process of seeking explanation from technical institutions which reported deficiencies. It considered four main aspects — faculty, library, laboratory and class room — in its affiliation inspection, apart from checking whether persons with eligible qualification were appointed as principals of the college.