Few apply yet NU rules out extension for PET application

Nagpur: The window for making MPhil/PhD entrance test (PET) applications closed on Saturday with the Nagpur University (NU) refusing to give extension to the aspirants.
On December 7, TOI had reported that the NU had given just seven days for online form filling followed by just two days to send the applications by post or mail. The NU planners failed to realize the fact that those applying online on the last date from outside the city or state would find it difficult to send their hard copies to the exam section-based PhD cell on LIT campus within two days.

Total 3,000 applications, 500 less than last year, were received yet the NU didn’t entertain representations from students bodies to extend the date. NU officials feel the number is good enough for getting desired aspirants.

On December 13, Pro-vice chancellor Pramod Yeole told TOI that there were too many applicants and the university was focusing on better research quality. “We have refused to extend the deadline,” he said.

Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activist Vaibhav Bawankar said it was wrong on the part of university to close the portal so early. “Why is the administration not understanding that seven-day period is too short especially for outside city aspirants. Several aspirants from rural areas had approached us complaining about the university’s tight PET schedule,” he said.

On December 13, Bawankar and several students had submitted a request for deadline extension but it was turned down by NU top brass.

Bawankar also pointed out that it was beyond their understanding on why the NU insisted on submitted hard copies when systems are moving online. “Students fail to understand why do they have to send hard copies. The university can ask for scanned copies of original educational documents if they want to ensure the credentials are genuine,” he said.