About 1,450 students appeared for the PhD entrance examinations conducted under the new regulations of Bangalore University, on Sunday. Amongst the aspirants were two visually impaired students who appeared for the exam with the help of a scribe.
Exams were conducted in three centres-Government Arts college, Government Science college and UVCE. Applications of 1,875 students from across India was received by BU.
The students had to take a day-long exam which was divided into two sections. The first paper consisted of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) carrying 50 marks on research methodology based on the student’s discipline.
The second paper consisted short essays on subjects chosen by the students in their post graduate courses. The total marks of the exam is 200. While many found the paper moderate, some candidates opined that the questions on research methodology was essential as it helped them in better understanding of doing a research.
Candidates like Nandana N G, who completed her post graduation in English literature from Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), felt that the questions were based more on the Bangalore University syllabus. “Since I had prepared well for the exam, I found the paper moderate,’’ she added.
However, some expressed displeasure over the long duration of the examination procedure. “We applied for the test in November last and now the examinations are conducted. The university should complete the process within four months so that we get time to prepare for the exams,’’ said R Ranganath, Assistant Professor in a City-based engineering college.
 Examiners from different universities are expected to evaluate the answer scripts.
The result are likely to be announced during the second week of September.