UGC says circular on research, PhD fake

In a big relief to those pursuing research and doctoral programmes, the University Grants Commission on Friday said a circular issued last month recommending stringent guidelines for completing the programmes was “fake”.

The “fake” circular, which lays guidelines for granting PhD, MPhil and MTech degrees, had heightened the anxieties of the aspirants and students.

The circular, issued on July 15, in the name of UGC was on research and technical course guidelines and recommendations of a standing committee for MPhil, PhD and MTech courses run by states, private, deemed, open and central universities and the appointment and promotion for associate professor and assistant professor.

“It is brought to the notice of the public in general and of all the stakeholders in particular that the aforementioned circular is absolutely fake.”