New PhD Regulations and University Establishment in Bihar
Introduction to New PhD Regulations
Bihar's universities are set to implement new regulations for PhD programs. The 'Bihar State University PhD Ordinance and Regulations-2026', released by the Governor's Secretariat, outlines a comprehensive framework for the entire PhD journey, including admissions, research activities, evaluations, and degree awarding.
Research Supervisor Limitations
The updated guidelines impose restrictions on the number of PhD scholars that faculty members can supervise. Specifically, educators with less than three years until retirement will be barred from mentoring new candidates. The supervision limits are as follows:
| Position | Max Scholars |
|---|---|
| Professor | 8 |
| Associate Professor | 6 |
| Assistant Professor | 4 |
Admission and Research Requirements
Admission to PhD programs will now require candidates to have passed the UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, or GATE exams. The final merit list will weigh 80% on these scores and 20% on interview performance, with universities allowed to invite up to three times the number of available seats for interviews.
Additionally, all research scholars must complete 12 credits of coursework, which includes subjects like Research Methodology and Research and Publication Ethics, achieving at least 55% marks. Scholars may also need to engage in four to six hours of teaching or research assistantship weekly.
Mandatory Research Publication
Before submitting their PhD thesis, scholars must publish at least one research paper and present their findings at a national or international conference, as per the new regulations.
New University Announcement
In a related development, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has announced the creation of a 'University of Physics and Sciences' on the Patna Science College campus. This institution aims to become a leading hub for science, innovation, and advanced research, featuring modern laboratories and world-class educational facilities, thereby enhancing Bihar's reputation in science and technology.