Mumbai University bars PhD guides from supervising students across colleges

The University of Mumbai’s Kalina campus in Santacruz East. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE

While the University of Mumbai (MU) has awarded guideship to many professors after a long wait, their letters have come in with a different stipulation. As per a letter seen by mid-day, guides "are strictly not permitted to admit, register, or supervise PhD students under their supervision from any other college, institute, or research centre under any circumstances".

This change has been brought in according to a 2022 notification released by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Prior to this change, typically a guide from a college was allowed to affiliate with other institutions or centres to mentor different students, especially if their own college did not offer research in that subject.

While several professors told mid-day that they are still awaiting clarity about these clauses, officials from the MU inform that these changes were discussed thoroughly in meetings of the Board of Deans and Academic Council, wherein it was recommended that these UGC regulations be implemented.

Teachers' concerns

Will their research guideship now be restricted to the name of a certain college?
What happens if the college does not have a research department for a particular subject?
Will MU help fast-track the approval process for research centres? Will a single college have enough students in their discipline?
Does being a ‘co-guide' to those from other colleges offer professors the same career progression?

Differing view

A head of an autonomous college observed that such regulations may help strengthen research quality, stating that when researchers and supervisors operate within the same environment, it can encourage closer academic engagement, timely guidance, and more effective monitoring of research progress.

Voices

Dr Nirmala Pawar, researcher and general secretary, Maharashtra Union of Secular Teachers
‘This move makes things difficult for both students and teachers. It stands true especially in rural areas, where not all colleges may have enough guides in all disciplines. It de-incentivises research'

A college faculty member, guideship in chemistry
‘This move may demotivate the teaching faculty. What would I have to do if I want a more recognised affiliation? Personally, I did not have any clarity on the issue before the move was made'

Official Speak

Dr Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, vice-chancellor, MU
‘Our professors were informed about the norms released by the UGC in 2022-23. Universities across the state, including MU, have made representations to the UGC regarding leeway with the norms. The apex body, however, has been firm on these for quality control. Colleges and guides applying for research centres will be facilitated by MU, since the university is looking at accelerating this process before the four-year honours degree with research begins'