The West Bengal government has issued a directive requiring all PhD admissions in state universities to be based solely on national eligibility exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, and CEED. Announced on August 3, 2026, this move aligns with the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 2022 PhD regulations but has sparked widespread concern among academics and students across disciplines.
Universities are now instructed not to conduct their own entrance tests for PhD admissions and must rely exclusively on these national-level exam scores followed by interviews. This shift has raised questions about the future of the state's own eligibility test and the ability of students in specialized and interdisciplinary fields to pursue doctoral studies.
PhD Admission Rules and Their Impact on Universities
The Higher Education Department's order mandates that all state-aided, private, and aided universities in West Bengal adhere strictly to UGC's PhD admission guidelines. These guidelines specify that candidates must qualify through national exams such as:
- UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET)
- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
- Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)
Universities have been told not to advertise or conduct their own PhD admission tests (PAT) or research entrance tests (RET) for the upcoming academic session. This move effectively removes the flexibility universities previously had to assess candidates based on their own criteria, which has been a key concern among faculty members.
Challenges for Specialized and Interdisciplinary Fields
Many academics argue that this policy overlooks the realities of emerging and professional disciplines that lack corresponding national eligibility exams. For example, fields like optometry, medical laboratory technology, and several engineering specializations do not have dedicated NET or GATE exams. This creates a barrier for students who wish to pursue PhDs in these areas.
A PhD scholar and assistant professor in medical laboratory technology explained that students are now forced to qualify in related subjects such as medical microbiology or life sciences, which may not align with their original specialization. Similarly, Rajib Chakarborty, a professor in applied optics and photonics at Calcutta University, highlighted the difficulties faced by students in technology departments where no NET exam exists.
Furthermore, the directive does not clarify how reserved category seats will be filled if there are insufficient qualified candidates through these national exams. The West Bengal State Eligibility Test (WB SET), which has historically served as an alternative for regional subjects, was not addressed in the order, adding to the uncertainty.
University Autonomy and Trust in Exam Bodies
The Jadavpur University Teachers Association (JUTA) has criticized the government order for infringing on university autonomy. They argue that universities should retain the ability to conduct entrance tests tailored to their specific academic contexts, especially for disciplines without national exams.
Concerns also extend to the credibility of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers the UGC NET and CSIR NET exams. The NTA has faced criticism and controversy over exam leaks and mismanagement, notably with the NEET medical entrance exam. Faculty members at Jadavpur University and Calcutta University expressed doubts about the reliability of the NET exams and their ability to effectively assess research aptitude.
Despite these concerns, some university leaders, including the vice-chancellor of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), support the move, emphasizing the need to align with UGC regulations and streamline the admission process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exams are now mandatory for PhD admissions in West Bengal?
A: Candidates must qualify through national-level exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or CEED, followed by an interview. University-level entrance tests are no longer permitted.
Q: How will students in fields without NET or GATE exams pursue PhDs?
A: This remains unclear. Many specialized and interdisciplinary fields lack corresponding national exams, leading to concerns about limited access to doctoral programs for these students.
Q: What is the status of the West Bengal State Eligibility Test (WB SET) under the new rules?
A: The government order does not address WB SET, creating uncertainty about its role in PhD admissions going forward. Universities like Jadavpur are seeking clarification from the higher education department.
