Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has formed a committee to assess the feasibility of conducting an in-house entrance exam for PhD admissions in Korean Language, Arts and Aesthetics, and Labour Studies, according to university officials. These subjects are not currently covered under the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET), prompting the need for alternative solutions.

With the ongoing admission cycle ending on December 4, uncertainty surrounds admissions for these programs, leaving prospective students anxious. The committee, led by School of Language Dean Shoba Sivasankaran, held its first meeting on Monday and is expected to reconvene soon to devise a solution.

JNU previously conducted its own entrance exam (JNUEE) but shifted to UGC-NET for PhD admissions following the introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) under the National Education Policy. This year’s admissions faced delays due to alleged irregularities in centrally managed exams like UGC-NET JRF and CUET.

Conducting an in-house exam presents logistical and financial challenges. An alternative would be requesting UGC to include these subjects in NET, but this could cause further delays. Another option is admitting students through the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) program, which would exclude NET and non-NET candidates.

Officials indicate the uncertainty may extend the admission cycle beyond December 4, leaving students in limbo until a decision is made.

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