Stories
Ambedkar University Delhi Revises PhD Attendance Rules Amid Protests
- •Ambedkar University Delhi issued a fresh office order on September 30, revising attendance guidelines for full-time PhD scholars receiving fellowships following student protests.
- •The updated guidelines replace a controversial July 31 order, offering greater flexibility while still requiring scholars to complete coursework, attend seminars, and maintain research progress.
- •Attendance records will be managed by research supervisors and programme coordinators, and verified by the respective school Deans in alignment with UGC regulations.
- •The protests, led by the All India Students Association, expanded beyond attendance to include issues like campus access, facility closures, and disputes over medical assistance for protesting students.
- •The university maintained that the guidelines are purely academic to strengthen the research ecosystem, while student groups have demanded the removal of physical barriers and restoration of campus democracy.
Key Questions Answered
Ambedkar University Delhi revised its attendance guidelines for full-time PhD scholars receiving fellowships amid ongoing student protests over attendance requirements and other campus-related issues.
Under the revised guidelines, attendance records are maintained by research supervisors and programme coordinators, then verified by the Dean of the respective school. Supervisors also monitor participation in academic activities and research progress under the Dean's overall guidance.
Protesting students raised concerns about attendance rules, campus access, facilities, and alleged obstruction of emergency medical access. They called for the removal of physical barriers, restoration of a democratic environment, and unrestricted entry for registered students.
