[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Rajkot/Strict-norms-for-MPhil-PhD/article...] In a bid to end the situation where under-qualified aspirants get MPhil and PhD degrees, University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification with minimum qualifications for students who want to get these degrees. Now, universities will have to conduct entrance tests for students in line with certain provisions. They will also have to decide on number of students instead of haphazardly granting permission. The notification will be applicable from June 1 to all UGC-granted universities, Central and state government-run ones and colleges affiliated to them. All institutions will have to decide on minimum qualifications for selection of recognized guides as well. The number of students permitted to undertake research will depend on availability of guides. "All universities will have to decide on number of MPhil and PhD seats in advance and publish the information as advertisements and on the website too," said a dean of Saurashtra University. For students who have cleared Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) exam, State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) and other exams, or equivalents, universities can fix separate conditions, he added. UGC has also decided that a student can get direct admission to PhD or via MPhil. Universities will have to keep in mind reservation quota and select guides for candidates. After the entrance exam, students will have to undergo study programme for one semester, including research methods and computer skills. Students will have to submit theses within a time limit. Before that, a summary will have to be presented. This will be open to all for criticism and suggestions, which will be incorporated in the paper. Each thesis will be checked by at least two experts, one from abroad. After satisfactory evaluation, the student will have to take on viva. After this, he or she will have to send a soft copy of the thesis paper to UGC in 30 days. Source -- Posted By K.R.Mulla, LIS Professional from India, working as Librarian to ELF (E-Group for Engineering Librarians) at 7/14/2009 03:25:00 AM -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.