New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has once again extended the thesis submission deadline for PhD and MPhil scholars on account of the Covid pandemic. According to a public notice issued Thursday, the research scholars will now be able to submit their thesis by 30 June 2021.
In April, the UGC had extended the deadline by six months from June to December.
The second extension comes as most universities and colleges remain closed across the country in light of the Covid pandemic.
“Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the universities have remained closed for the past several months. Therefore, the students have not been able to conduct their research experiments in the university laboratories, nor were they able to access library services that are critical for completion of thesis,” says the notice, signed by UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain.
“In view of the above and in larger interest of the research scholars, a further extension of six months for terminal MPhil/PhD students who were supposed to submit their thesis by 31 December 2020 may be granted by the universities, that is till 30 June 2021,” Jain added.
“Extension of six months as mentioned above may also be granted for submitting evidence of publication and presentation in two conferences. However, the tenure of fellowship of MPhil/PhD will be the same (5 years).”
Also Read: Call researchers, final year students first — UGC issues guidelines for reopening colleges
Most universities yet to reopen
While the central government has given its go-ahead for reopening of educational institutions across the country, only a few have started physical classes so far. The ones that have reopened have done so for students who are required to attend classes, like final-year PhD scholars. JNU is one such institute.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) reopened in a phased manner from 23 November, calling in PhD scholars in the initial phase.
Also Read: Covid hasn’t crushed study abroad plans but students could face ‘more competition’ in 2021