AUD relaxes PhD attendance rules after student protests

Revised Guidelines

Aud has issued a new office order on September 30 that replaces the July 31 notification on attendance for full‑time PhD scholars on fellowship. The revised order relaxes the earlier strict attendance rule but still requires scholars to attend coursework, seminars and show steady research progress. Attendance will be logged by the research supervisor and programme coordinator and then checked by the dean of the relevant school. The supervisor must also certify that the scholar’s academic engagement and research work meet expectations, under the dean’s overall guidance. The university says the rules are purely academic, follow UGC norms and mirror practices at other central and state universities, aiming to strengthen the research ecosystem.

Student Protest

The change comes as AISA‑linked students have been staging a week‑long protest over the July 31 rule, campus restrictions and access to facilities. Protesters claimed security blocked food and water and that a student who collapsed at about 3 am faced a delayed medical evacuation. The university says its medical team continuously monitored the students and provided needed aid. AISA also complained that students were denied entry to the campus, affecting those with classes and exams. The administration replied that the library, labs and some blocks were closed for maintenance and safety, with prior notice, and that the indefinite sit‑in lacked permission though a designated area for peaceful protest was offered. It reported incidents of some protesters manhandling security guards to Delhi Police.

Context

UGC sets attendance norms for PhD scholars across Indian universities, and changes often spark debate when they affect research freedom. Student groups such as AISA frequently protest perceived restrictions on campus democracy.