The NTA’s Troubling Dominance Over University Autonomy
The academic year 2022-23 witnessed unprecedented delays in university admissions due to the imposition of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) Common University Entrance Test (CUET). This regime, initially intended for undergraduate, postgraduate, and even PhD admissions, was met with internal critique from faculty and students, concerned about the loss of university autonomy. The NTA’s heavy-handed approach, epitomized by its disregard for the well-established entrance exam tradition at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has disrupted the academic calendar and sown discord within the academic community.
A Dubious Alliance: The NTA, UGC, and Compliant Vice-Chancellors
Despite the 2022 UGC Regulations returning to universities the right to conduct their own entrance exams, the NTA’s influence, amplified by the UGC Chairperson’s active promotion, continues to undermine this autonomy. Vice-Chancellors of many Central universities have inexplicably embraced the NTA, ignoring objections from faculty and students. This dubious alliance has led to the suppression of internal dissent and the imposition of extra-legal diktats, further eroding the universities’ independence.
Opaque Practices and Unexplained Decisions
The NTA’s actions, including the unexplained insistence on using only the June 2024 UGC-NET exam scores for PhD admissions and the premature announcement of the exam’s success before its cancellation, raise serious questions about transparency and accountability. The lack of clarity regarding any contractual agreement between JNU and the NTA, as well as the absence of a mandate from the Academic Council for accepting only the June 2024 UGC-NET scores, highlights the opaque practices prevalent under the NTA regime.
Restoring Confidence and Reclaiming Autonomy
To restore confidence in the higher education system, a thorough investigation into the NTA’s operations, its relationship with the UGC and compliant Vice-Chancellors, and the erosion of university autonomy is imperative. The government must instruct Vice-Chancellors to convene their statutory bodies and ensure that PhD admissions are completed expeditiously, adhering to the established processes and regulations. Only then can the rot that has set in be corrected, and the integrity of India’s academic institutions be restored.
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
