THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Nov 20: A time-barred complaint has thrown successful candidates of the Nilamber Pitamber (NP) University PhD entrance test into confusion, delaying research work and leaving aspirants frustrated.
The complaint—sent recently to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)—relates to alleged irregularities in the PhD Entrance Test (PET) 2023, held two years ago. Although the PMO only noted the complaint and issued no directions for a probe, fear among candidates has stalled their next steps.
Candidates Waiting, Research Work Frozen
The successful PET candidates say they have been “wasting months and years just waiting,” even though the university is ready to let them begin their research assignments.
The PET 2023 was conducted for 14 subjects (excluding Hindi, Urdu and Sanskrit). Out of 130 vacant research seats, only 58 candidates qualified.
Category-Wise PET 2023 Performance
Vice Chancellor Dr. Prof. Dinesh Kumar Singh shared the breakdown:
OBC: 30 qualified for 19 seats
ST: 3 qualified for 32 seats
SC: 6 qualified for 14 seats
General: 18 qualified for 58 seats
EWS: 1 qualified for 7 seats
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No Progress in 2024
Despite the results being declared in 2023, the entire year 2024 passed without progress.
No DRC (Departmental Research Council) meetings were held, and no pre-synopsis work began. The VC described the approach at that time as “apathetic.”
Complaint Sent to PMO After Two Years
A student activist reportedly sent a complaint to the PMO in 2025 about malpractices in the 2023 exam.
Like most complaints, the PMO simply noted it, issuing no directions to the university or the higher education department.
VC Dr. Singh said:
“The PET was held in 2023. A complaint in 2025—after almost two years—defies logic and appears time-barred. It also seems motivated by vested interests.”
He further clarified:
He joined the university only in March 2025.
The PMO has not asked for any probe.
The state higher education department has also issued no instructions.
PET 2023 Conduct Had No Major Issues
The magistrate deputed to the exam and the exam centre superintendent had submitted no adverse reports, except for one case where an affiliated college teacher violated exam protocol. The teacher was removed from duty immediately.
Candidates Frustrated by Delays
Permilla, an English candidate who qualified PET 2023 and teaches in Garhwa, said:
“The exam was very tough, and I cracked it. But for two years we are stuck just because a complaint reached the PMO. A PhD thesis itself can be completed in two and a half years.”
She urged the VC to “rescue” the candidates from this prolonged uncertainty.
University Plans New PhD Applications for NET/JRF/SRF Holders
VC Dr. Singh told The Jharkhand Story Network that the university will soon announce the schedule for PhD applications for NET, JRF, and SRF qualified candidates as well.
