The Bangalore University has revised the regulations of entrance for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research and for the first time introduced a viva exam, which will carry a weightage of 30% from the current academic year 2025-26. The students’ score in entrance exam and postgraduate course will carry a combined weightage of the remaining 70%. Earlier, entrance exam and PG course marks were being considered on a 50:50 ratio to put up a merit list for selection. 

The university has issued the new regulations, following fresh regulations issued by University Grants Commission (UGC) in the year 2024 making viva exams part of PhD entrance process. Chancellor of the University, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has approved the Regulations Governing the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Bangalore University, 2024. With this, Bangalore University has become the first State university to incorporate the same. 

Candidates must secure at least 50% marks in the entrance test to qualify for the interview. However, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Persons with Disability candidates have been granted a 5% relaxation in the qualifying marks.

The Entrance Test shall consist of two sections like Research Methodology (50%) and Subject-specific knowledge (50%). The final score for short listing shall be calculated by adding 50% of the marks secured in the postgraduate degree (PG) and 50% of the marks secured in the university entrance test. The university will convert the marks scored in the PG course and the marks secured in the entrance test to 70%, the order said. 

The interview shall carry 30 marks and the Viva-voce Board (interview panel), part of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC), will assess the candidate’s research aptitude, academic preparedness, quality and feasibility of the research proposal and subject knowledge relevant to the proposed area of research, the order said. 

The cumulative score shall determine the candidate’s placement on the merit list.

The viva may also be conducted through the online mode with the permission of the Registrar (Evaluation) of the University, in case the external adjudicator is unable to come physically for the viva examination. A video recording of the online viva examination shall be enclosed along with the proceedings under the seal and signature of all the members of the viva board.

Addressing concerns over possibility of discrimination against students in viva exam, Dr. Jayakara S.M., Vice-Chancellor, Bangalore University, said the changes have been made according to the UGC guidelines. “Strict instructions and guidelines will be issued to ensure that there is no discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, colour as well as region. The selection of candidates will be done transparently,” he said.