Review finds irregularities in PhD admissions through TDR Hub

A review of PhD admissions through the Transdisciplinary Research (TDR) Hub at Andhra University has uncovered several irregularities. The inquiry, launched after the coalition government took office, found that standard admission procedures were bypassed between 2019 and 2023.

During this period, about 1,200 candidates were admitted through the Hub. Normally, PhD admissions are conducted department-wise after vacancies are identified. Instead, the Hub admitted candidates in bulk without following the standard process.

The review also noted violations of University Grants Commission (UGC) rules. Degree college lecturers, school teachers, and temporary faculty were allowed to act as research guides, which is not permitted under the regulations.

Concerns were also raised about the conduct of pre-PhD examinations. Normally, the Controller of Examinations and university deans issue the notification, prepare question papers, conduct exams, and handle valuation. In this case, the TDR Hub took over those responsibilities.

Officials observed that the Hub, which should have worked within the university’s framework, functioned like a parallel authority. Financial transactions and fee collections, which should have gone through the registrar’s account, were instead managed under the Hub’s director. Similarly, theses that should have been submitted under the Dean of Academic Affairs were often received directly by the Hub.

Some candidates admitted through the Hub have already been awarded PhDs, while others are still in the process. The administration is now considering measures to ensure that students yet to finish their degrees are not subjected to injustice or legal complications.