M.Phil, Ph.D viva exams: UGC issues key notice for varsities, colleges

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued an important notice regarding conduct of M. Phil and Ph.D viva-voce examinations through online mode.

In a letter to the vice-chancellors of universities and principals of colleges, the UGC said, “The higher education institutions may consider to conduct the M. Phil, Ph.D viva-voce examination through offline/video-conferencing using Google, Skype or any other technologies or reliable and mutually convenient technology.”

Earlier, the UGC had issued guidelines on examinations and academic calendar for the universities on April 29, 2020 in view of the Covid-19 pandemic situation and subsequent lockdown. As per the guidelines, the universities may conduct the Ph.D and M.Phil viva-voce examinations using available technological solutions, subject to approval of the concerned statutory authority of the university.

This should be in accordance with and in compliance with clause 9.6 to 9.9 of the UGC Regulations, 2016 regarding award of M.Phil, Ph.D degrees.

“While conducting the viva-voce examination through video conferencing, it may be ensured that it will be open to be attended by members of the Research Advisory Committee, all faculty members of the department, research scholars and other interested experts, researchers, besides research supervisors, experts, examiners as applicable,” the guidelines read.

In its letter, the UGC has categorically stated that it is also imperative on the part of the university to maintain due record of the same, including the report signed by expert (s) examiner appointed for conducting the same.