Major changes to PhD regulations in Bihar; learn about the overhauled process from admission to degree..
PhD programs in Bihar's universities will now be conducted under new regulations. According to the 'Bihar State University PhD Ordinance and Regulations-2026' issued by the Governor's Secretariat, the entire process—from admission and research to evaluation and degree conferral—will adhere to new provisions. Limits have been set on the number of teachers who can supervise research, and teachers nearing retirement will not be permitted to take on new research scholars. Meanwhile, it will be mandatory for research scholars to publish research papers, present their research at conferences, and complete coursework. Additionally, the establishment of a 'University of Physics and Sciences' in Patna has been announced.
**Limits Set for Research Supervisors**
Under the new rules, teachers with less than three years remaining until retirement will not be able to supervise new PhD scholars. Furthermore, a Professor can supervise a maximum of eight scholars, an Associate Professor six, and an Assistant Professor only four.
**Stricter Rules for Admission and Research**
PhD admission will be granted only to candidates who have qualified in the UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, or GATE examinations. The final merit list will assign 80% weightage to the NET or GATE score and 20% to the interview. Universities will call a maximum of three times the number of available seats for interviews.
Coursework worth 12 credits will be mandatory for all research scholars, covering subjects such as Research Methodology and Research and Publication Ethics. Securing a minimum of 55% marks in the coursework will be essential. Scholars may also be required to undertake four to six hours of teaching or research assistantship work per week.
**Research Paper Before Thesis Submission**
Under the new regulations, it will be mandatory to publish at least one research paper and present research findings at a national or international conference before submitting the PhD thesis.
**Announcement of a New University**
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has announced the establishment of a 'University of Physics and Sciences' on the Patna Science College campus. He stated that this institution would become a premier center for science, innovation, and cutting-edge research. Modern laboratories, research centers, and world-class educational facilities will be developed here, enabling Bihar to carve out a new identity in the fields of science and technology.
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