The controversy surrounding Ph.D admissions for the 2025 session at Patna University has taken a new turn. The indefinite hunger strike launched by students against alleged irregularities, favoritism, and lack of transparency in the admission process ended after nine days following assurances from the university administration. The university’s Proctor and Dean offered juice to the protesting students, formally ending the hunger strike.
Research scholars alleged that candidates who had qualified under the CSIR and UGC-NET “Ph.D Only” category were asked to submit application forms and appear for interviews, but were later denied admission. Students claimed that several deserving candidates were not admitted despite their names appearing on the merit list, while favoritism and corruption allegedly influenced the selection process.
The protest was being conducted jointly under the banner of the “Research Scholar Sangharsh Samiti,” the All India Students Federation, and PFVC.
Priti Paswan Levels Serious Allegations
AISA activist and prominent student leader from Patna, Priti Paswan, alleged that the university accepted the application of CSIR and UGC-NET “Ph.D Only” qualified candidate Nivas Kumar, conducted his interview, and even published his name in the merit list, yet denied him admission.
She further alleged that a month-long movement had been underway under the joint banner of the Research Scholar Sangharsh Samiti, the All India Students Federation, and PFVC against corruption, favoritism, and lack of transparency in the admission process, while students had been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last nine days.
Priti Paswan stated that the hunger strike was called off after the university’s Proctor and Dean assured students that the alleged irregularities in the admission process would be reviewed and that talks with the Vice Chancellor would be arranged.
She warned that if the students’ demands were not fulfilled, the agitation would intensify again from June 20 after the summer vacation.
Admission Controversy Echoes in Senate Meeting
The issue of alleged irregularities in Ph.D admissions was also strongly raised during the PU Senate meeting held on Friday. Student leaders along with several Senate members demanded that the Vice Chancellor order a review of the matter and ensure transparency in the admission process.
Protesting students said the university should publish postgraduate and interview marks along with the merit list to make the selection process transparent. They also demanded an impartial inquiry into allegations of favoritism and corruption in various departments.
Student Leader’s Health Deteriorated During Hunger Strike
During the protest, the health of PFVC Bihar State General Secretary Vidyanand Paswan deteriorated on May 20 while he was participating in the hunger strike. He was subsequently admitted to Patna Medical College Hospital.
Even while hospitalized, Vidyanand Paswan stated that the movement would continue until the students’ demands were accepted.
Student Union Also Extended Support
The hunger strike also received support from office bearers of the Patna University Students’ Union. General Secretary Khushi Tiwari, Joint Secretary Abhishek, and Treasurer Harshvardhan described the students’ demands as justified and urged the Vice Chancellor to hold immediate talks with the protesters.
Meanwhile, All India Students Federation State Co-Secretary Sushil Umaraj said that to ensure transparency in the admission process, the university must publish postgraduate and interview marks in the merit list.
Memorandum Submitted to Senate Member
The protesting students also submitted a memorandum to PU Senate member Dr. Shobhan Chakravarty. According to the students, Professor Chakravarty assured them that he would raise the issue seriously and make every possible effort in support of the students.
Several students and research scholars, including Akash Priyadarshi, Priti Paswan, Jahnavi Rai, Krishna Yadav, Ankush Kumar, and Krishna Kumar, participated in the hunger strike and protest demonstrations.
