DU eases PhD norms for those working at space,def institutions

Scientists and professionals working at defence and space institutions and aspiring to pursue doctoral studies from Delhi University will now be able to do so while continuing with their full-time jobs.
Delhi University has made certain amendments in the rules for research courses, according to which scientists and professionals working at certain departments will not be required to take study leave for pursuing their PhDs.
"The amendment in Ordinance VI-B exempts scientists and professionals from fulfilling the requirement of study leave and course work which are prerequisites for pursuing PhD at Delhi University," Malay Neerav, DU's Media Coordinator and Joint Dean of Welfare, told PTI.

According to the earlier rules, researchers could enroll with Delhi University only after they were granted two-year study leave by their employers. There was also a requirement of completing course work for at least one semester.
"Both the norms have been eased for the researchers falling under the category. A notification was issued by DU after the decision was approved by the varsity's Academic and Executive Council," he said.
"The move came after DU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in which a large number of institutes dealing with defence research are clustered and include areas like engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Computer Sciences etc," added Neerav.

An official notification issued by DU in this regard read, "In order to advance research in strategic areas of national concern, scientists/professionals working at defence and space institutions of the central or state government and with whom the university has signed a MoU will be allowed to pursue PhD while working in their organisations."
"However, the aspirants will have to pursue their PhDs on subjects that are of concern to their concerned departments. It will be important to have an approval from the Departmental Research Committee as well as DU's research council," Neerav said, adding "the move will not only facilitate the professionals to pursue PhD while continuing with their jobs but also contribute to DU's knowledge bank".