Aurangabad, Feb 22:
Thousands of research aspirants were worried over the postponement of Ph D Entrance Test (PET) paper-II without citing any specific reason.
It may be noted that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University announced the schedule of PET-V 2020 after a gap of three years.
The test has two papers. The first paper held on January 30 was based on general knowledge, logical and reasoning ability. A total of 11,768 candidates registered for the test, while 11,154 appeared for the first paper on January 30. The result was declared on February 1.
Around 4,263 candidates obtained marks between 1 and 44.5 per cent while 6,775 aspirants have secured marks above 45 pc. Those who have received 50 per cent marks were declared eligible for the second paper.
The second paper, which is based on the respective subject, was to be conducted on February 21. The university postponed the second paper without citing any specific reason. No officer is ready to comment on the postponement of the paper. The candidates who have done preparations were worried over the postponement at the eleventh hour. The reason is that if the number of COVID patients increases, it will delay their admission to the Ph D. The new date of the paper was not announced.
The first paper was held online. The university received complaints about malpractice during the test.
So, Vice-chancellor Dr Pramod Yeole decided to conduct the second paper online but at the designated centres only.
Mohammed Yasin and Atul Kamble challenged the VC's decision in the Aurangabad bench of Bombay High Court, requesting it to direct BAMU for allowing students to take the second paper online from home. The court rejected the petition by refusing to interfere in the PET process.
According to sources, the administration is likely to hold a meeting on February 26 to discuss the second paper's new schedule.