Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), renowned as ‘the Oxford of the East,’ is set to implement the 10% reservation for the Maratha community in Ph.D. admissions. The university is undertaking the necessary procedures to integrate the Maratha reservation before commencing the Ph.D. admission process. In light of various pre-admission exams, including the UPSC examination scheduled for April, SPPU has opted to conduct the Ph.D. pre-admission examination in May this year.
Prospective Ph.D. students from both Maharashtra and outside the state eagerly await admission to the prestigious university. The Maharashtra state government’s decision to allocate a 10% reservation to the Maratha community, coupled with the publication of an ordinance effective from February 26, has prompted SPPU to make preparations for the inclusion of central reservation in Ph.D. admissions.
According to SPPU administration, many aspirants are eagerly inquiring about the commencement of the admission process. However, Ph.D. admissions will only begin once the internal processes concerning available seats at guidance and research centers are finalized, and the stipulated 10% reservation is extended to students from the Maratha community.
Additionally, the unavailability of examination centers for online exams in April adds another layer of consideration. With the Lok Sabha election schedule announcement, SPPU must also ensure that examinations do not coincide with polling days. Clarity on this aspect is expected in the coming week.
Professor Parag Kalkar, SPPU Pro Vice-Chancellor, stated, “For the Ph.D. admissions at the SPPU, some necessary procedures have to be completed in view of the implementation of Maratha reservation in the admission process. The university will release a circular regarding this soon. Also, considering the available dates of examination centers for online examinations, the Ph.D. admission schedule will be published.”
