The University of Mumbai has cancelled the PhD registrations of 644 research scholars between September 2025 and February 2026. The decision was taken after a review found that these scholars had exceeded the maximum duration permitted for completing a PhD under University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
According to UGC norms, a PhD programme should be completed within three to six years, with an upper limit of eight years, extendable to ten years in special cases such as women candidates and persons with disabilities. University officials stated that many of the affected scholars had remained enrolled for more than a decade without sufficient academic progress, thereby blocking research seats and limiting opportunities for new applicants.
Several affected scholars have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, citing challenges such as financial constraints, health issues, or changes in research supervisors that delayed their work. Senior academics have also raised concerns about institutional oversight, questioning why these cases were not addressed earlier through timely monitoring.
The University of Mumbai has clarified that the cancellations were carried out following a case-by-case assessment in compliance with UGC regulations and were not arbitrary. Scholars who have received valid extensions or have already submitted their synopsis have been granted a final deadline of March 31, 2026, to submit their theses.
The matter has also drawn the attention of the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, which has sought a detailed report from the university regarding the action taken.