Patna: Uncertainty looms over Patna University's plans to conduct entrance test for post-graduate courses from the next academic session, as the university is yet to receive Raj Bhavan's nod.

In October-November, the university administration had decided to introduce entrance tests for PG courses and do away with admission based on marks, which give preference to undergraduate students passing out from Patna University.

After preparing statutes for entrance test in PG courses, which was approved by the varsity's academic council, senate and syndicate, the university sent the proposal to Raj Bhavan for a final nod. But even after over six months, it has not received Raj Bhavan's nod. "We have sent the proposal to Raj Bhavan, but we have not received a nod yet," Patna University vice-chancellor Rash Bihari Prasad Singh said.

Sources said delay in getting the chancellor office's nod will jeopardise the varsity's plan to conduct entrance test, as they have to issue admission forms, conduct exams and declare results before the first week of July.

"If the varsity fails to receive Raj Bhavan's nod within a week, the university will be left with no option than to return to admission through marks," a varsity official said on condition of anonymity. The students want admission through entrance test. Ankit Kumar, an undergraduate student of A.N. College, said: "Patna University is one of the oldest and prestigious universities in the state. The university should open its door for PG studies for students from other universities too, as many students fail to get a chance to study there despite having talents."

Sources said the university decided to introduce entrance test in order to attract the best students from across the state and country.

Atul Aditya Pandey, a geology teacher from Patna Science College, said: "The decision to conduct admission at PG level through entrance test is a good step, as it will open the door for bright students from other universities to pursue higher studies at Patna University."

Fifty per cent of the seats in the entrance test were to be reserved for undergraduate students from Patna University and the rest filled up with students from other universities. At present, admission takes place on the basis of marks, with 80 per cent seats reserved for students from PU and the rest by students from other universities.