Muzaffarpur, Nov. 15: Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University is set to introduce a host of new rules and regulations for PhD aspirants.

To start with, a committee of academicians would decide the researchers’ fate by assigning mentors to the former. Earlier, scholars pursuing PhD or doing a research from the institute could choose their mentors.

Sources told The Telegraph that the university has decided to arrange the mentors for ensuring better research quality. The institute has also revised the rules and regulations according to University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. In October, UGC had asked Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University to make the rules strict for pursuing PhD and granting the degree.

Following the UGC directive, the university had prepared a detailed format of rules and guidelines, which would be implemented from the academic session beginning in 2012. The format would soon be forwarded to the governor’s office as well as UGC for approval.

Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University vice-chancellor Bimal Prasad told The Telegraph: “The rules for pursuing PhD will become tougher following the revision. This will also restrict the rush of researchers. Only dedicated students will be able to survive.”

He added: “The rules for seeking registration for a PhD degree have also been modified. Now, only those who obtain 55 per cent marks in matriculation, intermediate, graduation and post-graduate examinations would be eligible for a PhD degree.”

The statutory body of the university has already approved the guidelines, which would now be tabled at the meeting of the proposed senate meeting scheduled in December, the vice-chancellor said.