Part-time PhD scholars at JNTUH seek schedule adjustment
A group of research scholars, led by the Students’ Protection Forum and JNTUH Protection Force, submitted a formal request to the university registrar, Professor Venkateswara Rao, urging that the classes be shifted to afternoon hours.
Hyderabad:Research methodology classes at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH) are set to begin this Monday, but concerns have been raised over their schedule. A group of research scholars, led by the Students’ Protection Forum and JNTUH Protection Force, submitted a formal request to the university registrar, Professor Venkateswara Rao, urging that the classes be shifted to afternoon hours.
Currently planned from 10 am to 5 pm, the students have requested a revised slot from 2 pm to 7 pm. Their primary argument is that a significant number of PhD scholars at JNTUH are part-time researchers who also work in private engineering colleges or industries. For them, securing a full week’s leave to attend these classes is nearly impossible. “Most part-time scholars have professional commitments during the day. If the university shifts these classes to the afternoon, it would allow more students to attend without work conflicts,” said Bharat Kumar, a student leader from the Protection Force.
Research methodology classes are considered crucial, especially for PhD students, as they equip scholars with the skills necessary to structure and develop their theses effectively. Attendance is vital for ensuring research quality, and students fear that an inconvenient schedule may lead to low participation. The student representatives have urged university authorities to take immediate action to accommodate their needs. “This is not just about convenience. If we miss these sessions, it affects the quality of our research. The administration must take steps to ensure every scholar benefits,” said Anish Kumar, another student leader.
