Editor,
We wish to draw the attention of the APPSC chairman towards the matter concerning the verification of academic qualifications submitted by candidates appearing for recruitment to teaching posts under the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).
It has come to notice that there may be cases involving simultaneous or chronologically conflicting PhD and BEd qualifications. In certain instances, individuals appear to have been enrolled as full-time PhD scholars while also pursuing a BEd programme. There may also be cases where the timelines of completion of the two qualifications raise questions regarding compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) permitted students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through its 2022 guidelines. However, the UGC subsequently clarified that these provisions are not applicable to PhD programmes, as doctoral candidates are expected to devote themselves to original research. The UGC further communicated to higher education institutions that the dual-degree guidelines would apply only to academic programmes other than PhD programmes.
Further, a BEd is a professional programme governed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), with mandatory attendance, practicum, and school internship requirements. Standard regulations generally require substantial attendance and completion of supervised teaching practice in schools.
In view of these requirements, cases involving overlapping enrolment periods between a full-time PhD programme and a regular BEd programme may warrant careful scrutiny to determine whether all applicable UGC, NCTE, university, and recruitment rules were complied with.
The APPSC selects candidates for teaching posts on the basis of prescribed educational qualifications and merit. Therefore, it is important that all qualifications relied upon by candidates are verified in accordance with the applicable regulations, so as to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all applicants.
In this regard, we respectfully request the commission to consider the following:
Verification of academic timelines: Obtain certification from the universities concerned indicating the dates of enrolment, registration, and completion of both the PhD and BEd programmes.
Examination of overlapping enrolments: Where records indicate substantial overlap between a full-time PhD programme and a regular BEd programme, seek clarification from the institutions concerned regarding compliance with applicable regulations.
Verification of BEd requirements: Where necessary, verify completion of mandatory attendance, practicum, and internship requirements through institutional records maintained by the university concerned or teacher education institution.
Compliance with UGC and NCTE regulations: Examine whether the qualifications submitted by candidates satisfy the eligibility requirements prescribed by the APPSC and the applicable UGC, NCTE, and university regulations.
We respectfully request the commission to conduct appropriate verification wherever overlapping enrolments or unusual academic timelines appear from the records. If any violation of applicable regulations or recruitment rules is established upon due verification, appropriate action may be taken in accordance with the law.
We submit this representation in the interest of maintaining the integrity, transparency, and fairness of the recruitment process.
Concerned parents