Bangalore University’s PhD notification opposed by faculty, student organisations

Bangalore University's PhD admission notification faces opposition from students and faculty over internal reservation amid ongoing legal disputes.

The Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Teachers Association of Bangalore University and the Karnataka Students-Researchers Federation for Social and Educational Rights, have expressed their opposition to the recent notification issued by Bangalore University for PhD admission under internal reservation. They have urged the University to drop the internal reservation and re-notify it as the case is still pending in the High Court.

The Karnataka High Court has issued a stay order on the Karnataka Government’s Scheduled Caste Internal Reservation Order. The Karnataka Scheduled Castes (Sub-classification) Bill 2025 is yet to be signed by the Governor of Karnataka. As a result, they have argued that the PhD notification issued by Bangalore University is in violation of the High Court order. 

In the internal reservation order of the government, which has been stayed by the High Court, it has been directed to provide facilities to SC categories A, B, and C in the ratio of 6:6:5. Based on this ratio, out of the 48 seats reserved for SC candidates, 17 seats each should be reserved for Category A and B and 14 for Category C. However, the organisations have complained that in this notification, 16 seats have been reserved for all three categories. 

“Under internal reservation, one seat has been cut from Category A and B for Ph.D admission and two seats have been added to Category C. Therefore, since the Karnataka High Court has issued a stay order, the internal reservation in the PhD notification should be removed and a modified notification should be issued. If not, we will wage a fierce legal battle,” they warned. Bangalore University has invited applications for Ph.D admission after many years and this has put a question mark over the University’s notification. 

Jayakar S.M., Vice Chancellor of the University said, “The PhD notification has been issued in accordance with the government orders after discussing with the Social Welfare Department and legal experts. Experts said that the High Court has issued a stay order only regarding the issue of recruitment under internal reservation. Therefore, we will proceed as per the High Court’s order and the government’s instructions in this matter.”