JJT University Defied 2011 UGC Ban, Operated PhD Courses Illegally.

Exclusive: Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University Ignored 2011 UGC Ban, Ran PhD Programmes; Now, Faces Mounting Pressure For Action

A 2011 UGC inspection banned JJT University from starting PhD programmes due to a lack of guides and infrastructure. The university ignored the order, running questionable programmes. Despite a UGC crackdown, Maharashtra’s inaction on alleged degree beneficiaries raises concerns over consistent enforcement.

A Sprouts News SIT investigation reveals the Rajasthan university operated PhD courses despite explicit warnings, with Maharashtra’s silence on alleged beneficiaries raising major concerns.

New evidence exposes Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University’s (JJT University) defiance of a 2011 UGC inspection ban on starting PhD programmes. Despite clear warnings about lacking infrastructure and guides, the university proceeded illegally. This Sprouts News investigation uncovers systemic flaws and a troubling “guide chain” pattern. Our findings question regulatory enforcement and highlight inconsistent actions across states.

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The 2011 UGC Inspection And Explicit Ban

In 2011, a UGC inspection team issued a definitive directive to JJT University, Jhunjhunu. Their report explicitly stated permission to start PhD programmes was denied. It cited a complete absence of permanent, internal PhD guides within the university. The UGC mandated that no PhD admissions should occur until proper infrastructure was established. Crucially, guides, research facilities, and robust processes were deemed mandatory prerequisites. JJTU reportedly ignored these binding quality mandates entirely.

The “Become A Guide” Model And Flawed Execution

Flouting the UGC ban, JJTU launched large-scale PhD programmes using external guides. Investigations reveal a deeply flawed “guide-become-guide” operational model. Many individuals awarded PhDs by the university subsequently became guides themselves. This circular practice severely compromised research supervision standards and candidate eligibility norms. It created a self-perpetuating cycle with minimal external academic scrutiny. UGC has recently condemned such patterns as improper and against regulations.

UGC’s Crackdown And JJTU’s Contested Defence

The University Grants Commission has taken stern actions against JJTU’s questionable degrees. UGC has barred the university from admitting new PhD students for the 2025-2030 period. It has refused recognition for many PhDs, especially those submitted for promotions or jobs. The commission labelled the research and guiding patterns as “irregular and contrary to rules.” In response, JJTU has controversially claimed private university status places it outside UGC’s purview. Legal experts universally reject this argument as invalid under the UGC Act.

UGC’s PhD Regulations for JJT University, Rajasthan – click to view

Maharashtra’s Inaction: A Glaring Anomaly In The Scandal

While states like Haryana suspend hundreds with dubious PhDs, Maharashtra’s silence is conspicuous. This is particularly alarming given Maharashtra’s deep links to the JJTU network. The state reportedly has the highest number of PhDs awarded by JJTU. It also hosted the largest pool of the university’s active external thesis guides. Numerous college appointments in Maharashtra allegedly rest on these suspect doctoral qualifications. Yet, no substantive disciplinary action or review has been publicly initiated there.

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Double Standards In Upholding Academic Integrity?

The contrast in administrative responses raises urgent policy questions. States including Haryana, UP, and MP are dismissing professors en masse. Criminal probes have begun in some jurisdictions against fraudulent credential use. Maharashtra’s apparent inaction suggests a potential dual standard in enforcing academic integrity. This inconsistency undermines national higher education reform efforts. It also demoralizes genuine scholars and erodes public trust in institutional accountability.

The Cascading Impact On National Education Standards

Fraudulent PhDs corrupt the entire academic ecosystem, devaluing legitimate research. They enable unqualified individuals to secure teaching and research positions. This directly compromises the quality of higher education delivered to students. The scandal affects countless students mentored by improperly credentialed faculty. Furthermore, it damages India’s international academic reputation and collaborative research prospects. A systemic failure to act encourages other institutions to bypass regulations.

Mounting Demands For A Centralised Verification Process

Educationists and affected candidates are now demanding decisive, uniform action. They call for a comprehensive review of all PhDs awarded by JJT University since 2011. There is a push for a centralised, tech-driven national degree verification authority. Immediate action on pending appointments in Maharashtra is a critical, immediate demand. Experts insist JJTU must face consequences equivalent to those imposed on other offending institutions.

A Test For Regulatory Resolve

The JJTU case is a litmus test for India’s commitment to cleaning up higher education. With evidence of violation dating back over a decade, partial action is insufficient. The credibility of the entire regulatory framework is now under scrutiny. Consistent, transparent, and stringent enforcement across all states is non-negotiable. The future of Indian academic excellence depends on upholding these standards without exception.

The Investigation and The Stonewall

This investigation was conducted by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Editor-in-Chief Unmesh Gujarathi, whose team has a consistent record of exposing academic and administrative malpractices. As part of the due diligence for this report, our team made repeated attempts to contact Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala (JJT) University for its official stance. Specifically, we tried to reach the university’s representative, fraudster Vishal Vinod Tibrewala, on multiple occasions. However, our calls went unanswered, and we received no response to our queries, leaving the university’s side of the story officially unheard.