Osmania University PhD Delays Stretch to 30 Years CAG Report Reveals

• Osmania University PhD delays reach 30 years
• CAG report highlights major academic irregularities
• PhD completion timeline rules widely violated

A recent CAG report has brought serious concerns to light about prolonged PhD completion timelines at Osmania University, where some scholars reportedly took up to 30 years to earn their doctoral degrees.

While the standard duration for completing a PhD is capped at six years, the audit found that a significant number of students exceeded this limit by a wide margin. Out of 2887 scholars, only 1222 managed to complete their research within the prescribed time, leaving a majority facing extended delays.

The report highlighted that around 10 candidates took between 26 to 30 years to complete their PhD, raising questions about academic monitoring and adherence to university regulations. Several others also took unusually long durations, with dozens stretching beyond two decades.

University officials, however, pointed to exceptional circumstances such as the Telangana movement and the Covid pandemic, stating that deadline extensions were granted under special relaxation measures.

Beyond delays, the audit also flagged serious administrative lapses. It found irregular appointments of 82 professors who allegedly did not meet eligibility criteria, along with unutilized development funds amounting to nearly 18.78 crore rupees.

The report further revealed issues in examination management, including around 1.5 lakh answer sheets not being properly recorded, posing risks of misuse. Concerns were also raised about hostel overcrowding, with several facilities operating far beyond their intended capacity.

These findings have sparked concern among academic circles, with experts urging authorities to take corrective action and restore the credibility of one of the country’s most reputed universities.