In a big relief to those pursuing research and doctoral programmes, UGC today said a circular issued last month recommending stringent guidelines for completing the programmes was "fake".
The "fake" circular, which lays guidelines for granting PhD, MPhil and MTech degrees, had heightened the anxieties of the aspirants and students across university, colleges and institutions.
The circular, issued on July 15, in the name of UGC on research and technical course guidelines and recommendations of a standing committee for MPhil, PhD and MTech courses run by states, private, deemed, open and central universities and the appointment and promotion for associate professor and assistant professor.
"In this connection, it is brought to the notice of the public in general and of all the stakeholders in particular that the aforementioned circular is absolutely fake and therefore no effect shall be given to it by any university, college, institution, individuals.
"Further, any recruitment, promotion, upgraduation given in consequence of this fake circular shall be treated as cancelled and withdrawn," it said in a public notice.
Meanwhile, UGC officials said new guidelines for PhD will be out in a month's time.
