Central University of Bihar to start integrated MPhil, PhD programme

PATNA: Central University of Bihar (CUB) is all set to introduce an integrated MPhil-PhD programme as per UGC regulations from the current academic session itself. Scholars admitted to the course would receive a monthly stipend of Rs8,000 for carrying out research work.

CUB vice-chancellor Janak Pandey said 20 research scholars would be admitted in mathematics, computer science, environmental science, biotechnology, political science, economics, development studies and Hindi. Applications for admission to this academic programme have already been invited. December 14 is the last date. The course would start from January, 2014.

With the expansion of infrastructure, the university will admit more than 100 research scholars in MPhil-PhD programme each year. It is aimed at meeting the shortage of quality faculty, said Pandey.

The VC said the CUB has also decided to introduce a number of innovative academic programmes for the benefit of talented students. A centre for arts and crafts is being set up under the School of Media, Arts, and Aesthetics where a five-year integrated master's degree would be launched. Students would not only learn the rare art forms but would also be taught contemporary marketing strategies to make these ancient crafts valuable in the real world, he said.

CUB has institutionalized the centre for conflict resolution and social harmony under the school of social sciences and policy to actively pursue the dynamics of Indian society, including the uplift of the socially, culturally and economically deprived sections. To facilitate the smooth functioning of the centre, the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment has granted Babu Jagjivan Ram chair to the university.

CUB is also collaborating with Penn State University, USA, to set up a centre of energy science and engineering under the School of Technology and Energy Engineering in the next academic year. The centre would work for the availability of cost effective energy for powering industrialization in the region. Efforts have also been made for establishing a constituent community college under the aegis of the School of Vocational Studies. The community college, in consultation with industry, business and service sectors, will develop and update courses suitable for the employment of local youth, the VC said.

The Bodh Gaya campus of CUB has already started functioning academically and several courses are being run satisfactorily. The Patna campus, located on the premises of BIT Patna, is imparting quality education to the students with the help of more than 80 competent faculty members in different disciplines, Pandey added.
(Source : Times of India)