CMJ University has awarded 434 doctorates An Indian university is under investigation after officials discovered it had suspiciously awarded more than 400 PhDs, Telegraph newspaper has reported. Meghalaya\'s CMJ University in Shillong, North-East India, has been asked to suspend its PhD awards amid fears that they have been illegally or improperly obtained.
According to the Telegraph, an investigation into the running of the college was launched after neighbouring state Assam raised questions over its degree awards. Senior officials questioned how the college could have awarded 434 doctorates this year when it only has 10 PhDs among its teaching staff.
The investigation was launched after an advertisement said doctorates, masters degrees and MBAs were available from a dental surgery in nearby Panchkula.
RS Mooshahary, the governor of Meghalaya, said all degrees from the university should be suspended and admissions suspended until he has approved the appointment of a new chancellor.
The row could threaten the places of 3,300 students whose enrolment may be illegal, the governor said.
A spokesman for Shillong Police confirmed it was investigating the university over its doctorates and that the inquiry was focusing on the role of academics.
The University was established in 2009 as a private institution but the Governor of Meghalaya said it has enrolled students and awarded degrees in breach of India’s Universities Grants Commission’s minimum standards rules, Telegraph reported.