The University of the Punjab has introduced a new policy that restricts PhD scholars from conducting research on living eminent personalities, according to an official notification issued by the university’s Deputy Registrar (Academic).
The policy was approved by the Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB) during its meeting held on May 11, 2026, and has now been formally communicated to academic departments for implementation.
Under the new guidelines, PhD researchers at Punjab University will no longer be permitted to undertake research studies focused on living eminent personalities. The university stated that the measure will apply to all future PhD research proposals and synopsis submissions.
However, the policy provides an exception for individuals who have been awarded civil honors by the government. In such cases, scholars may pursue research on a living personality only after obtaining prior approval from the Advanced Studies and Research Board through the relevant Departmental Doctoral Program Committee (DDPC).
According to the notification, students interested in researching a living civil award recipient must seek permission before beginning their research work or preparing a synopsis.
The university has directed all deans of faculties and heads of teaching departments to ensure compliance with the new policy. The directive has also been shared with key administrative offices, including the Quality Control Cell, Quality Enhancement Cell, Controller of Examinations, and the offices of the Vice Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Registrar.
The move represents a significant change in Punjab University’s doctoral research framework and is expected to influence future academic research topics undertaken by PhD scholars across the institution.
