India, Jan. 5 -- Candidates and student representatives have demanded an extension of the online application deadline for the recruitment of faculty members at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), citing a lack of clarity in the selection criteria and evaluation pattern. They met Suresh Gosavi, vice-chancellor of the varsity, and submitted a letter on Sunday.

The university is in the process of filling 111 government-approved posts of professors, associate professors, and assistant professors across various academic departments. The deadline for submitting online applications ended on December 31.

According to the candidates, the weightage pattern for academic qualifications and interviews remains unclear, creating confusion among a...