UGC Allows NET Scores for PhD Admissions Starting from Academic Session 2024-25

UGC Allows NET Scores for PhD Admissions: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a significant change in the admission process for PhD programs. Starting from the academic session 2024-25, the National Eligibility Test (NET) scores will now be considered valid for admission into PhD courses, replacing entrance tests conducted by various institutes.

The NET, conducted biannually in June and December, currently serves to confer Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and determine eligibility for assistant professor positions for Master’s degree holders.

Starting from the academic year 2024-2025, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has mandated that National Eligibility Test (NET) scores will replace separate entrance exams for PhD admissions in universities and higher education institutions. Formerly employed for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and assistant professor eligibility, the UGC NET will now streamline the process of PhD admissions across the nation.

This decision, made during the UGC meeting on March 13, 2024, comes following recommendations from an expert committee. As per UGC officials, an expert committee was established to evaluate the exam’s provisions, leading to the decision that from the 2024-25 academic session onwards, NET scores can be utilized for PhD program admissions. It marks a pivotal step towards streamlining the admissions process and making it more accessible for prospective doctoral candidates.

Chairman of UGC, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, “This marks an important step in streamlining the admissions process and enhancing accessibility for aspiring doctoral candidates. By leveraging the UGC NET, which is conducted biannually, universities can offer greater flexibility to students, allowing them to utilize their scores from either session to apply for PhD programmes across various institutions.”

He highlighted that the initiative promises several advantages for students, “Firstly, it eliminates the need for students to prepare and appear for multiple entrance tests conducted by different universities, thereby reducing the burden of exam logistics and expenses. Additionally, the biannual administration of the NET provides students with increased opportunities to secure admission to their desired PhD programmes.” He said, “We strongly encourage all universities to adopt NET exam scores for PhD admissions starting from the 2024-2025 academic session. This will undoubtedly contribute to fostering a more conducive environment for academic pursuit and scholarly advancement in our nation“.

According to the new regulations, candidates who pass the UGC NET will be eligible for three categories:

Category-I: PhD admission with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and assistant professor positions

Category-II: PhD admission without JRF but for assistant professor roles

Category-III: Admission solely to PhD programs.

However, it’s important to understand that in compiling the merit list for PhD admissions, 70 percent weightage will be assigned to the UGC NET scores, with the remaining 30 percent determined by interview performance.

The use of NET scores for PhD admissions aligns with its current use for awarding Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) and eligibility for Assistant Professor positions. By leveraging the NET, which is conducted biannually, universities aim to offer greater flexibility to students, allowing them to utilize their scores from either session to apply for PhD programs across various institutions.

Moreover, this change eliminates the need for students to prepare and appear for multiple entrance tests, reducing the burden of exam logistics and expenses. It also provides students with increased opportunities to secure admission to their desired PhD programs.

Starting June 2024, UGC NET qualified candidates will fall into three eligibility categories, each with different weightage given to test scores and interviews for PhD admissions. The marks obtained in the NET will be valid for one year for admission to PhD programs.

This move by the UGC is expected to revolutionize the admissions process for PhD programs, making it more efficient and accessible for aspiring scholars.