UGC approves use of National Eligibility Test (NET) scores for PhD admissions from 2024-25

To simplify the admission procedure for Ph.D. programs, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared that National Eligibility Test (NET) scores will be accepted for PhD admissions beginning from the academic session of 2024-25. This initiative is by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to alleviate the difficulties encountered by candidates who must undergo multiple entrance examinations administered by different universities for PhD admissions. According to Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, the UGC chairman, PhD admissions will now be based solely on UGC NET scores, eliminating the necessity for separate entrance exams.

The declaration was made after the 578th UGC assembly convened on March 13, during which the suggestions of an expert committee were deliberated. The National Eligibility Test (NET) is conducted biannually, in June and December, to confer Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and appoint Assistant Professors for individuals possessing master's degrees.

Jagadesh Kumar announced that the (NTA) intends to initiate the application procedure for the June 2024 NET session in the upcoming week. Kumar shared on the X platform, "Starting from the academic session 2024-2025, all universities will be able to utilize NET scores for PhD program admissions, eliminating the need for separate entrance tests conducted by various universities/HEIs."

According to the updated regulations, candidates who meet the UGC NET criteria will fall into three categories:

Eligibility for PhD admission alongside Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions.

Eligibility for PhD admission without JRF but still qualified for Assistant Professor positions.

Eligibility for admission to PhD programs exclusively.

It is crucial to highlight that in the merit assessment process for PhD admissions, 70 per cent weighting will be assigned to UGC NET scores, while the remaining 30 per cent will be based on interview performance.

The notification for UGC NET June 2024 is anticipated to be soon available on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. It's noteworthy that NET scores retain their validity for one year.

This initiative by the UGC aims to streamline and unify the process of PhD admissions across universities, alleviating the burden on candidates who previously had to prepare for multiple entrance examinations. By acknowledging national-level NET scores, the commission aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of doctoral programs nationwide.