Students can now use NET scores to apply for PhD programmes

The University Grants Commission ( UGC) has announced a significant change in PhD admissions, effective from the academic session 2024-25. Now, National Eligibility Test (NET) scores can be used for PhD admissions, aiming to simplify the admission process in alignment with the National Education Policy.

This move eliminates the necessity for multiple entrance exams and aims for a more streamlined approach.

The decision was made during the UGC's 578th meeting on March 13, following recommendations from an expert committee assigned to review UGC NET exam provisions.

Previously, the NET exam primarily served for determining eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and assistant professor appointments. Conducted biannually by the National Testing Agency in June and December, the notification for UGC NET June 2024 will soon be available on ugcnet.nta.nic.in.

Starting from June 2024, UGC NET qualified candidates will fall into three eligibility categories:

• Those eligible for PhD admission with JRF and assistant professor appointment,
• Those eligible for PhD admission without JRF but for assistant professor appointment, and
• Those solely eligible for PhD program admission.

For PhD admissions through NET, candidates in categories 2 and 3 will have their UGC NET scores account for 70% of their merit, with the remaining 30% derived from interviews. This approach of combined merit evaluation applies to both categories 2 and 3, with NET scores remaining valid for one year.