The University Grants Commission (UGC) is asking universities to start using NET (National Eligibility Test) scores instead of their own entrance exams for PhD admissions from the academic year 2024-2025. In a statement released on March 28th, the UGC stated that universities should use NET scores for PhD admissions instead of their own entrance exams from the next academic year. This decision was made to make the PhD admission process more efficient.
The decision eliminates the need for multiple entrance exams for PhD programs, reducing the burden on students. This change was approved during the 578th meeting of the university body on March 13th, based on recommendations from an expert committee. The National Eligibility Test (NET), held twice a year, will now serve both to award research fellowships (JRF) and to select Assistant Professors from those with master’s degrees.
Starting June 2024, candidates who qualify for the UGC NET will have three options for PhD admission:
1. Admission to PhD with a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and an Assistant Professor appointment.
2. Admission to PhD without a JRF but with an Assistant Professor appointment.
3. Admission to the PhD program only, without a JRF or Assistant Professor appointment.
Starting with the 2024-2025 academic year, all universities can use National Eligibility Test (NET) scores for PhD admission, eliminating the need for individual universities or institutions to conduct separate entrance exams. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will launch the NET application process for the June 2024 session soon. NET results will be reported as a percentile alongside the candidate’s score, making them applicable for PhD admissions. Students who have qualified for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and are applying for PhD programs will need to attend an interview as per the University Grants Commission’s (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations of 2022.
In the PhD admission process, candidates in categories 2 and 3 will have their admission decision based on a combination of their National Eligibility Test (NET) scores and their interview/viva voce performance. The NET scores will be given a 70% weightage, while the interview will contribute 30%. The validity of NET scores for admission purposes for these candidates will be limited to one year.
