PhD Aspirants Can Now Seek Admission Using NET Scores: UGC

In a significant move towards simplifying the process of PhD admissions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that National Eligibility Test (NET) scores will now be accepted for admissions to PhD programs, starting from the academic session 2024-25.?

This decision, reached during the 578th meeting held on March 13, aims to alleviate the burden on students who previously had to navigate through multiple entrance examinations conducted by various universities for PhD admissions.

In a post on X, the UGC chairman, M. Jagadesh Kumar said, “From the academic session 2024-2025, all universities can use NET score for admission to PhD programmes in place of entrance tests conducted by the different universities/HEIs. NTA is working on launching the NET application process for June 2024 session sometime next week.”

What will the admission criteria be for PhD admissions via NET scores?

Under the new directive, UGC NET qualified candidates will now find themselves eligible for PhD admissions in three distinct categories:

• Admission to PhD with JRF and appointment as assistant Professor.
• Admission to PhD without JRF and appointment as assistant professor.
• Admission to PhD program only, without eligibility for JRF or appointment as assistant professor.

Under this new paradigm, admission in a PhD program will consider performances in both the NET examination and interview. Students qualifying for NET and PhD eligibility will be accorded 70% weightage for their test scores, with the remaining 30% attributed to the interview component for admission to PhD programs.?

The official notification stated, “The result of UGC NET would be declared in percentile along with the marks obtained by a candidate to utilise them for admission to PhD. JRF-qualified students are admitted into PhD programme based on an interview as per UGC Regulations, 2022. For students who qualify in Categories 2 and 3, 70% weightage will be given for test scores and 30% for interview for admission to PhD programmes. PhD admission will be based on the combined merit of NET marks and marks obtained in interview or viva voce.”

Why NET as the benchmark for PhD admissions?

Emphasizing on the benefits of this initiative, the UGC chairman in an interview said, “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 programs”

However, despite UGC’s call for this selection criteria, HEIs will still be free to conduct their own entrance exams if they choose to do so. In this context, Prof. Manish Ratnakar Joshi, secretary of the UGC said,

“ If a university wants to adopt NET scores as the admission criteria, then it must create a merit list according to the NET results. However, universities still can continue to conduct the entrance exams and there will be no changes expected in the existing process of admission.”

Our View

The transition towards NET scores for PhD admissions heralds a new era of efficiency and inclusivity in academia. By reducing student burden over entrance tests and embracing a standardized evaluation mechanism, the UGC is paving the way for a more accessible and equitable higher education landscape.

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