UGC directed Universities to adopt NET scores for PHd admissions, Overhauls Admission Rules

In a move aimed at simplifying the admission process and aligning with the National Education Policy, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced significant changes to PhD admissions, effective from the academic session 2024-25.

During its 578th meeting held on March 13, the UGC decided to integrate National Eligibility Test (NET) scores into PhD admissions, marking a departure from the previous system. This decision comes following thorough deliberations and recommendations from an expert committee tasked with reviewing UGC NET exam provisions.

Previously, the NET exam primarily served as a benchmark for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) eligibility and assistant professor appointments. However, with this new directive, the UGC aims to eliminate the necessity for multiple entrance exams, thereby streamlining the admission process.

Commencing June 2024, candidates who have qualified the UGC NET will now have three distinct eligibility categories for PhD admissions:

1. Those eligible for PhD admission with JRF and assistant professor appointment.

2. Those eligible for PhD admission without JRF but for assistant professor appointment.

3. Those solely eligible for PhD programme admission.

The UGC has stipulated that for PhD admissions through NET, candidates falling under categories 2 and 3 will have their UGC NET scores accounting for 70% of their merit assessment, with the remaining 30% determined through interviews. This combined merit approach applies uniformly to both categories, with the validity of NET scores extended to one year.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the NET exam, is expected to release the UGC NET June 2024 notification shortly on its official website ugcnet.nta.nic.in.

This strategic decision by the UGC signifies a concerted effort towards enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the PhD admissions process, while also promoting uniformity and adherence to the principles outlined in the National Education Policy.

Universities such as AU (Allahabad University), BHU (Banaras Hindu University), and DU (University of Delhi), which traditionally conduct their own PhD admission processes, will now need to adapt their policies in accordance with the UGC's directive mandating the use of National Eligibility Test (NET) scores. This shift will necessitate a fundamental restructuring of their admission procedures, moving away from their previous reliance on internal entrance examinations. These esteemed institutions will be required to revise their PhD admission criteria to incorporate NET scores as a primary determinant of eligibility, aligning with the national standards set forth by the UGC. This adjustment underscores the need for universities to embrace standardized evaluation methods to ensure consistency and fairness in the selection process for PhD candidates.