The head of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Jagadesh Kumar, recently revealed a big change in the rules for those wanting to do a PhD or take the National Eligibility Test (NET).
Now, students who have finished a four-year bachelor’s degree can go straight into a PhD program and take the NET exam. This is different from before, when a master’s degree was necessary. This change means students can jump into research without needing to get a master’s degree first, giving them more chances to pursue their academic goals.
Students With 4-Year UG Degree Can Appear for NET
Undergraduate students with four-year degrees can now directly take the National Eligibility Test (NET) and pursue a PhD, according to Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). To pursue a PhD, whether with or without a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), these students need to have at least 75 percent aggregate marks or an equivalent grade.
Previously, candidates taking the NET needed a master’s degree with a minimum of 55 percent marks.
UGC Chairman stated that students with four-year undergraduate degrees can now pursue a PhD directly and take the NET. They are permitted to choose the subject for their PhD regardless of the discipline of their undergraduate degree.
Candidates who have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree program need to have at least 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade. There might be a 5 percent relaxation in marks for certain categories, such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), differently-abled individuals, economically weaker sections, and other specified groups, as per UGC decisions.
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How NET Scores are Streamlining PhD Admissions?
The National Eligibility Test (NET) happens twice a year, in June and December. People with a Master’s degree can use their scores to get Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or qualify as an assistant professor. Now, the UGC plans to use NET scores for PhD admissions starting in 2024-25. This means universities won’t need separate entrance tests anymore.
Instead, they can consider NET scores for PhD admissions. This change makes the admission process simpler and more accessible for PhD hopefuls. Universities can now use NET scores from either session to admit students into their PhD programs, offering them more options. This move aims to streamline admissions and make it easier for students to pursue their doctoral dreams.
UGC NET Dates Announced
The National Testing Agency has released the registration dates for UGC NET June 2024. Registration commences on April 20, 2024, and concludes on May 10, 2024. Applicants wishing to apply for the NET examination can do so through the official UGC NET website – ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
The deadline for submission of examination fees is from May 11 to May 12, 2024. The correction window will be available from May 13 to May 15, 2024.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Who can now directly take the National Eligibility Test (NET)?
Ans. Undergraduate students with four-year degrees can now directly take the NET exam and pursue a PhD.
Q.2. What percentage of marks is required for undergraduate students to pursue a PhD?
Ans. Undergraduate students need to have at least 75% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade to pursue a PhD.
Q.3. How often does the National Eligibility Test (NET) occur?
Ans. The NET takes place twice a year, in June and December.
Q.4. How are NET scores being used for PhD admissions?
Ans. Starting in 2024-25, universities will use NET scores for PhD admissions, eliminating the need for separate entrance tests.
Q.5. When are the registration dates for UGC NET June 2024?
Ans. Registration for UGC NET June 2024 begins on April 20, 2024, and ends on May 10, 2024.
