UGC Announces Use Of NET Scores As Criteria For PhD Admissions

Beginning with the academic year 2024–25, the UGC (University Grants Commission) has determined that PhD admissions will be based on NET scores. This move attempts to simplify the NEP (New Education Policy) admissions process by removing the necessity for multiple entrance tests. This was determined during the 578th meeting held on March 13, based on suggestions from an expert committee that reviewed UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) test provisions. 

UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi stated that an expert committee was created to evaluate the provisions of the National Eligibility Test (NET) to assist students with a single national entrance test for PhD admissions as part of executing the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020). 

Starting June 2024, NET applicants will be declared eligible in the following three categories: 

1. Eligible for (i) admission to the PhD with JRF and (ii) appointment as an assistant professor 

2. Eligible for (i) admission to the PhD without JRF and (ii) appointment as an assistant professor 

3. Eligible for admission to the Ph.D. program only and not for the award of a JRF or appointment as an assistant professor 

For PhD admissions via NET, applicants in categories 2 and 3 will have their UGC NET results contribute 70% of their merit, with interviews contributing the remaining 30%. This combined merit system applies to both categories 2 and 3, with NET scores valid for one year for admission to the Ph.D.  

“By leveraging the NET, conducted by NTA, universities can offer greater flexibility to students, allowing them to utilise their scores from either session to apply for PhD programs across various institutions,” says Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar. 

Anand Pradhan, a professor at IIMC, views the recent decision by the UGC to utilise national NET scores for PhD admissions as a step in the right direction for streamlining the admission process. “While NET scores offer a standardised criterion for eligibility, potentially facilitating applications from students of diverse backgrounds, there is a concern that it may lead to standardisation of the entire process. Nonetheless, the allocation of 70% weightage to NET scores and 30% to interviews aims to ensure a fair evaluation system,” he added further. 

There's an ongoing discussion among students and educators about the recent shift to using UGC NET scores and changing the exam pattern. However, things are likely to unfold with time. 

Mohd Irshad, a former assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Delhi, commented on the UGC's recent reformative decision that this step by the UGC will streamline the PhD admission process, saving students valuable time previously spent navigating multiple university entrance exams. He also pointed out that it will alleviate the mental strain associated with preparing for varied exam patterns and requirements nationwide. “Importantly, it also reduces the financial burden on students by minimising the expenses incurred in filling out entrance forms," he added further.   

Dr. Yajulu Medury, the Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, commended the UGC's efforts to streamline PhD admissions, stating that the elimination of multiple entrance exams by the UGC facilitates access for a wider range of candidates, promoting inclusivity and diversity in higher education. This decision aligns with the principles outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, acknowledging the merit and capabilities of NET qualifiers, with NET scores now serving as a standardised criterion for admission eligibility across various institutions. “Mahindra University will be accepting the NET scores towards drawing up the merit list for the admissions of PhD students from this academic year 2024–25 onwards, “he added.  

NET scores are used to grant the Junior Research Fellowship (JRI) and to determine eligibility for employment as an assistant professor for individuals with a master's degree. NET is held twice a year: in June and December.