According to the University Grants Commission, the National Eligibility Test (NET) scores will be used for PhD admissions starting in 2024–2025, doing away with the need for separate entrance exams administered by universities and higher education institutions.
Twice a year, in June and December, the NET is held. Currently, the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and assistant professor appointment eligibility for master’s degree holders are determined by the test scores.
University Grants Commission (UGC) officials state that the exam’s provisions were reviewed by an expert panel, and the commission decided to allow test results to be used for PhD programme admission starting in the academic year 2024–2025 based on the panel’s recommendations.
“NET scores will be used by universities across the country for PhD programme admissions beginning in the 2024–2025 academic year, eliminating the need for separate entrance exams administered by universities and higher education institutions (HEIs).” This is a significant step towards improving accessibility and expediting the admissions process for prospective PhD candidates.
“By leveraging the NET, which is conducted biannually, universities can offer greater flexibility to students, allowing them to utilise their scores from either session to apply for PhD programmes across various institutions,” said Jagadesh Kumar, chairman of the UGC.
According to Kumar, there are several ways in which students stand to gain from this initiative.
“First off, it relieves students of the hassle of having to study for and show up for several entrance exams offered by various universities, which lowers the cost and logistical load associated with exams. Furthermore, there are more chances for students to be admitted to their desired PhD programmes thanks to the NET’s biannual administration.
“We fervently urge all academic institutions to utilise NET exam results for PhD admissions, beginning with the 2024–2025 school year. This will surely help to create a more favourable atmosphere for academic pursuits and scholarly growth in our country “stated the speaker.
In a formal announcement, the UGC stated that starting in June 2024, NET candidates will be deemed eligible for three different categories: admission to a PhD programme solely, without the possibility of receiving a JRF or assistant professorship; admission to a PhD programme with a JRF and the possibility of receiving an assistant professorship; and admission to a PhD programme without a JRF or assistant professorship.
The percentile result of the UGC NET will be announced along with the candidate’s marks, which they can use to apply for PhD admission. In accordance with the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022, JRF-qualified students are admitted to the PhD programme through an interview process.
“Test results will account for 70% of the weighting for admission to PhD programmes, while interview results will account for 30% of the weighting for students who meet the requirements in categories 2 and 3. The notification stated that the PhD admission will be determined by adding the points earned in the NET exam to the points earned during the interview or viva voce.
The candidates in categories 2 and 3 will have a year to use their NET scores for admission to a PhD programme.
It is anticipated that UGC NET June 2024 registration will open the following week.
 scores will be used for PhD admissions starting){kind=link}