UGC Chairman Announced Direct Pursuit Of PhD for Graduates With A 4-Year Degree
A recent announcement by the UGC Chairman, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, has given hope to graduates with a four-year degree. He detailed the announcement, stating that students who possess a graduate degree of 4 years can now directly apply for the upcoming NET (Net Eligibility Test) examination without the need for a postgraduate degree.
The news has embarked smiles of happiness as students see new hopes for future opportunities with this current news. The move was made to streamline the path of higher education for students. The commitee has introduced several changes to the eligibility criteria for PhD programs and NET.
In this blog, we shall highlight all the important points the University Grants Commission covered in its latest announcements. However, let us first understand a few things about it.
What is University Grant Commission (UGC) Approved?
The University Grant Commission (UGC) is the apex body that approves universities and provides funds for affiliated universities and colleges. The term “UGC Approved” is an official notice that graces colleges or universities with approval to provide higher education.
The committee grants approval when educational institutions prove to have proper infrastructure, adherence to best academic practices, and maintenance of a balanced faculty-student ratio.
This approval is compulsory according to UGC regulations. This is because it ensures well equipment of universities to provide valuable and valid degrees. Furthermore, the degree awarded by any university remains acceptable and approved under Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956.
Therefore, its approval determines the recognition and validity of academic programs offered by educational institutions.
UGC Chairman's Latest Announcement for PhD Students
Students can directly take the Net Eligibility Test regardless of their interest in the JRF (Junior Research Fellowship).
The previous eligibility criteria for NET required a master’s degree with at least 55% or equivalent aggregate. On Sunday, the UGC chairman made the following announcements:-
“Candidates with four-year UG degrees can now directly pursue PhD and appear for NET. Such candidates are allowed to appear in a subject where they want to pursue a PhD, irrespective of the discipline in which they have obtained the four-year bachelor’s degree.”
What Is National Eligibility Test And Criteria?
National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts The National Eligibility Test (NET) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Given that, here are the key points about the National Eligibility Test (NET):
1. Purpose: The main purpose of the NET is to set the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professor and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
2. Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates should have a post-graduate degree or equivalent from a recognized university with at least 55% marks.
- Candidates with 4 years UG degree can directly sit for the NET examination.
- For JRF, upper age limit criteria apply.
3. Exam Pattern
- NTA conducts NET exam in different subjects or disciplines.
- It consists of two papers: Paper I (General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude) and Paper II (Subject-specific paper).
- Both papers are objective type with multiple-choice questions.
4. Qualifying Criteria
- To qualify for Assistant Professor, candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks set by UGC.
- Additional criteria, such as cut-off marks and selection processes are involved in JRF
5. Benefits
- Qualifying in NET can make candidates eligible for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges across India.
- JRF recipients can pursue research in their chosen field and receive fellowship grants.
6. Importance
- NET is a vital qualification for pursuing a teaching or research career in Indian higher education institutions.
- It signifies academic excellence and subject proficiency in the chosen field of study.
When Is NET Examination 2024?
NTA conducts NET examination twice a year—in June and December. The application for the examination is currently out and open until 10 May 2024. Students who wish to appear for the entrance test must fill out and submit the form before the due date.
NTA uses UGC NET results to determine the minimum marks required for PhD programs. However, a few changes have been made from the 2024-2025 session. On Sunday, the Chairman of UGC announced that the quota students will have a relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade accordingly.
Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) – differently-abled, economically weaker sections and other categories may enjoy this benefit.
The exam will held on 16 June 2024, and students must revise the UGC NET Syllabus for preparations.
How Will NTA (UGC) Conduct NET 2024?
Earlier, the NTA conducted a National Eligibility Test through a systematic mode, where the students were required to give the examination through computers.
However from this year, the scheme has fallen back to the paper and pen mode. The candidates can register online via UGC NET exam by registering on the official website-nta.ac.in
The last date for application is 10 May 2024, therefore, the students must apply before the due date.
At Last
UGC Chairman latest tweet on Sunday made an important announcement regarding the NET (National Egilibility Test) criteria for the PhD aspirants. On behalf of the whole committee, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said that UG (Undergraduate) students can now appear for NET without having to posses a masters (post-graduate) degree.
However, students must have a minimum 75% aggregate or equivalent marks to appear for the examination. The application forms are available on the official NTA website and students can apply online. “The last date for form submission is 10 May 2024.”