NET score allowed for admissions to PhD in place of entrance test: UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Thursday announced that students will now be able to use their National Eligibility Test (NET) scores for admission into PhD programs, starting from the academic session 2024-2025.

This decision eliminates the need for separate entrance tests conducted by universities and the Higher Education Information System (HEIS), aligning with the National Education Policy’s goal of simplifying the admission process.

UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said, “From the upcoming academic session, universities can admit students to PhD programs using their NET scores instead of conducting separate entrance tests. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon open the NET application process for the June 2024 session.”

The National Eligibility Test (NET), administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) twice a year in June and December, currently serves as the basis for awarding Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and determining eligibility for assistant professor appointments for Master’s degree holders, as stated in an official UGC notice.

The notice highlights that many universities conduct their own entrance exams for PhD admissions, requiring students to take multiple tests. To streamline this process and align with the National Education Policy 2020, UGC formed an expert committee to review NET provisions.

According to the notice, JRF-qualified candidates will be admitted to PhD programs based on interviews, following the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022.