In a significant move aimed at making the Ph.D. admissions process, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced in a notice that National Eligibility Test (NET) scores will be accepted by the universities beginning with the academic year 2024-25. This decision by the UGC provides relief to students seeking admission to the Ph.D., previously had to take multiple entrance exams administered by various universities

As per the official notice by the commission, following recommendations from an expert committee, the university body made this decision at its 578th meeting held on March 13.

About UGC NET for Ph.D

The NET exam is conducted biannually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in June and December, and serves two purposes: it awards Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and selects Assistant Professors from among master's degree holders.

Under the new process, starting from June 2024, all universities can use UGC NET scores for admission to Ph.D. programmes, this will replace the need for separate entrance tests conducted by individual universities or Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). The NET result will be announced in percentile along with each candidate's marks, making them more suitable for PhD admission.

UGC NET Process for Ph.D. Admission

UGC NET qualified candidates will now be eligible for Ph.D. admissions in the following three categories:

Category 1 - Admission to PhD with JRF and appointment as Assistant Professor.
Category 2 - Admission to Ph.D. without JRF and appointment as an assistant professor.
Category 3 - Admission to the Ph.D. programme is required, not for the award of a JRF or appointment as an assistant professor.

According to the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022, candidates who qualify for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) will have to appear for the interview for admission to Ph.D. programmes.

For students in Categories 2 and 3, PhD admissions will be based on 70% test scores and 30% interviews. Admission to Ph.D. programmes will be based on the combined merit of NET scores and interview/viva voce performance.

Note: NET scores obtained by candidates in Categories 2 and 3 will be valid for one year.

Download the Official Notice regarding National Eligibility Test (NET) as as Entrance Test for Admission to Ph.D.

JRF-qualified students are admitted to the Ph.D. programme following an interview per the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022.

For students qualifying under Categories 2 and 3, test scores will be weighted 70%, with the interview accounting for 30%. The admission process will be determined by the combined merit of NET marks and interview/viva voce performance of the candidate. According to an official release from the university body, NET marks obtained by candidates in Categories 2 and 3 will be valid for one year for admission to Ph.D. programmes.