Universities to Accept NET Scores for PhD Admissions from 2024-25: UGC

New Delhi: Starting from the academic session 2024-2025, universities across India will have the option to utilize the National Eligibility Test (NET) scores for admissions to PhD programs, eliminating the need for separate entrance tests conducted by individual institutions. This significant move, announced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar, aims to streamline the admissions process and enhance accessibility for prospective doctoral candidates.

UGC has revealed that the National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon initiate the NET application process for the June session, marking the beginning of this new approach. Prof Kumar highlighted that leveraging the biannual administration of the NET will provide students with increased flexibility, allowing them to use their scores from either session to apply for PhD programs across various universities.

Prof Kumar emphasized the benefits of this initiative, stating that it will alleviate the burden on students by eliminating the need to prepare for multiple entrance tests, thus reducing logistical challenges and expenses. Moreover, it will offer students more opportunities to secure admission to their desired PhD programs.

In line with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), UGC Secretary Prof Manish R Joshi explained that an expert committee was formed to review the provisions of NET to facilitate the implementation of one national entrance test for PhD admissions. As per the UGC regulations, the result of the NET will be declared in percentile along with the candidate’s marks, with 70% weightage assigned to test scores and 30% to the interview/viva voce performance for PhD admissions.

Starting from June 2024, NET candidates will be categorized based on their eligibility for admission to PhD with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and appointment as Assistant Professor, admission to PhD without JRF and appointment as Assistant Professor, or admission to PhD program only without JRF or Assistant Professor appointment. This move is expected to create a more conducive environment for academic pursuit and scholarly advancement in the country.