UGC announces validity of NET scores for PhD admissions from this year

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that starting from the 2024-25 academic session, scores from the National Eligibility Test (NET) will be accepted for PhD admissions. This decision aims to streamline the admission process, as many universities currently conduct separate entrance exams for PhD candidates. By accepting NET scores, candidates will no longer need to appear for multiple exams.

The decision, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, was made in the 578th UGC meeting held on March 13, following recommendations from an expert committee. The UGC-NET, conducted twice a year in June and December, is used to award Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and select Assistant Professors for candidates with master’s degrees.

According to the official notice, UGC NET qualified candidates will now be eligible for three categories: