Is UGC NET Necessary For PhD? Check More Details for PhD Eligibility

Is UGC NET Necessary For PhD? – This is big question for any UGC NET aspiring candidates. Candidate who wants to do PhD for further education or wants to choose their career as Research Scholar, UGC NET qualifying is mandatory eligibility criteria. While understanding the nuances of applying for a PhD program, students face confusion regarding its eligibility criteria.

As per Recent Update by UGC Chairman through tweet that individuals who have passed the UGC NET exam can now apply for PhD admissions in the 2024-25 academic year and also apply for Assistant Professor roles. The categorization of NET scores will determine eligibility for both PhD admissions with or without JRF funding, and Assistant Professor positions. Thus, in this article, we discuss the revised rule of Ph.D. admissions, eligibility criteria understand what exactly UGC NET or PhD is? Read on to know more.

Latest Update on Revised Rules of Ph.D. Admissions

UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar stressed the importance of utilizing the National Eligibility Test (NET) to provide greater flexibility for students in higher education. He underscored that now, students can use their NET scores to apply for PhD programs across various institutions, enhancing their opportunities for academic advancement. Additionally, Kumar highlighted the biannual administration of the NET exam, which expands students’ chances of gaining admission to their preferred PhD programs.

Commencing from the 2024-2025 academic session, the UGC is encouraging all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to integrate NET exam scores into their PhD admission processes. As per the official notification from the UGC, effective June 2024, NET candidates will be categorized into three eligibility groups:

1. Category 1: Admission to PhD with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and concurrent appointment as an assistant professor.
2. Category 2: Admission to PhD without JRF alongside appointment as an assistant professor.
3. Category 3: Admission to the PhD program exclusively.

UGC Approve NET Score for PhD Admission 2024

Ph.D requirement for Assistant Professors Recruitment

As per new norms directed by the University Grant Commissions (UGC), Candidate who holds Phd Degree are eligible to apply for Direct Recruitment of Assistant professor. Candidates can apply for the post based on their UGC NET scores as minimum eligibility criteria. This comes as a relief for the candidates whose research work , Assistant professor Recruitment as comes opening path for their career.

Check the Latest Eligibility UGC Notification Regarding UGC Assistant Professor 

What is a PhD?

A PhD is a globally recognized academic qualification/ degree awarded to students/ candidates who successfully complete and submit their dissertation or thesis. The thesis or dissertation is based on extensive and original research work in the field of their choice or expertise. Usually, it takes up to 5 years to complete the research work, collates the information gathered, extracts a conclusion and finally submits the thesis. This degree is granted by the Universities after extensive scrutiny of the candidate’s research work.

What is UGC NET?

UGC NET or University Grant Commission National Eligibility Test is a national level eligibility test conducted to select candidates for the post of Assistant Professor and for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). After successfully passing the UGC NET, Candidates are eligible for applying for various Assistant Professor jobs in various Universities and Colleges. Candidates qualifying for JRF get a stipend and other facilities granted by the UGC for pursuing their PhD. After their PhD, they can apply for Assistant Professor Job.

UGC NET Notification

Eligibility Criteria for a PhD?

Following are some of the eligibility criteria students need to know about before applying for a PhD:

• A Master’s Degree in respective subjects with 55% marks from a recognised University is a general qualifying criterion for PhD programs across India.
• UGC NET Score
• PhD in specialized fields like engineering and technology requires a valid Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) mandatorily.

Check Revised PHD Eligibility Criteria

Is UGC NET Necessary for PhD?

Now coming back to the question, “Is UGC NET Necessary for PhD?”  As per the new rule Affiliated University has required to fill 60% of the PhD seats through the National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) qualified students. The rest of the 40% seats will be filled through the entrance test conducted by the universities/ colleges. However, it is always advisable to qualify UGC NET or JRF for better opportunities for jobs and promotions in the future.

Students who have qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) will secure admission to PhD programs through interviews in accordance with the UGC Regulations of 2022. For candidates falling under Categories 2 and 3, admission to PhD programs will be determined by assigning 70% weightage to test scores and 30% to interviews or viva voce assessments.

Qualifying a national level eligibility test like UGC NET allows the recruiters or universities to understand your standing and merit on a national level. Secondly, qualifying for JRF helps the candidates financially. PhD courses are expensive and under JRF, candidates get a stipend and some other facilities like HRA, etc.

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