JNU Adopts NET Scores for PhD Admission 2024-25 Session

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Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced a significant change in its PhD admission process for the academic session 2024-25. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UGC’s Public Notice dated March 27, 2024, JNU will now use scores from the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by UGC and CSIR for admission to its PhD programs. This replaces the previous entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

JNU Adopts NET Scores for PhD Admission

JNU’s adoption of NET scores for PhD admissions signifies a significant shift towards a more streamlined and centralized selection process. This aligns with the National Education Policy’s focus on streamlining admissions and potentially benefits both students and the university.

For students, this policy reduces the burden of taking multiple entrance exams. The focus on a single national test (NET) simplifies the application process. For the university, utilizing a pre-existing national exam likely translates to a more efficient selection process and potentially a wider pool of qualified applicants.

UGC Notice for JNU Adopts NET Scores for PhD Admission

JNU PhD Admission 2024 Highlights

JNU PhD admission process for aspiring students will be done by single national entrance test. Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the new PhD admission policy at JNU:

Admission Categories: Applications will be invited under two categories: JRF qualified (Category 1) and NET Score categories. JNU invites applications for PhD admission from candidates falling under various categories:

Admission Categories	Explain
JRF qualified category (Category 1)	Only JRF qualified
NET Score categories	Category 1: JRF qualified candidates Category 2: Candidates qualified for Assistant Professorship without JRF Category 3: Candidates neither qualified for JRF nor for Assistant Professorship but eligible for PhD admission based on NET score.

JRF Admissions: Admissions under the JRF category will continue with a 100% weightage for the viva-voce exam. JRF qualified candidates can also apply under the NET Score categories.
NET Score Admissions: Replacing the entrance exam, NET scores will now hold a 70% weightage, with the remaining 30% assigned to the viva-voce exam.
NET Score Validity: NET scores will be valid for one year for PhD program admissions as per UGC guidelines. JRF validity remains as per the JRF award letter.
Entrance Exam Exception: The university may conduct entrance exams for PhD programs where NET exams aren’t offered in the specific subject/discipline by UGC/CSIR.
E-Prospectus: The detailed e-Prospectus for JNU PhD admissions 2024-25 will be available soon on the JNU website (www.jnu.ac.in).

Conclusion

JNU’s adoption of NET scores simplifies the PhD application process for students by reducing exam burden and offers the university a wider pool and potentially a more efficient selection process, though some students may need strategic planning based on NET exam cycles. The upcoming e-Prospectus will provide further clarity on weightage and specific details.