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The UGC NET and SET exams in India are main teaching eligibility tests with various purposes. The UGC NET, known as the National Eligibility Test, is conducted at the national level, while the SET exam, or State Eligibility Test, is conducted for specific states. Both exams are aim to identify qualified candidates for the position of assistant professors, enabling them to teach in their respective subjects at universities or colleges on either the national or state level.
The eligibility criteria for these exams vary across universities, making either the UGC NET or SET exam mandatory for the recruitment process. In this discussion, we will explore the significance and differences between these exams and ultimately determine which one between UGC NET and SET may be considered superior.
What is NET Exam?
The NET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). NET Examination Held to determine the eligibility of the candidate for college and university-level Assistant professor post and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for Indian nationals in their concern fields.
What is SET Exam?
The State eligibility exam (SET) is conducted by respective state University or College in their concerned State. Candidates qualifying for SET are eligible for the Assistant professor post only in the universities and colleges belonging to the state in which they have passed the SET exam. SET Examination held for concerned state which is only valid in their state.
SET Exam | Check Details Here |
UGC NET 2024 | Check Here |
CSIR NET 2024 | Check Here |
MP SET 2024 | Check Here |
TN SET 2024 | Check Here |
Kerala SET 2024 | Check Here |
TS SET 2024 | Check Here |
HP SET | Check Here |
Assam SLET | Check Here |
CG SET 2024 | Check Here |
Karnataka SET 2024 | Check Here |
West Bengal SET 2024 | Check Here |
Gujarat SET 2024 | Check Here |
Jammu Kashmir SET 2024 | Check Here |
How is SET Different from NET?
As many candidate are preparing for NET and SET exam , they can check the difference of NET and SET Examination. Candidate are advised to read below to know more differences about National Eligibility Test and State Eligibility Test.
Differences | UGC NET ( National Eligibility Test) | SETs ( State Eligibility Test) |
Conducting Authorities | NTA (National Testing Agency) | SETs are conducted by respective state agencies |
Objective | NET focuses to maintain the minimum standards for the teaching and research nationwide | SET focuses on the same to be fixed in a smoother manner conducting the exam on a state level |
Periodicity of Exam: | NTA UGC NET is conducted twice a year | These are conducted once a year |
Medium of exam | Being a National level exam, NET is conducted in only in two languages English and Hindi | SET being a State level test is conducted in English and vernacular languages. |
Syllabus | NTA NET syllabus is the same for all the states | Every state has its own syllabus for the SET exam. |
Participating Regions | NET exam is conducted on a PAN basis. Aspirants from entire India can appear for this Exam. There are no individual regional criteria to appear for the exam. | Candidates belonging to the respective state only can take part in the SET examination. Every state does not conduct the SET examination. There are only 15 states that conduct SET exams in different subjects. |
Benefits of NTA UGC NET Exam
Here we are explaining benefits and opportunities to appearing in UGC NET Exam for candidate which will help them in understand UGC NET Examination.
- Career opportunities: UGC NET is an exam that is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the role of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. Clearing this exam can open up numerous career opportunities in the field of academia.
- Competitive advantage: UGC NET is a highly competitive exam, and clearing it can give you an edge over other candidates in terms of career growth and job opportunities. The candidate can even apply for Public Sector Units after clearing UGC NET
- Intellectual development: Preparing for the UGC NET exam requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of your chosen subject, which can lead to intellectual development and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
- Personal growth: Pursuing UGC NET can be a challenging but rewarding experience that can help you grow personally and professionally.
- Prestige and recognition: Clearing the UGC NET exam can bring a sense of prestige and recognition to your career, as it is a highly respected and prestigious exam in India.
- Support researchers financially: If the candidate clears UGC NET JRF then he or she can peruse research in their desired field. Moreover, the researchers will get financial support in the form of a stipend for five years.
Benefits of State Eligibility Test SET
The State Eligibility Test (SET) is an exam conducted by various state governments’ authorities in India to determine the eligibility of candidates for the post of Assistant Professor in colleges and universities within that state. Here we are going to learn the some benefits of appearing for the SET exam:
- State-level recognition: The SET exam is conducted at the state level, which means that clearing this exam can make you eligible for the post of Assistant Professor in colleges and universities within that state. This can be particularly beneficial if you wish to work in a specific state or region.
- Cost-effective: The application fees for the SET exam are generally lower than those for the UGC NET exam, which makes it a more cost-effective option for candidates.
- Convenience: Since the SET exam is conducted at the state level, candidates do not have to travel to different parts of the country to appear for the exam, which can be more convenient and less time-consuming.
- Opportunity for Growth: Clearing the SET exam can open up opportunities for growth and career advancement in the field of academia, particularly in colleges and universities within that state.
Which is Better UGC or SET Exam?
The decision to choose between the UGC NET and SET exams depends on various factors such as your career goals, academic background, and personal preferences. Here are some reasons why you might choose the UGC NET exam over the SET exam:
- National or State level recognition: The UGC NET exam is conducted at the national level, which means that qualifying for this exam can give you a broader range of career opportunities across India, as compared to the state-level SET exam will allow you to be in the desired state.
- Eligibility criteria: The eligibility criteria for the UGC NET exam are more stringent than those for the SET exam. This means that qualifying for the UGC NET exam can be considered a little difficult in comparison to SET exams.
- Career prospects: Clearing the UGC NET exam can make you eligible for the role of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in any of the Indian universities and colleges. The SET exam will also make candidates the advantage to flourish in their career in teaching within a particular state.
- Research opportunities: The UGC NET exam is specifically designed to test the research aptitude of candidates, making it a better choice for those who wish to pursue research in their chosen field from anywhere in India. on the other hand, some SETs only make you eligible for the role of assistant professor, they are not opening the path of research for the candidate.