UGC okays use of NET scores for PhD admission; no more university entrance exams

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: UGC in a big move has decided to make PhD admission solely based on NET (National Eligibility Test) score. This reform will be implemented starting from the academic year 2024-25. With this, the entrance exams conducted by universities for PhD admission will be abolished. One can apply for PhD in any university in India based on NET score.

The change is part of the bigger reforms being made in educational systems through the National Education Policy. On March 13, the UGC meeting approved the report of the expert committee in this regard conducted in June and December. Applications for the upcoming June exam will be invited next week.

At present PhD admission is being given without entrance to NET holders with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and NET rank holders. Apart from this, PG graduates were also admitted to PhD by universities based on entrance scores and interviews.

As of now, more than half of the admissions are made after taking 70% marks from the exams and 30% from the interview. This has also led to allegations about close aides and 'important people' getting admissions at a whim by toppling the existing norms. Once the eligibility becomes NET exams, the government expect to wipe out such allegations.

There are three categories for the score

• High Score - PhD admission with JRF and appointment as Assistant Professor

• 2nd Score – PhD admission without JRF and appointment of Assistant Professor

• 3rd Score – PhD admission only

There are also criteria for the preparation of a merit list for admission to Ph.D. For this, 70 per cent weightage will be given to NET score and 30 per cent to the interview. The successful candidate should receive admission within one year.