UGC NET

Overview

The University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test (UGC–NET) is a standardised test in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission. It is designed to determine the eligibility of candidates for the awarding of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as assistant professor, and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities and colleges. Candidates may appear in any one of the 85 subjects offered. The UGC–NET features in the list of the top 10 toughest examinations in India.

Key details

Role in admissions and recruitment

The UGC–NET serves three principal functions in Indian higher education. First, it identifies candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), which provides financial support to scholars pursuing research. Second, qualifying the test is a recognised criterion for appointment as an assistant professor in Indian universities and colleges. Third, it is used to determine eligibility for admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities and colleges. By offering examinations in 85 subjects, the test covers a wide range of disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, sciences and professional fields.

Background

Until July 2018, the UGC–NET was conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The responsibility for administering the examination was transferred to the National Testing Agency, which has conducted it since December 2018. Following this transition, the examination shifted to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and is currently held twice a year, in June and December. From December 2018 onward, the NTA began releasing the UGC–NET e-certificate and the JRF award letter online on its official website for qualified candidates, replacing earlier offline issuance practices.

References

1. "UGC–NET", Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UGC%E2%80%93NET.
2. National Testing Agency, official website.
3. University Grants Commission, official website.