UGC Revolutionises PhD Pathways: Four-year undergrads granted direct entry to NET

In a significant move, Professor M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC), unveiled a transformative policy granting students with four-year undergraduate degrees a direct pathway to pursue a PhD by sitting for the National Eligibility Test (NET). Departing from the previous norm, where NET candidates were required to hold a master’s degree with a minimum of 55 per cent marks, this initiative aims to streamline the academic journey and broaden opportunities for aspiring scholars.

Under this new directive, candidates seeking a PhD, with or without a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), are mandated to possess a commendable academic record, with a minimum of 75 per cent marks or equivalent grades in their four-year undergraduate course. This shift not only acknowledges the rigor and depth of learning in these extended undergraduate programmes but also aligns with global educational standards, facilitating a smoother transition for ambitious scholars into advanced research and academia.

The upcoming NET exam, slated for June 16, will witness a departure from its traditional Computer Based Test (CBT) format to an offline mode, marking a pragmatic adaptation to the prevailing circumstances. Regardless of their undergraduate discipline, candidates are empowered to choose the subject in which they aspire to pursue their PhD, reflecting a progressive approach towards interdisciplinary studies and intellectual exploration.

Kumar emphasised that candidates emerging from four-year undergraduate programmes must exhibit exceptional academic prowess, with a stipulated minimum of 75 per cent marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade, ensuring a robust foundation for scholarly pursuits. Recognising the diverse socio-economic landscape, a relaxation of five per cent marks or its equivalent grade is extended to candidates from marginalised communities, including SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), differently-abled, and economically weaker sections.

UGC-NET, a pivotal exam in the academic landscape of India, serves as a gateway for Indian nationals aspiring for Junior Research Fellowship, assistant professorship, and admission to PhD programs in esteemed universities and colleges across the nation. With the application process already underway since Saturday, aspiring scholars have until May 10 to seize this transformative opportunity and embark on their journey towards academic excellence and intellectual advancement.