New Delhi, April 21: Students holding 4-year UG degrees now have direct access to appear for the National Eligibility Test (NET) and pursue a PhD, announced UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar on Sunday. To pursue a PhD, whether with or without a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), these students need to attain a minimum of 75 percent aggregate marks or an equivalent grade.

Previously, NET candidates were required to possess a master’s degree with a minimum of 55 percent marks.

“The introduction of direct access for candidates with four-year undergraduate degrees to pursue a PhD and sit for the NET is a significant development. These candidates are now able to choose the subject for their PhD regardless of the discipline of their four-year bachelor’s degree,” remarked the UGC Chairman to news agency PTI.

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He emphasized, “Candidates who have completed a four-year or eight-semester bachelor’s degree program must have a minimum of 75 percent marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale where applicable.”

Furthermore, the Chairman noted that certain categories of students, such as those from non-creamy layers, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), differently-abled individuals, and economically weaker sections, may receive a relaxation of 5 percent marks or its equivalent grade as per UGC decisions.

The NET is presently conducted biannually, in June and December. Its scores are utilized for awarding Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and as eligibility criteria for assistant professor appointments for individuals with a Master’s degree.

Earlier this year, the UGC announced plans to employ NET scores for PhD admissions from the academic session 2024-25, eliminating the necessity for separate entrance tests.

“In the academic session 2024-2025 and onwards, universities across the nation will have the option to utilize NET scores for PhD admissions, replacing individual university and higher education institution (HEI) entrance tests. This move aims to simplify the admission process and improve accessibility for prospective doctoral candidates,” stated Jagadesh Kumar.

He added, “By harnessing the biannual NET, universities can provide greater flexibility to students, enabling them to utilize scores from either session to apply for PhD programs across various institutions.”