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Admin | Content Curator Updated : Oct-14-25

UGC Announces NET Scores Valid for PhD Admissions, Streamlining the Process

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has implemented a major change for PhD admissions in India. Starting with the academic session 2024-2025, universities can now use the National Eligibility Test, or NET scores, in place of their own entrance exams for PhD programs. This decision aims to streamline the admission process and reduce the burden of multiple exams on students, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

The UGC Chairman, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, announced the change on March 28, 2024. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NET exam twice a year, is expected to launch the application process for the June 2024 session soon.

Benefits of the New System

Reduced Exam Burden: Students will no longer need to prepare for separate entrance exams conducted by individual universities.

Standardised Selection: NET scores provide a standardised measure of a candidate's eligibility for research programs.

Streamlined Process: Universities can utilise the existing NET infrastructure for PhD admissions.

PhD Admission with NET Scores

While NET scores will be a key factor, universities can still conduct interviews for PhD admissions. The weightage for NET scores and interviews may vary, but universities are expected to give 70% weightage to NET scores and 30% to interviews. The validity of NET scores remains for one year.

This new system is expected to simplify the PhD admission process for students and universities alike. It is recommended that students interested in pursuing PhD programs stay updated on the official UGC NET website (https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/) for the latest announcements regarding the June 2024 application process.