Did you know that in June 2024, over 11.2 lakh students registered for the UGC NET exam? Nearly 9 lakh appeared for the test, which was conducted across 83 subjects. (NTA Press Release)
From these candidates, about 53,694 qualified for Assistant Professor eligibility, and 4,970 were awarded the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
To put things in perspective: the UGC NET has as many applicants as India’s top competitive exams — like UPSC (13 lakh), CAT (3 lakh), and NEET (20+ lakh in 2025).
So, what makes UGC NET so important?
Simply put, qualifying UGC NET opens doors to a career in academia and research in India. It provides three key opportunities:
- Eligibility for PhD admission
- Recruitment as an Assistant Professor
- Funding through JRF for research
This blog is Part 1 of a 3-part series on UGC NET. In this episode, I’ll explain the exam structure and categories. Part 2 will focus on PhD admissions, and Part 3 will explore career opportunities.
Section 1: Introduction to UGC NET
UGC NET (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test) is conducted twice a year — in June and December — by the National Testing Agency (NTA). All official announcements appear on ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
Section 2: The Three Categories of Eligibility in UGC NET
Category 1: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Monthly stipend: Up to ₹42,000, plus HRA and contingency grants
- Eligibility for PhD admission and Assistant Professor jobs
- Age limit: 30 years (with up to 5 years relaxation for certain categories)
- JRF activates after PhD admission in a UGC-recognized university
Category 2: Assistant Professor + PhD Admission
- Qualify to teach in universities and colleges
- Exempt from university-level PhD entrance exams
- No age limit
Category 3: PhD Admission Only
- Exempted from written test for PhD
- Most universities use NET score (70%) + Interview (30%) for final selection
Section 4: UGC NET Exam Pattern
UGC NET is a computer-based test with no negative marking. It’s offered in 85 subjects. (Bulletin June 2025)
Paper | Marks | Questions | Description | Duration |
Paper 1 (Common) | 100 | 50 | General aptitude, teaching & research skills, reasoning, comprehension, data interpretation | 3 Hours (No Break) |
Paper 2 (Subject Specific) | 200 | 100 | Based on chosen post-grad subject |
All questions are multiple choice and the exam is available in English and Hindi (except for language subjects).
Section 5: Eligibility Criteria to Apply for UGC NET
- General & EWS: Minimum 55% in post-graduation
- OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, Third Gender: Minimum 50%
New Rule for 4-Year UG Degree Holders:
- Eligible if you scored 75%+ in UG
- You can qualify for JRF and PhD admission, but NOT Assistant Professor jobs without a PG degree
Must appear in the subject of your post-graduation. If your exact subject isn’t listed, choose the closest match from 85 options.
UGC NET is valid only in Indian universities and colleges.
Final Thoughts
UGC NET isn’t just another test — it’s the gateway to India’s academic and research landscape. From earning a PhD to becoming a professor, this single exam lays the foundation. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explain how UGC NET impacts PhD admissions. In Part 3, we’ll cover research and teaching career opportunities.Need Help with PhD Applications?
At Zenith PhD Training & Consultancy, we provide one-on-one mentoring, PhD proposal support, and career guidance (not coaching for NET). Visit www.zenithphd.com or message on WhatsApp at 9821101125.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
UGC NET determines eligibility for Assistant Professorship, PhD admission, and JRF in Indian universities.
You can apply with a 4-year UG degree and 75% marks, but you won’t be eligible for Assistant Professor roles without a PG degree.
Only for JRF — 30 years (with relaxations). No age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD admission.
Twice — in June and December.
JRF: 3 years, PhD Admission: 1 year, Assistant Professor: Lifetime.
Not mandatory. Many qualify through self-study. Zenith PhD offers guidance (not coaching) for PhD aspirants.
Looking for expert guidance on PhD admissions?
Visit Zenith PhD Training & Consultancy for personalized support throughout your PhD journey, or check out our YouTube channel – All About PhD by Dr. Ritika Gauba.
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By Dr. Ritika Gauba– PhD Mentor & Advisor
CEO & Founder ZPTC
Dr. Ritika Gauba
Dr. Ritika Gauba the Founder & CEO of Zenith Ph.D. Training & Consultancy is a Ph.D. Coach, Mentor & Guide. She has an in-depth knowledge of all the Ph.D. rules by UGC and the New Education Policy. She has done an unfathomable study of the Ph.D. regulations of more than 1000 Indian and international universities, including institutions of national importance like IIMs, IITs, IIITs, IVY League colleges & so on, making her a specialist in the area.