UGC Introduces Changes to PhD Admissions, Faces Backlash from Student Federation

Starting from the academic session of 2024-2025, universities will now have the option to consider NET scores for PhD admissions, replacing their own entrance examinations.

In a recent development, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced significant changes to the National Eligibility Test (NET), positioning it as the primary entrance exam for admission to PhD programs across universities in India. This move aims to streamline the admissions process and eliminate the need for separate entrance tests conducted by individual institutions.

Starting from the academic session of 2024-2025, universities will now have the option to consider NET scores for PhD admissions, replacing their own entrance examinations. According to UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar, this decision marks a crucial step towards enhancing accessibility for aspiring doctoral candidates.

Under the new system, NET candidates will be categorized into three groups: those eligible for PhD with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), those eligible for Assistant Professor positions, and those solely eligible for PhD programs. The results of the NET will be declared in percentiles, along with candidates' marks, with 70% weightage allocated to test scores and 30% to the interview for PhD admissions.

However, the proposed changes have sparked controversy, with the Students Federation of India (SFI) issuing a statement against the UGC's decision. SFI President V P Sanu criticized the move, expressing concerns over its potential negative impact on students.

Sanu highlighted several issues with the new system, including the introduction of a third category for PhD eligibility based solely on NET scores. He argued that this approach undermines the importance of research proposals, which traditionally play a significant role in PhD admissions.

Moreover, the reduction of the validity of the NET certificate from two years to one year has raised concerns about the added pressure on applicants to repeatedly attempt the entrance exam.

SFI demanded clarity from the UGC regarding the implications of these changes on admission cut-offs, the number of qualifiers, and fellowship opportunities. They emphasized the importance of preserving the autonomy of institutions and ensuring multiple pathways for students to qualify for PhD programs.

In conclusion, while the UGC's initiative aims to simplify the admissions process and broaden opportunities for aspiring researchers, it faces resistance from student representatives who fear a potential decline in the quality and diversity of academic research in India.