Introduction

• The University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) was abruptly canceled by the Ministry of Education late on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, a day after it was held. This decision has impacted over 9 lakh candidates and sparked protests from student organizations. 

• The cancellation followed inputs from the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit indicating that the integrity of the examination might have been compromised.

The UGC-NET: Purpose and Conduct

• Conducted Twice a Year: The UGC-NET is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) twice a year, in June and December. Before December 2018, the exam was conducted by the CBSE.

• Determining Eligibility: The UGC-NET serves three primary purposes:

  1. Eligibility for Assistant Professor: Since 1989, it has determined eligibility for the post of assistant professor in universities.

  2. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Since 1984, it has been the primary criterion for granting the JRF, which provides monetary assistance for MPhil/PhD degrees.

  3. PhD Admissions: From the current academic session, UGC-NET scores are used for PhD admissions, replacing universities’ own entrance exams.

Exam Structure and Eligibility

• Two Papers: The exam comprises two papers with multiple-choice questions and no negative marking.

  • Paper I (100 marks): General paper assessing teaching and research aptitude.

  • Paper II (200 marks): Subject-specific, usually in the candidate’s post-graduation subject, covering 83 subjects including languages, history, law, and political science.

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • General Category: Minimum 55% in Master’s degree.

  • SC/ST/OBC/Persons with Disabilities: Minimum 50% in Master’s degree.

  • Undergraduates: Candidates with a four-year degree and 75% marks are also eligible.

  • Age Limit: No age limit for assistant professor and PhD admissions. For JRF, the age limit is 30 years as of June 1.

Administration of the Exam

• Computer-Based and Pen-and-Paper Formats: Previously conducted as a computer-based test over multiple days, the format changed this year to a pen-and-paper test held on a single day.

• Centers and Shifts: The June 2024 exam was held in 1,205 centers across 317 cities, in two shifts.

Impact of the Cancellation

• Protests and Retests: The cancellation has affected 9,08,580 candidates, nearly twice the number from June last year. Candidates now have to retake the exam, echoing the NEET-UG controversy involving paper leaks and re-tests for 1,563 candidates.

• Qualification Rates: In June last year, 32,304 candidates qualified for assistant professor posts, while 4,937 qualified for the JRF. The number of qualifiers is typically a small fraction of the total candidates.

Significance and Implications

• Cut-Off Marks: Declared subject- and category-wise, the cut-off marks determine eligibility. The NTA bulletin specifies that 6% of candidates who appeared for both papers qualify for the assistant professor post.

• Protests and Student Outrage: The cancellation has led to significant student unrest and calls for transparency and security in the examination process.

Importance for Competitive Exams

• This article is vital for UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, Assistant Commandant, and other competitive exams such as NDA, CDS, SSB Interview, AFCAT, IAS, and IB ACIO

• Understanding the structure, purpose, and recent developments of the UGC-NET exam is crucial for current affairs preparation. 

• The information aligns with the UPSC CAPF AC syllabus 2024, providing valuable content for essay writing, Group Discussions, and Interviews. 

• Knowledge of such issues enhances analytical skills and aids in crafting well-rounded responses, making it indispensable for success in these exams.