JNU opts to use National Eligibility Test Scores instead of entrance test by NTA for PhD admissions

With the latest move, the JNU will replace the test previously conducted by NTA with NET scores for admissions into PhD programs.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has decided to modify its PhD admission criteria, replacing the entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) with National Eligibility Test (NET) scores.

JNU has decided to replace the NTA entrance test with National Eligibility Test scores for admissions into PhD programs. (HT file)

The notice cited that the UGC, in order to help the students with one national entrance test as part of the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, decided to vide its Public Notice dated March 27, 2024, and said that score of the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by UGC and CSIR can be used by the Universities/HEIs for PhD Admission in place of entrance test, read the notice released by JNU on Saturday.

In line with the directive, the JNU decided to use NET score in place of the entrance test conducted by NTA for admission to PhD Programs in the University from the academic session 2024-25.

The full notice is here:

It may be mentioned here that the UGC Joint Secretary had met the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) office bearers recently following protest by the JNUSU at the UGC Headquarters.

The JNUSU pointed out that the decision to replace PhD Entrance Exams with NET scores will further alienate many students, particuarly those from marginalised sections, from research, and the gates of universities will close for many.

In the meeting, the UGC Joint Secretary said an internal meeting will be held on these points. It was also communicated that universities have the autonomy to conduct their entrance exams.

Meanwhile, the JNUSU will be meeting the Director of Admissions on April 29, to demand that the PhD entrance exam be done through JNUEE.

With ANI Inputs