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.

In its notice, the JNU listed out the criteria for admissions. Some of the points are as follows:

1. JRF qualified (Category 1) only, and NET Score categories (Category 1: JRF qualified candidates, Category 2: Candidates qualified for Assistant Professorship without JRF and Category 3: Candidates neither qualified for JRF nor for Assistant Professorship but eligible for admission to PhD only on the basis of NET score).
2. Admission under JRF Category will be done as per existing norms where 100% weightage will be assigned to viva-voce. However, candidates with valid JRF will be also eligible to apply under NET Score categories.
3. The marks obtained by the candidates in the NET Examination conducted by UGC and CSIR will be valid for a period of one year for the purpose of admission to PhD program as decided by UGC. The validity of JRF will be as mentioned in the JRF award letter.
4. The University may hold entrance examination for those PhD programmes where NET examination in the prescribed subjects/disciplines are not conducted by UGC/CSIR.

The full notice is here:

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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