UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 declared- check the eligibility, category relaxation, educational qualifications, latest updates and tips to prepare here.
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 proves to be very important because of the requirement for determining the eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) as well as Assistant Professor positions. Differing age limits exist for general, OBC, and female categories so that everybody gets considered.
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 notification has notified new guidelines regarding age relaxation for JRF and eligibility for Assistant Professorship. UGC NET is a national exam held twice a year. It assesses an applicant’s eligibility for Assistant Professorship and JRF in Indian universities by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The age and educational qualifications of applicants are clearly defined, with no complications as such. The major components of the UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 remain specific educational qualifications and age conditions:
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria Educational Qualification
Minimum Qualification for Master’s Degree: Must have a Master’s degree or an equivalent in the relevant subject areas from a UGC approved university.
| Category | Minimum Aggregate Marks |
| General/Unreserved | 55% |
| OBC-NCL | 50% |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 50% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 50% |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 50% |
| Third Gender | 50% |
Final year Master’s students or candidates awaiting their results are also eligible, but only if they complete the degree within two years of the UGC NET result.
Exemption from UGC NET for Assistant Professorship
Some candidates are exempted from the eligibility criteria for appearing in the UGC NET exam for Assistant Professorship. The major categories that are exempted are as follows:
- Ph.D. Degree Holders (UGC Regulations 2009/2016): Applicants with Ph.D. degree under the UGC Regulations 2009 or 2016 are exempted from UGC NET for appointment as Assistant Professors in universities and colleges.
- SET (State Eligibility Test) Qualified Candidates: Candidates who qualified SET (State Eligibility Test) before June 1, 2002, are exempted for UGC NET for Assistant Professorship. SET qualified candidates after this date can be recruited only to the colleges and universities of the state in which they qualified for SET.
- Candidates having M.Phil. degree: A candidate having an M.Phil. degree with requisite eligibility conditions as specified by the recruiting institution as applicable to that institution may be exempted in some cases.
- Recognised International Equivalent: Equivalencies in qualifications recognized internationally can also be exempted.
UGC NET Age Limit 2024
UGC NET Age Limit 2024 exam is different for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor. Here’s a detailed break-up:
| Position | Maximum Age Limit | Category-Wise Relaxation |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | 30 years (as of application deadline) | Up to 5 years for OBC-NCL, SC/ST, PwD, Transgender candidates, women applicants and candidates with research experience. |
| Assistant Professor | No upper age limit | Not applicable. |
UGC NET Age Limit for JRF
- Maximum Age: 30 years as of 1st January 2025 (the first day of the month in which the exam concludes).
- Age Relaxation up to 5 years for JRF: OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender/Women Applicants
- Research Experience: This relaxation is applicable up to 5 years for the research period undertaken. The certificate issued by the appropriate authority, such as a recognized Indian or foreign university or PSU, is needed.
- LLM Degree Holders: 3 years of relaxation in addition (maximum age becomes 33 years).
- Those with Armed Forces Service: Relaxation up to 5 years depending upon the length of service.
Note: Research period during graduation or post-graduation degrees is not eligible for relaxation.
UGC NET Age Restriction for Assistant Professor
No Upper Age Limit: Candidates applying for the post of Assistant Professor through UGC NET have no restrictions on upper age.
UGC NET Age Limit for PhD Admission
No Upper Age Limit: There are no age limits for applicants for PhD admissions through UGC NET qualification either.
UGC NET Reservation Policy 2024
The Government of India’s Reservation Policy applies in Central Universities and Institutes that are deemed University. Following is the Division of Reservations:
| Category | Percentage of Reserved Seats |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.50% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 27% (Non-Creamy Layer as per Central List) |
| General – Economically Weaker Sections (General-EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 5% of seats within each reserved category (for candidates with 40% or more disability) |
Provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PwD/PwBD) in UGC NET 2024
The UGC NET 2024 follows The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which involves inclusivity for candidates suffering from disabilities. The following details are the important highlights of the Act and how it is relevant to the UGC NET structure:
- Person with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): A person with at least 40% of any such disability as specified in measurable terms or certified by the appropriate authority.
- Person with Disability (PwD): A person with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that restricts full and equal participation in society.
- Identified Disability: Disabilities included in the Schedule of the Act (available in the gazette).
Eligibility of PwD/PwBD Candidates in UGC NET
- Reservation: 5% seats in each category of reservation viz. SC/ST/OBC/EWS are reserved for candidates with benchmark disabilities.
- More Benefits:
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- Scribe support for the eligible candidates.
- More time (20 minutes per hour) for the candidates with benchmark disabilities.
- Examination centers available for handicapped candidates.
- Types of Specified Disabilities: As defined by the Act, the disabilities have been categorically divided into:
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- Physically Disabled Locomotor disability, blindness, low vision, etc.
- Intellectual Disabled Autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, etc.
- Psycho Illness Depression, schizophrenia, etc. Psychiatric illnesses.
- Neurological Conditions Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
The schedule of the Act, published in the gazette provides an exhaustive list of specified disabilities.
Provisions for Scribes and Assistive Measures in UGC NET Exam 2024
The office memorandum of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, dated 29 August 2018, details some specific measures to be taken for facilitating equitable examination opportunities to candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Below are the key highlights:
| Criteria | Details |
| Eligibility | Candidates with benchmark disabilities under Section 2(r) of the RPwD Act, 2016, having limitations in writing (including speed). |
| Mandatory Provision | Blindness, locomotor disability (both arms affected-BA), and cerebral palsy are entitled to the facility without additional certification. |
| Conditional Provision | Other benchmark disabilities require a certificate from a competent authority (e.g., Chief Medical Officer). |
| Candidate’s Choice (Scribe) | Candidates may bring their own scribe. |
| Scribe Qualification Criteria | The scribe’s qualification must be one step below the candidate’s qualification level. |
| Submission Details | Details of the scribe must be submitted in the prescribed proforma (Annexure-II). |
| Assistive Tools | Candidates with scribes can use assistive tools such as magnifying glasses or screen readers. |
| Extra Time | Additional 20 minutes per hour of examination time is provided for candidates using a scribe. |
Provisions for Scribes in UGC NET Exam 2024 (Office Memorandum Dated 10 August 2022)
| Criteria | Details |
| Eligibility | Candidates with less than 40% disabilities, as per Section 2(s) of the RPwD Act, 2016, having difficulty in writing. |
| Facility | Scribe and/or compensatory time may be granted upon submission of a certificate from a competent medical authority. |
| Certification Requirements | Certification must confirm that the candidate has difficulty writing and that a scribe is essential. |
| Medical Authority Composition | Multimember authority comprising: |
| i. Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Chief District Medical Officer (Chairperson) | |
| ii. Orthopaedic/PMR Specialist | |
| iii. Neurologist (if available) | |
| iv. Clinical Psychologist/Rehabilitation Psychologist/Psychiatrist/Special Educator | |
| v. Occupational Therapist (if available) | |
| vi. Any additional expert nominated by the Chairperson based on the candidate’s condition. | |
| Efforts for Specialist Availability | If neurologists or occupational therapists are unavailable locally, efforts must be made to include them from nearby districts or medical colleges/institutes. |
| Candidate’s Responsibility | Candidates must fill out the scribe’s details using the proforma provided (Annexure-IV). |
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 Additional Points to Remember
Below are some important points to remember for UGC NET:
- Category/Sub-category (PwD/PwBD): Applicants should carefully complete the category or sub-category field, which includes PwD/PwBD status at the time of online application for UGC NET December 2024. Any update to this information cannot be allowed after submission or after declaration of results.
- Disability assessment: Such disability under the degree of “specified disability” will be tested keeping the “Guidelines for assessment to determine the extent of specified disability in a person” within the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Verification of reserved benefits: Valid and accurate documentation must be provided by candidates availing of reservation benefits. In case at any stage, it is discovered that false, fake, or incomplete information or documents have been submitted, the candidate will be disqualified from the examination process.
Conclusion
UGC NET Eligibility 2024 is inclusive and has proper guidelines for educational qualifications, age limits and reservations. The applicants should always make sure that their category and eligibility details are correct, as any mistake will bar them from appearing in the test. Preparation tips and regular updates can guide candidates through the effective process
FAQs for UGC NET Exam Centers 2024
What is the minimum qualification for UGC NET 2024?
Master’s degree with at least 55% (General) or 50% (reserved categories).
Can final-year Master’s students apply for UGC NET?
Yes, they have to complete the degree within two years of the UGC NET result.
Do Ph.D. holders get exempt from UGC NET?
Yes, under UGC Regulations 2009/2016 for Assistant Professorship.
Is there a reservation for PwD candidates?
5% seats of all categories for persons with disabilities with 40% or more.
