UGC NET Age Limit is one of the prime factors for candidates trying to qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professorship. The age criteria vary depending upon the category of the candidate-whether it is General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD, or female candidates. This article will cover all the aspects of the age limit, category-wise relaxation, and other details related to the UGC NET exam.
UGC NET Age Limit 2024 Overview
The UGC NET age limit for JRF has been fixed at 30 years (January 1, 2025), and the age relaxations are also specifically designed for reserved categories. Those candidates who belong to the OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and women applicants receive a relaxation of 5 years and can apply up to 35 years of age.
UGC NET Age Limit for JRF 2024
Category | Maximum Age Limit | Age Relaxation |
General (Unreserved) | 30 years | No relaxation |
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
SC/ST | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
Female Candidates | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
UGC NET Age Limit for Assistant Professor 2024
There is no upper age for Assistant Professor. This opportunity has been open to anyone for a career as lecturer, associate professor, or professor in the universities and colleges of India. The UGC NET certificate for Assistant Professor is valid throughout the lifetime after qualifying.
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UGC NET Age Limit for General Category
The age limit for UGC NET JRF is more rigid for General category candidates.
Category | Age Limit for JRF | Age Limit for Assistant Professor |
General (Unreserved) | 30 years | No Age Limit |
UGC NET Age Limit for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
The relaxation of 5 years in JRF for candidates from OBC (Non-Creamy Layer).
Category | Age Limit for JRF | Relaxation | Age Limit for Assistant Professor |
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35) | No Age Limit |
UGC NET Age Limit for Female Candidates
Female candidates are granted special preference in age relaxation rules of JRF.
Category | Age Limit for JRF | Age Relaxation | Age Limit for Assistant Professor |
All Female Candidates | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35) | No Age Limit |
UGC NET Age Limit for Different Categories 2024
Category | Age Limit for JRF | Age Limit for Assistant Professor | Relaxation for JRF |
General/Unreserved | 30 years | No upper age limit | No relaxation |
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 35 years | No upper age limit | +5 years relaxation |
SC/ST | 35 years | No upper age limit | +5 years relaxation |
PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 35 years | No upper age limit | +5 years relaxation |
Women (All Categories) | 35 years | No upper age limit | +5 years relaxation |
Candidates with Research Experience | 30+ Years (additional) | No upper age limit | Relaxation of research period (max 5 years) |
Armed Forces Candidates | 30+ Years (additional) | No upper age limit | Relaxation of service period (max 5 years) |
Conclusion
The age limit of UGC NET ensures flexibility for candidates as the age relaxations are allowed for the reserved categories and women. Although JRF has an explicit age cap, no age bar exists for Assistant Professor applicants. This makes it possible for all the eligible candidates to apply. The age limit for UGC NET is different for JRF and Assistant Professor.
FAQs for UGC NET Exam Centers 2024
No, there is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor.
Yes, all female candidates are given a 5-year age relaxation for JRF (maximum age: 35 years).
Yes, those candidates who have a L.L.M. degree will be eligible for 3-year age relaxation for UGC NET JRF.
Yes, there is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor, all can apply after qualifying UGC-NET at any age.
Yes, the candidates with PhD are exempted from appearing in UGC NET of eligibility for Assistant Professor.