UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Age limit, Qualification, Marks, Reservation

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Age limit, Qualification, Marks, Reservation

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Jan 13, 2025 01:44 PM IST | #UGC NET
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UGC has National Testing Agency provided the UGC NET eligibility criteria 2024 for the December session. The UGC NET 2024 eligibility criteria has been elaborated in the official NET notification at ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The UGC NET eligibility criteria comprises of the age limit, academic qualifications and other such conditions that candidates need to fulfill to be considered eligible for UGC NET exam. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can fill out the UGC NET 2024 application form.

This Story also Contains
  1. UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024
  2. UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Reservations
  3. UGC NET Eligibility Criteria - Application Form
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Age limit, Qualification, Marks, Reservation
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Age limit, Qualification, Marks, Reservation

The minimum academic qualification for the NTA UGC NET 2024 eligibility is a post-graduation degree, those who are awaiting the result of their master's degree can also apply for UGC NET. The age limit for JRF is not more than 30 years. However, according to the UGC NET eligibility criteria 2024, there is no upper age limit for Assistant Professors/Lecturers. To know more about the UGC NET eligibility criteria, read the full article below.

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024

Candidates must go through the UGC NET 2024 eligibility criteria before applying. UGC NET is conducted twice every year to determine the qualifying status for candidates aspiring to be JRF and Assistant Professors. Below is the age limit for different posts under UGC NET 2024:

UGC NET Age Limit 2024

Post

Age limit

UGC ET JRF age limit

30 years

UGC NET age limit for Assistant Professor

No upper age limit

Note: The JRF age limit for general category is not more than 30 years.

Read More: UGC NET 2024 Exam Pattern

UGC NET Age Relaxation 2024

The UGC NET 2024 age relaxation details is given in the table below:

Age Relaxation For UGC NET 2024

Category

Age relaxation

Candidates pursuing LLM degree

3 years

Ex-Army man (The length of service in the armed forces up to the first day of the month in which the concerned UGC-NET is conducted, i.e., December 1, 2023).

5 years

SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Female/Transgender

5 years

Research candidates (only on producing the certificate issued by appropriate authority)

5 years

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Educational Qualifications

As per the UGC NET qualification, candidates have to fulfill certain educational qualifications to be eligible for UGC NET exam 2024. The UGC NET 2024 educational qualifications have been specified below:

  • General/ unreserved/ General-EWS candidates must have a score of at least 55% in their Master's degree/ equivalent examination (MA, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Tech, MBA, etc.). The OBC/ SC/ ST/ PwD/ other gender categories must have a score of at least 50% in their Master's degree / equivalent examination to write this test.

  • Candidates who are pursuing their Master's degree or candidates who have appeared for their qualifying masters degree or candidates whose qualifying examination has been delayed are also eligible for this exam. Such candidates must complete their Master’s degree within 2 years from the date of the NET results.

  • Candidates who are from the third gender category will have the lowest subject-wise cut off compared to the other lower categories.

  • Candidates are advised to appear in the subject of their Post- Graduation only.

  • The candidates who have passed the 4 year bachelor's degree program must have a percentage of 75%. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent may be allowed for backward castes ( SC/ST/OBC).

  • Candidates who are still pursuing their 4 year bachelor's degree may also apply for the exam. However, the candidates will be awarded the JRF/ admission to Ph.D only after fulfilling certain requirements.

  • Candidates who are doing their Bachelors degree can choose the subject of their choice in the NET exam in the discipline they want to pursue their Ph.D.

UGC NET 2024 Eligibility Criteria - Subject Relevance (Masters)

Candidates while applying for UGC NET 2024 must make sure that they select the test for the subject they have studied in their post-graduation. In case the subject of the candidate is not given in the list given by NTA, candidates can choose the relevant subject from the list as per their preference.

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UGC NET 2024 Eligibility for JRF

Candidates who are appearing for UGC NET JRF are eligible for both Assistant Professors and fellowships programs. A candidate who qualifies for JRF will also be deemed qualified for a Lectureship. However, if any candidate qualifies for Lectureship won’t be considered qualified for JRF. In such a case, candidates will be considered for Lectureship only.

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Exemption (Eligibility for Assistant Professor)

  • Candidates must have qualified `NET/SET/SLAT to be appointed as Assistant Professors. In this case, the exemption (from appearing in NET/SET/SLET) will be governed by UGC regulations and amendments notified in the Gazette of India from time to time.

  • Candidates who have qualified for the UGC/CSIR JRF exam before the year 1990 are exempted from appearing for the UGC NET 2024 exam.

  • Those candidates who have qualified for the State Eligibility Tests (SETs) before the year 2002 are also exempted from appearing for UGC NET 2024. However, such candidates will have to apply for Assistant Professors in the Universities/Colleges of the state of which they have qualified the SET.

Eligibility criteria of other TET exams

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Reservations

In UGC NET the reservation policy of the Government of India is applicable as per which in central universities and Institutions the reservation of seats shall be as follows:

  • 15% seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates.
  • 7.5% seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates.
  • 27% seats for Other Backward Classes (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) candidates.
  • 10% for General - Economically Weaker Sections candidates.
  • 5% seats in the above-mentioned categories for Persons with Disability (PwD) with 40% or more disability.

For detailed information on the UGC NET eligibility criteria 2024 aspirants are advised to download the UGC NET information brochure.

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria - Application Form

The National Testing Agency released the UGC NET 2024 application form for the December 2024 session on November 19, 2024 at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The last date to submit the UCG NET application form is December 11, 2024 (Extended date). Candidates can pay the UGC NET application fee by December 12, 2024.

The UGC NET exam 2024 application form is available in online mode only. Candidates are required to upload scanned copies of their photograph and signature along with the payment of the application fee to successfully complete the UGC NET 2024 application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the age limit for the UGC NET exam 2024?

The maximum age limit for JRF is 30 years while there is no upper age limit for the post of assistant professor.

2. Am I guaranteed a job after clearing UGC NET 2024?

No, candidates are not guaranteed a job after clearing UGC NET 2024. The exam is just an eligibility requirement to apply for the post of JRF and Assistant Professor at universities and colleges in the country.

3. I am a graduate, can I apply for UGC NET?

Yes, graduates with a 4 year bachelors degree need to meet certain UGC NET eligibility criterias before applying for the examination.

4. Is there any age relaxation for reserved category candidates?

As per the eligibility criteria of UGC NET 2024, reserved category candidates are given age relaxation in the UGC NET exam.

5. What is the UGC NET age limit for female?

The UGC NET age limit 2024 for female candidates is 30 years for JRF and no upper age limit for Assistant Profesor. 

6. Where can I get the UGC NET eligibility criteria details?

Candidates can check the UGC NET 2024 eligibility criteria in the official brochure released on the site.

7. Is there any upper relaxation in UGC NET age limit for OBC?

Yes, candidates belonging to the OBC category can avail the UGC NET age relaxation of 5 years.

8. Who will determine the UGC NET eligibility criteria?

The UGC NET eligibility criteria are determined by the NTA.

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Questions related to UGC NET

Have a question related to UGC NET ?

Hello

MBA in Finance and are planning to write the UGC NET exam, you should select Management ( Code 17 ) as your subject because Management is the most relevant subject for MBA graduates and includes topics related to finance, marketing, HR and general management.

MANAGEMENT

1. Relevance to Your MBA : The syllabus covers finance , organizational behavior, business economics and strategic management , which align with your MBA specialization .

2. Career Opportunities : Qualifying UGC NET in Management can help you secure positions as  lecturer , professor or researcher in the field of management and finance .

Commerce (Code 08) : If your focus is more on financial accounting, auditing or economics , you can also consider this subject .

Review the Syllabus of both Management and Commerce to decide which aligns better with your strengths and interests .

Hope this helps you .

ALL THE BEST

Hello aspirant,

We are unable to compare the two. The purpose of these tests is to determine if applicants are qualified for a junior research fellowship or a lectureship. Therefore, we may conclude that although the two tests have the same goal, they cover different themes. Each exam is significant in its own right and is the greatest in its subject.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

Preparing for the UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) requires a strategic approach and dedicated effort, as it’s a competitive exam for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors and/or qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively prepare for the UGC NET exam:


1. Understand the Exam Structure

UGC NET consists of two papers :

  • Paper I : General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude (50 questions, 100 marks)

  • Paper II : Subject-Specific Paper (100 questions, 200 marks)

  • Paper I assesses general skills like teaching aptitude, research methodology, reasoning, communication, and data interpretation.

  • Paper II is subject-specific, where you’ll choose a subject (based on your post-graduate subject, e.g., Computer Science, Psychology, English, etc.).


2. Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

  • Paper I covers topics like:

    • Teaching Aptitude
    • Research Aptitude
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Communication
    • Logical Reasoning
    • Data Interpretation
    • ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
    • People and Environment
    • Higher Education System
  • Paper II is subject-specific. You can download the detailed syllabus from the UGC NET website for the subject you have chosen.

Key Tips :

  • Download the latest syllabus and highlight important topics .
  • Focus on the entire syllabus, as there is no fixed weightage for topics.

3. Choose the Right Study Material

  • Books :

    • For Paper I : NCERT books on general topics, Teaching Aptitude by J.N. Pandey, Research Aptitude by UGC NET guidebooks, and books on Reasoning and Data Interpretation .
    • For Paper II : Choose books specifically designed for your subject, such as:
      • UGC NET Computer Science by S.P. Suman and others.
      • UGC NET Psychology by Arihant Experts.
      • Subject-specific reference books (like Oxford Handbooks , Cambridge Guides , etc.).
  • Previous Year Papers : Solving previous years’ papers is crucial to understanding the exam pattern and time management.


4. Plan Your Preparation

  1. Create a Timetable :

    • Divide time between Paper I and Paper II based on your strengths and weaknesses.
    • Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals, allocating time for each topic.
  2. Focus on Paper I : Many candidates neglect Paper I, but it’s essential to secure good marks here, as it accounts for 50% of your total score.

    • 1-2 hours daily for Paper I is sufficient to keep the basics in check.
  3. Subject-Specific Preparation :

    • Prioritize important chapters in your subject (refer to the syllabus).
    • Focus on concepts and definitions as they are frequently asked in UGC NET.
    • Dedicate more time to difficult or vast topics.

5. Practice Mock Tests and Previous Papers

  • Start solving mock tests once you have completed a few topics.
  • Regularly solve previous year’s papers to get used to the exam format.
  • Focus on improving speed and accuracy as the exam is time-bound.

6. Revision and Notes

  • Keep a separate notebook for important formulas, definitions, and key points.
  • Revise regularly to ensure concepts are retained.
  • Before the exam, focus on short notes for quick revision.

7. Time Management During the Exam

  • Paper I and Paper II together have 150 questions. You’ll need to manage your time effectively to avoid rushing through.
  • Practice time-bound mock tests to improve speed.
  • Answer easier questions first, and if unsure, leave the difficult ones for later.

8. Stay Updated

  • Stay informed about any changes in syllabus or exam pattern by visiting the official UGC NET website: ugcnet.nta.nic.in (https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/) .
  • Keep track of official announcements and admit card release dates.

9. Stay Motivated and Confident

  • Take breaks to relax and avoid burnout.
  • Stay confident in your preparation and don’t get discouraged by challenges.
  • Connect with other aspirants online to share resources and tips.

10. Additional Resources

  • Online Platforms : You can use platforms like Unacademy , Vedantu , or BYJU's for video lessons and mock tests.
  • Study Groups : Join study groups (online or offline) to discuss and clarify doubts.

Conclusion

Preparing for the UGC NET requires consistent effort, strategic planning, and focused study. By understanding the syllabus, following a structured plan, and regularly practicing, you can successfully clear the exam. Remember to stay disciplined, track your progress, and believe in your abilities. You've got this! :)

If you need help with specific subject recommendations or planning, feel free to ask!

if you have completed your PGDBA from SCDL, which is recognized by UGC, you are eligible to appear for the UGC NET exam as a PGDBA is considered equivalent to a Master's degree in Management, making you eligible to apply for the UGC NET Management paper.

To effectively prepare for a NET Management paper, you should utilize techniques like: hypothesis testing, practicing mock tests, thoroughly understanding business ethics and CSR, managing time effectively, mastering capital budgeting techniques, analyzing organizational structure and design, creating self-study notes, and strategically planning your study approach based on the syllabus and UGC NET MOCK TEST ,previous year papers.

Hello,


If you applied for the UGC NET in 2022 under the OBC-NCL category but did not have the required certificate at that time, it should not cause any major issues in the future as long as your caste was included in the central list of OBCs and you now possess a valid certificate. The eligibility criteria for reservation benefits require candidates to provide proof of category (such as the OBC-NCL certificate) at the time of document verification or as specified by the exam authorities.


Since you received your certificate in 2023, it can be used for future applications and any document verification processes. However, the reservation benefits for the 2022 application may not have been applicable if the certificate was not submitted as per the specified deadline.



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