UGC announces that 4-year degree holders can now directly appear for NET and pursue PhD in any subject

UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar revealed that students with 4-year undergraduate degrees are now eligible to directly appear for the National Eligibility Test (NET). This move aims to streamline the process for students interested in pursuing higher education.

The statement from UGC stated, 'Students with 4-year undergraduate degrees can pursue PhD in any subject irrespective of discipline of their bachelor's course.'



Additionally, those with 75% aggregate marks or equivalent grades can directly pursue a PhD, opening new avenues for academic advancement. These changes mark a significant shift in the eligibility criteria for these exams, providing more opportunities for qualified candidates.

"The candidates with four-year undergraduate degrees can now directly pursue PhD and appear for NET. Such candidates are allowed to appear in a subject in which they want to pursue a PhD irrespective of the discipline in which they have obtained the four-year bachelor's degree," Kumar told PTI.

"The candidates having passed a four-year or eight-semester bachelor's degree programme should have a minimum of 75 pc marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed," the UGC chairman said.

A relaxation of five per cent marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), differently-abled, economically weaker sections and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the UGC from time to time, he added.

(With inputs from PTI)