Can I Pursue A PHD without UGC-Net? [2024 Latest Updates]

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree awarded by universities. It usually takes 3-5 years of original research, resulting in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field.

After completing the program, you earn the title "Doctor." In India, many universities prefer applicants who have passed the NET exam for their research programs. However, this article will explain how to pursue a PhD without the NET exam in India.

If you need guidance for PhD admission without NET or MPhil, keep reading. And yes, you can pursue a PhD Program without taking a UGC-NET exam, but you must take another entrance exam like GATE is necessary, and you must know that taking an entrance exam is very important and mandatory for you if you are thinking of pursuing a PhD program. Also Read | What Is the Full Form of PhD? 

To pursue a PhD in India, candidates may need to clear the UGC NET exam at some universities. However, the NET exam is not the only requirement for PhD admission, and eligibility criteria can vary across universities.

Candidates who qualify for the JRF category receive a monthly stipend for their research work. Those who qualify for the Assistant Professor category become eligible for faculty positions in Indian universities and colleges.

What is a UGC-NET exam? 

The UGC-NET exam, or University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test, is a national test in India. It determines eligibility for college and university teaching positions and for research fellowships.

You must pass the UGC-NET exam to pursue a PhD Program in India  Held twice a year, the exam covers a wide range of subjects. The test has two papers: Paper 1, which is general and tests teaching and research abilities, and Paper 2, which focuses on the candidate's chosen subject.

Clearing the UGC-NET is mandatory for those looking to pursue a career in academia or research in India or who want to pursue a PhD program in India. Also Read | What Is Doctoral Degree? 

The National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC), is key for PhD aspirants in India. It checks eligibility for Assistant Professor roles and offers the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for PhD funding.

While not every university requires NET, having it can give you an advantage.  The National Eligibility Test (NET) is a national-level exam held twice a year by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

It decides if you’re eligible for Assistant Professor roles and gives out JRF for PhD research. Once you pass this exam you can easily pursue a PhD Program but before directly joining you also have to pass a personal interview round only then your admission get confirmed.

Is the NET exam mandatory to take if you want to pursue a PhD program? 

According to the new rule, 60% of PhD seats in affiliated universities must be filled by students who are UGC NET or JRF qualified. The remaining 40% will be filled through university-specific entrance tests.

It’s a good idea to qualify for UGC NET or JRF as it improves job prospects and future promotions. UGC NET shows your national-level merit, and JRF offers financial benefits like a stipend and housing allowance to help with PhD costs

What is a PhD Program? 

A PhD program usually takes 3-6 years and allows you to do detailed research on a specific topic with a supervisor's guidance.

To enroll, you need a Master’s degree or M.Phil. You’ll need to take an entrance exam unless you’ve already passed the UGC NET Exam, in which case you can go straight to the interview.

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A PhD is valuable if you want to become an Assistant Professor or work in research. If you’ve completed a Master’s and passed the UGC NET Exam, you’re on a good path to a PhD.

Getting JRF along with your PhD provides a scholarship to support your research. It’s a great chance to explore interesting topics and make significant discoveries.

What is the purpose of a NET Exam? 

The NET Exam’s purpose is to assess if candidates are qualified for teaching and research positions in Indian colleges and universities. It helps determine eligibility for Assistant Professor roles and provides the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for PhD research funding.

What are the eligibility criteria for the UGC-NET exam? 

UGC-NET is a test for Indian nationals to qualify for Assistant Professor roles and Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.

To take the NET exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including nationality, age limits, and educational qualifications.

Here’s what you need to know about qualifying for the UGC NET for Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) programs:

• Subject Choice: Take the exam in the subject of your post-graduation. If your subject isn’t on the UGC list, you can choose a related subject.
• Marks Requirement: You need at least 55% in your Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a UGC-recognized institution if you're in Humanities, Social Sciences, Computer Science, etc. For OBC (non-creamy layer), SC, ST, or PWD candidates, it’s 50%.
• Final Year Students: If you’re in the final year of your Master’s and haven’t received your results yet, you can still apply. But you’ll be admitted provisionally. To qualify for JRF/Assistant Professor roles, you must complete your degree within two years of the NET result with the required marks.
• Ph.D. Holders: If you completed your Master’s by September 19, 1991, you get a 5% relaxation (i.e., 50% instead of 55%) for the NET exam.
• Reservation Policy: The government reserves a certain percentage of seats for different categories in colleges and universities. Make sure to review the reservation criteria before applying.

Before filling out the application, make sure you check these requirements carefully.

Keep in mind:

• You don’t need to send any certificates or documents to NTA when you apply.
• NTA doesn’t verify your details upfront, so your application is only provisional.
• If NTA or UGC finds any issues with your eligibility later, your application could be canceled, and legal action might be taken.

Passing the UGC NET exam qualifies you to teach in colleges and universities. If you score well, you could also get a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), which provides a stipend for your research and PhD while you teach.

What certifications are required to apply for the UGC-NET? 

• If you're from the OBC (Non-creamy layer), SC, ST, or PWD categories, you need to submit an attested copy of your category certificate with your online application.
• Other candidates don’t need to send any certificates. But make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria. If any issues are found later, your application could be canceled, and you might face legal action.
• If you have a post-graduate diploma or certificate from an Indian or foreign university, check its equivalence with a Master’s degree from Indian universities through the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in New Delhi.

Nationality 

Nationality is important for UGC NET eligibility. Only Indian citizens can apply for the exam. If you're an Indian living abroad, you can still take the test. Just make sure you have the proper documentation to prove your Indian citizenship.

Is there an age limit for UGC-NET?

Yes, there is an age limit for the UGC-NET exam, you can check it out below 

For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF):

• The age limit is 30 years as of June 1, 2023.
• OBC-NCL candidates get a 3-year relaxation.
• SC/ST/PwD/Transgender candidates get a 5-year relaxation.

For Assistant Professor:

• There’s no upper age limit.
• You can apply for the Assistant Professor role anytime after clearing the exam.

What is the UGC-NET Exam Pattern? 

You must need to know the UGC-Exam pattern

The mix of objective and subjective questions can vary by institution. The exam usually lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many questions there are.

What is the syllabus of the UGC-NET Exam?

The NET exam syllabus for PhD varies among universities but usually includes research and teaching aptitude for Paper 1, and subject-specific topics from your graduation and post-graduation courses for Paper 2.

Syllabus Of the UGC-NET Exam
NET Exam Syllabus For PhD	Topics
Paper 1	Research Aptitude Research: Meaning, Types, and Characteristics Steps of Research Methods of Research Research Ethics Paper, Article, Conference & Seminar Workshop and Symposium Thesis Writing: Characteristics and Format Teaching Aptitude
Paper 2	Subjects from Graduation and Post-Graduation

What other exams can I take instead of UGC-NET for the PhD program? 

There are various entrance exams available for you that you can take if you want to pursue a PhD program without taking a UGC-NET Entrance exam. 

• GPAT:The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is for pharmacy graduates aiming for PhD programs. It’s crucial for admission to M.Pharm and related PhD courses in India. Clearing GPAT can also help you get scholarships and funding. The exam is conducted once a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

• JEST:The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is for candidates seeking PhD positions in physics, theoretical computer science, and neuroscience. Many research institutes in India accept JEST scores. The test is known for its challenging questions and high standards. It’s held once a year.

• CSIR NET:The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) is for science subjects like Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Chemical Sciences. It qualifies you for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship positions. Clearing it is beneficial for pursuing PhD programs and research careers. The exam is conducted twice a year.
• GATE:The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is for engineering and science graduates aiming for PhD programs. GATE scores are used for admission to postgraduate and PhD programs and for recruitment in public sector companies. The scores are valid for three years. The exam is held annually.

BITS PhD Entrance Exam 

BITS PhD Entrance Exam: To be eligible to apply to BITS for a PhD program, you need to meet all of the requirements listed below.

For PhD admission, candidates must have an M.E., M.Pharm., MBA, M.Phil., or equivalent with at least 60% aggregate.

As an alternative, applicants may also be conditionally admitted if they have an M.Sc./B.E. or its equivalent with at least 60%.

Applicants with an M.Phil/MA and a minimum of 55% aggregate can be considered for Ph.D. programs in languages and humanities

What are the factors influencing PhD admissions?

There are various factors affecting your PhD admissions. Some of them are mentioned below :

• University Guidelines: Each university has its own rules for PhD admissions. Some universities require NET or JRF qualifications. Others may consider research experience, academic achievements, and potential.
• Research Experience: If you haven't qualified for NET or JRF, research experience can help. Working on significant projects, publishing papers, or collaborating with renowned researchers shows your ability to contribute.
• Academic Achievements: A high GPA or relevant coursework can also help if you haven't cleared NET or JRF. Strong letters of recommendation from professors are very valuable.Statement of Purpose: Write a compelling statement of purpose. Highlight your research interests, motivation, and potential contributions. Show how the PhD program aligns with your goals.
• Personal Interviews: Some universities require personal interviews for PhD admissions. Use the interview to showcase your research skills, commitment, and ability to succeed in doctoral research.While NET or JRF is common for many PhD programs, it’s not always necessary. Universities look at various factors like research experience, academic achievements, and interviews.If you haven't cleared NET or JRF, focus on strengthening other parts of your application. Emphasize your research experience, and academic performance, and create a strong statement of purpose.

Are there Universities offering a PhD program without taking a UGC-NET Exam? 

I would like to inform you that universities do not offer you direct admission to a PhD program, they do offer you admission without taking the UGC-NET exam but instead of taking a UGC-NET exam, you must take any entrance exam such as university-entrance exam that is conducted by them only or GATE.

You need to understand that getting admission to a PhD program without taking any exam is impossible. It is important for you to take the entrance exam. 

According to the UGC PhD Regulations 2022, all universities must admit PhD scholars through a National Eligibility Test (NET), a National Entrance Test, or an entrance test conducted by the university, followed by an interview. Many universities in India offer PhD admissions through their own entrance exams instead of UGC NET. However, candidates who have qualified for UGC NET are exempt from taking these entrance exams.

Direct admission in a PhD without an entrance exam

All institutions are required to accept PhD scholars by a National Eligibility Test (NET), a National Entrance Test, or an entrance exam administered by the university, followed by an interview, as per the UGC PhD Regulations 2022. Instead of using the UGC NET, a lot of Indian universities use their own entrance tests to admit PhD candidates. Those who have qualified for the UGC NET, however, are not required to take these entrance tests.

Fellowship for PhD without NET

The Non-NET fellowship is for MPhil and PhD students who do not receive financial assistance from any source. It applies to students registered in various departments, schools, or centers of the university. The fellowship's award and extension depend on the release of funds and directives from the UGC or MHRD.

Each department, school, or center must hold special counseling sessions within one month after Ph.D. admissions each semester. During these sessions, they should explain the fellowship guidelines and any updates to the students.

UGC regulations for Non-NET fellowships 

The Non-NET fellowship for university students follows the UGC Regulations of 2016 and its updates.

Ph.D. scholars admitted through the University’s Research Entrance Test (RET) or RET exempted category, who don't receive any other fellowship, are eligible for the Non-NET fellowship. M.Phil.

students not receiving financial aid from other sources can get a Non-NET fellowship of Rs. 5,000 per month, with a contingency of Rs. 10,000 per year for Science subjects and Rs.8,000 per year for Humanities and Social Science subjects.

Ph.D. students not receiving financial aid can get Rs.8,000 per month with a contingency of Rs. 10,000 per year for Science subjects and ₹8,000 per year for Humanities and Social Science subjects.

The fellowship duration is up to 4 years for Ph.D. students and 18 months for M.Phil. students or until dissertation submission, whichever comes first. No fellowship is given for extended periods or part-time scholars.

For integrated M.Phil.-Ph.D. programs, the M.Phil. fellowship stops after 18 months and resumes after Ph.D. registration. The total duration should not exceed 4 years. Students who had project fellowships but are no longer receiving them can apply for a Non-NET fellowship for up to 2 years, provided the total fellowship period does not exceed 4 years.

Applications must be submitted within three months of the project fellowship ending, with a recommendation from the Departmental Research Committee.

If a student receiving a Non-NET fellowship leaves their course without proper formalities, the university will recover the total fellowship amount drawn by the student.

What is the process of claiming fellowships? 

When submitting your first fellowship bill to the Special Fund (Scholarship) Section, attach these documents:

• PFMS Registration form
• Photocopy of your bank passbook (account must be in your name)
• Photocopy of the sanction letter
• Photocopy of your identity proof (AADHAR)

After Registration:

• The Special Fund (Scholarship) Section will give your PFMS ID to your department head.
• Always include your PFMS ID on fellowship/contingency bills.

Monthly Bill Submission:

• Submit your fellowship bill to your department head by the 7th of the following month.
• The department head should verify and send all bills to the Special Fund (Scholarship) Section by the 15th of each month.

Special Deadlines:

• For March, submit bills to the Special Fund Section by March 15th.
• Contingency bills must be claimed within the financial year and submitted by February 28th.

Important Notes:

• Contingency payments for part periods will be prorated.
• No bills will be accepted in the next financial year as funds lapse on March 31st.
• If no bill is received for three consecutive months, it will be assumed you have left the fellowship.

Follow these steps to ensure timely processing of your fellowship bills.

Is PhD without NET eligible for an assistant professor?

A PhD is not required for candidates who qualify for the UGC NET exam. It serves as recognized eligibility criteria for applying for an assistant professor's position in universities and colleges. However, having a doctoral degree offers additional benefits in terms of research, career opportunities, and higher academic positions.

The UGC NET exam is conducted twice a year, in June and December. It is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams for those aspiring to become Assistant Professors without a PhD in various universities across India. To be eligible for the UGC NET exam, candidates must have a master's degree from a recognized university with at least 55% marks.

What is the salary of an Assistant Professor without a PhD? 

The UGC's 7th pay commission has revised assistant professors' salaries, increasing them by 8% to 24%, based on the DA (dearness allowance) paid by the employer.

The pay scale for assistant professors is now between INR 15,600 and INR 39,100. The grade pay for assistant professors is set at INR 6,600. This means their salary has increased from INR 56,480 to INR 68,900. Additionally, candidates with a Master’s degree will receive two annual increments.

How to Become an Assistant Professor without PhD in India? 

Pursuing a career in academia is a great choice if you love teaching and are passionate about your field. Here’s how to become an assistant professor without a PhD:

• Earn Your Degrees: Start by getting a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Decide on a specialization to focus on. After your bachelor’s, pursue a master’s degree. You can either go straight to your master’s or work for a while and then return to school.
• Gain Teaching Experience: Gain relevant experience to prepare for the assistant professor role. Work as a lecturer, teaching assistant, or adjunct faculty member to build a strong teaching portfolio. Show your passion for education and your excellent teaching skills.
• Build a Network: Connect with professionals, especially those in academia. Networking helps you learn about new opportunities and access professional development resources.
• Publish Research: Present at academic conferences or publish in journals. This enhances your research profile and shows institutions your value.
• Find a Mentor: Look for a mentor in your field, ideally someone who started their career without a PhD. A mentor can provide personalized advice and help you navigate your career. They can also introduce you to their network.
• Teaching Fellowships: Apply for teaching fellowships at universities. These positions offer valuable teaching experience and help you develop your research skills.
• Maintain a Positive Reputation: Build good relationships with your peers and share your academic achievements. Be humble and mindful in your interactions. Take on leadership roles, like organizing conferences or serving on committees, to demonstrate your leadership within academia.
• Update Your Records: Keep your records updated, especially if you’re aiming for a promotion.

Highlight achievements that show you’re qualified for an assistant professor role, such as:

• Collaborative work in academic settings
• Data on students you’ve mentored
• Records of leadership activities and professional associations
• Proof of published works or citations

Apply for Teaching-focused Universities

Look for institutions that prioritize teaching over research. These universities value academic innovation and teaching experience more than research credentials.

Following these steps will help you build a strong profile for becoming an assistant professor, even without a PhD.

Skills that are required to become a successful assistant professor?

There are various skills that are required to become a successful assistant professor. Those skills are mentioned below  

• Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills are crucial for assistant professors. They need to collaborate with colleagues on committees and work closely with students.
• Writing Skills: Strong writing skills are vital for daily tasks. Assistant professors must publish research, develop course content, and create assignments and online tasks.
• Speaking Skills: Good communication is key. Assistant professors present lectures, lead conferences, and provide feedback to students.
• Course Development: Creating syllabi is an essential task. Assistant professors design programs, develop instructional content, set performance criteria, and define learning objectives, often working with other departments.

Additional Skills:

• Research: Staying active in research keeps assistant professors current in their field.
• Organizational Behaviour: Understanding how organizations work helps in navigating academic environments.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning ensures they remain effective educators.
• Digital Learning Management Systems: Proficiency in these systems is essential for modern teaching methods.

Mastering these skills will help assistant professors excel in their roles and advance their careers.

PhD Stipend in BHU without JRF

The Non-NET scholarship is intended for MPhil and PhD candidates who have no other sources of funding. It is applicable to students enrolled in any of the university's departments, schools, or centers.

The grant and renewal of the fellowship are contingent to the release of funding and guidelines from the MHRD or UGC.

Each department, institution, or center must hold special counseling sessions within a month after the Ph.D. admissions each semester. They should provide the students with an explanation of the fellowship requirements and any revisions during these sessions.

UGC guidelines about non-NET fellowships

The 2016 UGC Regulations and its modifications govern the Non-NET fellowship for university students:

• The Non-NET fellowship is available to Ph.D. scholars who have been admitted by the University's Research Entrance Test (RET) or RET-exempted category and who are not eligible for any other fellowship. A Non-NET fellowship of Rs. 5,000 per month is available to M.Phil. students who are not receiving any other financial aid. There is a contingency of Rs. 10,000 for science disciplines and Rs. 8,000 for humanities and social science subjects every year.
• Without financial assistance, Ph.D. candidates can receive Rs. 8,000 per month, with a yearly amount of Rs. 8,000 for topics in the humanities and social sciences and Rs. 10,000 for subjects in science.
• For Ph.D. students, the fellowship may last up to 4 years; for M.Phil. students, it may last up to 18 months, or until the dissertation is turned in, whichever comes first. For prolonged periods of time or part-time scholars, no fellowship is awarded.
• In combined M.Phil.-Ph.D. programs, the fellowship for the M.Phil. ends after 18 months and continues upon registration for the Ph.D. The entire time shouldn't be longer than four years. If a student's project fellowship is ending, they can apply for a Non-NET fellowship for a maximum of two years, as long as the overall fellowship length doesn't go over four years. Applications with a departmental research committee recommendation must be filed within three months of the project fellowship expiring.
• The institution will recoup the whole fellowship amount that the student received if they withdraw from their course without following the correct procedures after getting a Non-NET fellowship.

Alternative for you if you do not want to take any entrance exam for a PhD? 

There is an alternative for you if you do not want to take any entrance exam for a PhD, you can opt for the online DBA programs. DBA stands for Doctor of Business Administration and it is also a doctorate program that adds up the “Dr” title before your name.

Moreover, if you choose to opt for an Online DBA, that will be very beneficial for you as it offers you various advantages such as flexibility, and one of the greatest advantages of choosing an Online DBA is you can pursue it without quitting your job. Students Also Ask | PhD for Working Professionals

Moreover, you will be able to earn your doctorate degree from an international university that too without even relocating to another country. Moreover, you get an opportunity to learn from international faculties who have years of experience and have published their works in top journals.

Furthermore, after completing the online DBA, you will be able to add a “Dr” title before your name just like in a PhD. There are various universities offering an Online DBA. Some of them are mentioned below 

Universities	Fees
Golden Gate University	INR 8,14,000
Rushford Business School	INR 8,12,500
ESGCI International School of Management Paris	INR 8,14,000

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Conclusion

To pursue a PhD in India, candidates may need to clear the UGC NET exam at some universities. However, the NET exam is not the only requirement for PhD admission, and eligibility criteria can vary across universities. Candidates who qualify for the JRF category receive a monthly stipend for their research work. Those who qualify for the Assistant Professor category become eligible for faculty positions in Indian universities and colleges. According to the new rule, 60% of PhD seats in affiliated universities must be filled by students who are UGC NET or JRF qualified. The remaining 40% will be filled through university-specific entrance tests.