UGC NET for PhD Admissions: Everything That You Need to Know

The UGC NET Exam is a National Eligibility Test conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the University Grants Commission in India. This body conducts the examination twice a year, once in June and then in December. This is a very prestigious and competitive exam designed for those who aim to work as assistant professors or achieve a Junior Research Fellowship in various institutions in India.

What is the UGC-NET Exam?

This UGC-NET examination aims to test the eligibility of Indian citizens for different scholarship programs in academic professions such as professors, and assistant professors. There are three categories:

• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professorship
• Eligibility for assistant professorship with simultaneous admission into PhD programs
• PhD only

The "assistant professor and PhD admission" candidates will be eligible to serve as an assistant professor and, on the same date, to join the PhD classes. They will not be awarded the JRF award. Similarly, candidates qualifying under the "PhD admission only" category can pursue a PhD but they will be ineligibly placed for either award of JRF or Assistant Professor positions.

What Are The Eligibility Criteria For The UGC-NET?  

The UGC-NET exam is aimed at checking whether Indian nationals are eligible to obtain numerous academic degrees, such as:

• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
• Appointment as Assistant Professor
• Admission to Ph.D. programs in universities and colleges in India. 

To apply, you must check the eligibility mentioned below:

Educational Qualifications:

• For General/Unreserved/General applicants: Obtaining at least 55% marks in your Master's degree or equivalent examination is necessary. The degree must have been obtained from a UGC-accredited university or institute. It includes fields like Humanities and Social Science (including languages), Computer Science, Electronic Science etc.
• For OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender Candidates: Candidate must have scored at least 50% marks in his/her Master's degree or equivalent examination for seeking a UGC NET application. Provided that such candidate has enrolled either for a Master's or equivalent degree.
• If you have already enrolled for your Master's: Candidates can apply for UGC-NET provisionally even if they are in the final semester or awaiting results. However, to be eligible for the award of JRF or for eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, you have to pass your Master's degree with at least 55% marks (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and Gender candidates). If you are selected for JRF/Assistant Professor, then you have to complete your degree within two years from the date of the UGC-NET result, and one year if you get selected for Ph.D. admissions only. You are disqualified if you do not do so.

Special Relaxations:

• Third Gender Candidates: The same relaxation in eligibility criteria, fee, and age will be applicable for SC/ST/PwD candidates to those falling in the Third Gender. The minimum qualifying cut-off marks applied for a particular subject among SC/ST/PwD/ OBC-NCL/General-EWS categories will also be applied to Third Gender candidates.
• Doctorates; (Before 1991): If you face a Master's level exam before the cut-off date, that is, 19th September 1991, you can avail the benefit of 5% aggregate mark relaxation. In other words, it shall have 50 percent minimum marks instead of 55%.
• Subject Selection: You have to select a NET examination in the subject chosen from the list of your post-graduation subjects. If your post-graduation is in a subject that is not chosen for the available NET subjects, you may also opt for a related subject.
• No file upload at the time of online application: You are not required to send any document, certificates, or even a printout of your application form, during the registration process. However, check whether you are eligible for this exam or not because if found ineligible by UGC/NTA after, then your candidature is liable to be canceled.

Foreign Qualifications and Certificates:

• Equivalency Test: If you hold a foreign degree, diploma, or certificate, you need to determine if it is equivalent to an Indian Master's degree. This is normally done for most degrees through the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and for law students through the Bar Council of India.

Four-Year Bachelor's Degree Holders:

• Eligibility for JRF and Ph.D.: Candidates who have obtained aggregate percentage in bachelor's degree with at least 4 years and 8-semester qualify to appear in the UGC-NET exam. Relaxation of 5% marks: SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, PwD.
• Eligibility to both JRF and Ph.D.: Students who have passed four-year graduation are eligible for admission to take up JRF and Ph.D. However, students are not eligible for positions of Assistant Professor. Students who are going to complete their final year in a 4-year graduation program also can provisionally apply but have to meet the criteria after passing to stay eligible.
• Subject for 4-Year Graduates: You can attempt UGC-NET in a subject that is closest to your desired field of Ph.D. You can attempt a subject different from your undergraduate degree also, but related to it. A list of subjects and their codes is provided in the official NET notice.

How to apply for A UGC-NET Exam? 

The UGC-NET application form can only be submitted online. Given below is the step-by-step procedure to lead you through the application process: Visit the official website and obtain the application form. Submission of an application from more than one candidate will result in rejection.

Pre-submission procedures

Download and read the Information Bulletin to fulfill all the eligibility criteria and the process.Collect all the information and documents with you so that you do not make any mistakes in filling up the application.

Steps for application:

Step 1: Register through online mode using your email ID and mobile number

Step 2: Fill out the Online Application Form and note down the system-generated Application Number. 

• Self-attested recent photograph with 80% face visibility, no mask, size 10 KB to 200 KB.
• Self-attested scanned signature size 4 KB to 30 KB

Step 3: Pay your application fee through SBI/Canara/ICICI/HDFC Bank, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. Hold a copy of the payment proof.

You can do all these either simultaneously or at different times. Your application will only be confirmed once payment for the application fee is successful.

Admit Card for UGC-NET

]UGC-NET Admit Card shall be issued provisionally to candidates who have applied for UGC-NET subject to their fulfilling all the eligibility criteria as mentioned above:

• Candidates should download their Admit Card from the NTA website and present it at the examination center as indicated on the card, with the date and time as reflected on the 
• No change in the center shall be allowed.
• No candidate shall report for examination at a different center and date or time other than the one indicated on his /her Admit Card.
• In case of any problem in downloading the Admit Card, the candidate can contact the NTA Help Line between 9:30 am to 5:30 pm or write to NTA on the official website.
• The candidates are required to read the instructions given in the Admit Card clearly before the exam and follow them strictly on the day of the examination.
• If there is any discrepancy in the candidate's details, photograph, or signature on the Admit Card, this must be brought to the notice of the NTA Help Line immediately. They can take the examination with the downloaded Admit Card, and then the correction would be done later by the NTA.

Important Notes:

• Admit Cards will not be mailed.
• No duplicate Admit Card shall be issued from the Centre.
• The Admit Card shall be retained by the candidate and must not be altered/damaged etc.
• Candidates may retain the Admit Card since it shall be required to be produced at later stages as well.
• Incomplete applications or candidates who do not fulfill the eligibility criteria cannot be allotted Admit Cards.
• The mere fact that an individual submits an Admit Card shall not be considered as proof of his eligibility which would be verified later in the process.

Conduction of UGC-NET Exam

Before Exam

• Read all the instructions printed on your Admit Card before coming for the exam.

What to Bring Along

• Admit Card: A printed copy of the Admit Card downloaded from the website of NTA
• Photograph: Carry a passport-size photograph (the same one uploaded in the application form) for pasting on the attendance sheet.
• ID Proof: One original, valid, non-expired photo ID having your name printed on it (like PAN card, driving license, passport, or UID with photo). The name on your ID must match the name on your Admit Card.
• PwD Certificate: If you're claiming the PwD category relaxation, bring the certificate issued by a competent authority.

On the Day of the Exam

• Report Much before the Test Dates: It shall be ensured that you report to the test center at least two hours prior to the start of the examination to do the respective registrations and security checks. The Registration desk also opens 30 minutes prior to the exam.
• Follow the Instructions: All the instructions on the Admit Card must be read and followed.
• Report to the exam hall and seat yourself as early as possible. Sit in Your Seated on Time: If you are held up by traffic or other delays, you might miss out on crucial instructions, and NTA will not be liable for any delay.
• Show Admit Card: When required, show your Admit Card to the examiner for verification purposes. In case of not have an Admit Card, you will not be permitted to appear for the examination.
• Sit in Your Assessed Seat: You have to sit in the seat that has been assigned to you for your roll number. In case you change seats or rooms without permission, your exam will be canceled.
• Check Your Question Paper: You should check if the question paper corresponds to the subject that has been mentioned on your Admit Card. If it is different, you have to inform the invigilator at once.

Seek Help if Needed If you need help or have an emergency, you can ask the invigilator or exam center staff.

Important Note

• If for any reason, you miss your exam, NTA will not reschedule it.
• Unfair Means (Cheating) Cheating is doing something that gives you an undue advantage over others. Here's what is considered cheating:
• Bringing prohibited items like stationery, communication devices or anything related to the exam.
• Impersonation (anyone sitting your exam for you).
• Breaches of any instructions issued for the examination by NTA.
• Aiding or attempting to aid in cheating.
• Writing on material other than that authorized, examination hall material.
• Speaking or otherwise communicating with any person other than members of the examination staff at any time during the examination.
• Rough handling or misconduct towards staff or other candidates.
• Use of electronic devices during the examination
• Attachment of photostat/photocopy/typed or signed certificate, photographs, or signatures in your Admit Card or application form;
• Entry or exit, without permission in the examination centre.
• Do not do anything that can disturb the continuity of the exam.

Dishonorable practices like these result in disqualification.

Is UGC-NET mandatory for PhD? 

Yes, UGC-NET is always mandatory for a PhD in India. However, it can be helpful and is required for certain situations.

Here is what you should know:

• For PhD Admission: In many universities, UGC-NET or Junior Research Fellowship scores are taken to fill the PhD seats. 60% of the PhD seats are generally filled with students who qualify for UGC-NET or JRF.
• Non-NET Admission: The institute is also free to conduct its entrance test for PhD aspirants who have not yet cleared the UGC-NET. They will hold the entrance test for 40% of the seats.
• Assistant Professorship: In case a candidate wants to become an assistant professor in colleges or universities, UGC NET is usually essential if he or she doesn't have a PhD already.In short, UGC-NET necessarily act as a compulsion for all the Ph. D. Programs, but it makes them smoother and more open, mostly to research funding and teaching jobs.

Can I do a PhD without UGC NET?

Yes, you can do a PhD without UGC‑NET, but it depends on the university.

What is UGC‑NET?

UGC‑NET is a national exam managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for eligibility toward JRF (Junior Research Fellowship), Assistant Professor roles, and PhD admission in India. It's held twice a year, in June and December; it includes a general paper and a subject-based paper 

 Why is UGC‑NET desirable?

• Many central universities and top public institutes give priority or direct admission to UGC‑NET qualifiers.
• JRF holders get a monthly fellowship and stipend for full-time PhD
• Qualifying UGC‑NET simplifies admission—universities may waive their own entrance tests for NET candidates.

But is it mandatory?

• No, UGC‑NET is not mandatory everywhere.
• According to the new UGC rules, candidates can also use:
  • CUET‑PG scores
  • University-level PhD entrance tests
  • Other valid national or state exams, depending on each university’s policy

University‑specific PhD routes

• Many private and state universities run their own PhD selection tests and interviews, so a NET score is optional
• e.g., Gujarat University offers direct exemption from its entrance if you clear NET; otherwise its own PhD exam is required The Times of India.

 Summary:

• Doing a PhD without UGC‑NET is possible in many universities.
• But to access funded JRF or positions like Assistant Professor, UGC‑NET is highly recommended.
• NET-qualifiers often enjoy priority or even direct admission into PhD programs.

Eligibility for UGC NET after a 4‑year degree

New rule for 4‑year bachelor's degree holders

• If you have a 4‑year undergraduate (UG) degree and scored at least 75%, you can now appear for UGC‑NET without a master’s degree
• But this only qualifies you for PhD admission and JRF eligibility, not Assistant Professor roles

Details:

• 75% minimum marks in a four-year UG (either Postgraduate-equivalent grading or percentage) qualify.
• This change was introduced in late 2024 / April 2025 
• UGC still requires a master's degree (minimum 55% marks) to qualify for Assistant Professor positions

How it works:

• You take the NET exam based on your UG subject or a related subject.
• If you pass, you can apply for PhD seats labeled “PhD-only route” or JRF eligibility.
• For Assistant Professorship, master's degree remains compulsory

 Summary:

• Yes, you can write UGC‑NET after a 4-year UG degree with ≥ 75%.
• This gives you access to PhD admission and JRF, not teaching roles.
• You still need a master’s degree (≥ 55% or ≥ 50% for reserved categories) for full assistant professor eligibility.

UGC NET PhD admission 2025

UGC Regulations for PhD admission:

• From June 2024 onwards, UGC introduced a new “PhD-only category” in UGC‑NET.
• Now, a UGC‑NET score qualifies directly for PhD admission, even without Assistant Professor eligibility. 
• NET-qualified candidates may not need to take university exams for PhD.

How will universities handle NET scores in 2025?

• Many central universities and government colleges use NET for direct or priority admission.
• PRSU (Prof Rajendra Singh State University) allows UGC‑NET qualifiers (including past two years) to apply for PhD seats with no separate exam, giving 70% weight to NET score + 30% to interview.
• NET-qualified people often bypass written entrance tests at some universities.

Exam schedule and cut‑offs:

• UGC‑NET June 2025 cut‑offs have been released recently across 85 subjects, categorized separately for:
  • JRF + Assistant Professor eligibility,
  • Assistant Professor only,
  • PhD-only eligibility.
  • Results and cut-offs are publicly available on the official NTA UGC NET site.

Application validity:

• UGC‑NET scores are valid for PhD-only eligibility for one year from exam date; for Assistant Professor “lifetime” eligibility.
• JRF validity is three years from exam result date.

 Summary:

• If you clear UGC‑NET (even just the PhD-only category), you can apply directly to many PhD programs in 2025.
• You don’t need to take more tests if the university accepts NET.
• Many universities (like PRSU) now rank applicants by NET score + interview.

UGC NET for MBA students

Yes, MBA holders can take UGC‑NET

• If you have passed or are in the final year of an MBA degree with minimum 55% (general) or 50% (reserved categories), you are eligible for UGC‑NET—especially in Management subject. 
• Final-year students can also apply provisionally, but must complete their degree with minimum marks within two years to retain eligibility for JRF/Assistant Professor (or within 1 year for the PhD-only category.

Subject choice:

• MBA graduates should choose the Management subject code (e.g., Commerce/Business/Management) as their Paper 2 subject.
• If your exact specialization isn't listed, you can choose a related subject that matches your PG field.

PhD from MBA via NET

• If you clear NET in Management, you become eligible for JRF, Assistant Professorship, and PhD admission in management-related research programs.
• Qualifying gives you access to monthly stipend (JRF) and better admission routes into PhD in Business or Management fields.

 Summary:

• Yes, MBA students with the required percentage can apply for UGC‑NET (Management).
• Final‑year applicants are accepted provisionally.
• NET qualification opens doors to funded PhD programs and academic roles in business management.

Putting It All Together:

Table of Key Points:

Question	Answer
Can I do a PhD without UGC‑NET?	Yes, via university-level exam or CUET‑PG. But NET is preferred for funding and priority.
Eligibility after 4‑year UG?	Yes, if more than 75% marks. That allows PhD‑only and JRF (not assistant professor).
UGC NET and PhD admission in 2025?	NET score now accepted for PhD-only admission; many universities admit NET-qualified candidates directly.
UGC NET for MBA students?	Yes, MBA holders (with more than 55% general, more than 50% reserved) can take NET in Management and use it for PhD or teaching eligibility.

Final Tips:

• NET helps, but isn’t always required for PhD admission. Some universities let you enter with your own test or CUET‑PG.
• New rule: if you finish 4‑year undergrad with 75%, you may skip the master's and still take NET to apply for a PhD and JRF.
• NET now has a 'PhD‑only' category—qualify on that route to get PhD admission directly without teaching eligibility.
• MBA students are fully eligible to take UGC‑NET in management and can use this path toward a funded PhD or academic role.
• If you aim for full funding or teaching roles in universities, doing UGC‑NET (especially with JRF qualification) is a smart step.

UGC‑NET remains a powerful qualification for PhD admissions, academic jobs, and research fellowships in India. But as of 2025:

• You can pursue a PhD without NET via alternate routes (CUET‑PG or university-written exams).
• If you have a strong 4-year undergraduate degree (≥ 75%), the NET exam is now open to you.
• MBA graduates can apply for NET in the Management subject and use it for entry into PhD or Assistant Professor roles.

If you're aiming for a top research university or funded support, it's wise to take UGC‑NET. But if you want flexibility or fast entry at private/state institutions, alternative routes work too.

Do You Want To Pursue A Doctorate Program That Too Without Taking Any Entrance Exam?

Yes, you can do this by opting for DBA, which stands for Doctor of Business Administration. It is also a doctorate program and makes you recognized by the “Dr” title after completion of the program. The Doctor of Business Administration is the highest degree one can achieve in business administration.It offers advanced training on several principles guiding the business world.  A DBA is an immersion-based, research-oriented program available to students looking to take their MBA qualifications to the next level.

Earning a DBA will qualify you for careers such as:

• An academic appointment as a lecturer in a department concerning business.
• Evidence-based tools, developed for improving organizational effectiveness, can also position you for success in your career.
• To develop organizational skills.
• Obtain experience in management consulting roles.

What is an Online DBA? 

The Online Doctorate of Business Administration is a doctorate degree course that encompasses studying and researching advanced and deep business principles. This degree will equip students with the knowledge to navigate the inner intricacies surrounding business organizations and come up with effective management strategies. The Online DBA is a doctorate course, directed toward those who have achieved a Bachelor's or Master's degree in the field.By enrolling in a DBA program, students enhance their critical thinking abilities and gain the insights required to become successful business leaders. They learn to analyze complex data, use research methods to tackle business challenges, assess operational strategies, and grasp the dynamics of managing global organizations.

However, the students might conduct original research projects that interact with industry experts on current challenges and trends in the business world. A DBA enables one to be an expert in their field not by merely knowing the theoretical concepts but by applying them through some hands-on research experiences.

What are the eligibility criteria to opt for an Online DBA? 

To apply for an Online DBA, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must have a master’s degree from a recognized university.
• If you don’t have a master’s degree, you can still apply if you have a bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of work experience.
• No entrance exam is required for an online DBA program.

What Are The Key Differences Between An Online DBA and A Ph.D. in Management? 

A Ph.D. in Business Administration is one of the highest degrees you can earn in this field and is ideal for those aiming for academic or teaching positions. lasting three to five years, it focuses on research related to business evolution, management, and its influence on society.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is different from a Ph.D. in several ways. First, a DBA highlights a candidate’s expertise in the business world, often pursued after completing an MBA. Second, the DBA focuses more on the practical application of research, while a Ph.D. is more theory-driven.

Why Is An Online DBA Popular Among Working Professionals?

Harvard Business Review has published several recent studies documenting remarkable growth in DBA programs over the last decade. More than 1,000 deans of business schools were surveyed, and the number of DBA programs has more than doubled since 2004.

A few key reasons explain why DBA programs are gaining in popularity:

The current businesses are much diversified and global, so leaders should be thinkers and problem solvers:

• A DBA will improve the skills and know-how of mid-career professionals to advance career-wise.
• The employers consider a DBA to be a product of high-class quality.
• If you too are going for a DBA, make sure you choose a good program that is well-credited and respected. Further, the program must offer you the right skills and knowledge to help you build a thriving career of interest.

Conclusion

UGC NET exam is an important step, especially for aspirants who aim to get a job as an assistant professor in India or get a junior research fellowship. While not a mandatory prerequisite for PhD studies, funding for research and landing projects in academia are highly beneficial Conversely, a DBA seems to be an option for it’s exciting for professionals Who want to know. Moreover, the PhD and DBA programs provide opportunities for academic as well as professional growth keeping in mind specific professional aspirations. The programs are designed for teachers who want to work in education or climb the corporate ladder.