The National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC), is a competitive exam held twice a year. The exam assesses candidates’ eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in Indian universities and colleges.
To evaluate candidates’ proficiency, the exam comprises two papers: Paper-I and Paper-II. Paper-I is a general aptitude test that assesses candidates’ reasoning ability, comprehension, and divergent thinking skills, among other skills. Meanwhile, Paper-II focuses on the subject selected by the candidate.
If candidates obtain the necessary cut-off marks on both papers, they are eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) award.
NET OVERVIEW
The National Eligibility Test, commonly known as NET, is a highly competitive examination in India. This exam is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the post of Assistant Professor and to award Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Here is an overview of the NET exam, using transition words to make the text more cohesive:
Firstly, the NET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam is held twice a year, usually in June and December. Secondly, the NET exam is a computer-based test, which means that candidates have to appear for the exam on a computer at a designated test center.
Moreover, the NET exam consists of two papers – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is a general aptitude test that assesses the candidate’s teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, and general awareness. On the other hand, Paper II is a subject-specific test that assesses the candidate’s knowledge of the subject they have chosen.
In addition, the age limit for JRF is 30 years, and there is a relaxation of up to 5 years for candidates belonging to certain categories. Moreover, there is no age limit for Assistant Professor post.
Finally, candidates who qualify for the NET exam are eligible to apply for the post of Assistant Professor in universities and colleges across India. Additionally, those who qualify for JRF can pursue research in their chosen subject and receive financial assistance for their studies.
NET - Important Exam Dates
Exam Events | Exam Dates (June Session) | Exam Dates (December Session) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Submission | 15th April 2023 | 15th October 2023 |
| Last date for online application submission | 10th May 2023 | 10th November 2023 |
| Last date for fee payment | 15th May 2023 | 15th November 2023 |
| Application form correction window | 20th to 25th May 2023 | 20th to 25th November 2023 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 1st June 2023 | 1st December 2023 |
| NET Exam Date | 12th to 18th June 2023 | 12th to 18th December 2023 |
| Release of Provisional Answer Key | 25th June 2023 | 25th December 2023 |
| Challenge against the answer key | 26th to 30th June 2023 | 26th to 30th December 2023 |
| Release of Final Answer Key | 10th July 2023 | 10th January 2024 |
| NET Result Declaration | 20th July 2023 | 20th January 2024 |
Application Form
- Visit the official website of NTA at https://www.nta.ac.in/ or https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/.
- Click on the “UGC NET December 2022” link and read the instructions carefully.
- Click on the “Fill Application Form” button and complete the registration process by providing your personal details and contact information.
- After completing the registration process, you will receive an application number and password on your registered email ID and mobile number.
- Use the application number and password to login to the portal and fill in the online application form.
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature as per the specifications provided by the NTA.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
- Review and submit the application form.
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Application Fee
Category | ApplicationFee (June Session) | Application Fee (December Session) |
|---|---|---|
| General | Rs. 1100 | Rs. 1100 |
| OBC-NCL | Rs. 550 | Rs. 550 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | Rs. 275 | Rs. 275 |
How To Apply for NET 2023
- Visit the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA) at https://www.nta.ac.in/.
- Click on the “Registration” button and complete the registration process by providing your personal details and contact information.
- After completing the registration process, you will receive an application number and password on your registered email ID and mobile number.
- Use the application number and password to login to the portal and fill in the online application form.
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature as per the specifications provided by the NTA.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
- Review and submit the application form.
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To be eligible for NET, candidates must have a postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) or an equivalent grade from a recognized university. Candidates who are in the final year of their postgraduate degree can also apply.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for NET. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they wish.
The syllabus for NET varies based on the subject chosen by the candidate. The NTA releases the syllabus for each subject on its official website. Candidates are advised to refer to the syllabus and prepare accordingly.
NET is conducted in two papers – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I consists of 50 objective-type questions, and Paper II consists of 100 objective-type questions. The exam is conducted for a duration of three hours.
NET is conducted in online mode at various examination centers across the country. Candidates must carry their admit card and a valid ID proof to the examination center.
The NTA releases the NET result on its official website. Candidates can check their result by entering their roll number and date of birth.
NET - Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent grade |
| 50% marks for reserved categories | |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit for Assistant Professor post |
| Maximum age of 31 years for JRF | |
| Age relaxation for reserved categories | |
| Citizenship | Indian nationals or valid passport/visa for studying in India |
| Aadhaar card or government-issued ID proof required | |
| Other Requirements | PhD degree holders or those who have submitted their thesis before the application deadline can apply |
NET Cutoff
Category | Cutoff |
|---|---|
| General | 240 |
| OBC-NCL | 235 |
| SC | 205 |
| ST | 200 |
| PwD | 200 |
Category | Cutoff |
|---|---|
| General | 195 |
| OBC-NCL | 192 |
| SC | 162 |
| ST | 156 |
| PwD | 156 |
Category | Cutoff |
|---|---|
| General | 65 |
| OBC-NCL | 60 |
| SC | 55 |
| ST | 55 |
| PwD | 55 |
Category | Minimum Marks to be Obtained |
|---|---|
| General | 40% in Paper I and Paper II combined |
| OBC (Non-creamy layer) | 35% in Paper I and Paper II combined |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | 35% in Paper I and Paper II combined |
NET Admission Process
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the NET admission process, along with transition words to make the text more coherent:
- Firstly, candidates must fill out the application form online on the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA). This involves providing personal details, academic qualifications, and other relevant information.
- Once the application process is complete, candidates must pay the application fee online through the available payment methods. The application fee varies depending on the category of the candidate and the number of subjects they choose to appear for.
- After the application and fee payment are complete, candidates will receive an admit card from the NTA. The admit card contains important information such as the exam date, time, and venue. Candidates must carry the admit card to the exam center on the day of the exam.
- On the day of the exam, candidates must appear for both Paper I and Paper II, which are conducted in two sessions. The exam is conducted in computer-based mode and consists of multiple-choice questions.
- After the exam is conducted, the NTA releases the answer key for the candidates to evaluate their performance. Candidates can also challenge the answer key if they find any discrepancies.
- The NTA then releases the result of the exam on its official website. The result includes the overall score and the qualifying status of the candidate.
In conclusion, the NET admission process involves filling out the application form, paying the application fee, receiving the admit card, appearing for the exam, evaluating the performance through the answer key, and checking the result on the official website of NTA. Candidates must ensure that they fulfill the eligibility criteria and prepare well to score high in the exam.
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