The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced a significant change in its PhD admission process. From the upcoming academic session 2024-25, the university will accept scores from the National Eligibility Test (NET) as the primary selection criterion for admission to its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. This change replaces the previous requirement for candidates to take the National Testing Agency (NTA) entrance test for PhD admissions at JNU.
This decision aligns with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) initiative to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for a unified national entrance examination for admission to higher education programs. The UGC’s Public Notice dated March 27, 2024, authorizes universities and higher education institutions to use NET scores for PhD admissions instead of conducting separate entrance tests.
In accordance with this directive, JNU has resolved to utilize NET scores in lieu of the NTA entrance test for PhD admissions commencing in the 2024-25 academic session. The university has also clarified that applications for admission to PhD programs will be accepted from three categories of candidates:
1. Candidates who have qualified for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) (weightage: 100%)
2. Candidates who have qualified for Assistant Professorship without JRF
3. Candidates who have not qualified for JRF or Assistant Professorship but are eligible for admission to PhD solely based on their NET score
It is important to note that candidates with valid JRF can also apply under the NET Score categories. Admission under NET Score categories will supersede the entrance examination, and the weightage for NET Score and viva-voce will be 70% and 30%, respectively.
The NET Examination conducted by UGC and CSIR will have a validity period of one year for the purpose of PhD program admission. The validity of JRF will be as specified in the JRF award letter. For PhD programs where NET exams are not conducted by UGC/CSIR in the required subjects/disciplines, the university may conduct separate entrance examinations.
Meanwhile, the office bearers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) are scheduled to meet with the Director of Admissions on April 29 to discuss the decision. JNUSU has raised concerns that the arbitrary replacement of PhD Entrance Exams with NET scores could potentially alienate students, particularly those from marginalized sections, and limit their access to research opportunities and higher education.
