UGC has decided to change the pattern and nature of NET examination from June 2018. The UGC conducts NET exam to grant lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for the qualified candidates. The NET is being conducted in 84 subjects in various disciplines.
Age limit for JRF:
Age limit for the grant of JRF will be increased to 30 years, as per the recommendations of the experts committee on UGC – NET. Lakhs of candidates will be benefited with age relaxation for JRF award.
Only Once in a Year:
The Expers Committee has also recommended to conduct NET exam only once in an year. At present, the NET is conducted in June and December every year. CBSE is conducting these tests on behalf of UGC.
Following are the changes:
1) Number of papers will be decreased from 3 to 2 papers. There will be Paper 1 (1 hour) and Paper 2 (2 hours). Total marks will be 300 instead of present 350 marks.
2) There will be only one paper in the selected subject (Post graduation). Hence the marks also will be 200 instead of present 250 marks.
3) Maximum age for the award of JRF will be 30 years. This is 28 years now. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories as per the rules.
UGC NET on 8th July 2018
First NET exam with above changes will be conducted on 8th July 2018 across the country. Online application window will be open from 6th March to 5th April 2018. Detailed notification will be released on 1st February 2018.