The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the application window for the UGC NET exam will close on May 15, 2024. Candidates planning to take the June 2024 cycle are urged to complete the UGC NET application process promptly to avoid any potential last-minute complications or technical issues. The deadline for payment of the UGC NET application fee is May 16 & 17, 2024. Additionally, the NTA will open the NTA NET application correction window from May 18 to 20, 2024, providing applicants with an opportunity to make necessary edits to their application forms during this period.
The UGC NET application fee for the June cycle remains unchanged from the previous session, with fees set at INR 1150 for UR, INR 600 for OBC, and INR 325 for SC/ST/PwD categories, as well as other specified categories.
To apply for the UGC NET exam 2024, candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the official website ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
- Navigate to the bottom of the homepage and click on the “Application form” link.
- Select “New Registration” to begin the process.
- Fill in all the required details and complete the registration process.
- Proceed to fill out the complete application form with accurate information.
- Upload scanned images of your passport-sized photograph (10-200 kb) and signature (4-30 kb), ensuring they are in JPEG format.
- Pay the UGC NET application fee according to your category: General – INR 1,150; OBC/EWS – INR 600; SC/ST/PwD/Transgender – INR 325.
- Verify all the entered details and submit the form.
- After successful submission, download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
The UGC has outlined three categories for PhD admission:
Category 1:
Candidates who have qualified with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) are eligible for Junior Research Fellowship, Appointment as Assistant Professors, and Enrollment as PhD scholars.
Category 2:
Candidates who have qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) are eligible for Assistant Professorship and admission as PhD scholars.
Category 3:
Candidates will be assessed based on their marks obtained, and those meeting the criteria will be allowed to enroll as PhD scholars in universities.
It’s important to note that candidates from Category 2 and 3 will need to undergo an interview conducted by the universities for PhD enrollment. In this process, 70% weightage will be given to the NET score, while the remaining 30% will be based on the interview performance.
Starting from the June cycle of 2024, the UGC NET exam will transition to offline mode, specifically pen-and-paper mode (OMR). This decision was made to expedite the examination process efficiently. All 83 subject exams will take place on June 18, 2024.
Documents
Before proceeding to fill out the UGC NET application form on ugcnet.nta.ac.in, candidates should ensure they have the following prerequisites handy:
- Copy of Board/University Certificate containing details such as Name, Mother’s Name, Father’s Name, etc.
- Identification Card (such as Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
- Degree Certificate or last semester result (for educational qualification verification)
- Active Email ID and Mobile Number for communication purposes
- List of four preferred cities and choice of exam centers
- Subject code for the chosen exam subject
- Category certificate and PwD certificate (if applicable) for reservation purposes
- Scanned passport-sized photograph and signature for uploading during the application process.
Dimensions for photo and signature
To resize your photograph and signature for the UGC NET application form at ugcnet.nta.ac.in, adhere to the following specifications:
- UGC NET Photo:
- Dimensions: 3.5cm x 4.5cm
- File Format: JPG/JPEG
- File Size: Between 10kb to 200kb
- UGC NET Signature:
- File Format: JPG/JPEG
- File Size: Between 4kb to 30kb
Ensure that your photograph and signature meet these size and format requirements before uploading them to the application form. You may use image editing software or online tools to resize and adjust the dimensions of your photo and signature accordingly.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the UGC NET exam for the June 2024 cycle presents a crucial opportunity for aspiring candidates to pursue their academic and professional goals. With the application window set to close on May 15, 2024, candidates are advised to act promptly to avoid any last-minute complications. The prescribed application process, outlined step-by-step, ensures a smooth and efficient submission process for all applicants. Additionally, the NTA’s decision to conduct the exam in offline mode on June 18, 2024, aims to streamline the examination process, ensuring a timely and organized assessment for all 83 subject exams.
Moreover, the categorization for PhD admission, based on JRF qualification, NET qualification, or marks obtained, provides a structured pathway for candidates to pursue their doctoral studies. The inclusion of an interview process, particularly for Category 2 and 3 candidates, adds depth to the selection process, with a balanced weightage of 70% for the NET score and 30% for interview performance.
Furthermore, candidates are reminded of the prerequisites for the application process, including necessary documents and properly resized photographs and signatures. Adhering to these specifications ensures a seamless application process and avoids any technical issues during submission.
Overall, the UGC NET exam serves as a pivotal gateway for individuals aspiring to excel in academia and research, offering a fair and transparent evaluation process for candidates across various disciplines.
