UGC’s Rule to Exempt Ph.D. Candidates from NET Welcomes Criticism

UGC’s latest proposal included rule to exempt Ph.D. holders from National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET) for the appointment of Assistant Professor received criticism from teachers and different forums. UGC’s proposal to give more weightage to the percentage of candidates in UG during the recruitment for the post of the assistant professor has flaws, and it could not be implemented, expressed a section of teachers.

An official associated with National Forum for Quality Education has objected the new UGC rules stating that it would ruin the quality of education. The new rules will give scope to cut-copy-paste culture during research. Giving preference to UG percentage rather than NET is not correct, he expressed.

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The National Forum for Quality Education has further cautioned UGC that they would approach Supreme Court of India if UGC finalises the proposed guidelines and amendments regarding the recruitment and promotion of teachers in colleges and universities.

A noted academician explained that a few years ago, RC Mehrotra Committee conducted a detailed survey and carried out numerous discussions regarding the applicability of NET to Ph.D. holders. After various discussions, the committee recommended that NET/ SET is mandatory for the recruitment of lectures in universities and colleges. NET will be mandatory even for the candidates who have M.Phil/ Ph.D. degree, recommended the committee.

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NET and SET were introduced to consolidate the quality of higher education in the country. NET/SET qualification will enable quality recruitment of teachers in universities. Overall, NET and SET remove disparities in standard of the exam at PG level between different universities.