Is UGC NET Compulsory for Assistant Professor 2025?

On 7th January 2025, the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced new regulations. It's all about affecting changes in the eligibility of Assistant Professors, including the appointment process of vice-chancellors and promotions. 

The draft removed the National Eligibility Test (NET) as a mandatory qualification for the appointment of assistant professors. Candidates who hold a postgraduate degree in MTech or ME with a minimum of 55 per cent marks would qualify for entry-level assistant professor posts. Currently, the UGC-NET exam is a compulsory requirement for this position.

Similarly, principals will be appointed for five-year terms, extendable for one additional term, provided proper selection procedures are followed. Principals cannot serve for more than two terms in the same college and will return to their parent organisation as professors after completing their tenure, provided they meet the necessary qualifications.

Purpose of the UGC NET exam

Essentially, UGC NET serves three primary purposes. First, it determines eligibility for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges across India. Second, it identifies candidates qualified for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), providing financial support to pursue research in various fields. Third, starting from the recent academic sessions, UGC NET scores can also be used for PhD admissions. Prepare and practice with the best UGC NET books and resources to stay ahead in this race.

The exam has institutionalised some uniformity in academic qualifications across institutions and simplified the assessment of students' knowledge and skills across time and schools. It also offers a culture of research, thereby promoting innovation in Indian higher education by providing JRFs.

UGC NET vs PhD: What’s the Right Path in 2025?

Although UGC NET makes one eligible for a teaching job, the race is to obtain a PhD, more than ever now (in central universities), or for a promotion to a higher post.

Here’s how to choose wisely:

Opt for UGC NET if you wish to clear it faster and start teaching at the earliest.

Do a PhD if you want to develop in depth for the long term academically or work in the academically oriented research direction.

Relevance for academic careers

Beyond teaching and research, UGC NET qualified candidates are often preferred by educational institutions for various roles due to their proven expertise. According to experts, candidates may also secure positions as researchers and analysts in companies, offering good packages.

The exam's importance is reflected in its competitive nature, with only the top 6% of total test-takers qualifying. Taking regular UGC NET mock tests during preparation is therefore crucial to assess readiness for this challenging examination.

Use Different Strategies for Different Papers

Is UGC NET compulsory for Assistant Professor in 2025?

Recent draft regulations have sparked heated debates about UGC NET requirements for assistant professor positions in 2025. Let's clarify the actual situation based on official announcements and clear up the confusion.

Read More: Do Paper 1 UGC NET Solved Papers Include All Topics from the Syllabus?

UGC regulations and eligibility

First-time applicants should note that a 5% marks relaxation is allowed at the undergraduate or postgraduate level for candidates from SC/ST/OBC Persons with Disabilities categories.

UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar explicitly clarified this: "For professional programs, such as Engineering and Technology, if you have a master's degree in ME or MTech, you don't need the UGC-NET qualification for appointment as an assistant professor."

Meanwhile, for fields like health, medicine, special education, agriculture, and veterinary studies, standards established by respective statutory bodies under article 246 of the Constitution take precedence.

Recent updates from UGC 

The draft regulations opened for public consultation until February 5, 2025. The proposed changes aim to align with NEP 2020, making faculty recruitment more flexible and inclusive. This approach allows universities to hire staff from different backgrounds.

Read More: 

Career & Opportunities

PhD holders under the 2009 and 2016 regulations

The Supreme Court, however, already made it clear that the candidates who have obtained a Ph.D. degree in terms of the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil./Ph.D Degree) Regulations, 2009 or 2016, shall be exempted from the requirement of NET. Thousands of professors across the country have been reaping the benefits of this. The Court ruled that those who had either completed or registered for their PhD before 2009 were not required to pass the NET.

For those PhD. holders who had registered on or before July 11, 2009, such men/women and persons in both these categories are exempted from passing the NET / SLET / SET to become eligible for appointment as Assistant Professor wherever applicable as per UGC Regulations 4 Updated as on 30th June, 2010, to their awarding institutions. There are several conditions that those applying for this exemption need to meet:

Mode was a full-time Ph.D and was awarded regularly

The thesis was examined by two external examiners at least

Open viva voce conducted

Two research papers published (one of them at a refereed journal)

Two presentations made at conferences/seminars

SET qualified candidates and state-level rules

Regarding State Eligibility Tests, the exemption rules vary based on when candidates qualified:

• SET qualified before June 1, 2002: Eligible for assistant professorship nationwide without UGC NET

• SET qualified on or after June 1, 2002: Exempt from UGC NET but restricted to teaching positions only within the state where they cleared the test

Additionally, candidates who passed the UGC/CSIR JRF examination before 1989 are exempt from NET requirements altogether.

How to prepare if UGC NET is required?

Preparation is key if you fall under categories requiring a UGC NET qualification. Let's explore effective strategies to maximize your chances of success.

Using the UGC NET solved paper for practice

Preparing through previous year question papers is definitely one of the most practical ways to prepare for UGC NET. Practice with ugc net solved papers, students can easily pinpoint the frequently asked topics and know the question trend over the years. They familiarize you with the exam pattern and also help you pinpoint your strong and weak areas. You can even develop this skill, which improves your accuracy and reduce guessing on the exam day.

Taking the UGC NET mock test for self-assessment

Mock tests provide the real feel of exam conditions while simultaneously enhancing your test-taking skills. Taking ugc net mock tests regularly improves time management under pressure and builds confidence. After each test, spend 15-20 minutes analyzing time-consuming questions and areas needing improvement. On balance, these practice sessions help you focus on weak areas and give you an honest assessment of your readiness.

Time management strategies for working professionals

For working professionals, effective time management is essential. Consider these practical approaches:

• Dedicate at least 2-3 hours daily after work

• Utilize time for reading and study materials

• Practice the technique (25-minute focused sessions with 5-minute breaks)

• Set SMART weekly goals with achievable daily targets

• Use weekends for study sessions or attending coaching classes

Above all, maintain consistency in your preparation while prioritizing your physical and mental well-being to avoid burnout.

Conclusion

The draft has been brought for 2025 regulations that seek to align with the goals of NEP, 2020, and to make faculty recruitment easier. It is thus important that students who are looking forward to shaping their academic future be well acquainted with the latest UGC releases.

If you are one of the test takers, you need to prepare systematically, relying on the best material and practicing regularly to get the best results. Solved papers give ideas about the pattern and weak areas where to focus from solved papers, while the four practice set papers will serve as a confidence booster on exam days. Working professionals can do well by developing study plans considering their time commitments.

Remember, qualifying for UGC NET means opportunities beyond just teaching posts. There are research, analysis, and niche jobs in store for those who manage to succeed. Your preparation journey may not be easy, but the potential career prospects after this make it so worthwhile!

Whether you fall under an exemption category or need to prepare for the exam, this blog provides clarity on your goals. With accurate information and dedicated preparation, you can find these changes successfully and achieve your goal of becoming an assistant professor.

FAQs

Q1. Is UGC NET mandatory for all assistant professor positions in India? 

UGC NET is mainly required for assistant professor positions in non-professional programs. However, for professional programs like Engineering and Technology, candidates who have an ME or MTech degree do not require the UGC NET qualification.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for UGC NET in 2025? 

Candidates must have a Master's degree from a UGC-recognized university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. There's a relaxation for reserved categories (OBC/SC/ST/PwD), who may be eligible with a minimum of 50% marks in their Master's degree.

Q3. Who is exempted from UGC NET?

Yes, there are several exemptions. PhD degree holders as per the 2016 and 2009 regs, SET qualified candidates (with some exceptions), and those having a professional degree are exempted from UGC NET.

Q4. In which month NET exam conducted?

UGC NET exam is conducted twice in a year, i.e., June and December. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the University Grants Commission.

Q5. Strategies for UGC NET preparation?

Regular practice from previous year solved papers, regular mock tests, using proper study materials, and identifying your weak areas.