The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is one of the most prestigious national-level examinations conducted in India for the post of Assistant Professor and for awarding the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
Managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), UGC NET is a gateway to a career in academics and research.
Given the rising competition, aspirants must understand the eligibility criteria in detail to ensure they meet the requirements before applying.
This blog provides an in-depth and up-to-date overview of who can apply for UGC NET, along with detailed eligibility norms for 2025.
UGC NET is conducted twice a year (typically in June and December).
The exam determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for:
UGC NET eligibility is primarily based on four aspects:
Let’s break each one down.
The academic qualification is the most crucial eligibility criterion for UGC NET.
Candidates must have secured at least 55% marks (without rounding off) in Master’s degree or equivalent examination from a UGC-recognized university.
OBC (non-creamy layer) /SC /ST /PwD /Third gender candidates must have 50% marks in Master’s degree or equivalent.
The same educational qualifications as above apply.
Candidates who are pursuing their Master’s degree (final year) or those who have appeared in the final exam and are waiting for results are also eligible to apply provisionally.
However, such candidates must complete their Master’s degree within two years from the date of the NET result with the required percentage, failing which they will be disqualified.
Special Notes:
Candidates with a Ph.D. degree whose Master’s was completed before 19th September 1991 are eligible for a 5% relaxation in aggregate marks (i.e., 50% instead of 55%).
The upper age limit is 30 years as of 1st June 2025.
SC /ST /OBC (NCL) /PwD /Third Gender: 5 years
Women applicants: 5 years
Candidates with research experience: Up to 5 years (subject to proof)
Candidates with LLM degree: 3 years relaxation
There is no upper age limit to apply for Assistant Professor eligibility via UGC NET
There is no upper age limit to join PhD Admission
Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply for UGC NET.
Candidates can attempt until they cross the age limit of 30 years (with applicable relaxations).
No restriction on the number of attempts.
Same as Assistant Professor
UGC NET is conducted in 85 subjects, and candidates must select the subject they pursued in their post-graduation. For instance:
M.Com candidates can apply for Commerce
MA English candidates can apply for English
M.Sc. in Computer Science candidates can apply for Computer Science and Applications
If a subject is not listed, candidates can choose the closest subject relevant to their specialization.
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UGC NET opens doors to esteemed academic and research careers in India.
Understanding the eligibility criteria ensures that aspirants apply correctly without facing disqualification later.
As the exam approaches, it’s crucial to verify your qualifications, subject relevance, and age limit (especially for JRF).
Keep this blog bookmarked for 2025 and beyond—and if you’re preparing for UGC NET, ensure your documents and proof of eligibility are updated before applying.
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Yes, but they must complete the degree within two years of the result declaration and meet the eligibility marks.
No, there is no age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility.
General candidates: 55%; Reserved categories: 50%.
Yes, provided the degree is from a UGC-recognized institution.
No. You must choose the subject studied in your Master’s degree or the closest relevant subject.
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