Is it Possible to Attempt the UGC-NET Exam While Pursuing an MSc?

One common question among postgraduate students is whether they can attempt the UGC-NET (University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test) exam while pursuing their M.A. (Master of Arts) degree. Both the UGC and NTA (National Testing Agency) have specific eligibility criteria and conditions that must be met to participate in the exam.

Eligibility Criteria for UGC-NET:

The UGC-NET exam is open to candidates who have completed their post-graduation or are currently enrolled in a Master's program. Here are some key points to consider:

Eligibility Based on Postgraduation: Candidates who have completed their post-graduation can apply for the UGC-NET exam immediately. However, the eligibility is contingent on meeting certain criteria. Eligibility Based on Enrolled MSc: For those still pursuing their MSc, the application is permissible, but there are specific requirements.

Education Qualifications for UGC-NET:

The minimum educational qualifications required are:

Completion of a master's degree with a minimum of 55% (or 50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Transgender candidates). Ph.D. holders are also eligible to apply in May.

Age Limit for UGC-NET:

The age limits for applying to different positions in the UGC-NET exam are as follows:

Eligibility for Assistant Professor: There is no age limit for applying as an Assistant Professor. Eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Candidates must be less than 31 years of age (or in a few cases, 32 years).

Provisional Eligibility for JRF:

If a candidate is pursuing or has completed a master’s degree, but the result is still awaited or the qualification examinations are delayed, they can still apply for the UGC-NET exam. However, they must meet the additional criteria:

The candidate must pass their Master’s degree or equivalent examination with the required percentage of marks within two years from the date of the UGC-NET result. Failure to meet these criteria may result in their disqualification.

Final Thoughts:

While it is indeed possible to attempt the UGC-NET exam while pursuing an MSc, it is crucial to understand and meet the stringent eligibility criteria. Candidate must ensure that they complete their master’s degree within the stipulated time frame to avoid any disqualification.

If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to visit the official UGC-NET website or our dedicated resources at Testbook. Our website and app are designed to help you prepare for the exam effectively and ensure a successful attempt on the first attempt.

For more information and to start preparing for your UGC-NET exam, simply visit our website Testbook. You can also download the Testbook app available for both Android and iOS devices for an easy and comprehensive preparation process.