Decision to make NET scores the criterion for PhD opposed

Minister for Higher Education says the government will soon consult all universities and stakeholders and submit the State’s objections to the public notification; UGC conducts the NET twice every year through the National Testing Agency

State universities and other stakeholders, including educationists and students, have opposed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) latest decision to make the National Eligibility Test (NET) scores the criterion for admission to Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) across the country, instead of entrance tests at the university level.

“The decision of the UGC undermines the autonomy of universities to facilitate research. The UGC should not ride over universities just because they provide grants. Examinations, admissions, fees, and other matters for any course, including PhDs, should be left to the respective universities,” said one of the ViceChancellors of a State university, who wished to remain anonymous.

“The Union government is trying to destroy all autonomous institutions by implementing a centralised system for admissions. If the NET scores become the criterion for admissions to PhD, universities will lose their autonomy over research activities,” another ViceChancellor said.

M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education, said that the government would soon consult all universities and stakeholders and submit the State’s objections to the UGC’s public notification. “This is a serious concern and the move will be met with a lot of resistance,” he said.

‘Student friendly’

The UGC conducts the NET twice every year through the National Testing Agency (NTA). These scores are used to award Junior Research Fellowships ( JRF) and as eligibility for appointment as Assistant Professor for those with a Master’s degree. However, universities conduct independent entrance tests for admission to PhD.

The UGC said the decision to consider NET scores for admission to PhD will help students as one entrance test will serve as criteria for multiple purposes and they need not write multiple entrance tests in each university. A decision to this effect was taken at the 578th meeting of the UGC on March 13.

The UGC has said this was part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP2020) and it will come into effect from the academic year 202425.

‘Will exclude many’

However, student organisations, like the AllIndia Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), have opposed the move and argued that making NET scores the criterion for PhD admissions will exclude many, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Making NET mandatory will summarily eliminate several aspirants as they cannot access the expensive coaching industry which has now become an essential gateway for NET,” the AIDSO said in a statement, demanding that the Union government roll back this decision immediately.

Educationist B. Sripad Bhat said that making the NET a prerequisite for admission to PhD will only push out many students from higher education and research.

This will also undermine the autonomy of universities, he added.

“The low quality of PhDs is a serious concern. But it is reprehensible to push people out of research instead of a course correction,” he said.

The Union government is trying to destroy all autonomous institutions by implementing a centralised system for admissions. A VICE-CHANCELLOR

The low quality of PhDs is a serious concern. But it is reprehensible to push people out of research instead of a course correction.

B. SRIPAD BHAT,

Educationist

FILE PHOTO The UGC said the decision will help students as one entrance test will serve as the criterion for multiple purposes.