UGC Chief: Four-year UG graduates can skip masters, directly pursue PhD via NET

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced significant changes to the eligibility criteria for pursuing a PhD in India. Under the new guidelines, students with four-year undergraduate degrees can now directly pursue a PhD and appear for the National Eligibility Test (NET).

This marks a departure from the previous requirement of a master's degree with a minimum of 55 percent marks to qualify for the NET. Additionally, candidates with four-year undergraduate degrees are now permitted to appear for the NET in the subject they wish to pursue their PhD in, regardless of their bachelor's degree discipline.

Furthermore, to qualify for a PhD program or the NET, candidates with four-year undergraduate degrees must have a minimum of 75 percent marks or equivalent grades in their undergraduate course.

 However, there is a provision for a relaxation of five percent marks for candidates belonging to specific categories such as SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), differently-abled individuals, economically weaker sections, and others, as per UGC decisions. This adjustment aims to broaden access to doctoral studies and encourage a diverse range of candidates to pursue advanced research and academic careers.