UGC NET Exam Eligibility Criteria: Complete guide covering educational qualifications, age limits, category relaxations, subject selection rules for Law and Commerce, State vs Central OBC differences, and document requirements.

Think you’re ready to apply for UGC NET? Before you download that syllabus or invest months in preparation, there’s one question you absolutely must answer: Are you even eligible to sit for the exam?

Every year, thousands of aspiring academics get their applications rejected, not because they lack talent, but because they missed one critical eligibility detail. 

According to NTA data, over 10,19,751 candidates registered for the UGC NET June cycle alone, yet many discovered too late that their LLB didn’t qualify them for UGC NET Law, their state OBC certificate wasn’t valid, or their 54.8% marks fell short of the 55% requirement. 

The worst part? NTA doesn’t verify your eligibility when you apply. They check later, and if they discover any discrepancy, even after you’ve qualified, your results get cancelled.

This guide covers everything you need to know about UGC NET eligibility. 

Whether you’re a law graduate planning your academic career, a commerce postgraduate exploring teaching opportunities, or a final year student wondering about provisional eligibility, you’ll find clarity on every eligibility parameter backed by official NTA guidelines and the Information Bulletin.

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria You Must Know Before Applying

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test is India’s gateway examination for academic careers, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) twice every year. 

Unlike competitive exams where you simply need to score well, UGC NET has strict eligibility barriers that determine whether you can even appear for the exam. 

Understanding these criteria before you begin preparation is essential because candidature remains purely provisional until NTA verifies your eligibility, which can happen at any stage of the examination process.

Three Categories of UGC NET Qualification

The notification introduces three distinct qualification pathways, each with different eligibility requirements and career outcomes.

Your choice at the application stage determines which benefits you can claim upon qualifying, so understanding these categories is crucial before you fill out your form.

JRF and Assistant Professor Eligibility

This is the highest level of UGC NET qualification, reserved for candidates who score in the top percentile nationally. 

If you qualify under this category, you become eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship with a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 during the first two years, increasing to ₹42,000 from the third year onwards when you become a Senior Research Fellow. 

Beyond the financial support, JRF qualification automatically makes you eligible for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges across India, and you gain direct entry to PhD programmes. 

This category has the strictest requirements, including an age limit of 30 years for JRF eligibility.

Assistant Professor and PhD Admission Eligibility

Candidates who score above the minimum qualifying cutoff but don’t make it to the JRF percentile qualify under this second category.

You become eligible to apply for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges, and you can use your NET score for PhD admission. However, you don’t receive any fellowship or stipend for research. 

This category is ideal if your primary goal is teaching rather than funded research, and it has no upper age limit. 

According to NTA data from recent cycles, the qualifying cutoff for this category ranges from 40% aggregate marks for General category to 35% for reserved categories.

PhD Admission Only Eligibility

This is the newest category introduced under UGC regulations, specifically designed for candidates who want to use UGC NET scores for PhD admission without seeking teaching positions or fellowship. 

The key difference here is the timeline: candidates must complete their Master’s degree within one year from the NET result date, compared to two years for the other categories. 

This shorter window exists because PhD admission cycles are annual, and universities require candidates to have completed their qualifying degree before commencing doctoral research.

Consequences of Not Meeting Eligibility Requirements

Here’s what the official NTA notification states clearly: candidature will remain purely provisional, subject to fulfillment of eligibility criteria. 

NTA does not verify information during online registration. If ineligibility is detected at any stage, even after qualifying, your candidature will be cancelled and you may face legal action. 

This means even an excellent score becomes worthless if you were never eligible in the first place.

UGC NET Educational Qualification Requirements

The foundation of UGC NET eligibility rests on your educational qualifications. 

The Information Bulletin specifies exact percentage requirements based on your category, with no room for rounding off or approximation. These requirements apply uniformly whether you’re aiming for JRF, Assistant Professor, or PhD admission.

General and EWS Category Marks Requirements

Candidates belonging to General (Unreserved) and General EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) categories must have secured at least 55% marks in their Master’s degree or equivalent examination from a university recognised by UGC. 

This percentage is applied strictly without any rounding off, meaning 54.9% does not qualify. The Master’s degree must be in subjects covered under the UGC NET subject list, which includes 85 disciplines ranging from Humanities and Social Sciences to Law, Commerce, Computer Science, and Electronic Science.

Reserved Category Marks Requirements

Reserved category candidates receive a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement, acknowledging socio economic challenges. 

However, understanding exactly which categories qualify and under what conditions is critical to avoid application rejection.

OBC Non Creamy Layer Eligibility

Candidates belonging to OBC Non Creamy Layer as per the Central list require a minimum of 50% marks in their Master’s degree. 

The critical word here is “Central list,” not your state OBC list. Your community must appear in the list maintained by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) at ncbc.nic.in. 

Many candidates discover too late that their state OBC certificate doesn’t work for UGC NET, leading to disqualification or being treated under General category cutoffs.

SC/ST Category Eligibility

Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates need a minimum of 50% marks in their Master’s degree. Unlike OBC, there’s no distinction between state and central lists for SC/ST categories. 

However, your certificate must be issued by a competent authority as specified in the notification, typically the District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate, Collector, Deputy Commissioner, or Sub Divisional Magistrate of the area where your family ordinarily resides.

PwD and Third Gender Category Eligibility

Persons with Disability and Third Gender candidates also qualify with 50% marks in their Master’s degree. 

For PwD candidates, the disability certificate must be issued by a Medical Board constituted by the Central or State Government, certifying at least 40% disability. Third Gender candidates must possess documentation as per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

Can Final Year Students or Awaiting Results Candidates Apply for UGC NET?

Yes, the notification explicitly permits final year students and candidates awaiting results to apply on a provisional basis. 

This provision allows you to appear for UGC NET while completing your degree, saving valuable time in your academic career progression. However, this provisional eligibility comes with strict timelines that you must honour.

Two Year Completion Rule for JRF and Assistant Professor

If you qualify for JRF or Assistant Professor eligibility while your degree is pending, you must complete your Master’s examination with the required percentage within two years from the date of NET result declaration. 

Failure to meet this deadline results in automatic disqualification. Your NET certificate becomes invalid, and you would need to appear for the examination again after completing your degree.

One Year Completion Rule for PhD Admission Candidates

Candidates qualifying under the PhD Admission Only category face a stricter timeline of just one year to complete their Master’s degree from the NET result date. 

This shorter window aligns with annual PhD admission cycles at universities. If you’re applying provisionally with PhD admission as your goal, ensure you can realistically complete your degree within this timeframe.

Can You Apply for UGC NET with a 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree Without a Master’s?

This is one of the most significant changes introduced under UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on flexibility in higher education pathways. 

Yes, candidates with a 4 year or 8 semester bachelor’s degree programme can now appear for UGC NET without a Master’s degree, but with specific conditions and limitations.

75% Marks Requirement for Integrated Degree Holders

Candidates with a 4 year bachelor’s degree must have secured a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade. 

For reserved category candidates, including SC, ST, OBC Non Creamy Layer, PwD, EWS, and Third Gender, this requirement is relaxed to 70%. This is significantly higher than the 55%/50% requirement for Master’s degree holders, reflecting the expectation that 4 year degree holders demonstrate exceptional academic performance to be considered for research eligibility.

4 Year Degree Holders Not Eligible for Assistant Professor Posts

Here’s the critical limitation that many candidates miss: qualifying UGC NET based on a 4 year bachelor’s degree makes you eligible only for JRF award and PhD admission, NOT for appointment as Assistant Professor. 

If your goal is teaching in universities and colleges, you will eventually need to complete a Master’s degree, regardless of your NET qualification, based on your undergraduate credentials.

UGC NET Subject Eligibility Guide: How to Choose the Right Subject Based on Your Degree?

Subject selection is where many candidates make costly mistakes, either by assuming they can apply for any subject or by not understanding the specific requirements for their discipline.

The syllabus covers 85 subjects, and your eligibility for a particular subject depends directly on your postgraduate qualification.

Subject Selection Rules: Can You Apply for Any Subject?

The general rule from the official notification is clear: candidates are advised to appear in the subject of their post graduation only. 

If your exact postgraduate subject is not available in the UGC NET subject list, you may appear in a closely related subject after carefully reviewing the syllabus overlap. However, this flexibility comes with responsibility. Choosing an unrelated subject could lead to rejection during eligibility verification.

 The exception to this rule applies to 4 year bachelor’s degree holders, who can choose any subject in which they wish to pursue PhD, regardless of their undergraduate discipline.

UGC NET Eligibility for Law Graduates

Law is one of the most popular UGC NET subjects with Subject Code 58, but it’s also where maximum eligibility confusion exists. Based on competitive analysis, this is the number one question law graduates ask, and getting it wrong means months of wasted preparation.

Why LLB Holders Cannot Apply for UGC NET Law?

This is non negotiable: an LLB degree alone, whether 3 year or 5 year integrated, does not qualify you to appear for UGC NET Law. 

The reason is straightforward. UGC NET requires a Master’s degree as a minimum qualification, and LLB is an undergraduate professional degree. 

For UGC NET Law, you specifically need an LLM (Master of Laws) with the required percentage. Many law graduates assume their 5 year integrated LLB is equivalent to a postgraduate qualification because of its duration, but it isn’t. 

You must complete an LLM before applying for UGC NET Law.

Which LLM Specializations Qualify for UGC NET Law?

Any LLM specialization from a UGC recognised university qualifies you for UGC NET Law, whether it’s Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property Law, Human Rights, or any other branch. 

The subject code remains 58 regardless of your LLM specialization. What matters is that your LLM degree is from a recognised institution and you meet the percentage requirements of 55% for General/EWS or 50% for reserved categories.

Can LLM Graduates Apply for Non Law Subjects in UGC NET?

Technically, the notification advises candidates to appear in their postgraduate subject. However, if you hold an LLM but wish to appear for a different subject, say Human Rights or Public Administration, you need to carefully assess whether your academic background provides a sufficient foundation for that subject’s syllabus. 

The safest approach is to appear for Law (Code 58) since that directly aligns with your LLM qualification. Appearing for unrelated subjects risks eligibility rejection during verification.

UGC NET Eligibility for Commerce Graduates

Commerce is another high volume subject category with multiple pathways depending on your postgraduate qualification. Understanding which subjects you can apply for prevents last minute surprises.

Can MBA Graduates Apply for UGC NET Commerce?

Yes, MBA graduates can apply for UGC NET, but the subject depends on your MBA specialization. If your MBA is in Finance, Marketing, HR, or general management, you can apply for Management (Subject Code 17) or Human Resource Management (Subject Code 55). 

For Commerce (Subject Code 08), candidates with M.Com are typically better positioned since the syllabus aligns more closely with traditional commerce subjects like Accounting, Auditing, and Business Law. MBA graduates should carefully compare their coursework with the UGC NET syllabus before selecting between Management and Commerce.

Subject Options Available for M.Com Degree Holders

M.Com graduates have Commerce (Code 08) as their primary subject option. However, depending on your specialization, you might also consider related subjects like Economics (Code 01) if your M.Com had significant economics components, or Management (Code 17) if your coursework included substantial management studies.

The key is ensuring your academic background genuinely covers the syllabus of your chosen subject. Selecting a mismatched subject for perceived easier competition is a strategy that often backfires during eligibility verification.

UGC NET Age Limit: Maximum Age for JRF and Relaxation Rules

Age eligibility is straightforward for Assistant Professor and PhD admission categories, which have no upper limit. However, JRF eligibility has strict age requirements with specific relaxations for different categories. 

Understanding how age is calculated and which relaxations you can claim is essential for JRF aspirants.

Age Limit for UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

The JRF component of UGC NET comes with a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 to ₹42,000, making it highly competitive. To balance this benefit, NTA imposes an age ceiling with defined relaxations for various categories.

30 Years Maximum Age for JRF Category

The baseline requirement is clear: you must not exceed 30 years of age to be eligible for Junior Research Fellowship. This 30 year limit applies to General category male candidates without any relaxation claims. Reserved categories and women candidates receive relaxations that effectively extend this limit.

How is Age Calculated for UGC NET? Cut Off Date Explained?

Your age is calculated as on the first day of the month in which the examination concludes. For instance, for the December 2025 session, the reference date is 1st December 2025. This means if you were born on 2nd December 1995, you would be 29 years old as of 1st December 2025 and therefore eligible. But if you were born on 30th November 1995 or earlier, you would have completed 30 years and would need age relaxation to qualify for JRF.

Age Relaxation Rules in UGC NET: Reserved Categories

The notification provides specific age relaxations acknowledging diverse circumstances and career pathways. However, a crucial rule limits how these relaxations can be combined.

5 Years Relaxation for OBC, SC, ST and PwD Candidates

Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Classes Non Creamy Layer, and Persons with Disability receive 5 years relaxation in the upper age limit. This extends JRF eligibility to 35 years instead of 30. 

Third Gender candidates also receive the same 5 year relaxation. The relaxation is automatic upon declaring your category during application, provided you possess valid certificates from competent authorities.

5 Years Age Relaxation for Women in UGC NET

All women candidates, regardless of their caste or community, are entitled to 5 years age relaxation for JRF eligibility. A General category woman can therefore be up to 35 years old and still apply for JRF. 

This relaxation is part of the government’s affirmative action policies to encourage women’s participation in research and higher education.

Additional 3 Years Relaxation for LLM Degree Holders

This specific provision benefits law aspirants significantly. Candidates holding an LLM degree receive an additional 3 years age relaxation, acknowledging the longer educational pathway in law. 

A law graduate typically completes 5 year LLB, then 2 year LLM, naturally placing them at a higher age compared to candidates in other streams who complete 3 year Bachelor’s plus 2 year Master’s. A General category male LLM holder can therefore be eligible for JRF up to 33 years of age.

Age Relaxation for Research Experience and Defense Personnel

Candidates with research experience can claim age relaxation equal to the period spent on research in the relevant subject of their postgraduation, subject to a maximum of 5 years. 

This research must be independent work at a recognised university, Institute of National Importance, or Public Sector Undertaking, not research conducted as part of your graduation or postgraduation degree. 

Armed forces personnel receive up to 5 years of relaxation based on the length of their service up to the first day of the month in which the exam is conducted.

Can You Combine Multiple Age Relaxations? Understanding the Maximum Limit

Here’s the critical rule many candidates overlook: total age relaxation from all grounds combined cannot exceed 5 years under any circumstances. You cannot simply add 5 years for being SC, plus 5 years for being a woman, plus 3 years for holding an LLM to claim 13 years relaxation. 

Even if you belong to multiple eligible categories, the maximum relaxation remains capped at 5 years. This cap ensures uniformity while still providing meaningful support to candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Is There Any Age Limit for Assistant Professor or PhD Eligibility?

This is excellent news for working professionals and late career changers: there is absolutely no upper age limit for candidates applying for UGC NET solely for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission. 

Whether you are 25, 45, or 60 years old, you can appear for the examination and, upon qualifying, become eligible for teaching positions or doctoral programmes. 

This provision makes UGC NET particularly attractive for professionals who decide to transition into academia later in life.

State OBC vs Central OBC for UGC NET: The Critical Difference That Causes Rejections

Based on competitive analysis, this is one of the most common eligibility mistakes causing application rejections. Many OBC candidates assume their State issued certificate automatically works for UGC NET, only to discover during verification that it doesn’t. 

Understanding the distinction between State OBC and Central OBC lists is absolutely essential.

Difference Between State OBC and Central OBC List

India maintains two separate OBC lists: State lists managed by individual state governments, and a Central list maintained by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). 

The two lists are not identical. A community included in your state’s OBC list may or may not appear in the Central list. 

For UGC NET, which is a national examination, only the Central OBC list applies. This means your state OBC certificate is valid for UGC NET only if your community appears in the Central list.

How to Check If Your Caste Is in the Central OBC List for UGC NET?

Before applying for UGC NET under OBC category, you must verify your community’s presence in the Central list. Don’t assume or rely on general knowledge. Verify directly from the official source.

NCBC Portal: Step by Step Verification Process

Visit the National Commission for Backward Classes website at ncbc.nic.in. Navigate to the “Central List of OBCs” section. Select your state from the dropdown menu. The portal will display all communities included in the Central OBC list for that state.

Search for your community name exactly as it appears in your caste certificate. Note that spelling variations matter. 

If your community appears in the list, you can apply under OBC NCL category for UGC NET. If it doesn’t appear, you must apply under General category regardless of what your state certificate says.

What to Do If Your Community Is Not in the Central OBC List?

If your community appears in your state’s OBC list but not in the Central list, you have two options. 

First, apply under the General category for UGC NET, which means you need 55% marks in your Master’s degree and will compete under General category cutoffs. 

Second, if you believe your community should be in the Central list, you can approach NCBC to check if inclusion is pending or under consideration. 

However, for the current examination cycle, you must apply based on the list as it exists at the time of application.

OBC NCL Certificate for UGC NET: Income Criteria and Financial Year Requirement

The “NCL” in OBC NCL stands for Non Creamy Layer, which has specific income criteria. Your family’s gross annual income must not exceed ₹8 lakh as per current norms. The certificate must be issued based on income for the financial year immediately preceding the year of application. 

Certificates older than one year from the date of application are generally not accepted. Always check the specific validity requirements in the current notification.

UGC NET Eligibility for Distance Education and Foreign Degree Holders

Not everyone pursues their Master’s degree through regular college attendance. Distance education and foreign degrees have specific eligibility considerations that candidates must understand before applying.

Is Distance or Open University Master’s Degree Valid for UGC NET?

Yes, candidates who obtained their Master’s degree through distance or open education mode from a UGC recognised university are eligible for UGC NET. 

The key requirement is university recognition, not the mode of education. IGNOU degrees, state open university degrees, and distance programmes from conventional universities are all valid, provided the university holds UGC recognition. 

You can verify university recognition status on the UGC website at ugc.gov.in .

Foreign Degree Holders: AIU Equivalence Certificate Requirement

Candidates with postgraduate degrees, diplomas, or certificates from foreign universities must obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi. 

This certificate confirms that your foreign qualification is equivalent to an Indian Master’s degree from a recognised university. Without AIU equivalence, you cannot establish eligibility for UGC NET.

How to Get an AIU Equivalence Certificate for UGC NET?

The AIU equivalence process requires you to first visit the AIU website at aiu.ac.in and register as a new user. 

Fill out the application form with details of your foreign qualification, including university name, degree title, duration, and year of completion.

Upload scanned copies of your degree certificate, transcripts, and other required documents. Pay the prescribed fee online. 

Start this process well in advance of UGC NET application deadlines to ensure you have the equivalence certificate ready.

Can PG Diploma Holders Apply for UGC NET?

Post Graduate Diploma holders are generally not eligible unless their diploma has been officially recognised as equivalent to a Master’s degree by AIU. Several premier institutions, including IIMs, award 2 year PG diplomas rather than degrees. 

The AIU has granted equivalence to PG Diplomas from IIMs, making those graduates eligible for UGC NET in relevant subjects. Check the AIU equivalence list to verify if your specific diploma qualifies.

Who is Exempt from UGC NET for Assistant Professor Posts?

Certain candidates don’t need to clear UGC NET to become Assistant Professors. The UGC regulations provide specific exemptions based on other qualifications that demonstrate academic and research competence.

PhD Holders: Automatic Exemption Under UGC Regulations 2022

Candidates awarded PhD in accordance with UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022, are exempted from NET/SET/SLET for Assistant Professor recruitment. 

This exemption recognises that rigorous doctoral training under UGC standards adequately prepares candidates for academic positions. However, this exemption applies only to Assistant Professor eligibility, not to JRF benefits.

SET and SLET Qualified Candidates: Date Based Eligibility

State Eligibility Tests serve as alternatives to UGC NET for teaching positions, but their validity depends critically on when you cleared the exam.

SET Cleared Before 1st June 2002: Valid Anywhere in India

If you cleared SET before 1st June 2002, your qualification is treated as equivalent to UGC NET without any geographical restriction. You can apply for Assistant Professor positions anywhere in India based on this qualification. 

This broader validity was granted because SETs conducted before June 2002 followed more standardised national level criteria.

SET Cleared After 1st June 2002: State Specific Validity

For SET cleared from 1st June 2002 onwards, validity is restricted to the state where you passed. If you cleared Maharashtra SET after June 2002, you can apply for teaching positions only in Maharashtra institutions. 

For positions in other states, you would need to clear UGC NET. This distinction is crucial for candidates planning inter state career mobility.

UGC and CSIR JRF Qualified Before 1989: Lifetime Exemption

Candidates who passed UGC or CSIR JRF examination prior to 1989 are exempted from appearing in UGC NET for Assistant Professor eligibility.

This historical exemption acknowledges that the pre 1989 JRF examination had different standards, and those who cleared it should not be required to appear for the current format. While this applies to very few candidates today due to the time elapsed, the provision remains in official guidelines.

UGC NET Eligibility Documents Checklist

While NTA doesn’t require document submission during the application, you must keep all eligibility documents ready for verification at later stages. Having incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to disqualification even after qualifying for the exam.

Educational Documents Required for UGC NET Application

Keep your Master’s degree certificate or provisional certificate ready, along with all semester mark sheets or a consolidated mark sheet showing the aggregate percentage. 

If you’re applying based on a 4 year bachelor’s degree, keep those documents instead. For candidates whose results are awaited, keep any available mark sheets and be prepared to submit the final certificate within the stipulated timeframe.

Identity Proof and Date of Birth Documents

Your Class 10th or Secondary School certificate serves as the standard proof of date of birth for UGC NET, just as it does for all government examinations in India. 

For identity verification, keep documents like Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License, or Voter ID ready. 

The name and date of birth across all documents should match exactly to avoid discrepancies during verification.

Category Certificate Requirements for UGC NET

Category certificates have specific requirements regarding issuing authority, format, and validity. Using incorrect or expired certificates is a common reason for rejection of reservation claims.

OBC NCL Certificate Requirements

Your OBC-NCL certificate must be from a competent authority confirming your community’s presence in the Central list and your family’s Non Creamy Layer status. 

The certificate should be recent, typically issued within one year of application, based on the financial year specified in the notification. Ensure the certificate explicitly mentions “Non Creamy Layer” status.

SC and ST Certificate Requirements

SC/ST certificates must be issued by competent authorities like District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate, Collector, Deputy Commissioner, or Sub Divisional Magistrate. 

The certificate should clearly state your caste/tribe name as it appears in the official SC/ST list for your state. Unlike OBC certificates, SC/ST certificates don’t have annual validity requirements.

EWS Certificate Requirements

Economically Weaker Section certificates must be issued by a competent authority certifying that your family’s gross annual income is below the prescribed limit (currently ₹8 lakh) and that your family doesn’t own assets above the specified thresholds. EWS certificates are typically valid for one financial year and must be renewed annually.

PwD Certificate Requirements

Disability certificates must be issued by a Medical Board constituted by the Central or State Government. The certificate should specify the type and percentage of disability, which must be at least 40% for claiming PwD benefits. 

For benchmark disabilities covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, certificates from designated authorities are accepted.

Common UGC NET Eligibility Mistakes

Based on competitive analysis and candidate experiences, these are the most frequent eligibility errors that lead to rejection or disqualification. Avoiding these mistakes can save you months of wasted preparation.

Percentage Calculation Errors

Many candidates round off their percentage, converting 54.6% to 55%. UGC NET requires exact percentages without rounding off. If your mark sheet shows 54.9%, you do not meet the 55% requirement for the General category. 

Always calculate your aggregate percentage exactly as it appears on official documents.

Wrong Category Selection

Selecting OBC when you belong to the State OBC but not the Central OBC list is extremely common. Some candidates also mistakenly select EWS without meeting the income criteria. 

Always verify your category eligibility against official requirements before selecting during the application.

Subject Mismatch Issues

Appearing for a subject unrelated to your postgraduation risks rejection during eligibility verification. Some candidates choose subjects based on perceived easier competition rather than academic alignment. 

The safest approach is always to pursue the subject of your Master’s degree or a closely related discipline.

Document Discrepancies

Name variations across documents, like “Rahul Sharma” in the Class 10 certificate but “Rahul Kumar Sharma” in the Master’s degree, create verification problems. 

Similarly, date of birth mismatches, even by a single day, can cause issues. Ensure consistency across all your academic and identity documents before applying.

Missing Deadline for Degree Completion

Provisionally eligible candidates who qualify for NET but fail to complete their degree within the stipulated timeframe (2 years for JRF/Assistant Professor, 1 year for PhD only) automatically lose their qualification. 

Mark your calendar and track this deadline carefully if you’re applying while your degree is pending.

Conclusion

Understanding UGC NET eligibility criteria is not just a formality; it’s the essential first step that determines whether your months of preparation will translate into a valid qualification. 

The key parameters are clear: Master’s degree with 55% for General/EWS or 50% for reserved categories, an age limit of 30 years for JRF with specified relaxations, subject selection aligned with your postgraduation, and proper documentation, including Central OBC certificates where applicable. 

Before investing time in preparation, verify every eligibility parameter against the official NTA UGC NET Information Bulletin. Remember, NTA doesn’t verify eligibility during application; this responsibility rests entirely with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Master’s degree compulsory for UGC NET?

For Assistant Professor eligibility, yes. You need a Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories). 

However, candidates with 4 year bachelor’s degrees with 75% marks can appear for JRF and PhD admission eligibility, though not for Assistant Professor posts.

Can I apply for UGC NET with only a Bachelor’s degree?

Only if you have a 4 year/8 semester bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 75% marks (70% for reserved categories). 

You’ll be eligible for JRF and PhD admission only, not Assistant Professor. Regular 3 year bachelor’s degree holders must complete a Master’s degree before applying.

What is the maximum age to apply for UGC NET JRF?

30 years as of the first day of the month in which the exam concludes. Relaxations of up to 5 years are available for SC/ST/OBC NCL/PwD/Third Gender/Women candidates, and 3 years for LLM holders, but total relaxation cannot exceed 5 years.

Is there any limit on the number of attempts for UGC NET?

No, there is no limit on attempts. You can appear for UGC NET as many times as you wish, provided you meet the eligibility criteria, including the age limit for JRF. Since there’s no age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility, candidates can continue appearing throughout their careers.

Can B.Tech/M.Tech students apply for UGC NET?

M.Tech holders can apply for UGC NET in relevant subjects like Computer Science and Applications (Code 87) or Electronic Science (Code 88). B.Tech graduates must first complete M.Tech or another Master’s degree. A 4 year B.Tech with 75% marks qualifies only for JRF/PhD admission, not Assistant Professor.

Is PhD required to become an Assistant Professor?

No, PhD is not mandatory. Qualifying UGC NET or SET/SLET provides eligibility for Assistant Professor positions. However, PhD holders under UGC Regulations 2022 are exempted from NET/SET requirement altogether.

Can state OBC candidates apply under OBC-NCL category?

Only if your community appears in the Central OBC list maintained by NCBC at ncbc.nic.in. Many communities in the State OBC lists are not in the Central list. Such candidates must apply under the General category for UGC NET purposes and need 55% marks.

What happens if I don’t complete my degree within 2 years?

If you qualify UGC NET provisionally as a final year student and fail to complete your Master’s degree with the required marks within 2 years from the NET result date (1 year for the PhD only category), you stand disqualified. Your NET certificate becomes invalid.

Is UGC NET valid for PhD admission?

Yes, the UGC NET qualification is valid for PhD admission. 

What is the difference between JRF and Assistant Professor eligibility?

JRF has an age limit of 30 years with relaxations, provides a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 to 42,000, and requires higher scores. Assistant Professor eligibility has no age limit, provides no financial benefit, but qualifies you for teaching positions. Both require the same educational qualifications.

Can foreign nationals apply for UGC NET?

Foreign nationals can apply, but must obtain AIU equivalence for their postgraduate qualifications. The eligibility verification process may involve additional documentation requirements for non Indian candidates.

Can LLB graduates directly apply for UGC NET Law?

No, LLB alone does not qualify for UGC NET Law. You need an LLM (Master of Laws) degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories). 

I have 54.7% marks in my Master’s degree. Am I eligible?

Not under the General or EWS category, which requires a minimum 55% without rounding off. If you belong to the OBC NCL, SC, ST, PwD, or Third Gender category, you meet the 50% requirement and are eligible under the reserved category provisions.

Can I apply for UGC NET if my Master’s degree is from a deemed university?

Yes, provided the deemed university is recognised by UGC. You can verify recognition status on the UGC website. Degrees from UGC recognised deemed universities are treated at par with conventional university degrees for UGC NET eligibility.