UGC NET exam is a prestigious national level examination that determines the eligibility of candidates aspiring to become an Assistant Professor or qualify for both Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor roles. This exam is helpful in opening doors to PhD programs and academic careers such as assistant professor or professor positions in Indian colleges and universities.
As candidates prepare for the UGC NET exam, many think about the career opportunities that lie ahead after qualifying this exam. In this article, we explore the professional pathways and prospects available to those who qualify for UGC NET and JRF, with a focus on building a career as a professor.
What is UGC NET?
UGC NET exam is a national level eligibility test for Assistant Professor posts and JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) candidates. UGC NET exam is conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) twice a year in December and June.
Successful candidates can opt for this as soon as the UGC NET exam is over. Assistant Professor Post, PhD in various Indian universities depending on the area of ​​specialization and subject. Candidates will become eligible to apply for Assistant Professor/Lecturer positions in various Indian universities and colleges while pursuing their PhD.
Candidates also become eligible for some attractive jobs offered by PSUs (Public Service Undertakings). Candidates belonging to various disciplines like Management, Human Resources, Corporate Communication, Finance and Science can apply for PSU in Research & Development department.
Highlights of UGC NET Exam
Can I become a professor?Or after clearing the net? Before reaching this question let us be clear about the UGC NET exam which is conducted by NTA. In the following table, candidates will get detailed information on NTA NET exam highlights.
| Highlights of UGC NET Exam | |
| name of exam | UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) |
| steering body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Examination conducted in a year | twice a year |
| method of examination | Online |
| types of questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| number of papers |
|
| number of questions | 150 |
| time period | 3 hours |
| negative marking | No |
What is assistant professor?
Assistant professors are employed in universities or colleges where they teach students and conduct research for further courses. This is an entry post in colleges after qualifying the UGC NET exam. Once a candidate qualifies the UGC NET exam, he/she becomes eligible to apply for Assistant Professor posts in various Indian universities and colleges. Candidates can pursue their PhD or research work simultaneously. By completing their PhD, candidates are assured of future promotion and career development. Candidates can get promoted to the posts of Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department etc.
What is Associate Professor?
Associate Professor is the rank that a candidate gets after Assistant Professor promotion with 14 years of work service. A candidate with PhD and minimum 8 years of experience in teaching and/or research in an academic/research position can pursue the profession of Associate Professor.
What is Professor?
Associate Professor who has completed three years of service in that grade with Ph.D. degree and a minimum of 10 research publications in peer-reviewed/UGC-listed journals, out of which three research papers should be published during the evaluation period, will be eligible for the post of Professor. A Professor or Associate Professor (without PhD) will have similar powers, workload, salary, pay band etc. The professor gets promotion and becomes the Vice Chancellor or Principal or HOD in the college.
what is junior research Fellowship ,JRF)?
JRF or Junior Research Fellowship is a certificate given by the UGC to the top 6% of candidates who qualify the UGC NET exam. This is a scholarship program for candidates choosing to pursue research work and higher studies.
The cut-off marks of UGC NET and JRF vary every year. The factors contributing to such difference in cut-off marks are:
- Number of candidates opting for UGC NET exam in a particular year.
- Difficulty level of the exam.
- Number of seats available for the posts.
Can I become a professor after clearing NET?
Yes, candidates can apply for Assistant Professor. Candidates have to follow the procedure to become a professor. First assistant professor, then associate and finally professor. An attractive advantage of the process of becoming an Assistant Professor with qualifying UGC NET is that when candidates apply for the post of Professor they become eligible for an attractive salary package. They become eligible to apply to various government and private colleges/universities/institutions.
Yes, qualifying the NET exam definitely opens the doors to becoming a professor, but it is not the only stepThe exact path depends on what type of professorship you aim for and the specific requirements of the institutions you are interested in. Here is a description:
1. Assistant Professor:
- Yes, qualifying NET makes you eligible for Assistant Professor posts in various Indian universities and colleges. This is typically an entry-level position in an academic career.
- However, some institutions require Ph.D. may be required. Apart from NET qualification. Check the specific requirements of the colleges you are interested in.
- Qualifying NET with high marks can give you an edge over other candidates.
2. Associate Professor and Professor:
- Promotion to associate professor and professor usually requires experience as an assistant professor, often with a PhD. Additional publications, research contributions, and administrative responsibilities also play a role.
- Some institutes may conduct separate selection processes for these posts.
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