The University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), a critical examination for higher education careers, faces growing criticism. Academics and students report the exam primarily tests rote memorization, rather than analytical skills, since the National Testing Agency (NTA) assumed management in December 2018 .
The UGC NET is the sole national-level standardized test to evaluate academic and research potential. It determines eligibility for teacher recruitment in higher education and selects candidates for PhD programs and the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). A recent session saw 7.35 lakh examinees.
Exam Structure and Changes
The NET exam is conducted twice yearly, in June and December. It operates as a computer-based test (CBT) with two compulsory papers completed in a single three-hour session.
- Paper 1: Tests general aptitude. It contains 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) , each worth two marks, totaling 100 marks .
- Paper 2: Tests subject-specific knowledge. It contains 100 MCQs , each worth two marks, totaling 200 marks .
The NTA NET has 150 questions for a total of 300 marks . There is no negative marking. A key change under NTA was Paper 2 becoming entirely MCQ-based. This shift transformed the exam into a recall-focused assessment, moving away from testing research aptitude.
Student and Academic Concerns
Chandni Yadav, a PhD student in history at Banaras Hindu University, cleared the UGC NET and earned a JRF. She described the exam as “completely about recall,” with questions focused on “where is this, who did that, which year, which place.” Yadav, who cleared the exam in December 2024 , noted the shift towards factual questions has intensified in recent years. She added, “If someone is good at mugging up, they will clear it. Analytical questions have almost disappeared.” Yadav also highlighted a common sentiment: “people say NET is about studying, but JRF is about luck.”
A senior political science professor at a central university, who remained anonymous, observed significant changes since NTA took over. “Earlier, there were two parts – general and analytical. Candidates had a chance to show how they think and present academic answers,” the professor stated. “Now it is completely multiple-choice and mostly about memorising facts.” The professor criticized the current format for treating NET like a general knowledge test, insufficient for evaluating future teachers and researchers. He suggested a return to a two-paper system, including an analytical and subject-specific skills paper.
Sangit Kumar Ragi, a political science professor at Delhi University, posted on X: “Looking at the UGC NET JRF political science question paper, anyone would feel embarrassed. Questions based on rote memory in no way assess a student’s intellect or creative ability.”
Surbhi Gupta, a second-year PhD student at Delhi University, noted the absence of critical thinking questions. “In research, you analyse texts, interpret ideas, build arguments. None of that is being tested. There should be descriptive and critical thinking–based questions,” she said. Mohammed Saad, a psychology student from Mysore, echoed these sentiments. He described his recent exam as “all about memorising,” with little focus on applying knowledge or critical thinking. Saad highlighted a disconnect with online coaching platforms, whose mock tests were “much easier” than the actual exam. He questioned if speed, a focus of mock tests, should be a factor in an exam for academics. “NET has become all about performance and time, quick answers, fast recall. But research doesn’t work like that,” Saad stated.
Differing Viewpoints
Bina Sengar, a history professor at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, offered a contrasting view. She reported no decline in the quality of students clearing UGC NET. “I have never felt there is a difference between students earlier and now. Those who are meritorious have always cleared the exam,” Sengar said.
Sengar defended the exam against memory-based criticism. She stated, “NET is only one qualifying step and not the sole criterion for becoming a professor or researcher. There are many other academic requirements that come later. The exam is not about memory alone.” She emphasized that devotion and passion for one’s subject remain essential qualities for NET-qualified candidates.