Plan panel calls for scrapping NET, UGC studies report

The NET exam, conducted by the University Grants Commission UGC twice a year, selects beneficiaries for its scholarships and candidates for teachers8217; posts in colleges and universities.

But last year, the Mungekar committee was appointed by the Union HRD ministry to revise the NET exam and suggest modifications if necessary. The committee8217;s brief was to study the 8220;utility, effectiveness and continuity8221; of the NET, instituted in 1989.

Government sources told The Indian Express that the committee8217;s interim report8212;submitted last month8212;suggested the scrapping of the NET. The report has found favour with the government and the UGC and is most likely to be accepted, said senior government functionaries.

The report is being studied by the UGC presently.

A minimum of 55 per cent in MA examination remains the basic eligibility. The committee had received representations to review this, given the wide disparity between the marking criteria in different universities.

Though the full implications of the proposed move could not be immediately ascertained, sources said the effect will be immediately visible, with a large number of foreign-educated aspirants, who have not taken the NET exam, applying for jobs in India.

Also, nearly 1,500 vacancies in reserved seats in Central universities will now be filled. These seats have been lying vacant because the number of SC and ST candidates who cleared the NET was insufficient.

Proposed eligibility

8226; M. Phil for teaching undergraduate courses

8226; Ph.D for teaching postgraduate courses