UGC NET Fellowship – For assistant professors

The University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) is a national-level test that consists of computer-based tests administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the University Grants Commission (UGC). UGC-NET began in the 1989-90 academic year and has taken place every year, in June and December thereafter, twice annually, and assesses Postgraduate Level research scholars on 85 subjects. 

UGC-NET has two purposes: 

1. Assistant Professor Eligibility

• If a candidate passed UGC-NET with the minimum passing marks, the candidate is eligible to be considered for appointment as an Assistant Professor at an Indian University or College. This eligibility is not timely and can be used forever.

2. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

• If the candidate scores higher, the candidate is awarded a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) which is a monetary, monthly paying fellowship for M.Phil. or Ph.D. research. The JRF certificate is valid for three years and candidates should also meet age eligibility criteria (i.e. will be up to 30) for the fellowship. 

Eligibility & NET Structure

UGC-NET establishes a well-defined standard for teaching and research position. Below is an overview:

Important Eligibility Conditions

1. Minimum Qualification: Master's degree (or equivalent) in subject relevant to the exam from Some UGC recognized University with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
2. Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen; also applies to citizens of Indian origin who are living abroad
3. Age Limit for JRF: 30 years (as of the month of exam); there are relaxations for different categories (5 years for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/Women)
4. Age Limit for Assistant Professor: No upper age limit

Exam Format & Validity

Exams are held in the Computer Based Test (CBT) method, throughout the year (approximately June & December), twice per academic year

1. Paper I: 50 questions (2 marks each) - Teaching & Research Aptitude; Paper II: 100 questions (specific to subject), also 2 marks each
2. Duration: 3 Hours (180 minutes)
3. Attempts: there are no limit on attempts, under eligibility conditions
4. Validity of score: Assistant Professor- Lifetime; JRF - 3 years

Decoding the Fellowship: JRF vs SRF

Securing a high score in UGC - NET does not just allow you to take up Assistant Professorship, it means earning junior research fellowship (JRF) and, subsequently, senior research fellowship (SRF). The structured fellowship for M.Phil./ Ph.D. scholars offers stipends plus house rent allowance, and research grant, fuelling research ambition with academic advancement and financial stability. 

 Fellowship Summary

1. JRF (Junior Research Fellow): ₹37,000/month + HRA for the first 2 years 
2. SRF (Senior Research Fellow):₹42,000/month +HRA for the next 3 years, to be followed by review of performance method
3. Contingency Grant:

• JRF: ₹10,000 - ₹12,000 a year depending on either Arts or Science stream
• SRF: ₹20,500 - ₹25,000 years accordingly

4. HRA: 8 - 24% of the stipend depending on the classification of the city - subject to be if you are unmarried or not living in the campus, as hostel dweller will pay hostel fees back

Fellowship Details at a Glance

Fellowship Duration & Eligibility Requirements

The UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) provides eligible postgraduate students a maximum of five years of funding: two years as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and three years as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF). Candidates must qualify for the UGC NET-JRF,and be enrolled in an M.Phil or P.hD. program within two years of the award. After the two years of JRF, progress is evaluated by a committee formed by the university. The fellowship will only continue as a SRF for a period of three years, if satisfactory progress is indicated by the committee.

Benefits in Addition to the Stipend

Although the UGC NET fellowship provides a great monthly stipend amount, the benefits are, in many ways, external to the money itself, and will provide you with greater benefits in the long-run. Whether you're planning to conduct research or embark on a career in academia, the NET qualification provides you with numerous advantages in the long-run, as careers, academics, and personal benefits. Benefits in Addition to the Stipend

UGC NET Benefits Overview

Common Issues & Practical Insights 

There are, however, some practical issues relating to the UGC NET fellowship that candidates should recognize despite the aforementioned benefits:

1. Delays in Payments: Payment delays can occur for stipend payments due to processing bottlenecks at the University level and institution level.
2. Certainty of Full Stipend Payment: While there will be delays to some extent, you should receive the complete payment which includes any required back payments.
3. Timelines: Many stipends are subject to delays in the first few initial months after registering for a Ph.D. program—depending on the institution, candidates have waited weeks or months for payments.
4. Variability between Institutions: There is variability between institutions in stipend processing. Fellowships at some of the top institutions (IITs, IISc, NITs) generally have more efficient systems than other smaller universities.
5. Document Processing: Missing documents and/or inappropriate documents (missing progress reports or joining letters) can lead to further delays in payment processing.

UGC-NET Fellowship provides an excellent balance of academic and research prospects, with a planned salary increment from ₹37,000 to ₹42,000, aside from HRA and grants. Although the payments may occasionally be delayed by different agents, the career growth, stability, and recognition that comes with the UGC-NET Fellowship makes it worth the wait for any future deliberative scholar.