Do You Really Need UGC-NET for a PhD in 2025? Let’s Break It Down

Are you eager to pursue a PhD in India but unsure if you need to crack the UGC-NET exam in 2025? You're not the only one! With some recent news from the University Grants Commission (UGC), a lot of students are confused about whether the NET exam is the only way to pursue their doctoral degree. However, the UGC-NET has offered huge credibility for pursuits not only as a path for obtaining a PhD, but also as an Assistant Professor, or for obtaining a JRF (Junior Research Fellowship), which is good news! The rules have completely changed, and you can now take different paths to pursue your PhD journey without clearing the NET.
By now, perhaps you're already looking at applying through CUET-PG or through various university setups or entrance tests, or you're still aiming for NET. Regardless of your future plans to stay with NET or try a different approach, knowing what routes are available is a key consideration for your future study plans.
In this blog, we will tell you whether UGC-NET is a must for a PhD in 2025, explain what the new regulations state, and clarify which pathway is the best route for you.
 

What is UGC-NET?

UGC-NET is an acronym for the University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test. It is a national-level exam, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the UGC, to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
The primary objectives of UGC-NET are to:

• Qualify candidates for college or university-level teaching as an assistant professor.
• Provide candidates' eligibility for a Junior Research Fellowship or financial fellowship to study research on a full-time basis and eventually to be enrolled in a PhD program.
• It serves as a qualification for admission into PhD programs at many central and state universities.
• UGC-NET is administered by NTA, on behalf of UGC, usually twice a year, in June and December, in over 80 different subjects.

Whereas it used to be the main pathway for access to PhD doctoral study, the UGC guidelines introduced other approaches, which will be considered in subsequent sections.
 

Traditional Role of UGC-NET in PhD Admissions

For an extended period of time, the UGC-NET was a primary source for aspirants who wanted to pursue a doctoral course of study in India. For many applicants, it used to feel as if clearing the NET was a glorified accomplishment and a sign of the striving candidate who believed they were ready for scholarly academic and research positions.

1. Eligibility for Assistant Professorship and JRF

• Assistant Professor: Given that a UGC-NET candidate is qualified as an Assistant Professor in universities and Colleges in India.
• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Some candidates who scored above a specific benchmark were able to receive the JRF, which financially supported the candidates while conducting full-time research that led to a PhD.

2. Philosopher Doctorate Admissions

• Preferred Qualification: Universities would have preferred to have NET-qualified candidates as part of their admission decisions for PhDs, who, regardless, could be documented applicants exempt from entrance tests.
• Direct Admission: Some universities were willing to provide a NET qualification for PhD applications, especially those with JRF entitled full-time research, more so endorsed as evidence of researcher qualifications, like a PhD.

3. Biannual Examination
UGC-NET was conducted biannually as per the National Testing Agency (NTA) in November and December each year and assigned subjects when it was accepted as an examination.
 

New UGC Regulations for 2023–2025: What has Changed?

Over the past few years, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has made significant moves to overhaul the higher education process in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In particular, there has been a focus on simplifying and standardizing the PhD admission process across universities in India. Here is where we stand in 2023 - 2025:
1. Transition Introduced by UGC PhD Regulations 2022
In November 2022, UGC published the Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degrees Regulations, 2022, undoubtedly signified a break from historic admissions procedures. UGC Regulations 2022 introduced:

• Multiple pathways to attendance for a PhD (and not only UGC-NET or university exam).
• Greater accountability on the quality of research outputs, faculty supervision, and thesis evaluation.
• The goal of standardisation is at the entry level for all higher education providers, whether central, state, deemed, or private.

2. CUET-PG and NET as Standard Admissions Pathways
CUET-PG, which was introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a nationwide testing methodology for post-graduate and research admissions at universities, was embraced by many university institutions. The CUET-PG allows for a single entry document to multiple institutions.
Furthermore, starting in 2024-25, the UGC has publicly announced that UGC-NET will be accepted for PhD admissions in Indian universities. Therefore, these universities are no longer required to administer separate PhD entrance tests if they opt to use gross or net scores.
 

What Does This Mean for Students?

Now that students can apply for PhD programs using standardized methods or in no particular order, according to the university policy, students can apply for doctoral admissions with either or in varying options as listed below:

• UGC-NET score (with or without JRF)
• CUET-PG score
• University entrance tests will still exist for some institutions

This marks a shift away from duplication and towards transparency.
 

Key Learnings:

• UGC-NET will now retain a score for PhD admission with a JRF that can be used for Assistant Professorship.
• CUET-PG is also evolving into a gateway for an integrated PhD and a PG+PhD program.
• Ultimately, the university will take whichever route it chooses based on its internal policies.

Is UGC-NET Mandatory for PhD in 2025?

UGC-NET is no longer a compulsory requirement for pursuing a PhD in 2025, but it is a popular and recognized route.


 

What has changed?

Until a few years ago, you could not enter PhD programs in India without qualifying with the UGC-NET (especially with JRF), particularly in central and top public universities. However, with the new UGC PhD Regulations 2022, and recent updates by the UGC in 2023 and 2024, the UGC PhD admission ecosystem has become flexible.
As of the 2024–25 academic year, UGC-NET score(s) are official pathways to PhD. Specifically:

• If you qualify for NET, you will have access to a PhD admission at a university without undergoing a separate university entrance exam.
• If you qualify for JRF, you will have access to a PhD admission with a fellowship paid monthly for the duration of your degree, which is perfect if you plan to pursue research full-time.

But the UGC has also permitted universities to provide admission through a number of other routes, such as:

• CUET-PG score (in universities that are accepting CUET for research-track PG, and integrated Phd).
• University-level entrance exam, followed by an interview (a route still used by many state, private, and deemed universities).

Is UGC-NET a Necessity?

In most private and state universities, it would be enough to pass the university's own entrance exam and the applicable minimum eligibility requirements. Thus, it is NOT a requirement; however, it is still highly considered in:

• Central Universities
• Top public institutions, like IITs, IIMs, and NITs, will generally also expect GATE or equivalent.
• Universities with high competition and limited PhD positions.
• Programs that offer funded positions for JRF.

If you are simply pursuing a PhD casually, on a part-time basis, or at a non-research institution, NET is not a requirement. However, if you plan to compete for research jobs, funded fellowships, or other academic positions, completing UGC-NET (either with or without a JRF) gives you a substantial advantage.
 

Who Should Consider UGC-NET in 2025?

Despite the fact that UGC-NET is not the only option for PhD admission in India, there are certain categories of students and professionals who should consider taking UGC-NET. Let's take a closer look at who is wise to become qualified by UGC-NET in 2025:



1. Aspiring Assistant Professor or Lecturer
For those who are willing to seek academic work, UGC-NET is still the most recognised pathway to becoming an Assistant Professor for those in Indian universities and colleges.

• Why? Because it is the required eligibility test for teaching participation in central universities, colleges, and many private universities.
• While universities have become flexible for admissions to PhD programmes, the eligibility for teaching positions by the UGC still depends upon qualification for the NET.

If you plan to work in academia at the university level, it is important to qualify for UGC-NET, whether or not you intend to do a PhD.

2. Candidates Applying for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)
A JRF is considered one of the most respected fellowships that a research scholar can be granted. The UGC-NET JRF salary is financial support awarded to students for full-time research. The JRF will include the following:

• Monthly Stipends: Approx ₹31,000 per month for the 1st two years (with potential for extension).
• Research support: JRF candidates can have tie-ups with universities and research centers or be PhD candidates.

If you want to conduct high-end research in India and require research funding, a JRF is the way to go, and a UGC-NET is a necessity.

3. Candidates intending to apply to India's top-tier research universities
If your aim is to apply to a few of the best institutions in India, like the IITs, IIMs, or central universities, then UGC-NET is still a very important thing. Although many universities now accept CUET-PG or their own entrance exams and some have moved to the CUET-PG model of centralised admission with postgraduate level research-focused interests, most IITs and IIMs still prefer candidates who have cleared UGC-NET and who have JRF status for full-time research positions.

• Why? NET-qualified candidates are a university's assurance that an individual possesses a certain level of prerequisites, such as foundational knowledge of research and academics. This is very important for these institutions, as many candidates not only apply but also arrive at prestigious schools to compete for limited research positions.

4. Professionals wanting some academic status or research experience
If you are a professional in research-intensive fields, then the UGC-NET remains an aspirational qualification.

• It grants some amount of academic status to your existing professional credential, particularly in cases where you wish to pivot towards teaching or academic leadership positions down the line.
• In addition, you access academic conferences, research funding, and potential partnerships.

Even if you are not currently pursuing a PhD, NET certification adds value to your career and provides a connection with the academic community.

5. Students Who Want a Standardized Admission Process
Multiple Entry Routes: Although having a UGC-NET is not a requirement, it standardizes the admission process through universities. NET-qualified students are typically prioritized over students who have to take individual university exams, meaning students qualified by NET are often exempt from sitting through long entrance exams.
Why Take NET? If you would like to avoid any overlap of entrance tests, UGC NET certainly provides a process for certain entries, and ultimately saves time.
 

Key Takeaways

Overall, UGC-NET is beneficial in the context of:

• Students pursuing a teaching position in colleges or universities.
• Researcher looking for JRF funding.
• Students wishing to have entry into research universities (IITs, IIMs, etc.).
• Employees or students are looking for some form of academic recognition or a standardized entry process.

If any of these factors align with your goals, it is worth your time and investment to write the UGC-NET exam in 2025.
 

PhD Admission Without UGC-NET: Is It Possible?

Yes, definitely. UGC-NET has historically been regarded as a credible and acceptable way to get into a PhD program, but it is not the only route in 2025. Because of the new UGC PhD Regulations and particularly because of the transition towards alternate entrance pathways like CUET-PG, or university-specific PhD tests, there are many universities with a number of access routes to PhD, either sans or with UGC-NET.

1. Universities with Their Own PhD Entrance Tests
Several universities still administer their own entrance tests for PhD admissions, which are typically followed by a research proposal or an interview. Particularly, State, Private, and Deemed universities. A few examples are:

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) - with its own entrance.
• University of Hyderabad, which has both a NET and a university route.
• Private institutions like Amity, Shiv Nadar, and many others will usually have their own selection process for PhD, which is based frequently on interviews and research potential.

If you are applying to these universities, you do not have to clear the UGC-NET, but it is obviously a bonus if you do.

2. CUET-PG effect on PhD eligibility
Informed by prior recommendations, the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Programs (CUET-PG) is yet another legitimate - and growingly used - access point for PhD aspirants. Although it is often criticized for being primarily used to grant admission to postgraduate level programs, a handful of universities have now adopted or adapted the CUET-PG examination requirement for research-track Master's programs, leading to integrated PhD options or direct admission to a PhD program.

• For Example, Central universities and other participating universities under CUET-PG may consider CUET scores as the basis for eligibility to their PhD programmes.
• Some institutions may even accept a strong CUET-PG performance to dismiss the second written test requirement.

It is important to note that each university's declaration on this matter is contingent on its policies. Thus, always check the PhD admissions brochure of the intended institution.

3. Merit-Based PhD Admissions (rare case)
It is not prevalent, but some universities will admit students based on their postgraduate academic merit to PhD programs, especially for non-funded, part-time, or project-linked positions.

• Specific to Private Universities, this may be accommodated through faculty-led projects that may directly recruit students with good academic performance.
• Interdisciplinary research centres, where experience and existing work matter more than standardized tests.

Even this can be limited; few will provide either an accompanied JRF or an equivalently funded scholarship or fellowship for a limited number of students they reportedly stand to lose.
 

UGC-NET vs University PhD Entrance: Important Differences

Now that there are multiple routes for PhD admission in India, it is important to understand how UGC-NET and university entrance exams are different.  Both would ultimately qualify you for a PhD, but there could be some differences between them, even though they have extremely valuable positions depending on your situation. Let’s break it down:
 

Features	UGC-NET	University PhD Entrance
National Validity	Yes – Accepted across India	No – Valid only within the conducting university
Fellowship Eligibility	Yes – With JRF, includes monthly stipend	No – Usually no funding tied to result
Competition Level	High – National-level exam with a broad pool	Moderate – Limited to applicants for one university
Admission Scope	Pan-India – Applicable to many institutions	Specific – Admission to a particular university only
Exemption from Exam	Often exempt from university PhD tests	Requires a written test and an interview in most cases
Additional Benefits	Eligibility for Assistant Professor, JRF	Only valid for PhD admission, no teaching rights

Which One Do You Choose?

• Do UGC-NET for national eligibility, fellowship potential, and lots of top places to choose from.
• Do University Entrance if you have a university in mind you are applying to, or if you do not want to stress over national-level competition.

Remember, both are good. Your choice depends on your preferences, background, and desired places of study.
 

Tips to Choose the Right Path for Your PhD

You may feel a bit overwhelmed in terms of how to pursue your potential PhD in 2025, by now knowing you have options (UGC-NET, CUET-PG, university exams). The good news is that you can make an informed decision matching your academic goals and personal circumstances with one or more of the routes. The following are some practical insights you can use to help make your decision:



1. Assess Your Career Ambitions

• Teaching Career in Higher Education?

If yes, take the UGC-NET as it is the base level threshold qualification for becoming an Assistant Professor in India.

• Full-time Research Career or Fellowship Aspirant?

If yes, take the UGC-NET with JRF as it provides a monthly stipend and recognition.

• Planning a PhD for personal enrichment or part-time work?

If so, then a university-based entrance exam (such as the CUET-PG) may be sufficient.

2. Check the University’s Process
The university's various eligibility processes differ for:

• Some Central and State Universities prioritize UGC-NET and UGC-NET with JRF for candidates eligible to apply.
• Some events accept the CUET-PG score as eligibility or as part of their own separate PhD entrance test.

*Note: Always read the PhD admissions notification from the specific university to avoid mistakes or confusion, as well as the deadlines.

3. Check Available Scholarship and Funding Opportunities

• If you are looking to be sponsored, UGC-NET with JRF is the best route.

• You might have access to university funding, though this may be limited or attached to faculty initiatives.
• CUET-PG is typically not an option for direct fellowship opportunities for PhD students.

4. Match your Preparation Level

• Are you well prepared and want to take a competitive exam?

Consider UGC-NET so you have more options.

• Are you well prepared but want less pressure and are targeting a program?

Consider a university's entrance exam, as it might be easier.

• Are you unsure, or would you like to explore your options?

Consider trying CUET-PG - you can get two for one - a PG, and an integrated PhD.

5. Consider Time, Location, and Convenience

• UGC-NET will allow you to move nationally.
• University entrance exams are best if you want to stay local or are in the node region of the institution with which you have connections.

Conclusion

Do you need a UGC-NET qualification in 2025 to pursue a PhD? No, but it's still a matter of worth to you. UGC has issued new guidelines, and there are now many pathways to get into a PhD program in India; whether that is CUET-PG, or a university's own entrance exam, or, in rare cases, just the matter of your postgraduate performance. There are now various paths to pursue a PhD.
That said, UGC-NET (especially in terms of JRF) is still a gold standard if you are thinking of an academic career, funding, or entry to leading research institutions.
The most important part is that your best path will depend upon your goals, preparedness, and the universities you wish to target. So, be aware of university notifications, keep up to date with UGC changes, and follow the path that suits you. The journey you will take into your PhD is your journey—so make it worthwhile!
 

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is UGC-NET compulsory for PhD admission in 2025?
No, it is not compulsory. You can undertake a PhD in many alternative pathways, such as CUET-PG or through university entrance exams. However, UGC-NET is highly regarded and still preferred in many top universities.

2. Can I do a PhD without NET?
Yes, you can. Many universities will accept students into PhD programs by conducting their own entrance tests or will allow CUET-PG scores. However, if you are aiming for a funded position or a central university, NET/JRF may give you more options.

3. Is CUET-PG valid for PhD programs?
Yes, in some universities. CUET-PG scores are now being accepted for integrated PhD programs or even as part of eligibility for PhD interviews. Always check stipulations on a case-by-case basis.

4. What are the benefits of clearing JRF?
With JRF, there is a monthly fellowship of around ₹31,000+, preference for admission to PhD programs, and opportunities for full-time research in top institutions.

5. What is better: UGC-NET or University entrance?
It depends on what you want to achieve. UGC-NET offers a nationwide credential and the possibility of a fellowship. University exams are targeted and often much less competitive. Pick what suits your plan.