UGC- NET Exam Canceled Due to Paper Leak: Re- Test to be Announced

In a surprising turn of events, the Ministry of Education has canceled the UGC- NET exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) just a day after it took place. This decision was made following reports of a paper leak, affecting thousands of students who had taken the test. The controversy echoes the issues surrounding the NEET medical entrance exam, which is also under Supreme Court review.

Structure of the UGC- NET Exam

The UGC- NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a significant exam that estimates Indian nationals for eligibility as Assistant Professors and for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in universities and colleges. Traditionally conducted twice a year in June and December, the test is usually a Computer Based Test (CBT). However, the June 2024 edition saw a departure from the norm, being held in a pen and paper format for the first time. This year, the exam took place in a single shift across 317 cities, with around 81% of the 11.21 Lakh registered candidates appearing for it.

Eligibility Criteria for UGC- NET

To be eligible for the UGC- NET exam, candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent from any recognized University with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories). The exam consists of two papers: Paper-I, which assesses teaching and research aptitude and paper-ll, which is subject- specific. Candidates must score at least 40% aggregate marks in both papers taken together (35% for reserved categories) to qualify. Those who qualify for JRF are eligible to pursue research or apply for Assistant Professorship, while qualifying for only the Assistant Professorship makes candidates eligible for teaching positions.

Future Opportunities After UGC- NET

Qualifying for the UGC-NET opens several academic and research opportunities. Successful candidates can apply for the position of Assistant Professor in colleges and universities across India. Those who qualify for the JRF can avail of fellowship benefits to pursue advanced research leading to a Ph.D. Additionally, NET qualification augments the chances of getting selected for various research positions in both public and private sectors, contributing to professional and academic growth.

The Impact of the Exam Cancellation

The cancellation of the UGC- NET exam has significant ramifications for the aspirants. The Ministry of Education, underscoring the compromised integrity of the exam based on inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), decided to hold a fresh examination. A statement from the ministry confirmed that a new exam date will be announced soon and the matter has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation.

Reaction and Consequences

The cancellation has started a wave of reactions across the political landscape. Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party Supremo called it as a part of “big conspiracy against the country,” he criticized the handling of the exam process. Congress  president Mallikarjun Kharge called it a victory for students and a defeat for the arrogant central government, emphasizing the impact on the youth’s future.

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Looking Ahead

As the examination process undergoes reforms and scrutiny, the education ministry focuses to ensure the highest level of transparency and integrity in future exams. The new date of the UGC- NET June exam will be shared on the official NTA website, ugcnet.nta.ac.in. Candidates are advised to stay updated through official channels for the latest development.