T.N. varsities to hold tests for Ph.D. admission despite UGC emphasis on NET

T.N. varsities to hold tests for Ph.D. admission despite UGC emphasis on NET

University of Madras and Bharathidasan University have already held their Ph.D. admissions; Bharathiar University initiates process for its common entrance test to be conducted in May

Bharathiar University has specified a minimum score of 15 out of 50 marks in the common eligibility test to be eligible for admission to its Ph.D. programmes. File photo

The Hindu Bureau. 21.04.2026

COIMBATORE

State universities have chosen to conduct their own exams for Ph.D. admissions 2026, for the second consecutive year despite the emphasis by University Grants Commission on UGC-NET (National Eligibility Test) as the sole national entrance test.

Ph.D. admissions have already been conducted by the University of Madras, Bharathidasan University and a few other State universities, and Bharathiar University (BU) has initiated the process for its common entrance test to be conducted in May.

Universities adopt different methods for admissions. The entrance exam by the University of Madras was based on entrance exam for 50 marks split into written (35 marks) and oral (15). Bharathidasan University had split the assessment of interview portion that was assigned 30 marks into three parts: subject knowledge expertise (15 marks), research aptitude (10 marks) and communication skills (five marks).

BU has specified a minimum score of 15 out of 50 marks in the Common Eligibility Test to be eligible for admission to Ph.D. programme.

In March 2024, the UGC requested vice-chancellors of Central, State, deemed and private universities to utilise the NET score conducted by National Testing Agency for admission to Ph.D. programmes instead of conducting their entrance tests from the 2024-25 academic session.

However, State universities in Tamil Nadu, it is learnt, have been instructed to desist from falling in line since the policy of one national entrance test for admission to Ph.D., according to the UGC, constituted implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020.

The public notice by the UGC stated that NET candidates will be declared eligible in three categories: category 1 - eligible for admission to Ph.D. with JRF and appointment as assistant professor; category 2- eligible for admission to Ph.D. without JRF and appointment as assistant professor; and category 3 - eligible for admission to Ph.D. programme only and not for award of JRF or appointment as assistant professor.

The State universities have, however, made sure that the UGC stipulation is also fulfilled by exempting those with UGC-NET qualification from their entrance tests.

BU Registrar R. Rajavel said the pattern of CET (Common Eligibility Test) would be based on National Eligibility Test (NET).

The BU has specified that candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, awardees of DST-INSPIRE fellowship, scientists working in the DRDO, faculty of Air Force Administrative College, candidates possessing M.Phil degree with a minimum score of 55%, holders of teacher fellowships (like Faculty Induction Programme and Faculty Development Programme) and candidates of foreign origin possessing prescribed qualifications shall be exempted from appearing for CET.