Eligibility for UGC NET Exam for Candidates with Correspondence or Distance Education Post-Graduation


The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the role of Assistant Professor and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The eligibility criteria for UGC NET can vary depending on the subject and category of the candidate.


To be eligible for the UGC NET Exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have completed a Master's degree or equivalent from a recognized university or educational institution. The qualifying degree should be in a subject that falls under the UGC NET list of subjects.

2. Minimum Percentage:
For General category candidates, a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination is required. For OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and Transgender candidates, the minimum percentage required is 50%.

3. Age Limit:
For the role of Assistant Professor, there is no upper age limit. However, for the award of JRF, candidates must be below 30 years of age as of the UGC NET exam date. Relaxation in the upper age limit is provided for reserved category candidates as per government norms.


Candidates who have completed their post-graduation through correspondence or distance education are eligible to appear for the UGC NET Exam, provided they fulfill the following conditions:

1. Recognition:
The post-graduation degree obtained through correspondence or distance education should be recognized by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) or any other regulatory body approved by the UGC.

2. Accreditation:
The university or institution offering the correspondence or distance education program should be accredited by the UGC or any other recognized accreditation body.

3. Validity:
The correspondence or distance education post-graduation degree should be valid and equivalent to a regular post-graduation degree.


Candidates who have completed their post-graduation through correspondence or distance education are eligible for the UGC NET Exam, provided their degree is recognized by the Distance Education Bureau or any other regulatory body approved by the UGC. The accreditation and validity of the degree are also important factors to consider. It is advisable for candidates to thoroughly check the eligibility criteria and guidelines provided by the UGC before applying for the UGC NET Exam.