Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Adopts NET Scores for PhD Admissions, Alarming Students
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has made a significant alteration to its admission process for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, opting to utilize National Eligibility Test (NET) scores.
JNU instead of its traditional entrance examination is aligning with the directives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This transition follows the recent University Grants Commission (UGC) authorization allowing universities to consider NET scores for PhD admissions, as detailed in an announcement by JNU on Saturday.
The decision to substitute NET scores for PhD admissions supersedes the earlier entrance examination administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). JNU will be implementing this change starting from the academic session 2024-25.
Nonetheless, this decision has elicited concerns among certain students, particularly the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), which has voiced apprehensions regarding potential disadvantages faced by students from marginalized backgrounds. They fear that this modification could curtail opportunities for such students to pursue research endeavors. In response, the JNUSU held a demonstration at the UGC Headquarters and subsequently met with a UGC Joint Secretary to articulate their concerns. The UGC Joint Secretary assured them that the issue would be deliberated internally and reiterated the universities' autonomy to conduct their respective entrance examinations.
In light of these developments, the JNUSU is scheduled to engage with the Director of Admissions on April 29 to advocate for the continuation of the PhD entrance exam through JNUEE, the university's indigenous entrance assessment.
The alteration in the admission procedure for JNU's PhD programs has prompted mixed reactions from various stakeholders, primarily due to its potential implications for equitable access to higher education and research opportunities.
Implications of JNU's Decision on PhD Admissions
This change in JNU's PhD admission criteria signifies a departure from the university's conventional entrance examination, opting instead for the utilization of NET scores. While this move is aligned with broader policy directives, concerns have been raised about its impact on equitable access to higher education, particularly for students from marginalized backgrounds. The JNUSU's advocacy for retaining the JNUEE as the entrance examination underscores the significance of ensuring a fair and inclusive admission process.
As discussions unfold between university stakeholders and student representatives, the outcome of these deliberations will likely shape the future trajectory of PhD admissions at JNU and potentially influence broader policy considerations in higher education.
NU has decided to accept National Eligibility Test (NET) scores instead of conducting its own entrance test for PhD admissions.
The decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and follows a directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC) allowing universities to use NET scores for PhD admissions.
Some students, including the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), are concerned that using NET scores may disadvantage students from marginalized backgrounds.
The JNUSU has protested and met with a UGC Joint Secretary to highlight concerns and advocate for the continuation of JNU's own entrance examination (JNUEE) for PhD admissions.
The impact may vary, but the debate continues on ensuring equitable access to research opportunities, especially for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
