Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Adopts NET Scores for PhD Admissions, Alarming Students

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.