UGC-NET aspirants concerned over re-exam in September

UGC-NET aspirants concerned over re-exam in September Published – August 20, 2026 06: 52 pm IST – TIRUCHI.

Key points

• We studied, prepared, and appeared for the examination on June 24 in good faith.
• "Instead, I now have to appear for it again on September 9, " she remarked.
• The computerised test does not guarantee a job, and is just an indicator of eligibility, with only the top 6% of candidates qualifying each time.
• Academicians suggested that the administration take over the testing process.

Aspirants who had appeared for the Commerce, English and Sociology exams held by the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) in June have expressed concern over the recent announcement of a re-examination for their subjects by the National Testing Agency (NTA) after it received complaints regarding errors in the question papers.

"We studied, prepared, and appeared for the examination on June 24 in good faith. Now, we are being asked to do it all over again. While I appreciate that NTA has decided not to charge an extra examination fee, the real cost is much greater. It includes months of preparation, travel, time, mental pressure, and uncertainty regarding our academic and professional aims, " V. Parameshwari, an assistant professor of Commerce at a college in Tiruchi, informed The Hindu. This is the sixth attempt for Ms. Parameshwari, who has completed her Ph.D.

Like thousands of other aspirants, she remarked she believed that once she managed to pass the exam, she could focus on the next step in her academic and professional journey. "Instead, I now have to appear for it again on September 9, " she remarked.

UGC-NET is a common test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for award of Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as assistant professor, assistant professor, and admission to Ph.D.

"The computerised test does not guarantee a job, and is just an indicator of eligibility, with only the top 6% of candidates qualifying each time. Re-preparing for the exam while taking care of our professional assignments is tedious and stressful. When the exam setting agency does not proofread and check its questions, how does it have the right to test others' eligibility?" asked R. Akbar Ali, a temporary faculty of English.

Academicians suggested that the administration take over the testing process. "Passing UGC-NET has the scope to further the careers of students and professionals in higher education. Though it can offer a standard platform for aspiring teachers from different educational institutions, the examination could lead to potential fraud as has happened with National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in Medicine. Instead of this, the authorities could consider the introduction of a full-fledged degree course for college teachers' education, on the lines of B.Ed for school teachers, " remarked S. Ismail Mohideen, director, Academic Development, Jamal Mohamed College.

In short, UGC-NET aspirants concerned over re is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.