The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the postponement of the UGC-National Eligibility Test (NET) scheduled for January 15, citing overlapping dates with key festivals such as Makar Sakranti and Pongal. This decision aims to accommodate the interests of aspirants and ensure fair participation. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Has the UGC-NET Been Postponed?
The NTA has confirmed that the decision to delay the January 15 UGC-NET exam came after multiple requests from candidates. Aspirants expressed concerns over the clash with significant festivals like Pongal and Makar Sakranti, which are celebrated widely across India.
Rajesh Kumar, Director (Exams) at the NTA, stated:
“In the interest of the aspirants, the exam scheduled for January 15 has been postponed. A new date will be announced shortly.”
Exams Unaffected by the Postponement
While the January 15 exam has been deferred, the NTA has clarified that the UGC-NET exams scheduled for January 16 will proceed as planned.
Subjects Affected by the January 15 Rescheduling
The postponed exam covers 17 diverse subjects, including:
- Mass Communication and Journalism
- Sanskrit
- Nepali
- Law
- Japanese
- Women’s Studies
- Malayalam
- Urdu
- Konkani
- Criminology
- Folk Literature
- Electronic Science
- Environmental Science
- Indian Knowledge System
A detailed timetable for these subjects will be shared soon on the official NTA website.
Overview of the UGC-NET Exam Schedule
The UGC-NET is a highly competitive exam conducted to facilitate admission into PhD programs, award Junior Research Fellowships (JRF), and enable aspirants to qualify for assistant professor roles in colleges and universities across India.
The ongoing session of the UGC-NET is being conducted in the Computer Based Test (CBT) format across 85 subjects from January 3 to January 16, 2025.
Historical Context: A Similar Postponement in 2024
This isn’t the first instance of the UGC-NET being rescheduled. In 2024, the exam was postponed due to concerns about maintaining its integrity. This proactive approach by the NTA reflects its commitment to fairness and transparency.
Steps to Stay Updated
Candidates are advised to regularly check the NTA’s official website for updates. Notifications regarding the rescheduled date for the January 15 exam will be shared there.
FAQs on UGC-NET Postponement
1. Why has the UGC-NET exam on January 15 been postponed?
The postponement is due to the overlap with major festivals, including Makar Sakranti and Pongal.
2. Will the January 16 exams be affected?
No, the January 16 exams will proceed as scheduled.
3. Which subjects are included in the postponed exam?
Subjects such as Mass Communication, Law, Sanskrit, and Environmental Science, among others, were scheduled for January 15.
4. How will I know the new exam date?
The NTA will announce the revised date on its official website.
5. How does the UGC-NET benefit aspirants?
The UGC-NET facilitates admission to PhD programs, JRF awards, and qualification for assistant professor roles.
6. Is this the first time the UGC-NET has been rescheduled?
No, similar adjustments were made in 2024 to ensure the exam’s integrity.
Conclusion
The decision to postpone the January 15 UGC-NET exam underscores the NTA’s commitment to aspirants’ convenience and fairness. With new dates expected soon, candidates should stay prepared and remain updated via official notifications. For further assistance, visit the NTA website.
