UGC NET Eligibility 2025 is one of the most important factors that every aspirant must check before applying for the exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET exam to determine the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges.
The eligibility conditions mainly depend on educational qualification, minimum marks, age limit, and nationality. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are also given age relaxation and mark relaxation as per the official rules. In this article, students can check the UGC NET eligibility criteria master’s degree marks, educational qualification required for UGC NET, subject eligibility for Paper-2, age limit, and relaxation details.
Also Check UGC NET 2025 Cut Off
UGC NET Eligibility 2025
Candidates must fulfill criteria related to nationality, educational qualifications, age limits, and subject specialization. Reserved category candidates receive special relaxations. The inclusion of four-year undergraduate degree holders and eligibility for final-year students broaden the candidate base for 2025. The following table provides a quick overview of the UGC NET Eligibility 2025:
| UGC NET Eligibility 2025 Overview | |
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Educational Qualification | Master’s degree or equivalent with required marks |
| Minimum Marks | 55% for General/EWS/OBC, 50% for SC/ST/PwD |
| Eligibility with 4-year UG Degree | Allowed as per NEP if marks criteria are met |
| UGC NET Age Limit 2025 (JRF) | 30 years (relaxations available) |
| UGC NET Age Limit 2025 (Assistant Professor) | No upper age limit |
| Number of Attempts | No limit until age and qualification conditions are satisfied |
| Subject Eligibility | Post-graduation subject or closest related subject |
Also Check UGC NET 2025 Study Material
UGC NET Nationality
Nationality is the first requirement for UGC NET Eligibility 2025.
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
- Candidates with foreign degrees can apply only if the degree is recognized by UGC.
- NRIs and overseas applicants are generally not eligible unless they meet Indian equivalence standards.
This ensures that the opportunities for JRF and Assistant Professorship are reserved for candidates willing to serve in Indian universities and colleges.
Educational Qualification Required for UGC NET 2025
The educational qualification required for UGC NET is one of the most important aspects.
- Candidates must have a Master’s degree or an equivalent recognized diploma/degree from a UGC-approved university.
- Candidates appearing in their final semester can also apply, but they must complete their degree and submit proof within the timeline.
- The subject of the Master’s degree should match the subject chosen for Paper-2 of UGC NET.
Also Check UGC NET Exam Timing
Master’s Degree Requirement
The UGC NET eligibility criteria master’s degree marks are fixed by NTA.
- General, EWS, and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates must score at least 55% in their Master’s degree.
- SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender candidates get a relaxation and need only 50% marks.
- Ph.D. degree holders who completed their Master’s before 19th September 1991 are eligible for a further 5% relaxation in marks.
Example: If a candidate from the General category has scored 54.9% in their Master’s degree, they are not eligible. On the other hand, an SC candidate with 50% marks is fully eligible.
Eligibility for Candidates with 4 Year Undergraduate Degree
A major change in recent times is the acceptance of 4-year undergraduate degrees as per the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
- Candidates holding a 4-year UG degree can directly apply for UGC NET.
- The marks requirement remains the same: 55% for General/OBC/EWS and 50% for SC/ST/PwD.
- This rule helps students who wish to pursue research or teaching careers without waiting for a Master’s degree.
This update is considered one of the biggest changes in age limit rules UGC NET and qualification norms in recent years.
UGC NET Age Limit 2025
The UGC NET age limit for JRF and Assistant Professor is another key condition.
- UGC NET Age Limit 2025 for JRF: The maximum age limit for applying to Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is 30 years.
- Candidates must not cross this age limit as of the date mentioned in the notification.
- UGC NET Age Limit 2025 for Assistant Professor: For the post of Assistant Professor, there is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor via UGC NET.
- This means candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the educational qualification.
UGC NET Age Relaxation
The age relaxation for reserved categories in UGC NET is provided to ensure inclusivity:
| UGC NET Age Relaxation | ||
| Category | Maximum Age Limit for JRF | Relaxation Available |
| General (Unreserved) | 30 years | No relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
| SC/ST | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
| Female Candidates | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
Also Check UGC NET Syllabus
UGC NET 2025 Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for UGC NET. Candidates can attempt the exam as many times as they want, provided they meet the UGC NET age limit for JRF or the qualification requirements for Assistant Professor.
Also Check UGC NET Dress Code 2025
Subject Eligibility for UGC NET Paper-2
Candidates who want to be selected for an Assistant Professor post in a particular subject must hold the relevant Master’s degree with the required minimum marks. Below is the subject-wise UGC NET eligibility 2025 for some key disciplines:
| Subject Eligibility for UGC NET Paper-2 | |
| Subject | Educational Qualification Required |
| Environmental Science | Master’s degree in Environmental Science with at least 55% marks |
| Physical Education | Master of Physical Education (M.P.Ed.) with at least 55% marks |
| Life Science | Master’s in Life Science with at least 55% marks |
| Public Administration | Master’s degree in Public Administration with at least 55% marks |
| Management | Master of Financial Management (M.F.M.), Master of Marketing Management (M.Mkt.M.), or Master of Tourism Management (MTM) with at least 55% marks |
| Library Science | Master of Library Science (M.Lib.Sc.) with at least 55% marks |
| Sociology | Master’s degree in Sociology with at least 55% marks |
| Law | Master of Law (LLM) with at least 55% marks |
| Forensic Science | Master’s degree in Forensic Science with at least 55% marks |
| Commerce | Master of Commerce (M.Com) with at least 55% marks |
| Education | Master of Education (M.Ed.) with at least 55% marks |
| Yoga | Master’s degree in Yoga with at least 55% marks |
| Mathematics | Master’s degree in Mathematics with at least 55% marks |
| Population Studies | Master’s degree in Population Studies with at least 55% marks |
UGC NET Eligibility 2025 FAQs
Q: Is there any age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility?
A: No, there is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor candidates.
Q: Are candidates with a 4-year undergraduate degree eligible for UGC NET 2025?
A: Yes, candidates with a 4-year undergraduate degree are eligible to appear for UGC NET from 2024 onwards, including final-year students.
Q: What is the minimum percentage required in Master’s degree for eligibility?
A: 55% aggregate marks for General category candidates; 50% for reserved categories.
