The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) is conducted under National Test Agency (NTA) to select eligible and serving candidates for Assistant Professor and Junior Fellowship (JRF). After completing the UGC NET Exam, the candidates can opt for Assistant Professor post, Ph.D and M.Phil in various Indian Universities depending on their area of expertise and subject. The candidates will become eligible to apply for the Assistant Professor/ Lecturers post in various Indian Universities and Colleges while simultaneously pursuing their Ph.D./ M.Phil.This article will elaborate on UGC NET vs JRF which will help the candidates understand better.
UGC NET vs JRF: Overview
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts UGC NET and JRF. The answer to the question What is the Difference Between NET And JRF is that candidates need more marks for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) as compared to National Eligibility Test (NET). The overview table will provide the required details.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Tenure of JRF | 2 Years |
| Financial Assistance | The fellows also receive a contingency grant, HRA, and escort/reader help in addition to a monthly fellowship payment of up to INR 31,000 each. |
| Application Procedure | Online application through the official website of NTA (National Testing Agency) |
UGC NET vs JRF: Eligibility
Candidates applying for the UGC NET should check their eligibility and go ahead with the application process.
| Age Limit | Candidates should not be more than 31 years of age to be eligible for JRF [Only for this Exam] There is no age restriction to apply for the post of Assistant Professor. A relaxation of five percent in educational qualification is given to reserved category candidates. A relaxation of five years in age criteria is given to reserved category candidates. Candidates who have cleared State Eligibility Test (SET) before June 1, 2002, are exempted from taking the UGC NET exam. |
| Educational Qualification | For NET JRF, candidates must have earned a master’s degree or equivalent with at least a 55% grade point average. Candidates from the reserved categories are eligible for a 5% mark reduction. |
What is the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)?
JRF or Junior Research Fellowship is a certificate awarded by UGC to the top 5-7% of candidates who clear UGC NET exams. It is a scholarship program for candidates seeking research work and higher studies.
There is a Difference Between UGC NET vs JRF in cut off marks. The factors that contribute to such difference in cut-off marks are:
- The number of candidates who opt for the UGC NET exam in a particular year.
- The difficulty level of the exam.
- The number of seats available for the positions.
What is the UGC National Eligibility Test (NTA)?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with the task of conducting UGC-NET, which is a Test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for ‘Assistant Professor’ as well as ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor’ in Indian Universities and Colleges.
Difference Between UGC NET vs JRF:
The main NET and JRF differences are:
- A candidate will not be eligible to pursue JRF although qualified for Lectureship (LS).
- A candidate eligible for JRF will be automatically considered for LS as well. It is a two-way advantage.
- The fellowship is a bonus with qualifying JRF scores provided by the UGC/institutions under various schemes.
- JRF is slightly tougher. To crack JRF, it requires the candidates to clear more than a 5% cut-off as compared to the NET cut off. It/ll also enable you to be eligible for Fellowship (INR 25,000/- per month stipend) from the government with a validity of 2 years while pursuing your Ph.D. research. Discussing again, qualifying for JRF also means you have cleared NET automatically.
UGC NET vs JRF: FAQs
The primary aim of conducting the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) is to shortlist the eligible candidates for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
The frequency of the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is twice a year.
JRF or Junior Research Fellowship is a certificate awarded by UGC to the top 5-7% of candidates who clear UGC NET exams.
Candidates should be at most 31 years of age to be eligible for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
The difference between NET and JRF is that candidates need more marks for JRF than NET.