UGC-NET Re-exam Announcement Triggers Anxiety Among Aspirants
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a re-examination for Commerce, English, and Sociology papers of the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) held in June, following complaints about errors in the question papers. This decision has left thousands of aspirants across the country concerned about the additional burden of preparing and appearing for the test again.
UGC-NET is a common examination conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as assistant professor, and admission to Ph.D. programmes. The test is a crucial step for many academics, and the sudden announcement of a re-exam has disrupted their plans.
One such aspirant, V. Parameshwari, an assistant professor of Commerce at a college in Tiruchi, expressed her dismay. Having completed her Ph.D., this was her sixth attempt at the exam. "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 additional examination fee, the real cost is much greater. It includes months of preparation, travel, time, mental pressure, and uncertainty about our academic and professional plans," she said.
Ms. Parameshwari's experience echoes that of many others who had hoped to move forward after passing the exam. "Instead, I now have to appear for it again on September 9," she added, highlighting the emotional and professional toll of the re-test.
The computerised test is known for its competitive nature, with only the top 6% of candidates qualifying each time. For those already working in temporary or part-time positions, preparing for the exam again poses a significant challenge. R. Akbar Ali, a temporary faculty member of English, questioned the necessity of the re-exam. "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?" he asked.
In light of these concerns, academicians have suggested a broader review of the examination process. S. Ismail Mohideen, director of Academic Development at Jamal Mohamed College, proposed that the government take over testing to ensure reliability. "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 give rise 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," he said.
The re-examination, scheduled for September 9, will be conducted without any additional fee, but aspirants argue that the real cost is far higher. The uncertainty surrounding the re-test has also raised questions about the transparency and quality control of the examination process. For many, this is not just a test but a gateway to their academic and professional futures. As they prepare to sit for the exam once again, their primary concern remains the fairness and accuracy of the questions and the assurance that their effort will be duly recognised.
The NTA, which administers the UGC-NET, has yet to release details on the nature of the reported errors or the steps taken to prevent such mistakes in the future. Meanwhile, aspirants across the country are left to navigate the logistical and emotional strain of a re-exam, hoping that their perseverance will eventually pay off.
