Many students ask us if IGNOU degree valid for UGC NET exam or not. It is a very common perception that IGNOU being distance and Open University does not have valid degrees, especially for sitting in competitive exams. We want to break this myth by telling you that Yes, IGNOU degree is valid for sitting in UGC NET Exam. Many of the students ask us if they are doing the right course or the right degree that could land them to a particular direction. In some cases, students see their career in being an Assistant Professor or pursuing a PhD degree in the near future. Let us find out more below.
About UGC NET Examination
University Grants Commission (UGC) conducts a standard all India National Eligibility Test (NET) that acts as an eligibility for Universities to recruit Assistant Professors or a career in PhD. As of now, the test is being conducted in 83 subjects. The examination is conducted twice a year (June and December). As per the recent update put out by the NTA, the exam will be conducted in OMR (pen and paper) mode from June 2024 onwards. Before delving more into this, students need to first understand the minimum eligibility criteria that needs to be fulfilled before sitting for the UGC NET Exam.
Currently, the Application for UGC NET Exam for June 2024 are out. The exam will be conducted on 18th June (updated date) in all test centers across the country. Here are more details on the schedule:
| Submission of UGC NET Application (Online Mode) | 20th April 2024 to 10th May 2024 (upto 11:50 P.M) (Closed Now) |
| Submission of Examination fee (through Credit Card/ Debit Card/Net Banking /UPI) | Last Date: 12th May 2024 (upto 11:50 P.M) (Closed Now) |
| Correction in Online Application | 13th May 2024 to 15th May 2024 (upto 11:50 P.M) (Closed Now) |
| Date of Examination | 21st August to 4th September 2024 (Re-exam) |
| Examination Fee | Rs 1150 /- (General/ UR)Rs 600/- (Gen-EWS/ OBC-NCL)Rs 325/- (SC/ST/OBC/Third Gender) |
IGNOU degree valid for UGC NET Exam
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a recognized University as per University Grants Commission (UGC). In a consolidated list put out by UGC last year, you can very well search Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Moreover, the University has also been awarded A+++ Grade by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in the country. As a proof, you can also see IGNOU as one of the Universities in the pull down menu in the Educational Qualification section of UGC NET Application Form. This is an evidence that UGC NET recognizes the degree by IGNOU for its examination.
Here are few more details that the University mentions about itself across its various prospectuses:
The Degrees/ Diplomas/ Certificates issued by IGNOU are recognized by all the member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and are at par with the corresponding Degrees/ Diplomas/ Certificates issued by all Indian Universities/ Deemed Universities/ Institutions etc.
“Equivalence of qualification acquired through Conventional or Open and Distance Learning and Online modes.─ Degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level in conformity with UGC notification on Specification of Degrees, 2014 and post graduate diplomas awarded through Open and Distance Learning mode and/or Online mode by Higher Educational Institutions, recognized by the Commission under these regulations, shall be treated as equivalent to the corresponding awards of the Degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level and post graduate diplomas offered through conventional mode.”
Eligibility Criteria for UGC NET Examination
As per the recent Information Bulletin put out by National Testing Agency (NTA) for June 2024 , below are the important eligibility criteria for UGC NET Examination:
-Candidates who have secured at least 55% marks in Master’s Degree from recognized University by UGC in the subjects listed by UGC NET.
Note: You can also apply for the examination, if you’re in the final year and awaiting results or delayed results of your Masters Degree program.
OR
-The candidates having passed a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree program (FYUP) with a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in subjects listed out by UGC NET.
Note: You can also apply for the examination if you are final year of FYUP program. The exam will be provisional till the result for your degree is released.
How to Apply for the UGC NET Exam (if you have passed/pursuing degree from IGNOU)
UGC NET June 2024: Re-Exam Dates, Schedule (New), City Intimation Slip, Schedule, Major Changes
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