On Sunday, the UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar shared a major update which now permits students who have earned 4-year Bachelor's degree to directly qualify for the National Eligibility Test (NET). This step, in particular, is designed to simplify the process for those students who would like to further their studies at an advanced level.

In the statement the UGC pointed out that the students with the 4-year degrees can pursue PhD in any subject and no matter if their bachelor degree is not related to the subject of PhD. Besides, the students who have the record of 75% marks or more in their collegiate studies can directly access PhD programmes, thus, widening the scope for further academic development. This is indeed an immense move towards the expansion of these examinations by incorporating the eligibility requirements that are favourable to the eligible candidates.

The chairman of the committee, Kumar stated that candidates who have four-year undergraduate degrees will now be allowed to both pursue PhD and appear for the NET. They can enroll in a doctoral program that allows them to choose a topic for their PhD regardless of the discipline of their undergrad degree. Additionally, the candidate must pass a minimum of 75% in aggregate or an equivalent to the degree program under the UGC provisions.