The University Grant Commission (UGC) has been
entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the National Eligibility Test
(NET). According to UGC, NET determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for
the Award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and eligibility for lectureship
in order to ensure minimum standards for the entrants in the teaching
profession and research. It is conducted twice in a year, first in June and
then in December. Till December 2011 the test consisted of three papers.
Paper-I comprised of 60 objective type questions of general nature, intended to
assess the teaching/research aptitude of the candidate. Paper-II consisted of
50 objective type compulsory questions based on the subject selected by the
candidate. Paper-III consisted of only descriptive questions from the subject
selected by the candidate. From June 2012, Paper-III consists of 75 objective
type compulsory questions from the subject selected by the candidate.
UGC demonstrated its penchant for the multiple choice question (MCQ) format by adopting it wholeheartedly at all levels which brought efficiency in conduction of the test and declaration of the results. But it failed to introduce subsequent and essential changes in other areas. That is why it has flaws at almost all stages.
Registration and Sitting Arrangement
Of the roll number, the first two digits are the
centre code while the third and fourth digits denote the subject code and the
last four digits are assigned in the order of form submission e.g. 02040122
here 02, 04, and 0122 are the code of the University of Allahabad, code of the
subject Psychology, and order of form submission respectively. This is a grave
mistake committed by UGC because candidates who have planned for cheating or
euphemistically speaking helping each other, submit the form together one after
the other. So they get the roll number in serial order. Sometimes two or three
students apply only to help another student in getting qualified. Moreover all
the candidates of a particular subject are allotted their centre of examination
at one place or two/three places if candidates are in large number in that particular
subject. Candidates of two subjects are seated alternatively i.e. one of
Psychology then another of Political Science then of Psychology and this
continues. In sitting arrangement of this ilk, those who have planned for
prosocial behaviour in the exam easily circumvent the fragile inspection of the
invigilators.
Syllabus and Question Paper
Although Paper 3 which earlier required descriptive
responses has been converted into objective type yet the syllabus has not been
revised despite the fact that Paper 2 is already objective type. The question
paper of Paper 2 and Paper 3 has only one set so all the candidates of a
particular subject have the question in the same order. Due to that the
language of signs and symbols improvised by candidates works efficiently in the
examination hall.
Time in Paper 3
In Paper 3 there are only 75 objective type questions
and the time given to the candidates is two hours and thirty minutes (150
minutes). Candidates complete their paper effectively in not more than 75
minutes. So there is plenty of time for cherishing friendship and cheating.
