The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the results of the UGC NET 2024 re-test, conducted across August and September, unveiling intriguing participation patterns and performance insights. The re-test saw 6,84,224 candidates appear, out of the 11,21,225 registered, leaving 4,37,001 candidates absent. This significant absenteeism, combined with the 2,24,356 fewer participants compared to the initial June exam, highlights the challenges associated with rescheduled national-level examinations.
In this blog, we explore the factors behind the re-test, delve into the attendance trends, gender-wise participation, and key takeaways from the results, while also discussing what lies ahead for the qualified candidates.
Why Was the UGC NET June 2024 Exam Cancelled?
The June 2024 UGC NET exam, which evaluates candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professorships, and PhD admissions, was cancelled soon after being held. The cancellation was due to concerns about the integrity of the examination, marking the first time a UGC NET test—conducted in hybrid mode (computer-based and pen-and-paper)—faced such scrutiny. To ensure fairness, the NTA decided to hold a re-test exclusively through the computer-based test (CBT) format.
The re-test spanned multiple days (August 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, and September 2, 3, 4, and 5), using several shifts to manage the large number of applicants. This shift to the CBT-only format ensured smoother administration, but the sudden rescheduling and change in format may have impacted participation.
A Decline in Participation: By the Numbers
The data from the NTA provides some noteworthy statistics regarding the re-test:
- Total Registered Candidates: 11,21,225
- Candidates Who Appeared: 6,84,224
- Absentees: 4,37,001
Compared to the June session, which recorded 9,08,580 candidates in attendance with 81% participation, the re-test saw only 6,84,224 candidates, a steep decline. The difference—2,24,356 fewer participants—reflects the disruption caused by the sudden cancellation and rescheduling of the exam. Some candidates may have been unable to accommodate the new dates or preferred to skip the re-test due to logistical or personal challenges.
Gender-Wise Participation Breakdown
The gender distribution of participants reveals the following insights:
- Female Candidates: 6,35,588
- Male Candidates: 4,85,578
- Third Gender Candidates: 59
The higher participation of female candidates indicates their growing interest in pursuing academic careers and research opportunities. The inclusion of third-gender candidates, while still a small number, is a positive sign of the UGC NET’s growing inclusivity.
A Look at the Results
Despite the challenges, many candidates have successfully cleared the exam. Here is the category-wise breakdown of qualifiers:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): 4,970 candidates
- Assistant Professor Eligibility: 53,694 candidates
- PhD Admissions Eligibility: 1,12,070 candidates
The result announcement was preceded by the release of provisional and final answer keys. As part of the transparency process, certain questions were dropped from the final key, and candidates who attempted these questions were awarded full marks.
This fair evaluation approach aligns with NTA’s goal of ensuring that no candidate is disadvantaged due to ambiguities in the test content.
Key Trends and Insights
1. The Impact of Hybrid vs. CBT Format
The cancellation of the hybrid-mode exam underscores the logistical and technical challenges of conducting large-scale exams through multiple formats. The re-test’s exclusive CBT format streamlined the process but required a longer testing window, which may have contributed to the lower turnout.
2. Candidate Fatigue and Logistical Barriers
The sudden announcement of the re-test likely caused some candidates to drop out, particularly those with travel constraints or commitments during the new exam dates. Many may have chosen to forgo the exam altogether, especially if they were employed or engaged in other competitive exams.
3. Effect of Uncertainty on Participation
The unprecedented cancellation of the original June exam may have led to a loss of trust and confidence among candidates. Additionally, the re-exam’s extended schedule over multiple shifts may have discouraged participation, especially for those who needed to rearrange their personal or professional commitments.
What Lies Ahead for Qualified Candidates
The UGC NET 2024 results open up a world of possibilities for those who have cleared the exam. The successful candidates are now eligible for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): With 4,970 qualifiers, these individuals are set to receive financial support for advanced research, contributing to India’s academic and innovation landscape.
- Assistant Professorships: 53,694 candidates are now qualified to apply for teaching positions in universities and colleges across the country, helping bridge the faculty gap.
- PhD Admissions: A total of 1,12,070 candidates are eligible to pursue doctoral programs, fostering academic excellence in various disciplines.
These achievements will not only shape the careers of individual candidates but also contribute to the broader educational and research ecosystem of the country.
A Message to Candidates
For those who qualified, this is the beginning of a new journey—whether in research, teaching, or academia. For those who could not appear or qualify, there will be more opportunities to pursue their goals. The key is to stay resilient and keep pushing forward.
Conclusion
The UGC NET 2024 re-test reflects both the opportunities and challenges that come with large-scale examinations. The participation drop—caused by logistical issues and candidate fatigue—underlines the need for better planning and communication in future exams. However, the transparency and fairness demonstrated by the NTA in releasing results with provisional and final answer keys set a positive benchmark.
As the qualified candidates step into research, teaching, and academia, they contribute to the nation’s educational development. The UGC NET continues to be a vital platform for fostering academic talent and promoting higher education in India.
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