JOIN USThe National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted twice a year for aspiring degree colleges and universities lecturers, by the University Grants Commission, is gaining popularity.
This year, 15,403 candidates (a record number) are likely to attend the exam at the Karnatak University, Dharwad (KUD) centre alone, on December 30. Statistically, the percentage of students appearing for the exam has increased by 56.79 per cent. As many as 8,748 students appeared for the test at KUD last year.
In the State, the highest number of students (24,662) will write the NET in Bangalore University centre, with KUD in second position, followed by Mysore University (12,859), Gulbarga University (8,806) and Mangalore University (5,975).
“The UGC has changed the question paper pattern this year. It has also made NET compulsory for those aspiring to become lecturers. This may have encouraged more students to take NET this year,” said KUD vice chancellor H B Walikar.
Until last year, the candidates had to write descriptive answers. Now, they will face multiple choice questions. Students have to just tick the right answers. “Students need three years to complete PhD. Besides, course work is compulsory.
Compared to this, students think the NET is easier. Therefore, there is a surge in the number of candidates appearing for the exam,” said M T Kambale, director of the KUD Students’ Welfare Department.
Large numbers
In all 77 centres across the country, a total of 7,78,128 students have registered to take the test.
The highest number of students (46,656) will appear for the test in Delhi University.
Students of 49 subjects will write the exam at the KUD centre.
As many as 2,715 students will write the exam in Kannada and one each in Defence and Technology, French Studies, Comparative Religions, Performing Arts, Comparative Literature, Forensic Science and Human Rights and Duties.