NET norms modified to enhance std : UGC

Mathrubhumi Education Online

Kochi, Oct 17 2012: The changes that have been introduced in the National Eligibility Test (NET) was done with a view to ensure and enhance standards in the selection process, says University Grants Commission (UGC).  The UGC said this while contesting a bunch of appeals that came before High Court of Kerala today.  The appeals have been posted to October 30 for final hearing by Justice P R Ramachandra Menon.  Till then, the interim court order (not to destroy the OMR answer sheets of those who have moved court will remain valid).

The University Grants Commission had stipulated minimum marks in its NET notification.  But apart from that, it has introduced a new regulation that insists a combined aggregate per centage of not less than 65% marks to qualify the NET.  And the applicants have challenged this decision.

The UGC has informed that 5.75 lac applicants have appeared for JRF Lecturership exam this year.  As per the revised minimum mark regulation as many as 43,000 aspirants have cleared the test when compared to last year's figure of 7500.  Adv. Krishnamurthy, counsel for UGC informed the court that the notification published by UGC had stated that it is subject to modification, if need be.  This has been recorded by the court.

Meanwhile, the applicants protested against the premier academic body's appeal to scrap the interim order of keeping the answer sheets intact. As many as 2500 applicants have moved court and altogether have submitted 214 appeals against UGC's modification of existing rules.