NET Compulsory for College Lecturers: UGC

NET Compulsory for College Lecturers: UGC

28 October 2009

The Mangalore University has decided to cancel the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) course, which it had reintroduced just 2 years back. 

The university cites several good reasons for doing so. The course is now no longer a substitute for the National Entrance Test (NET). According to Prabhakar Neermarga, the registrar of Mangalore University, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued instructions stating that NET is now compulsory for those seeking to be lecturers in colleges. 

A few years back, the UGC had announced that the MPhil degree would be considered as ample qualification for candidates seeking to be lecturers in colleges and that MPhil degree holders would be exempted from answering and passing the NET. MPhil degree holders who are now reaping the benefits of increments will no longer receive these benefits. Owing to this, the MPhil course had become immensely popular among college teachers. Now, owing to the recent changes in UGC policies, the MPhil course has lost its popularity; and the University has decided to cancel the course for lack of candidates.

Mr. Neermarga said that, since the university was very strict about rules initially, fewer people enrolled for the MPhil course. But, last year, 72 candidates had joined MPhil. Besides, candidates prefer doing their MPhil via distance education mode because it is easier that way. 

University sources also said that the UGC has changed its policies with regard to employment of lecturers because of repeated complaints about irregularities in the education system.