UGC Permits Direct PhD After Four Year Bachelor Degree: No Master’s Needed
Formfees
14/05/2025
In what may be regarded as a remarkable policy change in India’s higher education framework, UGC has declared that graduates with at least a 4-year undergraduate degree and 75% marks shall now be able to pursue a PhD directly, bypassing the master’s degree requirement.
The policy is designed to offload unnecessary academic hurdles, expedite research pathways, and bring the Indian education system in sync with global benchmarks.
Contents
What’s New in the UGC PhD Admission Rule?
| Feature | Previous Rule | New Rule (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Master’s degree with 55% marks | 4-year UG degree with 75% marks |
| Can Apply for NET? | Only with Master’s | Yes, with 4-year UG degree |
| Subject Restriction | PhD in related Master’s subject | PhD in any subject (no discipline barrier) |
| Marginalized Group Relaxation | Up to 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC & others | Still applicable under new rules |
Observation by UGC Chairman
Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, UGC Chairman, noted:
“Candidates with a four-year bachelor’s degree can directly pursue a PhD and are allowed to NET. They can opt for any subject to pursue their PhD from regardless of their undergraduate specialization. ”
This policy aligns India’s education model with countries like the US and UK, where direct entry into research is common after a bachelor’s degree.
Advantage for Students
- Time Efficiency – Does not require a two-year master’s program.
- Career Advancement – Able To Start Work In Research and Teaching Roles Sooner.
- Economic Advantage: Lessens the cost of tuition and living expenditures.
- Flexible Opportunities: Opens up for interdisciplinary research possibilities.
- Other Inclusive Factors: Includes 5% relaxation for eligible SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, and EWS categories.
Who Is Currently Eligible?
For application under PhD or NET:
- Should possess a 4 year UG degree of any stream.
- Should have obtained a minimum of 75% aggregate marks or equated CGPA.
- For reserved categories, a 5% relaxation may be claimed in accordance with UGC regulation.
Why This Matters
- Stimulates Research at an Early Age
- Aligns India with international standards for PhDs
- Fulfills the shortfall of PhD researchers in India
- Fulfills the goals of NEP 2020 on agility and creativity of the education system
UGC NET and Application Process for PhD
Candidates fulfilling eligibility criteria will be able to:
- Register for the UGC NET examination on the NTA portal.
- Apply through designated university specific application procedures for PhD admissions
Further information will be communicated through the official website of UGC: ugc.gov.in
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