National Eligibility Test (NET)

National Eligibility Test (NET) 2014 - 2015

National Eligibility Test (NET) which is a maiden attempt of the Central Board of Secondary Education seems to be creating many problems for its aspirants. Failing on many grounds, numerous complaints were registered against this site while trying to submit their online applications. The last date for registering is November 15.

When a user tries to log onto the website and put their password, it says that 8 to 13 characters are needed. However, even when they type in a full 13-characters it is not accepted. The applicants also faced problem of the website being shut down completely on some days.

Other problems ranged from the text of the application getting automatically wiped out to the website shutting down suddenly. In some incidents applicants are unable to complete the whole form but could not upload their photograph as required.

All these years, the University Grants Commission (UGC) had been conducting these exam which qualify a candidate to become an assistant professor or for the junior research fellowship. Although this exam still falls under the UGC, the responsibility to conduct the exam was handed over to the CBSE this year.

They have introduced an online payment gateway this time. But since many of the applicants could not complete the payment process even after completing the form, they are paying the money physically through a bank draft.

The exam is to be conducted in 79 subjects at 89 selected NET Coordinating Institutions spread across the country. While there is currently no age limit for the assistant professor or lectureship, a person beyond 28 years cannot apply for the fellowship. The candidates who qualify for the fellowship will be able to pursue research in the subject of their post-graduation or in a related subject and are also eligible for assistant professor.

The applicants have had no word from the board members so far.