The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently announced the results of the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) for December 2024. Aspiring academicians across India checked their results on the official website, ugcnet.nta.ac.in, using their registration number and date of birth. A total of 8,49,166 candidates registered for the examination, out of which 6,49,490 appeared. Among them, 5,158 candidates qualified for both the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor eligibility, while 48,161 candidates cleared the exam for Assistant Professor positions and PhD admissions. Additionally, 1,14,445 candidates have only qualified for PhD admissions.
However, beyond these numbers lies a grim reality that haunts academia in India today. While many coaching institutes and social media groups are celebrating the achievements of successful candidates, a wave of disillusionment is spreading among aspirants. The fundamental question remains: “What comes next?” For many, qualifying for NET or even securing a PhD no longer guarantees a stable career in academics.
The Academic Job Market Crisis
Over the past decade, a stark shift has been observed in the academic job market. While government universities and colleges still require NET or SET-qualified candidates for teaching positions, the availability of such positions has significantly dwindled. Many candidates who clear the UGC NET exam often find themselves stuck in an uncertain limbo—either struggling to find permanent positions or being forced to rely on ad-hoc and contract-based jobs with meager salaries. The common alternative—private universities—has also become less viable due to their increasing preference for candidates with industry experience rather than purely academic backgrounds.
For male candidates, the scenario is even more pressing. Societal expectations often place financial responsibility squarely on their shoulders, making academia—where stable and well-paying jobs are scarce—an unattractive career choice. This has resulted in a decreasing number of male candidates opting for academic pursuits, further deepening the gender disparity in higher education.
The Shifting Gender Dynamics
Interestingly, in recent years, a higher proportion of women have been clearing the NET examination compared to men. While this might seem like a positive development at first glance, the reality is more complex. Many female candidates continue their academic pursuits due to societal expectations that prioritize financial independence less for women than for men. However, in most cases, families still do not rely on daughters’ incomes for household financial stability, further reinforcing the idea that academic qualifications—such as NET and PhD—are becoming ornamental rather than instrumental in career building.
The Irrelevance of Degrees in a Changing Educational Landscape
One of the most pressing concerns is the declining relevance of traditional degrees in today’s rapidly evolving job market. The introduction of the four-year undergraduate program in India has significantly altered student preferences. Under Calcutta University alone, five colleges collectively offered 2,20,000 seats for this new curriculum. Shockingly, only 1,03,000 students enrolled, leaving nearly 50% of seats vacant. This trend indicates a growing disinterest in conventional degree programs, with many students opting for multidisciplinary courses that promise better career prospects.
If students are not enrolling in higher education, the demand for professors will naturally decline, making the struggle for teaching jobs even more arduous. The decreasing number of students in colleges and universities signals an impending crisis where NET and PhD qualifications may no longer hold the weight they once did.
What Lies Ahead?
The growing disconnect between academic qualifications and employment opportunities is an issue that requires urgent attention. A degree or a qualification that does not guarantee job security will inevitably lose its value over time. Policymakers and academic institutions must rethink higher education models and create pathways that align with market demands.
For UGC NET-qualified candidates, the road ahead remains uncertain. While some may secure teaching positions, many will be left navigating a challenging academic landscape where jobs are scarce and competition is fierce. As India continues to evolve, the value of traditional academic qualifications will need to be reassessed, and alternative career paths will need to be explored for those who aspire to contribute to the field of knowledge and education.
The UGC NET results may be out, but the real question remains: “What next?” Until a concrete answer is found, the future of academia in India remains uncertain.
