Candidates who meet the prescribed criteria can apply for UGC NET Economics to establish their eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and PhD admission, depending on their qualification category and examination results.
Before filling out the application form, candidates should carefully check the eligibility requirements to ensure that they meet the conditions specified for their intended purpose.
The following table summarises the educational qualification and minimum marks requirements.
Category | Minimum marks in Master's degree |
|---|---|
General / Unreserved | 55% |
General-EWS | 55% |
OBC-NCL | 50% |
SC | 50% |
ST | 50% |
PwD / PwBD | 50% |
Third Gender | 50% |
Candidates belonging to reserved categories are eligible for the applicable relaxation in minimum marks as prescribed by the UGC and NTA.
Candidates with a postgraduate degree in Economics or an eligible equivalent subject should verify the subject-specific requirements and the current notification before applying.
Candidates who are pursuing their Master's degree or are awaiting their postgraduate results can also apply provisionally, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Such candidates must complete their degree and secure the prescribed minimum marks within the stipulated period to remain eligible. If they fail to meet these requirements, their candidature may be cancelled.
The age limit depends on the eligibility category selected by the candidate.
Eligibility category | Age limit |
|---|---|
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Generally, not more than 30 years |
Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
PhD admission through UGC NET | No upper age limit under the standard NET eligibility criteria |
The JRF age limit is calculated with reference to the date specified in the relevant examination notification. Candidates should check the December 2026 notification for the applicable cutoff date.
Candidates belonging to eligible reserved categories may receive relaxation in the upper age limit for JRF as per NTA guidelines.
Category | Age relaxation for JRF |
|---|---|
SC / ST | Up to 5 years |
OBC-NCL | Up to 5 years |
PwD / PwBD | Up to 5 years |
Third Gender | As applicable under the prescribed rules |
Candidates with relevant research experience | As permitted under NTA rules |
Candidates with an LLM degree | As applicable under the prescribed rules |
The maximum age limit may be extended under specific conditions, subject to the provisions of the official information bulletin. Candidates should refer to the official UGC NET Information Bulletin for the complete eligibility and relaxation rules.
Candidates should check their postgraduate marks and category before applying.
Minimum qualifying marks must be obtained without rounding off.
Final-year postgraduate students may apply provisionally under the prescribed conditions.
Candidates should select Economics or an appropriate related subject according to the official subject-selection rules.
JRF applicants must satisfy the applicable age limit and eligibility conditions.
Always refer to the latest official notification before submitting the application form.