Crucial Advisory: NTA Mandates Aadhaar for UGC NET December 2024 Registration to Ensure Fair Play

The National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting the prestigious University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), has released an imperative advisory for all aspiring candidates for the December 2024 examination cycle. This significant directive emphasizes the mandatory use of Aadhaar numbers during the registration process, a move primarily aimed at bolstering the integrity of the examination system by preventing the submission of multiple applications by a single candidate.

According to the NTA's advisory, it is now crucial for every candidate to register using their own unique Aadhaar number.

This measure is a proactive step to ensure transparency and fairness in the application process. Furthermore, the NTA has strongly urged candidates to meticulously verify that all personal details provided during registration – specifically their name, date of birth, and gender – are in perfect alignment with the information stored in their Aadhaar records.

Any discrepancy could lead to complications during the application or verification stages.

Understanding that minor inconsistencies might exist, the NTA has also provided clear guidance for rectifying such issues. Candidates discovering any mismatch between their application details and Aadhaar data are advised to promptly visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre.

There, they can undertake necessary corrections to ensure that all information is synchronized before proceeding with their UGC NET application. This proactive approach is vital to avoid last-minute hurdles.

For those candidates who may not possess an Aadhaar number, or in cases where its use is not feasible for other reasons, the NTA has laid out alternative identification options.

Aspirants can register using a valid bank passbook with a photograph, a passport, a ration card, or any other government-issued photo identity card. This flexibility ensures that no eligible candidate is excluded due to identification constraints.

The application window for the UGC NET December 2024 examination is anticipated to open around September-October 2024.

This examination is a gateway for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors in Indian universities and colleges, as well as for those seeking the coveted Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Eligibility criteria for the test typically require candidates to hold a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks.

While there is no upper age limit for the Assistant Professor role, candidates applying for the JRF must generally be under 30 years of age, with relaxations applicable for reserved categories. While the advisory for Aadhaar is out, the exact examination dates for the December 2024 cycle are yet to be officially announced by the NTA.