You meet the eligibility criteria for the UGC NET in Commerce if you possess one of the two specified qualifications:
(i) A 2-year postgraduate degree, commonly referred to as a master’s degree.
(ii) A 4-year bachelor’s degree.

We’ll explore the details of each qualification individually to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the eligibility of the UGC NET in Commerce (Code 08).

Those with 2 year Master’s degree

Marks Requirement

You are eligible to write the UGC NET exam in the Commerce subject if you have completed a two-year Master’s degree program with a minimum of 55% marks.

However, if you belong to the SC, ST, OBC, PwD, or Third Gender category, the eligibility criteria are relaxed to a minimum of 50% marks in the Master’s degree program.

Therefore, possessing an M.Com degree fulfills the eligibility requirements for the exam. Only B.Com is not sufficient to write UGC NET in Commerce subject.

Which subject can you choose

According to the UGC notification, you are permitted to choose the subject for the UGC NET exam based on your post-graduation (master’s degree).

For example, if you have completed a Master’s in History, you’re eligible to take the UGC NET exam in History only. Subjects like Commerce or Sociology are not options if you have not studied them.

Therefore, if you intend to sit for the UGC NET in Commerce (Code 08), you must possess a master’s degree in Commerce (M.Com).

There’s a common misconception that having an MBA makes you eligible for Commerce (Code 08), or vice versa. However, this understanding is incorrect. The UGC notification explicitly states that candidates should appear for the UGC NET exam in the subject of their post-graduation only. Additionally, candidates whose post-graduation subject isn’t listed in the UGC NET subjects may choose a related subject.

This clearly concludes that M.Com. students aren’t eligible for Management (Code 17), and similarly, MBA students aren’t eligible for Commerce (Code 08).

Part Time or Full Time or Online degrees

Regardless of the mode through which you obtained your M.Com. degree—whether it be part-time, correspondence, or online—you retain eligibility to sit for the UGC NET in Commerce (Code 08) examination. The method of acquiring your degree does not impact your qualification to participate in the exam.

Therefore, whether you pursued your studies full-time on campus or opted for more flexible alternatives, such as distance learning or online education, you are still recognized as eligible to undertake the UGC NET examination in Commerce subject.

Diploma/Certificate Courses and CA/CS/ICWA

Some students may hold postgraduate ‘diplomas’ or ‘certificates’ in commerce rather than ‘degrees’. According to the original the UGC notification, these individuals are typically not eligible for the UGC NET in Commerce since the requirement specifies a postgraduate degree, not a diploma or certificate course.

However, there is an exception. If your diploma or certificate has been granted an equivalent status to a postgraduate degree, you are eligible to sit for the UGC NET in Commerce. This equivalence status is determined by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). You can verify whether your diploma or certificate is equivalent by visiting the AIU website. (AIU website)

To check, navigate to the AIU website’s Home Page, then click on Evaluation and follow the provided link. (this Link )  If your diploma appears on this list of equivalent qualifications, then you meet the eligibility criteria; otherwise, you may not be eligible.

Alternatively, you can inquire with the principal or director of your college to confirm whether your diploma has received an equivalence certificate from the AIU. They are usually knowledgeable about such matters and can provide guidance on your eligibility status.

Since 15 April 2021, CA, CS and ICWA are also eligible for UGC NET in Commerce, because these courses have been give status of “Equivalence to PG Degree” by the UGC. You can download this notification from here.

Foreign University Degrees

Similarly, if you have obtained a Master’s degree from a foreign institution or university, you are not automatically eligible to take the UGC NET exam.

However, if your program has been awarded an equivalence certificate by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), you become eligible to apply. To ascertain the equivalence status of your degree program, you can visit the AIU website at www.aiu.ac.in.

By accessing the AIU website, you can verify whether your foreign Master’s degree program has been recognized as equivalent to a degree awarded by an Indian university. This recognition is crucial for determining your eligibility to participate in the UGC NET in Commerce.

Pursuing PG Degree or having failed in few subjects

If you are currently enrolled (and not completed) in a two-year Master’s degree program, you are eligible to take the UGC NET exam in the Commerce subject, even if you haven’t completed your degree yet.

Previously, eligibility was limited to students in their second year of study (December attempt of UGC NET), prior to June 2024. However, a recent relaxation has been introduced since June 2024. Now, you can sit for the UGC NET exam at any point, even during your first year of pursuing your PG Degree.

However, it is crucial to note the completion timeline of your PG Degree. You must finish your master’s degree within 2 years from the date of declaration of the UGC NET result for Category 1 and Category 2 candidates.

For individuals qualifying under “Admission to Ph.D. only” (Category 3), the completion timeline differs. You are required to complete your master’s within 1 year from the date of the UGC NET result declaration.

Those with 4-year Bachelor’s degree

First thing, if you possess a 4-year Bachelor’s degree (and not PG degree), you are also eligible to sit for the UGC NET in commerce.

However, it is important to note that with this qualification, you are eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and “Admission to PhD” only. You are not eligible for “Assistant Professor” eligibility.

This means that while you can pursue research opportunities through the Junior Research Fellowship and seek admission to PhD programs, you do not meet the criteria for eligibility as an Assistant Professor based solely on your four-year Bachelor’s degree.

Marks Requirement

You are eligible for UGC NET in Commerce if you have completed a 4-year Bachelor’s degree program with a minimum of 75% marks. However, if you belong to the SC, ST, OBC, PwD, or Third Gender category, the minimum requirement is reduced to 70%. 

Which subject can you choose

You have the freedom to choose any subject from the list of 83 subjects (Full List of subjects) for the UGC-NET exam, regardless of the discipline of your four-year bachelor’s degree. This means you can pursue a Ph.D. in any field you desire, breaking the traditional boundaries of academic disciplines.

This approach resonates with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes flexibility and multi-disciplinary education. By allowing candidates to select subjects unrelated to their undergraduate specialization, the UGC-NET exam, now, promotes a diverse and inclusive academic landscape.

For instance, whether you hold a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBBS degree, or have completed a four-year BA program, you remain eligible to apply for the UGC-NET exam in History, Commerce, or any other subject of your choice. This level of flexibility empowers individuals to explore interdisciplinary interests and pursue research in diverse fields, fostering innovation and intellectual growth.

Pursuing 4 year Degree or having failed in few subjects

If you are currently enrolled in a four-year Bachelor’s degree program but have not yet completed it, you are eligible to apply for the UGC-NET exam only during your final year or semester.

However, it is essential to note that you must obtain your bachelor’s degree within two years from the date of the UGC-NET result declaration.

For individuals qualifying for the “Admission to Ph.D.” option, the completion of the bachelor’s degree must occur within 1 year from the date of the UGC-NET result declaration. This requirement is specifically tailored to accommodate candidates seeking admission to Ph.D. programs, ensuring that they fulfill the necessary prerequisites within 1 year.

Age limit

To be eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), your age must not exceed 30 years as of the 1st day of the month in which the UGC NET is scheduled to be conducted.

For example, if you plan to take the UGC NET in June 2024, you should be under 30 years of age on 01 June 2024. Similarly, if you intend to sit for the UGC NET in December 2024, your age should be below 30 years on 01 December 2024.

However, there is a relaxation of 5 years for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, Third Gender, or Women categories. Female candidates, regardless of category, have an age limit of 35 years.

Importantly, there is no upper age limit to apply for Assistant Professorship. Candidates can apply at any age, providing opportunities for individuals to pursue academic careers at various stages of their lives.

Similarly, there is no upper age limit for admission to Ph.D. (without JRF). Candidates can apply at any stage of their lives, reflecting the inclusivity and accessibility of academic pursuits.