Is UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025 for December Cycle Revised? Check Here

The UGC NET 2025 December Cycle Eligibility Criteria has recently become a trending topic among aspirants, especially after a new petition reached the Rajasthan High Court. Many candidates are now wondering whether the UGC NET eligibility rules have changed or if a revision is on the way. Let’s decode what’s really happening, what’s being challenged, and what students should know right now.

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025: Overview

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a prestigious national-level exam conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in Indian universities and colleges. Every year, lakhs of aspirants prepare for this exam and even a small change in eligibility norms can create major confusion.

Recently, attention has turned to the UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025 (December Cycle) after a petition questioned the fairness of rules for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.

Why UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025 Is Being Debated

According to the UGC NET December 2025 Information Bulletin, the eligibility rules currently state:

• Candidates from OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender categories must have at least 50% marks in their Master’s degree.
• UR (Unreserved) and EWS candidates must have 55% marks in their Master’s degree.
• The upper age limit for JRF is 30 years, with relaxations for SC, ST, OBC, PwD, women, and third gender candidates — but not for EWS.

Rajasthan High Court Petition on UGC NET Eligibility 2025

As per News Reports, The controversy began when Laxmikant Malpura, an EWS category aspirant with 53% marks in his Master’s degree, filed a petition in the Rajasthan High Court (Jaipur).

He argued that since the EWS category is constitutionally recognized under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act (2019), it should receive the same 5% marks relaxation as other reserved categories. Taking note, the Rajasthan High Court has issued notices to both the UGC and the Central Government, asking them to clarify why EWS candidates are excluded from this relaxation rule.

If the court rules in favor of the petitioner, the UGC NET eligibility norms could be revised before the June 2026 cycle.

UGC NET Revised Eligibility Criteria for EWS Candidates

At present, the UGC treats EWS candidates the same as Unreserved (UR) candidates in both marks and age limits. However, this goes against the purpose of the EWS reservation, which was created to support economically weaker students from non-reserved categories.

By not offering any relaxation in marks or age, the current UGC NET eligibility rule for EWS candidates appears unfair and has raised concerns among aspirants about equal opportunities.

Student Concerns About UGC NET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Across online forums and social media, UGC NET aspirants are raising key questions:

• Should EWS candidates get 5% marks relaxation like OBC, SC, and ST categories?
• Why is there no age relaxation for EWS candidates in JRF eligibility?
• If EWS is a reserved category for jobs, why not for exam relaxation?

Is UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025 Revised Yet?

As of now, there is no official change in the UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025 for the December cycle. The existing rules remain unchanged and applicable as per the official Information Bulletin. Candidates should follow these current norms when applying for the December 2025 exam. Any modification will only come after a UGC notification following the High Court’s verdict.

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025: Key Highlights

What Students Should Do Now

While the case is under judicial review, aspirants should focus on preparation rather than speculation. For those targeting UGC NET December 2025, ensure you meet the current eligibility norms and continue your preparation. Students aiming for UGC NET June 2026 can expect more clarity once the court delivers its verdict. Stay updated through the official UGC NET website or verified educational sources for any confirmed changes.

Sharing is caring!