The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released new guidelines for PhD admissions that will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session. These guidelines significantly revise the eligibility criteria, admission process, and minimum duration for doctoral programs across all central and state universities.
Under the new guidelines, the mandatory NET/JRF requirement for PhD admission has been modified. Candidates with PG marks above 75% can now appear directly for the university’s entrance test even without NET. Those with JRF are directly eligible for admission without any entrance test.
Key Changes in UGC PhD Guidelines 2026:
• Minimum PhD duration increased from 3 to 4 years
• NET/JRF exemption for students with 75%+ PG marks
• Mandatory coursework of 12 credits in first year
• Annual progress evaluation by Research Advisory Committee
• Pre-PhD submission seminar made mandatory
Jammu University has released a notification confirming compliance with the new UGC guidelines. JU will conduct its own PhD Entrance Test (JUPET) for non-NET/JRF candidates in November 2026.
Research scholars already enrolled will not be affected by the new guidelines. Changes apply to students seeking fresh enrollment from the 2026-27 session onwards.
