Concerns with Using NET for PhD Admissions

Source: The post concerns with using NET for PhD admissions has been created, based on the article “The net result will be poor doctoral research” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Context: The article argues that using the National Eligibility Test (NET) for PhD admissions is problematic. It limits critical thinking and creativity, disadvantages marginalized students, reduces university autonomy, and may narrow research diversity in India. A holistic approach is needed.

For detailed information on Issue with University Admissions – read this article here

What Are the Main Concerns with Using NET for PhD Admissions?

1. Focus on memory and recall: The NET is entirely multiple-choice and assesses lower-order cognitive skills like memory and recall, which are not enough to evaluate the critical thinking and analytical abilities necessary for PhD research.
2. Lack of creativity and critical thinking: PhD research demands creativity, engagement with complex ideas, and critique of existing knowledge. The NET does not measure these essential skills for successful research.
3. Disadvantage for marginalized students: Marginalized communities, who often lack access to expensive coaching needed to pass the NET, are at a disadvantage. This inequality excludes many capable students from pursuing PhDs.
4. Reduced institutional autonomy: The centralization of admissions through NET limits universities’ ability to select candidates based on research proposals, interviews, or discipline-specific tests, weakening their control over research programs.
5. Risk of narrow academic inquiry: A system focused on rote memorization could restrict research diversity and creativity, limiting the development of original ideas and innovative research in India.

What Needs to Change?

Adopting a Holistic Admission Process: To foster a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive academic environment, India should consider a more comprehensive approach to PhD admissions. This would involve assessing candidates on creativity, critical thinking, and their potential to contribute significantly to their fields, encouraging a broader and more inclusive evaluation than the current system allows.

Question for practice:

Examine the main concerns with using the National Eligibility Test (NET) for PhD admissions in India and the potential need for a holistic admission process.