Negative marking likely in NET exam since passing percentage has doubled

With the University Grants Commission (UGC) introducing new rules for the National Eligibility Test (NET), another major rule is likely to be brought in that will have a severe impact on results. 

The NET is an examination conducted by the UGC which and one has to compulsorily pass in order to be able to lecture and apply for research fellowships in varsities and colleges. 

In 2012, the UGC had changed the pattern of the NET exam to include only multiple choice questions due to which the passing percentage of the examination has doubled.

Having witnessed an increase in the passing percentage of applicants, and noting that several students have missed the eligibility by a few marks, the UGC has planned to institute a review committee to decide on introducing negative marking in the NET examinations.

The UGC, in June 2012, had increased the passing percentile of the NET exam, which required a candidate to secure an aggregate of 65 per cent in the open category, 60 per cent for the OBC category and 55 per cent for the SC/ST and Nomadic Tribes categories. The UGC later declared a merit list of the top 15 per cent of candidates from each subject who would be considered eligible for lectureship and research fellowship. 

Prof. U.N Reddy, UGC member and Chairman, Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) while explaining the impact of negative marking said, “The number of candidates clearing the NET examination has doubled after negative marking was removed. This has increased the percentage of candidates clearing the NET from 5 to 10 per cent. The UGC member said that they have been conducting similar review committee meetings across the nation where the opinions are taken on the scheme of examination, subject, syllabus, developing question banks, evaluation process, eligibility criteria, organizational issues and research and development.”

http://www.afternoondc.in/city-news/stemming-success/article_89577