Lectureship Exams 2025: List of NET Exams in India

Lectureship Exams 2025

Education is the cornerstone of progress, and lecturers, sometimes known as teachers, are the architects of this vital foundation. In a country as diverse and dynamic as India, the role of these educators is nothing short of transformative. To ensure that every student receives a quality education, different states and organisations conduct a series of teacher eligibility exams that serve as gateways to a fulfilling teaching career. These exams, including the UGC NET, SLET, CSIR NET, etc., hold immense significance in the realm of Indian education.

But since thousands to lakhs of aspirants compete against each other to be appointed as different lecturers, success in these entrance tests could be challenging. In this article, we delve into the crucial importance of these lectureship exams and why they stand as beacons of opportunity for aspiring educators. These exams not only determine a candidate’s eligibility but also pave the way for an enriching career in India’s education sector. Let’s explore how these exams act as catalysts for fulfilling teaching vocations, shaping young minds, and contributing to the nation’s growth.

Lectureship Exams in India

While teacher eligibility exams across the globe share the common goal of ensuring quality education, India’s National Eligibility Test (NET) exams have different features that set them apart—and, of course, not every candidate has the will to become an engineer or a doctor; some people just enjoy teaching.

NETs don’t merely test content knowledge; they delve deep into a candidate’s pedagogical skills. These exams assess a candidate’s ability to effectively communicate, engage, and nurture young minds, making them well-rounded educators.

While some exams are state-specific, others, like the UGC TET, hold national recognition. Clearing a nationally recognised exam allows educators to teach in different states, promoting teacher mobility and enriching the education landscape.

What are Different Lectureship/Teacher Exams in India?

Now, this might seem confusing to many aspirants out there at first, but it does not have to be. Teaching exams and lectureship exams might have many similarities, but they should not be treated the same. For example, CTET, which is a teaching exam, is conducted for school teachers, whereas NET — on the other hand — is organised for professors.

As laid out above, UGC NET is one of the most challenging lectureship entrance exams taken by aspiring candidates.

Teaching Vs Lectureship Exams

In India, different lectureship exams are conducted to hire talented aspirants for teacher posts. These teacher posts can be categorised into three: PRT, TGT, and PGT.

Teaching Roles:

Let us understand each teaching role one by one.

First, we will cover the PRT.

1. PRT — Primary Teacher

PRT, or Primary Teacher, is the first stepping stone in the journey of an educator. These teachers are entrusted with the crucial task of nurturing the youngest of learners, typically in classes 1st through 5th. To qualify as a PRT, candidates must hold a diploma in elementary education, commonly known as D.EI.Ed. This comprehensive two-year program blends theoretical knowledge with practical classroom training, equipping aspiring teachers with the skills needed to create a strong foundation for young learners. Institutions like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offer such diploma programs, paving the way for dedicated individuals to embark on their teaching careers.

2. TGT — Trained Graduate Teacher

TGT, or Trained Graduate Teacher, takes the role of a teacher a step further. TGT instructors are responsible for educating students in classes 6 through 8 and often extend their expertise to classes 10 through 12 as well. What sets TGT teachers apart is their higher educational qualifications. To qualify as a TGT, educators must possess a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree, coupled with at least two years of professional teaching experience. This higher level of educational preparation allows TGT teachers to dive deeper into subject matters and offer a more comprehensive educational experience to their students. The B.Ed. the program spans two years and covers not only pedagogical skills but also specialised content knowledge, enabling teachers to specialise in subjects such as commerce, arts, or science.

3. PGT — Post Graduate Teacher

The pinnacle of teaching excellence is embodied by the designation of PGT, or Post Graduate Teacher. These educators are entrusted with the critical task of imparting knowledge to senior secondary students, typically those in classes 10 through 12. To qualify for the prestigious position of a PGT, educators must hold both a postgraduate degree and a B.Ed. degree. The postgraduate degree should be in their chosen subject area, with a minimum score of 55 per cent. This rigorous academic journey not only equips PGT teachers with advanced subject knowledge but also provides them with the pedagogical skills needed to guide students through the challenges of higher education.

Teaching Exams 2025

Now, you may have understood that teaching exams are broadly categorised into three: PRT, TGT, and PGT. However, the exams will still vary. For example, CBSE conducts CTET at the national level. At the same time, there are other exams conducted at the state level, such as:

• KVS (PRT, TGT & PGT)
• NVS (TGT & PGT)
• SUPER TET
• UP Junior & LT
• UP TGT & PGT
• Rajasthan TGT & PGT
• Bihar PRT, TGT & PGT
• AWES PRT, TGT & PGT
• DSSSB PRT
• DSSSB TGT & PGT
• Army Public School

Now, of course, depending on the need to fill in the vacant posts for Teachers, the number of PRT, TGT, and PGT will vary.

Note: Do not confuse these teaching exams with lectureship ones. These have been laid out here just for comparison.

Lectureship Exams 2025

Now, let us go over a few lectureship exams to understand what it is you really need to take, starting with UGC NET. 

UGC NET 2025

UGC NET, also known as NTA-UGC-NET, stands for University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test. It is a professional computer-based test (CBT) that first started in 1989–90. National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NET on behalf of UGC to determine the eligibility of deserving aspirants for the post of Assistant Professor (AP) or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) award in different Indian universities and colleges. UGC NET is usually conducted twice a year — most probably in June and December of each year. 

UGC NET Paper 1

Application Process: September 30 to October 28, 2023

Exam Date: December 6 to 22, 2023

A short notification regarding UGC NET Session 1 for the June cycle is expected to be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on April 6, 2024, on its official website. The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level exam that determines candidates’ eligibility for only Assistant...

• Eligibility
• Admit Card
• Books
• Syllabus
• Sample Papers

Download Syllabus PDF

UGC NET offers a wide range of job opportunities for aspirants. In 2013, UGC announced that candidates clearing NET would be eligible for lucrative jobs in various Indian private colleges and universities. Also, they will be able to grab good jobs in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The question paper of UGC NET is divided into two: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Aspirants must attempt both papers within the timeline of three hours, i.e., 180 minutes. The overall questions asked in the paper are 150.

Lectureship Exam Notification 2025

Now, depending on the number of vacancies available for Lecturer posts and the exam-conducting authority, such as NTA or UGC (for NET), the notification sequence could vary.

While the National Eligibility Test (NET) notifications may not be too frequent, it is extremely important to know when the NET will be conducted.  This will allow the aspirants to stay one step ahead of the competition, and they will plan their studies strategically.

Upcoming Lectureship Exams 2025

Currently, there have been no lectureship exams scheduled recently or those upcoming, except UGC NET — which is scheduled from January 1 to 19, 2025. Here are some insights:

Lectureship Exams Eligibility Criteria 2025

Let’s understand these lectureship exams a bit more to know the career opportunities they hold for deserving candidates, starting from CTET. 

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria

It is imperative that aspirants understand every single criterion set forth by the exam-conducting agency before applying for the test. Let us understand the eligibility criteria for UGC NET to see who can apply for the test:

• Marks required: The aspirants must have obtained at least 55% marks in their master’s degree; however, this percentage is only for General category candidates — for others, it is 50%.
• Age limit: Candidates applying for JRF must NOT be aged more than 31 years old as on June 1, 2022. There are a few rules regarding the age limit relaxation. Aspirants willing to become Assistant Professors are not imposed any upper age limit. 
• Number of attempts: There is no limit on how many times candidates can take the UGC NET exam.
• Nationality: The aspirants should be Indian nationals. However, Indians residing abroad can still participate in this lectureship entrance test.

For more on eligibility, refer to our article on UGC NET eligibility criteria.

Note: Aspirants should know that the Supreme Court of India earlier announced that those who possess a PhD degree need not appear for UGC NET or SLET exams. However, there are certain conditions that aspirants must meet to be eligible or to avail of the exemption.

Essential Skills for Aspiring Professors in India

Beyond meeting the necessary eligibility criteria, aspiring college professors and lecturers must cultivate a specific skill set. Our experts have compiled a list of these vital skills:

• Passion for teaching,
• Profound interest in the relevant subject,
• Creativity to develop innovative teaching methods,
• A thirst for continuous learning,
• Excellent communication skills,
• Proficiency in thorough research,
• Strong problem-solving abilities,
• Effective time management,
• Self-assured positivity.

Salary of Professor in India

It is no news that those selected as professors after completing their lectureship are placed among the top highly eminent organisations nationwide, such as:

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
• Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
• Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS)

Also, these institutes are not only where aspirants get placed, they can also grab a good opportunity at any private and government institutions. 

Being selected as a Professor, aspirants can expect a monthly salary of Rs.40,000/- to Rs.90,000/-.

Promotions to Higher Positions

What is good about being a Professor through UGC NET or other lectureship exams is that you not only get to stay in the same position, but you can promoted to higher positions, too, namely:

• Senior Professor
• Professor of Eminence
• Dean/Director
• Pro-Vice-Chancellor
• Vice-Chancellor
• Chancellor

Chancellor is the highest position aspirants can achieve after being placed as a Professor. 

How to Prepare for Lectureship Exams?

Cracking lectureship exams like UGC NET on your first attempt may seem like an impossible feat, but with a well-articulated plan, achieving success can be fruitful:

The UGC NET Exam, conducted by NTA, opens doors to coveted positions as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Assistant Professors in Indian universities. 

With two papers covering a vast syllabus, a robust preparation strategy is key. The UGC NET December cycle exam is slated for January 1 to 19, 2025, making it high time to commence revision.

Here are five invaluable tips for taking the UGC NET exam on your initial try:

1. Thorough Syllabus Analysis: With 83 diverse subjects in the NET syllabus, choosing your subject of interest is crucial. Focus initially on vital topics and gradually expand. Assess your strengths and weaknesses for a strategic approach.
2. Select Apt Study Material: Seek guidance from experts and fellow students to select the best study material. Utilise notes, previous papers, and mock tests to enhance speed and accuracy.
3. Craft a Realistic Timetable: Create a realistic study schedule to maintain focus and reduce stress. Set daily priorities, factor in breaks, and maintain subject balance.
4. Effective Note-Taking: Create unit-wise notes to simplify complex topics. This aids understanding and quick revision during crunch time.
5. Mock Tests and Revision: Practice previous years’ questions to gauge complexity and improve time management. Rigorous revision, structured by frequency, strengthens your grasp.

You should stay positive, plan your last week meticulously, and avoid last-minute stress. Cracking the UGC NET exam on your first attempt is only achievable with diligence and a positive mindset.

Lectureship Exam Mock Test 2025

It is no wonder that lectureship exams like UGC NET are among the most challenging entrance tests — and the reasons are manifold. Now, to score the highest possible marks on the entrance test, one must plan their studies strategically. They must have a well-thought-out plan to ensure their success in the test. 

That’s where mock tests come into play!

And, guess what—Embibe offers mock tests for lectureship exams like UGC NET. Not sure why you should take the UGC NET mock test on Embibe?

Read on and get your head around why taking mock tests on Embibe will help you score the marks you deserve.

Ready for a deeper dive into your UGC NET preparation? Discover where you stand and how to elevate your scores with Embibe’s Advanced Test Analysis. Here’s what you’ll gain insight into:

• Score Analysis: Track your time spent on each question and identify areas where you can improve. Are you guessing too much, rushing through questions, or confidently answering them?
• First Look Strategy: Learn how to approach the paper strategically. Your initial scan of the paper sets the tone for your attempt.
• Subject-wise Time Management: Find out exactly how much time you’re allocating to each subject and question. Uncover insights into your time usage, even on unattempted questions.
• Attempt Effectiveness: Evaluate the efficiency of your attempts. Discover how many questions you nailed, how many you wasted, and how you can tackle tricky questions with ease.

UGC NET Mock Test 2025

You can unlock the full potential of the UGC NET test series with Embibe’s Advanced Test Analysis! Embibe’s UGC NET online test series equips you to tackle any question confidently, enhancing your analytical skills.

• UGC NET 2025 mock test

With our Advanced Feedback Analysis (AFA), you’ll receive detailed performance insights and actionable steps to boost your scores. 

Join the ranks of students who have witnessed remarkable score improvements with Embibe’s AFA. 

It’s time you elevate your UGC NET preparation today!

Study Material for UGC NET

While mock tests play a significant role in ensuring your success in the test, they are not everything—you also have comprehensive knowledge of the syllabus, exam pattern, expert-suggested books, and experience solving the previous question papers, etc.

Here is more on the same:

• UGC NET syllabus
• UGC NET exam pattern
• UGC NET books
• UGC NET question papers

FAQs on Lectureship Exams 2025

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding lectureship exams 2025 in India: 

We hope that you have enjoyed this article on lectureship exams 2025 in India. Should you still have any queries, feel to reach out to us on our AI-enabled learning app, Embibe — The Learning Outcomes.

Happy job hunting!