About Teaching & Research Exams
Teaching and Research Exams are competitive exams conducted to recruit candidates for academic and research positions in universities, colleges, and research institutes. These exams assess subject knowledge, teaching aptitude, and research potential.
Who Can Appear for Teaching & Research Exams?
Eligibility criteria generally include:
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or PhD in the relevant subject from a recognized university.
- Age limits vary by exam; typically between 21–40 years.
- Some exams require prior teaching or research experience.
Major Teaching & Research Exams
Key exams conducted for teaching and research recruitment:
- UGC NET / JRF – For lectureship and junior research fellowship in universities and colleges.
- CSIR NET / JRF – For research positions in science subjects.
- State Eligibility Test (SET) – For lectureship eligibility at the state level.
- University-level recruitment exams – Conducted by individual universities for faculty positions.
Career Opportunities After Teaching & Research Exams
Qualifying these exams opens up academic and research career paths such as:
- Lecturer / Assistant Professor in colleges and universities
- Research Scientist / Associate in national research institutes
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
- Academic consultant and curriculum developer
Available Course's
Where Can You Get Placement?
Placement opportunities are primarily within academic and research institutions:
- Central and State Universities
- Research Institutes like CSIR labs, IITs, IISc, DRDO
- Colleges and professional institutions
- Educational NGOs and think tanks
Expected Salary
Salary varies according to the post and institute:
- Assistant Professor / Lecturer: ₹50,000 – ₹70,000 per month
- Junior Research Fellow: ₹31,000 – ₹35,000 per month
- Postdoctoral Fellow / Senior Researcher: ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 per month
When Are Teaching & Research Exams Conducted?
Exams are conducted according to the exam authority schedule:
- UGC NET / JRF – Twice a year
- CSIR NET / JRF – Twice a year
- SET – Once or twice a year, depending on the state
- University recruitment exams – As per university notifications
Qualifying Procedure
The selection process typically includes:
- Written Exam / NET – Objective and subjective tests to evaluate subject knowledge.
- Interview / Presentation – To assess teaching aptitude, research potential, and communication skills.
- Document Verification – Confirming educational qualifications and eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can apply for UGC NET / JRF exams?
Candidates with a Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant subject and meeting age criteria can apply.
Q2. Is prior teaching experience required?
Not mandatory, but teaching or research experience can be beneficial for interviews.
Q3. Are these exams conducted every year?
Yes, most of them are conducted once or twice a year depending on the authority.
Q4. What is the format of these exams?
Typically, they include multiple-choice tests, descriptive questions, and interviews/presentations.
Q5. Can I apply for multiple subjects?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for each subject.