The National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed the UGC-NET exam originally scheduled for January 15, 2025, due to its clash with major festivals like Pongal and Makar Sankranti. The decision follows a request from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who urged the Union Education Ministry to reschedule the exam in light of these important celebrations in multiple states.
“The National Testing Agency has received representations requesting a postponement of the UGC-NET December 2024 examination on account of Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and other festivals on January 15, 2025. In the interest of aspirants, the NTA has decided to postpone the exam for that date only,” the agency stated.
Examinations scheduled for January 16, 2025, will proceed as planned. This marks the first time the national-level test has been organised during this period of the year.
The UGC-NET is being conducted from January 3 to 16, 2025 for 85 subjects through Computer-Based Testing (CBT) mode. The January 15 exam, originally set for 17 subjects including mass communication, law, environmental science, and Indian knowledge systems, will now be rescheduled.
Last year, the UGC-NET was also postponed following concerns raised with the Ministry of Education regarding the integrity of the exam.