Lead track · Field guide
Research and university teaching
Researchers and professors create knowledge and train future leaders. After a master’s degree, UGC NET and a PhD open the way.
55%in your master’s for UGC NET (50% reserved)
~₹37,000a month JRF fellowship
Up to 30age limit for JRF
No age limitfor Assistant Professor eligibility
Checked 13 October 2026 · rules and figures change, so confirm with the official links below
What this field is
University teachers and researchers work in colleges, research institutes and laboratories. The National Eligibility Test (NET) qualifies you to teach in colleges and, with a high score, gives a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for a PhD.
Science students can also take CSIR NET, and engineers GATE, for research and fellowships.
It suits you if:
- You love your subject deeply.
- You enjoy reading, writing and teaching.
- You can work patiently on long projects.
Routes, time and cost
| Step | What it involves | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s degree | In your chosen subject | At least 55% (50% for reserved categories) for NET |
| UGC NET | Qualifies for Assistant Professor and/or JRF | Held by NTA, usually in June and December |
| JRF | Paid fellowship for a PhD | About ₹37,000 a month; age up to 30, with relaxation |
| PhD | Original research | Usually 3–5 years |
How to start
- Choose your subject and aim for good marks in your degree and master’s.
- Prepare for UGC NET during your master’s.
- Write to professors whose work interests you.
- Publish and present your work.
- Apply for Assistant Professor posts and postdoctoral research.
Where it can lead
- Master’s student
- JRF and PhD scholar
- Assistant Professor or scientist
- Professor and research leader
“Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” — Qur’an 39:9
Committed students who cannot pay can ask us about sponsors, and check the National Scholarship Portal every year.