UGC NET vs SET — Which is Better? Full Comparison (2025)
UGC NET vs SET — Which is Better? Eligibility, Salary, Syllabus, and Full Comparison (2025)
If you are confused about UGC NET vs SET which is better for lectureship or research, what is the UGC NET vs SET salary difference, or the NET/SET exam eligibility — this article gives you a clear, fact-based, and SEO-friendly comparison. We’ll also explore UGC NET vs SET Quora discussions, UGC NET vs SET Reddit opinions, and the detailed NET/SET syllabus to help you decide which exam suits you better.
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NET and SET Full Form
- UGC NET Full Form: University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test
- SET Full Form: State Eligibility Test
Both NET and SET are eligibility tests for teaching at the college and university level in India. While UGC NET is conducted nationwide by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the SET is conducted by individual states for lectureship eligibility within that state.
UGC NET vs SET — Key Difference Table
| Feature | UGC NET | SET (State Eligibility Test) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of UGC | State Agencies (like MH-SET, APSET, KSET, etc.) |
| Coverage Area | Valid across all India | Valid only in the respective state |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree with 55% (50% for reserved categories) | Same as UGC NET |
| Purpose | For Assistant Professor and JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) | For Assistant Professor only |
| Difficulty Level | Higher — national competition | Moderate — state-level competition |
| Frequency | Twice a year (June & December) | Once a year (varies by state) |
| Job Scope | Eligible across India | Eligible only in the respective state |
UGC NET vs SET — Which is Better?
If you want to pursue a career in teaching or research nationwide or apply for Ph.D. with fellowship, then UGC NET is better. If you plan to teach only in your home state, SET is sufficient. However, NET-qualified candidates have a wider job scope and are also eligible for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), which offers additional financial support for research scholars.
UGC NET vs SET Salary Difference
The salary difference between UGC NET and SET qualified candidates mainly depends on the institution and designation. The qualification itself doesn’t directly change the pay scale but influences recruitment eligibility.
| Position | Qualification Required | Approx. Salary (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor (UGC NET Qualified) | UGC NET or SET | ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400 (Level 10, 7th CPC) |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | UGC NET with JRF | ₹31,000 – ₹35,000 + HRA |
| Assistant Professor (SET Qualified) | SET (within that state) | ₹55,000 – ₹1,80,000 (depending on institution) |
NET/SET Exam Eligibility (2025)
- Master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
- Final year PG students can also apply.
- No upper age limit for Assistant Professor.
- For JRF, age limit is 30 years (5 years relaxation for reserved categories).
NET & SET Syllabus Overview
The UGC NET and SET syllabus are nearly identical — both include Paper 1 (Teaching and Research Aptitude) and Paper 2 (subject-specific).
| Paper | Topics Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Teaching aptitude, research aptitude, comprehension, reasoning, ICT, environment, higher education system | 100 |
| Paper 2 | Subject chosen by candidate (like English, Commerce, History, etc.) | 200 |
UGC NET vs SET — Quora & Reddit Opinions
On Quora and Reddit, most aspirants agree that UGC NET has higher value since it is valid across India and allows candidates to apply for research fellowships. However, many users also highlight that SET is easier to clear and equally respected for state-level college jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is UGC NET better than SET?
A: Yes. UGC NET is better because it is nationally recognized and also offers JRF opportunities, unlike SET which is state-specific.
Q2: Can I apply for Assistant Professor with SET?
A: Yes. You can apply for Assistant Professor jobs within that state after qualifying SET.
Q3: What is the difference between NET and JRF?
A: Both are part of the same exam. Candidates qualifying for NET are eligible for lectureship, while those qualifying for JRF can pursue funded research (Ph.D.).
Q4: What is the UGC NET salary?
A: After qualifying NET, Assistant Professors earn ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400 (Level 10 pay scale), and JRFs receive ₹31,000 – ₹35,000/month.
Q5: Is SET equivalent to NET?
A: SET is equivalent to NET for lectureship within that state only. For national-level recognition, NET is preferred.
Q6: How many times is NET conducted per year?
A: The UGC NET exam is held twice a year — in June and December by the NTA.
Conclusion — NET vs SET Which is Better?
Both UGC NET and SET qualify you for college teaching, but their scope and recognition differ.
If your aim is a nationwide academic or research career, choose UGC NET.
If you wish to teach in your home state colleges, SET is enough.
In short:
NET = National Level, Broader Scope, JRF + Lectureship.
SET = State Level, Local Teaching Eligibility.