Divya Delhi :University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Jagadesh Kumar announced that four-year undergraduates might directly take NET and pursue PhD.A PhD with or without a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) requires 75% or equivalent grades in a four-year undergraduate program.Previously, NET candidates needed a master's degree with 55% marks.Offline testing will replace computer-based testing this year. All subjects will be tested on June 16."Four-year undergraduates can now pursue PhD and NET. Candidates can take tests in any area they desire to pursue a PhD in, regardless of their four-year bachelor's degree.""Candidates having passed a four-year or eight-semester bachelor's degree programme should have a minimum of 75 per cent marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed," the UGC head added.He stated that the UGC may grant SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), differently-abled, economically poorer, and other applicants a 5% mark relaxation or its equal grade from time to time. Indian nationals take UGC-NET to determine their eligibility for "award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as assistant professor", "appointment as assistant professor and admission to PhD" and "admission to PhD only" in Indian universities and colleges.