Aspirants wait in queue to submit UGC-NET application forms at Patna University on Monday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Applications to sit for the December 28 UGC-NET have flooded the control room of Patna University with the state recruiting university teachers after around 12 years.

Surpassing earlier figures, Patna University, the coordinating university for the UGC-NET in the state, has received around 35,000 applications, also indicating that students are still inclined towards teaching and research work rather than high paying jobs in private companies.

The UGC- NET is held twice a year in June and December.

Patna University development officer Rabindra Kumar said: “The university has received 34,736 applications which is around 11,000 more than last exam conducted in June.”

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), which is carrying out the teachers’ recruitment for universities, issued an advertisement in September this year for appointments of 3,364 posts in the rank of assistant professors. The BPSC has issued the advertisement in terms of universities and subjects. As per educational qualifications required, it mandates PhD or NET qualified.

Incidentally, days after the BPSC advertisement, education minister Brishen Patel said those appearing for the December NET can also apply for teachers’ posts.

Ratan Kumar, a physics postgraduate from AN College, said: “As there were changes in the BPSC advertisement, I too have applied for the UGC-NET.” He added that despite creation of more jobs in the corporate sector, teaching is still a preferred profession as apart from good salaries there is always a scope of learning and research.

The student’s statement assumes importance as a person entering university in a post of assistant professor gets a salary of Rs 55,000 (approx.), which can go to more than Rs 1.40 lakh in the professor’s scale.

Patna University pro-vice-chancellor Ranjeet Kumar Verma said: “Apart from teaching, a candidate clearing the UGC-NET can also make his career in research as many universities and technical institutions prefer the UGC-NET-qualified candidates in research work at their universities.”

A candidate who is less than 28 years of age can become research scholar under the UGC-JRF. This year, the UGC-NET is being conducted by CBSE.