Bhubaneswar, June 26: As many as 1,622 students appeared for the National Eligibility Test (NET) in 42 different subjects at the Utkal University here today. This test is conducted by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, for Ph.D courses in various subjects.

According to the new norm, this examination is compulsory to become a lecturer. Coming out the examination hall, students seemed happy as well as anxious.

“The papers went well but we are nervous since this is a national-level test and there is tough competition,” said Devraj Kar, one of the candidates.

Many other candidates, who performed well in the special papers, were confident of coming out with flying colours.

“I have done well in my special paper. I am optimistic about sailing through,” said Sasmita Mohanty, another candidate.

For the Utkal test centre, 2,206 aspirants had applied, out of which only 1,622 took the test today. Here, among all subjects, 219 forms were submitted for Oriya, followed by 211 in computer science and 213 in management. Only one form was sold for human rights and duties and three for social medicine and community health.

However, the number of applicants has increased as compared to previous years. Gopabandhu Mishra, superintendent for NET exams, said the number has increased by nearly 500 this time and that the examination was conducted smoothly.

“As this is a compulsory test for one to become a lecturer and the government has also raised the fellowship, more students are taking this exam,” said Brahmananda Satapathy, coordinator of the exams.

A three-member team from the UGC was also present at the test centre. The results are likely to be announced in October.

Apart from Utkal University, several other students took the exams at Berhampur University and Sambalpur University.