.jpg)
For candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors in Indian colleges and universities, two major eligibility tests are available: UGC NET and WB SET. Both exams offer excellent opportunities, but their purposes, scopes, and benefits differ in several ways. Many aspirants remain confused about which exam to choose, especially those residing in West Bengal.
In this article, we present a detailed comparison between WB SET and UGC NET, helping you make an informed decision.
1. Purpose of the Exam
UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the UGC. It is held across India and qualifies candidates for:
- Assistant Professor in universities and colleges throughout India.
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for pursuing PhD or research programs with stipends.
WB SET (West Bengal State Eligibility Test) is a state-level examination conducted by the West Bengal College Service Commission (WBCSC). It qualifies candidates for:
- Assistant Professor roles within West Bengal only.
2. Geographical Scope and Job Eligibility
- UGC NET qualified candidates can apply for Assistant Professor positions anywhere in India, including central universities, deemed universities, and colleges of all states.
- WB SET qualification is valid only within West Bengal. It is mandatory for recruitment of Assistant Professors in colleges under the West Bengal government, private colleges affiliated to West Bengal universities, and state universities.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Both exams have similar eligibility criteria:
- Master’s Degree with at least 55% marks (or 50% for reserved categories).
- No age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility in either exam.
- However, UGC NET has an age limit of 30 years for JRF (with relaxations for reserved categories), while WB SET doesn’t offer any JRF option.
4. Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The exam structure for both is almost identical:
- Paper I: Teaching & Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Comprehension, General Awareness (50 questions, 100 marks).
- Paper II: Subject-specific questions based on your postgraduate discipline (100 questions, 200 marks).
However, the difficulty level of UGC NET is generally considered higher than WB SET, as it’s a national-level competitive exam.
5. Exam Frequency and Mode
- UGC NET is conducted twice a year (June and December), usually in Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
- WB SET is conducted once a year (usually in December) in offline mode (pen-and-paper based).
6. Competition Level
- UGC NET has higher competition due to its nationwide applicant base.
- WB SET is restricted to candidates from West Bengal and nearby regions, making it comparatively less competitive, though still challenging.
7. Certification and Validity
- UGC NET Certificate is valid across India for lifetime Assistant Professor eligibility and 3 years for JRF (extendable under certain conditions).
- WB SET Certificate is valid for lifetime Assistant Professor eligibility, but only within West Bengal.
8. Career Opportunities
- UGC NET opens doors to central universities, national research institutes, and colleges across India. It also allows you to pursue PhD with JRF.
- WB SET qualification helps secure teaching jobs in West Bengal’s colleges and universities, but it doesn't offer JRF.
9. Which Exam Should You Choose?
✔ Choose UGC NET if:
- You want to apply for teaching jobs anywhere in India.
- You wish to pursue PhD with financial assistance (JRF).
- You are comfortable with higher competition and tougher questions.
- You want flexibility to apply for national fellowships or research projects.
✔ Choose WB SET if:
- You plan to settle and work only in West Bengal.
- Your focus is strictly on Assistant Professor jobs in state universities or affiliated colleges.
- You want a relatively easier exam (compared to UGC NET) with a localized recruitment process.
Final Thoughts
Both WB SET and UGC NET are prestigious and highly respected examinations. Your choice should depend on:
- Your career goals (local or national-level teaching).
- Your preferred work location.
- Your future research aspirations.
Many candidates even attempt both exams to maximize their chances of success. Remember, it’s not about which exam is easier or harder—it’s about which exam aligns with your personal and professional goals.
ANSS ACADEMY
